From Publishers Weekly
This first book by Tomlinson, a management consultant, is a perfect fit for the booming spirituality market, particularly for enthusiastic, evangelical 20- and 30-something audiences. He begins his personal musings with a simple thesis: it is too easy to become a “comfortable Christian” and we must always search for ways to express our active devotion to God and Jesus Christ. This premise is not particularly innovative, but his writing style is straightforward and personally honest. The author acknowledges his own struggles with pride while retelling, often with humor, his only-too-human attempts to reach lofty spiritual goals such as charity and purity. Every chapter opens with vivid and iconic imagery—a spoon, a bit of floss, a pager—tangible symbols throughout the book for more abstract ideas like obedience, joy, and comfort. In sum, the product is endearing and inspiring, especially appealing to young, male evangelicals. One chapter specifically devoted to the intersection of his spirituality and military service will also draw the interest of Christian men and women in the armed forces. Tomlinson’s debut leaves room for future development while it meets the expectations of readers and the genre as a whole; he is worth watching. (Jan. 1)
Review
"Tired of fluffy books on the spiritual life? Chris Tomlinson has written a biblical, God-centered antidote. Crave takes us on a frank and honest journey through the challenges of the Christian walk in today's world. It is at once a wise, practical, and readable guide, useful for those who recognize spiritual mediocrity in themselves but want to grow beyond it." --
Duane Litfin, President, Wheaton College
"In this creative blend of autobiography and devotional, Chris Tomlinson paints for us a Christ who satisfies our cravings for himself. An inspiring work from a gifted and anointed writer." --
Christian George, Author of
Godology,
Sex, Sushi, and Salvation, and
Sacred Travels"Chris Tomlinson addresses the noblest and most necessary question in the most disarming style. It is the theme which engaged the best thoughts of writers from Augustine to Pascal to C.S. Lewis. That question seeks to explore what Pascal called the 'God-shaped vacuum': How do we satisfy our hunger for God? No mortal can answer the question with finality. But this book takes us a long way in the right direction." --
Ronnie Collier Stevens, Pastor, Danube International Church, Budapest, Hungary
"Chris Tomlinson possesses a skill rare in Christian writing today: a clean, clear, powerful perspective. Crave is deftly written, with a sneaky comedic sense, but what sets Chris apart is his heart. He'd never say it himself, but he has a lot to teach, and we have a lot to learn." --
Jordan Green, Editor-In-Chief, Burnside Writers Collective
"Part autobiography, part theological musing, Chris talks about God in a very personal and compelling manner in Crave. His message is clear and told through the introspective and often hilarious experiences of his own life: that God is great and should be praised. An engrossing read that not only had me laughing out loud but also thinking about my own personal beliefs, even from an athiest's perspective." --
Andy Wang, Friend and Athiest
