14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Guide to Being in God's Army, August 10, 2003
This review is from: A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing a Life of Purpose (Paperback)
Chuck Holton's debut novel is one you will not be able to put down. Like his novelist heroes, C.S. Lewis and Randy Alcorn, Holton uses everyday images to paint beautiful metaphors of God's greatness and the Holy Spirit's sanctifying power. Holton though has a unique twist on his message and his testimony - he is not only a Christian devoted to God, he is a former Army Ranger devoted to his country.
If you have felt touched by the stories of military personnel risking, and sometimes losing, their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq the last couple years, than you will be drawn to Holton's experiences in combat as well as God's touch on his life. But if you have not been touched YET by military stories, than check out Chuck's book to see what young men and women go through all the time to prepare to serve you and me.
I have read many of the best-selling Christian books out right now - books by John Eldredge, Lee Strobel, C.S. Lewis, Tim Lahaye, Louie Giglio, John Maxwell, Rick Warren, Max Lucado, and others - and Holton ranks right up there with them. The great thing about Holton's style is that it is so different -adding work experience and adventure into his constant message of God's sovereignty.
A More Elite Soldier is a must-have for all military men and women - active or retired. And in the light of the heavy combat in the Middle East, the book helps me identify better with one of our country's most under - rated servants - our military.
Although Holton's military theme is technical enough to wow the private or officer with his knowledge of weaponry and army lingo, his story is very personal. And for me, neither a military man nor a technical genius, I was able to look at his Ranger experience with awe and yet connect closer with his personal stories of a young man coming into his own purpose in life. In fact, my favorite parts in his book were his very open comments on his dating life while he was at Fort Benning training to become a Ranger. One or two pages made me put the book down and think, "How can I get in touch with this guy to personally thank him for this God-given message on relationships?" But after a few minutes of contemplation, I quickly returned to the pages of his book to uncover his story more.
Really this was one of those books that changed my life, not to join the Army or anything, but only to come to a deeper realization that God is in control of my life, whether I try to take control or not. I learned through Holton's book, as he did through service in God's army, as well as the U.S. Army that surrneder of self to the greater good is necessary for a successful mission, whether that be a military engagement or a search for my purpose in life. Holton has given himself selflessly to his readers just as he did for his country as a Ranger and just he has to God in all aspects of his life.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good book, April 7, 2005
This review is from: A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing a Life of Purpose (Paperback)
I'm currently non-denominational and chose to read this book for two reasons: I served in the same Regiment as Mr. Holton (different time period) and I'm currently at a crossroads in my life concerning the idea of organized religion. Simply stated, I'm a lost sheep amongst the herd.
So I figured maybe I could pick up a few jewels from this book. And I feel I did.
But to the interested reader, be aware that this book is heavy on Army speak, to the point that I think it would take the average reader some time to try and understand what he talks about. I thought his stories were humorous, but then again much of what he says I've done before. So just understand that and further understand it's STILL worth reading.
It's an excellent resource for any soldier who's struggling to find the application of God in his life. I came to a realization yesterday that I'm missing something and oddly enough this book appeared in my life the same evening (odd, huh?). Fortuitous as it was, I read it in a day and firmly believe he deals w/ real-life issues concerning combat, leadership, and most important, spirituality, which in turn makes for a very good, down-to-earth read.
Three stars for the subject it covers; casual, combat-disinterested readers may not enjoy (even though combat isn't the issue he's hinting at--it's really revelations LEARNED from it which is the pot of gold).
If you're compelled by anything I've said, check it out.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mission Ready, August 11, 2003
This review is from: A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing a Life of Purpose (Paperback)
A More Elite Soldier by Chuck Holton is an inside look at how a young man survives the rigors of becoming an Army Ranger, while at the same time learning valuable lessons. If you're tired of living a "safe" and boring existence, this book will get you up and ready to take on a life of meaning and purpose. We've all been called to be "on mission" read this book and fulfill yours!
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