Book Review: Relentless by Dave Donaldson

Book Title: Relentless

Author: Dave Donaldson

Publish Date: March 7, 2013

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  

Relentless takes an honest look at some of the tragic problems many people face who are struggling against the odds and fighting a losing battle. But bigger than all these problems are the hearts and desires of the relentless individuals who are joining forces with others and allowing God to do something great in and through them. Do you feel a movement of hope gaining force all around you, drawing you toward making the world a better, safer, healthier, and hope-filled place? Then you may be part of the relentless: people who never of helping the needy because they believe in, and live from, the apostle Paul's words. "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Why I Read this Book: I was given an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

 

Review 

I enjoyed the overall message of this book: As Christians, we need to reach out and help others.  There were some things that really bothered me about this book.  I felt like the book was relying on the guilt factor in order to get you to help others.  I also felt like the book was a promotional for certain organizations, mainly Convoy for Hope which the author founded.

I really enjoyed some of the messages in this book.  For instance, it showed how Jesus looked at others with compassion and how we should do the same.

I also enjoyed the personal testimonies and the other stories that were told in the book in order to evoke emotions from the reader and to show why the author was moved to serve.

Overall, I found the book depressing as it talked about all the people who are suffering around the world.  It has always been one of my strongest desires to help others and it hurts to see others suffering.  I do feel led to serve others, but I do not think that this book approached this topic in the best way. I feel like the book Thrive by Mark Hall approached this topic a lot better than this book did.

If you are looking for organizations that serve others and want to know more about these organizations, than I think this would be a good book for you.  Personally, this book did not live up to my expectations.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age

Overall Rating: 3/5