Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Bonhoeffer Student Edition {a BookLook Blogger review}

A couple of years ago, I read (and reviewed) the book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.  I loved it.  What I had really wanted at the time was a book for my kids to read, but that biography was huge (over 600 pages!) and that seemed a bit much.

So when I saw Bonhoeffer Student Edition, also by Eric Metaxas, I knew I needed it.

From the publisher:
What would you do if your faith could cost you your life?

The fascinating story of one of Christianity’s most courageous heroes, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is now abridged and adapted for students. This compelling account of Bonhoeffer’s remarkable testimony—combined with historical, theological, and political elements and enhanced with photos—brings the story to life. How did Bonhoeffer become someone who would defend God’s truth, even when it was a matter of life and death? How did he endure the hardships that came with his faithfulness? How might we respond similarly to injustices today?

New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas vividly portrays the struggles and faith of Bonhoeffer, a man who had the courage to follow his convictions into Nazi Germany and stand up for the truth of God.

My thoughts:


At just under 250 pages, this book is far more reasonable for a school assignment. 

Even after reading the adult version, this one pulled me in and I simply could not put it down.

One thing I loved was that the first chapter was titled "The End" and it dealt with Dietrich's funeral and how his parents found out he had died.  For students who aren't already at least vaguely familiar with Bonhoeffer, I appreciate that they know from the start that he died young.  They go into the story of his life already knowing how it will end.

Each chapter except the first and last ones include some questions for the student to think about.  Some of the questions really make you examine your beliefs, while some are more about thinking through what you have just read.

This book is fantastic, and I am really hoping that Metaxas will have more student edition titles coming out in the near future.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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