Customer Reviews

The Dream Giver

5 star:		(121)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Biblically based, with an emphasis on the lives of Moses, Joshua, and David, this slender volume is extremely helpful to those of us either pursuing the Big Dream, or those who have it in their hearts, but have not taken any action to fulfill their Destiny. It will be of particular value to those who might feel that they have lost their way in the WasteLand.
The first part of this book is in the form of a parable; it is as wise as it is charming, and is an almost Tolkienesque tale of Ordinary, who lived in the Land of Familiar, and who one day leaves his Usual Job, and his Comfort Zone, to persue his Dream. There are many trials and tribulations in his path, and Giants to slay (Giants like Moneyless), but his faith gets stronger, as he learns his lessons.

In Chapter Nine, "Living Past the Edge", Mr. Wikinson describes his fear of public speaking, and the steps he took to overcome it. I recently had the good fortune to be at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, where Mr. Wilkinson spoke not only to the vast crowd in attendance, but to millions on televison, and he is a truly gifted speaker; it is hard to envision that at one time he had felt inadequate in front of an audience. With this book he will help you conquer your own fears, and get past the feeling of being Unworthy and Unable.

In Chapter Twelve, he talks about the Dream that has not been surrendered to God, and the pitfalls that can bring; how "Your Dream will become your idol", and how that can "make people 'successful' but not fulfilled" (pg. 133) and further, to face the areas in our lives that need cleansing, where we may be making compromises and have "unfinished business".
In the final chapter, Mr. Wilkinson describes how his Dream has led him to South Africa, to help the millions of children who have lost their parents to AIDS, and it is an example of how once you have reached one Dream, it can lead to another, with God continually working through you. "You are meant to be a river of blessing, not a puddle drying in the sun".
The layout is lovely, with small but beautiful images by Steve Gardiner, good quality paper, and a readable font size. I found a lot in this book to inspire me and give me the tools and armor to slay another Giant, and perhaps you will too.

The critical reviews for this book express that simplicity is a bad thing. The truth is that anyone can take a complex issue and make it sound complex. In The Dream Giver, the authors have taken a very complex, yet motivating aspect of life and they have made it very simple.

The story of Ordinary leaving Familiar is very simple. And it is true that you can see many of the illustrations before they are fully developed, but that is not a bad thing. I have been going through the process of reevaluating my dreams, goals, etc. and I had begun to think that the emotions I was experiencing were unique to me. However, this presentation reveals to me that the experience of spiritually chasing your dream is universal.

Specifically, I have been dealing with God's asking me to give Him my dreams and then receiving them back after He becomes more important to me than they are. Having read Ordinary's tale, I now understand so much more about the process of developing a Big Dream, inspired by the Dream Giver.

I recommend this book for mature Christians, new Christians, and even the discouraged unchurched. I think this book could be a great tool for evangelizing the unchurched because the descriptions of Ordinary's experiences will speak to them and confirm the reality of God's hand upon their lives.

If you loved the Prayer of Jabez, you're going to love The Dream Giver. Watch out best seller list! Once this book gains momentum, it will probably eclipse global sales of Jabez by a wide margin.
It's a rare book that can make each and every reader feel as if the author tailored every page for their enrichment.

One day afer reading this book I encouraged my immediate circle of friends & family to make The Dream Giver a top priority read. It's that good.

The Dream Giver proves to be a book that it is as equally inspiring and thought-provoking as it is short and compact. Told in the form of an allegory of an individual named Ordinary, The Dream Giver takes him on a journey from his land of Familiar and away from his Comfort Zone into the land of the unknown as he pursues his Dream. As Ordinary disembarks on his journey in pursuit of his Dream, he is confronted by Border Bullies (people you know who try to, in one way or another, deter you from your dream, and Giants, or obstacles that one must confront on one's way to fulfillment of one's Big Dream.

While everyone has a Dream, Wilkinson points out, not everyone follows through with it due to all of the foreboding obstacles, perseverance, and imminent confrontation that it will entail in achieving it. Leaving one's Comfort Zone, and the stability and peace of mind that accompanies it, seems to be the most difficult course of all. Once abandoned, Wilkinson says, one will doubtless encounter alarmists, defeatists, and antagonists who will try with reckless abandon to halt your progress for one reason or the other including being motivated by fear of your failure -- as well as fear of your success. Giants, such as lack of resources, an immovable bureaucracy, & physical burdens must be conquered on the way as well. While all of this may seem perhaps idealistic and simplistic to some(and it is at times), The Dream Giver is nonetheless a great read that will, if nothing else, surely open your eyes and make you take a second look at everything around you in your current milieu - and, at best, could possibly change your life. Have faith in God and abandon fear all ye who enter here.

This is a book that I have and will continue to give to friends, relatives and co-workers. The unique format caught me off guard, but it is firmly an affirmation that Bruce Wilkinson is one of the finest Bible teachers of our time. His use of parable and then application was inspired.

For those who truly wish to pursue the big dream that God has placed in the heart of everyone, this is the book. It is profound in it's simplicity. It is inspiring in it's revelation of how much God truly wants each of us to do the dream and give God the glory.

I gave this book to a Pastor Friend and his wife. They had resigned from their latest church assignment where they served the local church as associate pastors and were waiting to see where their next steps would lead them. During their waiting period they became discouraged as people doubted their decision to step down. Then, they encountered being blocked by co-pastors from pursuing starting their own church in the same area.

As a result they began experiencing depression and had settled under a dark cloud.

As I read out loud the first half of the book -- the modern day parable -- they wept together, smiled together and seemed to settle into a new peace. It was like watching a spiritual washing. I left the book for them to finish by studying the second half. During the following days, they embraced the marvelous truths and became strong once again -- refreshed, renewed and focused on the steps God has for them.

They are soaring today with a fresh wind beneath their wings!

Bruce Wilkinson, the best-selling author of The Prayer of Jabez, has managed to enlarge his territory yet again with this inspirational work. A short book, 157 pages, it consists of two parts. The first is an extended allegory about a young man named Ordinary, who pursues his Big Dream through many obstacles and struggles, at the behest of the Dream Giver (God). In doing so he must leave his home in the land of Familiar, leave his Comfort Zone and deal with the Border Bullies, who include his family and closest friends. Author Wilkinson uses a lot of capital letters to make sure we don't miss his points.

In the second half he talks to the reader, explaining his concepts in more detail, for any who might not have "gotten it" the first time round. He gives examples from his own life and ministry, exhorting, cheerleading and cajoling us onward to the fulfillment of our Big Dreams.

The book is easy to read, uplifting and entertaining. I managed to finish it in little more than one afternoon. Author Wilkinson has a gift for communication and his writing conveys the sense of personal contact. Unfortunately, he has left out some important elements that would have given the book more balance. Not all Big Dreams are to be followed relentlessly. Some dreams are misguided or even delusional. The author meant to say, I think, that certain dreams--dreams from God, dreams of service and ministry--are to be pursued. Dreams of winning the sweepstakes or becoming a world dictator--maybe not. But, he didn't say it. I think he also meant to say that one should exercise discernment in following a Big Dream. Pray about it, get advice from others, ask questions. Is it really a Big Dream or is it just restlessness, a hankering for change. Maybe your purpose in life is right where you find yourself. But author Wilkinson doesn't say that either.

The Dream Giver is an entertaining, uplifting book--but lacking in balance. Take it with a grain of salt. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

This is an excellent book that is a must-read for anyone who is even slightly uncertain about their future. It is so encouraging to know that God has a Big Plan for each of our lives and that Big Plan will impact a Big Need in the world. It is a concise, simple book to read, with a huge impact. I read it and it completely changed my life. I am a living testimony to the joy that comes when you pursue your big dream and step in line with God's will for your life. There's nothing closer to heaven here on earth!

After having read all of Bruce Wilkinson's books I am convinced that this one will appeal again to millions of readers. Many of my friends read it and told me it is an eye opener. As Bruce takes you into ORDINARY's story thru the seven DREAMSCAPES you will identify where you are and know what to expect next. The book is both motivational and instructional - you can help others after reading it. Bruce's use of a story makes the truth easy to remember - knowing the author's own pilgrimage adds to the credibility of the story. The book is a wonderful mix of the romantic and reality side of following a God given dream.

Many people will thank God for at least 3 things after reading this book - for giving them a unique dream - for the Bruce retelling the story of Moses and Joshua in a modern idiom - and for the person who gave or recommended this book to them. You want to be connected and connect others to this message.

Go get it, read it, teach it - I am convinced 2004 will be different for all who do it.

Stuck? Confused? Lost your purpose or never found it to begin with? This book is alive with counsel, flashing lights, red flags, warm hugs, piercing truth and excellent advice to get you Unstuck, Clear and Purpose Driven! This book sorta haunted me around the bookstore, library and then house after I finally both checked it out AND bought it, gave it to an associate on a whim and re-checked it out (after re-locating) and bought it for the 2nd time. Get ready to rediscover yourself and re-realize how much God the Father loves you p e r s o n a l l y and has a purpose, plan and plot for your life, your world and the world you inhabit in your day to day living. I was reminded of books like The Little Prince and The Giving Tree that get inside of you and W O R K you through them. You come out enlightened, inspired, motivated and above all T R A N S F O R M E D. If you stay stagnant, unchanged or depressed after reading this book, I'm praying for people like you: you really just might BE hopeless. But that couldn't be the case, because the Dream Giver is real and if you have the nerve to meet Him and learn about Him, then you have been infused with power to succeed in the pursuit and realization of your dreams and purpose. Superb!