Jim Hohnberger

This book came to me highly recommended from several people. The reviews were anywhere from 'life-changing' to 'brilliant.' Sorry I can't agree.

I was expecting a more practical explanation of how moving to the wilderness and eliminating the corrupting influences of society could work in my life. Instead I got a rambling series of anecdotes and hard to swallow 'conversations with God.'

Also, a lot of what the author says God helped him with are things that are just common sense. He builds a makeshift snow plow for his truck and when it breaks and causes a series of mishaps he senses God working on his character as he deals with the frustrations it causes. I think God may have really been talking to him through a man who asks him something like, 'Why don't you just buy a real plow?' In another instance the author says he should have listened when God told him to put his work gloves in his pocket. He doesn't and leaves them behind. God tells him to take his car keys out of the ignition. He doesn't and locks his running car. His son feels impressed to take a flashlight along as he leaves for the afternoon. When a tire goes flat and he isn't home until after dark he is thankful he took it with him. All common sense stuff, friends. Who *doesn't* keep a flashlight in their car already?

When Hohnberger does delve into deeper issues he just tends to get preachy and vague. This was a largely unhelpful book.

I give it two stars for Hohnberger's awareness that the problems with modern churches are largely the result of a lack of true spiritual living from the membership. Unfortunately he doesn't offer much valuable help or practical solutions. Just learn how to listen to God and quit listening to yourself.… (meer)