Young and Beardless by John Luke Robertson (book review & GIVEAWAY)

Aside from political support, I really like the Robertson family of the Duck Dynasty empire. They seem like real people who really love Jesus. This is not just true of the parents or grandparents, but of the younger generation including John Luke Robertson, author of "Young and Beardless: The Search for God, Purpose, and a Meaningful Life."

Having been a fan of the television show, "Duck Dynasty," for several years, I'm well aware of John Luke and his new marriage and charisma. Have you seen the episode where he gets his wisdom teeth out? Hilarious. Anyway, back to his book, John Luke provides young readers (I believe this is more specified toward young men) a guide into how he has come to where he is in his life - not simply relying on the faith and fortune of his family, but pursuing his own relationship with Christ and business pursuits along with his wife, Mary Kate.

One of my favorite parts of this book is when John Luke talks about his spiritual toolbox. He has "notes on almost every sermon I have ever heard, notes on almost every book I have ever read, prayers I have prayed, sayings I have heard, thoughts I've had, letters of encouragement from others, and dreams I want to see become reality. Everything." Perhaps it is because I am a pack rat like that. I keep journals. I finally got rid of my 4th grade-high school journals before my wedding because I was a different person back there, but I keep journals now since then. I keep it as a diary, sermon note place, prayer place and I like to keep sayings, too. Mine is a condensed version of John Luke's, I suppose.  He uses his toolbox to "remind me of who I am and who God wants me to be."

image via BookLook
Another aspect of this book I enjoyed was at the end of each chapter when John Luke shared a book that changed his life. Books like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey, "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, "Love Does" by Bob Goff (my favorite), "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell, and "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. I love books and, while I've read some of them, I now have a new reading list (although you will not find the Rob Bell book on my booklist).

The content of the writing was good, although written for a younger crowd. I liked the way the book was divided; Who I Am?, Where Am I Going?, and What Am I Doing? - such important questions for people to ask of themselves. My favorite chapter was "Rebelling" because he wasn't talking about normal teenage rebellion, but not doing the same things everyone else is doing. Being an atypical teenager, rebelling against the status quo. That's what I'd like for my children. I read a quote that said, "why fit in when you were meant to stand out" and it really resonated with me. As I age, I don't want to be like everyone else (totally against my natural instinct though); I want to be who God made me to be, who is as unique as the next person.

GIVEAWAY:
 You can win your own copy of "Young and Beardless" by John Luke Robertson! I have one (1) copy to send to the winner. Please comment below (one entry per person) about who you're voting for in the presidential election - JUST KIDDING. Please comment with your favorite book (include an email address I can contact you at in case of your winning).

Disclaimer: I received this book in order to write an honest review. Others may or may not have the same opinions. Giveaway is open to everyone in the continental US 18 and over (void where prohibited). Giveaway will close at 11:59pm on August 18, 2016. 

Comments

Alaina Mooney said…
Gary Morsch - The Power of Serving Others. I know him personally but this book has changed my life and outlook on how I serve others as a witness for God. My copy is currently floating between coworkers because I had to pass it on!

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