Customer Reviews

A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing a Life of Purpose

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Whether you realize it or not, ever since Satan rebelled against God, every human being has arrived on planet earth - a world at war! Chuck's book shows how the lessons he learned as a more elite soldier - a US Army Ranger (hooah) - are directly applicable to life as a Christian being a more elite soldier in the army of the Lord and participating in the daily spiritual battle. Chuck also shows how God, knows us, loves us, and takes time to meet our needs - the last chapter will get your full and undivided attention and show you just how much God cares.

ok i'll make this quick. this is a book that will be read in my house for years to come... one of the best i have ever read. if you have any doubts about this book... forget them... this book demands a rating higher than 5...(...)

This book is such an inspiration to soldiers and thier families that I would highly recomend it to anyone with a soldier or family member in the military. This book will encourage and inspire you.
Pick it up and see for yourself.

Jan. 2, 2004
I read about this book in New Man Magazine.... And I must say... This is a great book for anyone to read... I have shared it already with at least 5 people.... So do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Updated Feb. 12, 2011

What man, at some point in his life, hasn't wanted to be a Ranger, Seal, or just a plain badass? I know I have. I wanted to be a Navy Seal. Well Chuck Holton, author of A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing A Life of Purpose, was an Airborne Ranger. Through this book that reads like an updated version of Pilgrims Progress, he draws you in as you read about some of the missions Chuck has gone on and the struggles in his life as he served his country.

From time spent in Panama, to Ranger training, to his relationship with women and God, it's easy to see ourselves in the same sort of situations. We are confronted with the questions "What would I do?" and "What should I have done?" Through it all we are pointed back to Christ. He also uses the Ranger Creed as a guide to see how the it and the Bible fit together.

To be honest, I usually don't go back and reread books. I have a pretty good memory so when I start to reread a book I get bored very easily. Yet, this is one of those books I keep coming back to every year or two. It's one of the books I suggest to someone trying to find their purpose in life. Here's some of what you'll find inside...

Ever go through two-a-days in football? That is kinda what the Ranger Indoctrination Program (R.I.P) is like - on steroids. Chuck first has to do a "Dying Cockroach" (when you lay on your back and keep your head up off the ground and your arms and legs perpendicular to the ground). Take a rest and you're gone. Forty-five minutes later and he had passed his first test. That was just the beginning of day one. (Want to see how long you can do it... go for it... we'll wait.)

Three days before he's supposed to graduate R.I.P. school, Chuck screws up by being late to his quarters. He might get recycled - meaning he will have to do the "Dying Cockroach," and everything else, all over again! He speaks to his Sergeant and pleads to be allowed to graduate with his class. They make him stew for a while, then tell him he would be allowed to graduate with his class if... IF... he reported to the "Charge of Quarters" every 30 minutes from 2200 (10:00 p.m.) til 0445 (4:45 a.m.) the rest of his time there. Miss one and he was gone. Now think about it; it was Monday- he didn't sleep more than 20 minutes at a time up until graduation!

The main lesson he learned early on in his career as a soldier was priceless, and one we as Christian men should also remember: God doesn't share His glory with anyone. Chuck Holton couldn't take credit for becoming a Ranger, and neither can we take credit for our successes.

This book is great for guys in their teens, as well as grandfathers; there is definitely something for everyone. As Holton says: "Life is Combat," and we all need help at times on how to enter combat situations effectively. If you are looking for a book to challenge you, make you think, and draw you closer to the "Big Ranger in the sky", READ THIS ONE.

From Third Option Men

I loved the book. It gave a lot of insight of what the training is like to make it in the regiment. I leave in February and will have my shot to go ranger when I'm done with AIT. The connections he made to god throughout his career were great too. It reminded me of the bigger picture

since i was 10 all i wanted to be was to be a ARMY Ranger. i read this book in a few days. it gives a solid look at boot camp. he also talks about how a christian made it through boot camp. its a great book. but it doesn't really have the real life story of anything. and if your buying this for your kid who thinks they would like to ba a army ranger i would buy it. but if your buying it to find out what the real thing is suggest you buy the book BLACK HAWK DOWN. its a great book but be careful for younger readers. a great book for younger people that want to join up is called THE ROAD TO UNAFRAID. the book talks about boot camp and the real thing black hawk down. the person who wrote it was there.

Anyone considering joining any military special forces should read this book. A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing a Life of Purpose