Customer Reviews

Love is a Verb: Stories of What Happens When Love Comes Alive

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Love means never having to say you're sorry," was a popular expression in the 1970s. But anyone who has ever been married, tried to resolve a family conflict or heal a broken relationship between two co-workers knows that saying couldn't be further from the truth. Love means having to say you're sorry, recognize your own weaknesses, and learn how to overlook others' faults. Love is active, not passive. Love is more of a verb than just a noun.

In his new book, Gary Chapman, bestselling author of THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES, explores what it means to choose love in your marriage, relationships and life --- even when it's not easy. Unlike his previous titles --- many of which are self-help in nature --- LOVE IS A VERB is a collection of 40 real-life stories of everyday people practicing the art of love. Each story is written in first-person and highlights a moment when it was difficult to express or even feel love. Then they share how they reignited their hearts to choose to love once again. Chapman offers a few brief paragraphs of what can be learned from the story.

One particularly moving chapter, "The Changeling," describes a mother who had to learn to love her son twice. The child had captured his mother's heart when he first entered the world, and filled it with joy and delight. But at the age of five, his health began to suffer. Nearly two years later, he had a massive stroke. When he recovered from the coma, the young boy had been transformed from a loving ball of laughter to someone who spewed "I hate you" and "You're dumb and stupid" to everyone he encountered --- including his mother. Overwhelmed by the hostility of her own child, the mother struggled to love her unlovable son. Eventually, he made some improvements and slowly was reintegrated into a program for challenged students at the local school. Over the years, she found herself falling in love with her son all over again, not as who he was but who he had become.

Chapman concludes this powerful story:

"Life happens. The unexpected can occur in any of our lives at any time. Most of us are very cognizant of that fact --- so much so that we may easily fall into the trap of worrying about all the "what ifs" that we someday might have to face. Thankfully, (this story) reminds us that although life happens and tragedies ensue, love has the ability to adapt. Somehow love is flexible and strong enough to step up to the challenges it faces."

While some of the stories describe married couples who have lost that loving feeling, a good portion of the book is dedicated to challenges and trials that emerge in all kinds of relationships. One story describes a family who chooses to deliver hot coffee to some tired, cold rangers as a blessing, while another describes a woman who reconnected with her sisters after years of separation.

Overall, the quality of these stories is solid, but fans of Gary Chapman may find themselves wishing he had contributed more than a four-page introduction and a few paragraphs at the end of each chapter. Recommended to fans of Chapman as well as readers of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

Have you ever picked up a book just because of the title? This is such a book for me. I was intrigued by the thought of "love being a verb" so I began to peruse the book. I loved the short chapters with meaningful stories. I enjoyed the scripture verses and author's comments at the end of each chapter. This book was easily read but putting into application all of these thoughts will take time, my time.
Each chapter was written by everyday people with their everyday struggles and challenges but with endings that encourage and uplift the reader.
The final question is how will this book change your life? Love IS a Verb. Do it!

Gary Chapman's compilation gently shares the in's and out's, ups and downs, and challenges of loving in a heart-warming and enlightening manner. The Contributing Authors present practical solutions for constructing a legacy of love in all areas of life. The most appealing aspect is good old storytelling that leaves a imprint on the heart.

The collection simplifies the formula for loving others by reminding that Love is exemplified or hidden by actions, choices, and decisions. The collection is easy on the spirit and shines a light on the true essence of love in everyday life

Looking for real love? Pick up a copy of Gary Chapman's latest book, "Love is a Verb," and be transformed by true, short stories of real love, written by real people. You may not find Hollywood endings, but each story shows how love in action has the profound ability to heal wounds and create fulfilling, lasting relationships. It's easy to relate to the authors as they openly share what challenges they overcame in order to love. Their candor made me laugh, cry and believe I might have the same ability to love as they did. Gary Chapman does it again as he helps us focus on what matters in our quest for lasting love.

The book came in a timely manner and was in good condition. The book itself was a great book, very inspirational.

Love is a Verb by Gary Chapman is subtitled Stories of What Happens When Love Comes Alive, and this book is full of love! In a format similar to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Chapman has collected several stories about how the power of love has completely transformed lives. Marriages reborn, children who teach about the true meaning of love, and love even through illness, every story is an illustration about how God uses other people to teach us how to love and how He loves us. After each story, Chapman gives a short summary about how the reader can apply the message to his/her own life. Every story is uplifting, and many may induce some tears. This book brought a smile to my face every time I opened the covers.

There is still a lot of love left in this world and the proof is in the pages of Love is a Verb by Gary Chapman. This book is a collection of 40 stories shared by a variety of people who have experienced acts of true love in their lives. These stories will warm your heart and lift your soul. At the end of each story, Mr. Chapman has written the key points of the story and how we can apply these practices of love in our lives. This is a great book to either read from beginning to end or to just pick up and read a story or two when you just need a little pick-me-up. As I read through the stories in this book, I was given extra hope that there are still loving people out there and the world isn't as bad as the evening news tries to tell us it is. I think my favorite story was the one called "Pulling Weeds on Blossom Trail". I think we have all been in a situation at least once in our lives like the one told about in this story. If we just practice unconditional love, our lives will be much fuller and more joyful. I highly recommend this book. It will put a smile on your face and tears in your eyes.

This book is a great resource for all those who need to look at their relationship(s). Would recommend it to everyone who is searching for help.

Great book. A worthy reminder of God's love and how we are to use that among the people we come into contact everyday. Love IS a verb! Such an important reminder! A great read!

I actually purchased this copy for a friend, having bought a copy for myself already. Full of great anecdotes, not psychobabble, but just enough interpretation at the end of each anecdote to make you sit back and go, 'huh. I need to apply this lesson'. Easy to read, for those who struggle through typical 'self-help' books.