When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Pastor and bestselling author Ortberg (God Is Closer Than You Think; Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them) offers a thoughtfully written instruction manual for Christian game players of all ages. Using games as a metaphor, Ortberg presents carefully considered tactics for succeeding in life from God's vantage point. Each chapter weaves the rules of gaming with the Christian journey: understanding the object of the game (being spiritually rich toward God); the setup (keeping score, taking turns, preventing regret); how to play (with rules, gratitude and a mission); hazards (competition, greed, losing); and winning (choosing the right trophies). Christians will especially appreciate Ortberg's wise counsel on being the kind of player other people want to sit next to, as he exhorts readers to learn to lose with grace, win with grace and forgive with grace. Perspective is key; after all, when the game is over, it all goes back in the box. Ortberg demonstrates some finesse in bringing together the extended game imagery with various real-life stories that are by turns comical and poignant. With excellent tools for personal and group study alike, this book's strategy offers a win-win solution. (Sept.)
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Review

"...a thoughtfully written instruction manual for Christian 'game players' of all ages. Using games as a metaphor, Ortberg presents carefully considered tactics for succeeding in life from God's vantage point. Each chapter weaves the rules of gaming with the Christian journey: understanding the object of the game (being spiritually 'rich' toward God); the setup (keeping score, taking turns, preventing regret); how to play (with rules, gratitude, and a mission; hazards (competition, greed, losing); and winning (choosing the right trophies). Christians will especially appreciate Ortberg's wise counsel on being the kind of player other people want to sit next to, as he exhorts readers to learn to lose with grace, win with grace and forgive with grace. Perspective is key; after all, 'when the game is over, it all goes back in the box.' Ortberg demonstrates some finesse in bringing together the extended game imagery with various real-life stories that are by turns comical and poignant. With excellent tools for personal and group study alike, this book's strategy offers a win-win solution." — PW Religion BookLine

(PW Religion BookLine )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; First Edition edition (August 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310253500
• ISBN-13: 978-0310253501
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,354 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars WHEN THE GAME IS OVER IT ALL GOES BACK IN THE BOX by John Ortberg, January 22, 2008

By	Gandhi the Vile (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews

When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box is a book on life by John Ortberg, a Presbyterian pastor. His argument is thus: you will die, and when you do, you will lose all the stuff you have. Therefore, instead of focusing on things you cannot keep, focus on things you can.

Ortberg says that the object of life is, as Jesus said, to be rich toward God. Pleasing God is part of this; part of it is putting a greater priority on personal relationships. This also turns out to be the place where we find true fulfillment. Ortberg's main target is those who say they will work less and spend more time with their families "when things settle down." His message is this: things never settle down until it's too late.

The book is written with an amusing game theme. Ortberg borrows a lot of anecdotes from a lot of different authors, which is fine. He gives credit where credit is due. Ortberg has a surprisingly good sense of humor. Sometimes his jokes are pretty corny, but on the whole he seems like a funny guy. My only criticism of his writing is a small one: several chapters tend to run a little long (the reader has gotten the point and is ready to move on).

There is criticism due the publisher: on nearly every other page, there are excerpts from the text blown up in boxes on the same page. Perhaps this is done for those flipping through the book in a shop, or for those who skim, but for the actual reader, it is incredibly annoying and distracting.

On the whole, When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box is an accessible, engaging, humorous book on Christian living and eternity. This is obviously a Christian book, but the theologizing does not get heavy-handed, and Ortberg does not beat the reader over the head with the Bible. It can benefit any Christian as well as nonchristians who are feeling unfulfilled.

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42 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as I expected... maybe even better., August 21, 2007

By	Scott Rubin (Chicagoland, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book both encouraged me and challenged me at the same time. I've actually bought 3 additional copies & given them to friends of mine!

John's style in this book is engaging, but also pushed me to think deeply about how I'm living. The stories he tells pull you in... and then cause you to reflect on how the topic might be playing out in your own life.

I also appreciate how it's more than "John's best thoughts on living" -- but it points back to Scripture time & again. And in doing so, often unveils a dimension of the Bible in a way I'd not considered before.

There were quite a few times I'd interrupt my wife while I was reading it, and say "you've gotta hear this section". Prompted some great discussion. Basically... I loved it.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John Ortberg at his very best!, August 15, 2007

By	Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back In The Box by John Ortberg is an inspiring, enlightening, life-changing book. Since I am an avid gamer, the cover art drew me in immediately. But it was the author's wit and practical advice that captured my attention and kept me reading. It begins with the greatest opening line since The Purpose Driven Life, and guides you through a series of strategies designed to teach the reader how to "play the game" of life.

Filled with wit and humor and moving stories, I laughed out loud one minute and found myself tearing up the next as a poignant illustration was presented to show how so many of us miss the important stuff by concentrating so intensely on temporary rewards. The author then offers practical tactics for modifying our "To Do" lists so we can reconnect with what's really important in life.

Not only did I take from this book several ideas for improving my life and relationship with God, but also the desire to make a difference in the lives of those around me as John Ortberg and his Grandmother obviously have.