Customer Reviews

Sweat, Blood, and Tears: What God Uses to Make a Man

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I didn't get a review copy in the mail, but I pre-ordered the book. The title intrigued me and I read tons of men's ministry books, reviewing them for an Episcopal organization.

Among the books I've read though, none has made me as determined to put it in the hands of the men around me as this one. I am as grateful to John Eldredge and Robert Bly as Xan is. But there is in Xan's journey something that touches even deeper hungers.

What appeals most to me is that the author sees beyond the wilderness to its purpose in us. He isn't a fan of wilderness for it's own sake, but for what it teaches. He isn't a fan of male companionship in itself, but for the need that it, and it alone, can satisfy.

Xan Hood's humility throughout the book is totally disarming and inviting. No man reading it need be put off by the way way he finds himself there. At the same time, very little of a modern man's struggle is left unrevealed, and so it will challenge the reader on many, many levels.

I am glad that my son's generation will have someone as wise as Xan Hood to help lead them into manhood in this brave new world.

I would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Xan Hood and his publisher for sending me a copy of "Sweat, Blood & Tears" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

When I requested a reviewer copy of "Sweat, Blood and Tears: What God Uses To Make A Man" by Xan Hood, I hoped to discover the secret key to understanding my husband. I want to know what makes my man tick...what motivates him...what encourages him...because, on my own, I do such a terrific job of bringing him down.

What I found in the pages of this book were one-word chapter titles that intrigued me and prompted me to read the book out of order. I found bold and frank writing about what makes a man - from God to life experience. I found pools of wisdom and insight, offerings of logic for understanding my man. This book provoked my thinking and entertained me immensely.

This book makes me want to encourage the wildness in my husband rather than the tame, socially acceptable - and wholly unnatural - idea of manhood. But how will I do that? I'll get my husband to read the book and tell me what he thinks. I'll ask him how I can encourage him to be everything he can be. Sounds like an interesting date night.

I was sort of expecting something different from this book but was surprised to read some very insightful experiences from the author. I was overseeing a group of 15 year olds who had the responsibility of cleaning pots and pans, dishes and tableware, sweeping and mopping of floors at a summer camp. This book should be a required read for those who volunteer for this summer service.

I was excited to see Xan Hood's new book, "Sweat, Blood & Tears" having read his first book, "Untamed" and learning of his ministry. In both of his books Xan shares his journey of manhood and how Christ has transformed his life. One way Christ really impacted his life is by connecting with other Christian men, especially those interested in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.

I highly recommend both of Xan's books and encourage any Christian man who wants to grow deeper in Christ to also check out Xan's ministry!

Sweat, Blood, & Tears is the coming of age story written by Xan Hood.

Coming from a polished, well-to-do family, Hood decided to skip his college graduation and relocate to the rugged fields of Colorado.

There he takes a job painting houses, goes on hikes, learns to hunt and fly fish all while learning valuable lessons.

The subtitle is "What God uses to make a man". Hood confesses his issues with his father and not quite being what some would consider to be a manly man.

He's always had enough money to play with until he strikes out on his own.

There are 30 chapters to this book but they average about 4 pages per chapter.

I did appreciate his comments on what/who our boys look toward to tell them how to be men (women). He explains that we need more men to model and explain what being a man looks like.

Sadly, I wasn't completely engaged with this book. While there seems to be a trend of male authors confessing their failures and mistakes in their books, I grow weary of reading about men crying and experiencing God by killing deer.

Of course, this is exactly the frame of mind Hood writes against. So take that as you will.

At least he learned how to change the oil in his car.

This book was provided for review by David C. Cook Publishing

Sweat, Blood, & Tears written by Xan Hood is a fantastic book. I love the way it is written in the first person. You get the sense that you are really hearing from a guy who went through a transformation, a guy who struggled with moving from boyhood to manhood, and taking part in his journey in becoming a man. What he has gone through, I think every man has gone through. Now there is someone who is putting their thoughts and experiences on this journey onto paper for everyone else to hear. Xan has put himself out there in a vulnerable position. He is open and candid about what he is thinking and feeling. There is something in this book for every guy to grab a hold of.

I really feel like the climax of this book was Xan's realization of what he had growing up, in regards to his own father, was very influential in his journey to becoming a man. So often, I think we as guys look for other things outside what we had as the things we need in our journey of becoming a man. However, what Xan realized is that what he had in his relationship with his father was exactly what God hod for his journey to manhood. It may not have been what he thought he needed, but it ended up being exactly what he needed. This is also where the earthly relationship reflects a heavenly relationship. We spend so much time looking elsewhere that we forget the One who has everything we need. So much in the journey of becoming a man is in our relationship with our heavenly Father.