“Fresh Start,” by Doug Fields

I had the opportunity to read and review Fresh Start, by Doug Fields, from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

In this book, we are encouraged to let go of anything and everything that might be keeping us from the abundant life that God has promised us, and that God created us to live. Each chapter addresses something in our lives that might have us “stuck” where we are, be it rejection, anger, fear, or any of a number of other things; after reading that this might actually be what is holding us back, we are shown that this is not what Jesus wants for us, nor is it what He died to ensure that we could have.

I’m going to be completely honest. When I saw the synopsis for this book and agreed to review it, I was very excited about reading it. When it came to my house and I got started, though, I was disappointed. The subject matter was essentially what I had expected, and was challenging and enjoyable. The writer’s style, though, quickly became irritating. He was in youth ministry for many years, and has written many books on that subject. He has written books for teenagers, in fact, and is very good at that. However, at many times while reading Fresh Start, the author addresses me – and the other adults the book targets – as a teenager, and uses examples and expressions that only an adolescent can appreciate. The effect is a somewhat confusing voice, as he talks about adult issues like retirement and failed marriages but illustrates his point with sometimes very juvenile humor. That alone was enough to detract from my enjoyment of the book, however helpful his insights would have been to my life.

All of that aside, this is a good book on difficult subject matter. We all struggle with something that keeps us from the living the life we imagined we would live, and we could all use some help breaking free from those hindrances. Through scripture and godly encouragement, this book provides the tools we need to embrace the lives we’ve always wanted to live.

Fresh Start is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing and any book retailer. Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review it!