Customer Reviews

mY Generation: A Real Journey of Change and Hope

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I was totally surprised by this book. You always hear the old cliché "I laughed, I cried..." Well, I really did. It caught me off guard. The author uses vivid imagery, humor and creativity to bring stories to life. You feel like you're there. He unashamedly pulls off the shiny veneer of a broken generation in desperate need of unconditional love. The stories break your heart but he doesn't leave you there. He calls you to action. It's very moving.

This is the most honest book I have read in a long time. Josh's writing style reminds me of Donald Miller in his "Blue Like Jazz" book. "My Generation" is a book filled with numerous stories in a unified theme; more-so than just one continuous story line. The focus of these real-life stories is on the Millennial Generation or "Gen-Y". Josh gives us a broad, sweeping glance into both his life and the lives of many that he has come across in his time as a youth pastor, member, and friend of this generation.

What is it that the Generation Y - the teenagers in our student ministries - are thinking and feeling when it comes to the church and Christianity? Why are they graduating from youth group and leaving the church? Why are they feeling disenfranchised? What's at the core of their emotional make-up and how do we respond and reach out to them? These are several of the questions that were brought to light in a very unique and fresh way through Josh's writing.

I love the approach that this book takes. I think everyone wanting to reach or impact the Millennial Generation should pick this one up. It's inspiring, thought provoking, passionate, raw, engaging, and challenging. My copy is filled with earmarks that I plan on going back to and reading again. Visit Josh's web site at [...] for more.

Josh used to be on staff at my church. I didn't know what to think of him when he introduced at our leadership community with his muscles and tattoos and his beautiful blonde fiance. Not that I didn't like muscles or tattoos, but it's easy to dismiss someone as either trying too hard to be cool or having it all together. And I certainly didn't feel as cool or together as I viewed him to be. I felt like the last kid picked for the team. Now I know the truth. He felt that way too. Josh writes with raw emotion about the trials of life of this generation. He writes honestly and authentically about his own struggles. As I read this book, I cried bitter tears as I related my own pain to Josh's and the people he writes about. Josh, I know we've never met but thank you so much for letting me into your pain. Thank you for the message of hope and the call to be Jesus to those around me. I encourage others to read this book. It will change your heart.

This is one of the most engaging books I've read in years. Riebock's totally fresh perspective is honest, vulnerable, and truly insightful. Even if you are not in "generation Y" this book has so much to offer. The truths spoken by Riebock relate to people of all ages and walks of life. Regardless of your background, this book will offer hope and guidance. Riebock does this in a way that is extremely unique...unlike a typical "how to" book. He uses true stories and experiences to illustrate powerful messages that people are yearning for. These stories go way beyond the surface level to a place of deep honesty and truth.

I have spent the last 20 years working with students and spend my time each day with this generation of college and post-college students...there have many many how-to books written about how to do ministry with this complex and compelling generation...and many of them were written from an outsiders perspective...Josh has written something completely different...he offers an inisders perspective and uses the tool of story to help all of us to understand the passions, questions, and power of this unique generation...his use of story offers a window to the soul of a group of people who we must seek to unleash for good in our world...read it and be inspired and overwhelmed and more ready to engage the GEN Y group...I've watched Josh personally live out this journey and his openness is refreshing and effective in being a model for connecting with this community...I'm grateful for all of us who work with this generation that this book is out there!

As a member of Generation Y, this book spoke to me on many different levels. However, the most unique aspect of the book is simply the fact that it is what it says, a "real" journey of change and hope. Josh's stories and examples can be best described as... well... simply... real. By being raw, vulnerable, and transparent, Josh is able to break through and relate to a generation that can connect with brokenness. The last thing that this generation wants is someone to tell them how to live their life or how to be "religious." It doesn't need more people saying that I am better than you or you have got it wrong. This book does completely the opposite. It shows that everyone is on an equal playing field, broken and in need of God's endless grace and salvation. Often times Christians think that they are the people that have it together and that don't have any struggles. Josh is able to bring forth the fact that we are all broken and and in need of healing, Christians included. The Christian life is not a life without doubts, struggles, addictions, depression, and complete brokenness. In his book, Josh is able to give a picture of what it would really look like to live a life that is honest and real with yourself and others, but also to live a life that is real with God. Josh's story is an example of the healing power of God and what it could mean to a broken generation. This book truly spoke to my heart and Josh's story has inspired me to bring the hope of God to my generation. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read the real and honest story of a member of today's generation.

This book is a must read! If you are from this generation or hoping to gain a better understanding on this generation then take the time to crack this baby open. Inside you'll find compelling stories of hope and authenticity. I happen to know Josh quite well and can say that this guy is the real deal. He's not one of those authors that writes what he hopes to care about or what he hopes to live like, he's the real deal. Josh so proud of you man!

Incredible book! Riebock does an exceptional job capturing what it means (and feels like) to be a part of generation Y. He gives beautiful illustrations of the joys and excitements that we see within our broken world when we choose to not only follow Jesus, but also invite others along on our journey. Reibock generously presents real life examples of how he has seen God use people in his life, to begin to bring healing and restoration to our lost generation.

I was inspired by Riebock...he writes with such honesty about himself that it is hard not to feel like you are part of his stories, and part of his life. Riebock uses a well composed combination of personal stories, biblical truths, and his own creative genius, which makes every page a new adventure.

This is a must read!!!

First of all, I'm not from the Y Generation. More like the U or V generation--okay...I'm a Baby Boomer. But someone (who didn't bother carding me) put this book into my hands and I was intrigued by the author's story. He took a turn in his life because it was what God asked him to do even though people advised him it didn't seem wise. Not to do it would be to disobey God, Josh Riebock he left his job and settled down to write and speak. How could I not want to read a book by someone who understands so clearly, and from experience, that obeying God often means taking the road less traveled. And the road less traveled often leads you away from well-lit paths.

I was engaged from page one. The stories are genuine, humorous, honest, and self-deprecating. Nothing is sugar-coated or white-washed. Think Seinfeld at a Bible study.

It was when I got to page 78 that I had to put the book down. Page 78 contains "Josh's List of selfish things to do when a lonely person really needs love." 1. Come up with a convenient excuse why I can't be there. 2. Ignore the person because their life is too messed up and they're too different. 3. Be nice, giving what I want to give, but not what he needs. 4. Nod my head and say, "Man, that's tough," but avoid anything that costs me emotionally, mentally, physically, or financially. 5. Invite her to church and pass her off to someone ASAP. 6.Tell him I'll pray for him and maybe I will, but probably I won't 7. Get caught up in work and other things I consider more important than someone who is so desperately lonely the only friend they have is their imagination.

There are a total of 9 things on the list, but when I got to the one about praying, I had to put down the book. How often have I done that one? Here's the right answer--for the money: Too often. I couldn't see the words on page 79 because I was blinded by the disconcerting truth that Josh Riebock had somehow managed to sneak into my soul and expose me as someone who is a pro at doing selfish things when confronted by a lonely person who needs love.

The Y Generation may be doing those things now, but in 20 years, they'll be slick, polished experts who are so good at it they can even fool themselves. After I've chewed and swallowed this uncomfortable truth, I will keep reading this book because the stories are real and there's nothing like a story to get through to me. Maybe that's why Jesus chose to teach the truths about the Father with stories we now clothe as parables because it sounds much more theologically appropriate.

Josh Riebock can tell a story and a good story teller can engage anyone at any age. Get this book, even if you're not 25.

A wonderful book. His writing is similar to Donald Miller. One of the best books that I have read in a long long time!