Book reviews provide a summary of the book’s content, evaluate its value, and recommend it to other readers. It increases the chances of gaining readers as well as increasing the visibility of the book. The more the book has a positive review, the more it gathers attention. The US Review of Books is one of the US-based contemporary book review publications run by professional reviewers and editors. They analyze every qualifying book that is released without regard for the work’s author or publisher.
The US Review of Books (USRB) reviewed David Read’s book, “Give and Take” which was praised by Barbara Bamberger Scott after it was evaluated. The reviewer emphasizes, “Read melds vivid biblical text and intelligent personal perspectives, supporting his central thesis: to develop a spiritual underpinning for life’s many twists and turns, one must resist the temptation to take, instead giving over all needs to God.”
David A. Read is a devoted author and spiritual seeker whose journey took a transformative turn in 2016 when he felt a divine calling to write a book titled “Give and Take.” This calling was not just a simple nudge; it was a persistent message from God that compelled David to confront the shortcomings in his spiritual life. As he embarked on this writing journey, he found himself undergoing a profound maturing process, deepening his understanding of faith and spirituality. Through the revelations he received while writing, David not only crafted a compelling narrative but also experienced significant personal growth, learning to embrace the lessons of humility and surrender.
Growing up in a small rural town in Northern Indiana, David balanced his time between coaching junior high school teams, running a co-owned business, and working for large corporations. His life took a pivotal turn when he married his best friend and together, they welcomed three children into their family. It was during this time that God began to qualify David for a greater purpose, urging him to shift his focus from self-centered living to a deeper relationship with the Lord. Inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:7-13, David continues to press forward in his spiritual journey, striving to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Amidst the trials and victories of life, he remains anchored in the love of God, Jesus, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, ever committed to sharing his insights and experiences through his writing.
“Give and Take” creates a path from salvation to warfare to peace to giving of thanks. David Read posits that every belief we hold about people, jobs, and relationships stems from a fundamental principle: the balance of what we give and what we take. This concept is rooted in the divine design of our souls, crafted in God’s image, which empowers us to engage thoughtfully with everything we encounter in life.
Digging deeper into the book, we’ll come into realization that every relationship, every event, every moment is rendered through how we give to God and how we take from God. He emphasizes that God generously provides us with resources and wisdom, encouraging us to take advantage of these gifts for our personal growth.
As we delve deeper into the text, we begin to understand that our lives can be measured by the contributions we make and the lessons we learn. This exploration of give-and-take is not merely theoretical; it is a practical framework for navigating our daily lives and relationships.
The book draws on powerful examples from biblical figures such as David, Nehemiah, and Daniel, illustrating how their
lives exemplified the principles of giving and taking. Read highlights how respect, forgiveness, and the ability to take captive our thoughts are essential components of this dynamic. By examining these stories, readers can see how love and divine guidance shape our interactions and decisions, ultimately defining our relationships with God and one another.
Overall, throughout “Give and Take,” David Read masterfully weaves together theology and practical wisdom, encouraging us to reflect on our own lives. As we embrace the principles of give-and-take, we can cultivate deeper connections, foster gratitude, and experience the richness of life that God has intended for us. This book is not just a read; it’s an invitation to transform the way we engage with the world, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of faith and relationships.
Read more about the review here.
Here is an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:
“Throughout this diligently researched work, Read reveals how the wish to take for self-satisfaction rebukes God’s freely offered gifts, whereas God’s bounty offers forgiveness and builds faith, described in the Holy Bible as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
3 Comments
This post cleared up so many questions for me.
Thank you for offering such practical guidance.
Such a simple yet powerful message. Thanks for this.