I think this book could be very helpful for some people, and it was a good conversation starter in our group. Mr. Warren has some solid advice on handling problems in our lives. I especially like the thought that our character is formed in our every day actions, habits and prayer, then when we are tested, our character is revealed and refined.

However, I found some of Mr. Warren's "answers" to be simplistic. Especially the chapter on depression. I am left with an uncomfortable impression that he is using scriptures to fit into what he wants to say, rather than simply looking at the scriptures and working out what they do say. One of his statements, "He (God) knows how you will act in the future, so he's not disappointed when it happens." Huh? This sits very wrong with me, but it would take an essay on predestination, omniscience and the character of God to say why. That's what I mean about feeling uncomfortable with Mr. Warren's writings. Blanket statements like that feel wrong in my spirit, so it puts me on the defense the whole time I'm reading. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but I shudder to think about those who take this man's writings as the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth about God. ( )