For the Tough Times by Max Lucado

I'm an official book review blogger for Thomas Nelson Publishing. Have I mentioned that before--maybe once or twice? Behold, my first review!

This is the first book by Max Lucado that I have read. For The Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope is a very quick, easy read. I read it in less than an hour. Lucado’s style flows easily and has a nice, relaxed, comfortable feel to it.

This little book would be really good for a new believer or young person but it is probably too simplistic to appeal to anyone who has done a lot of in-depth bible study. I also wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who is in the midst of a crisis as it tends to come across a little trite and cliché.

I was a little disappointed because most of the book builds up to the climax question of “How should I pray in times of great suffering?” but then only offers the usual examples of Job and Lazarus. Nothing really new or earth-shattering here but instead offers a good reminder of things we probably already know.

If you just want a simple, quick read that will remind you of some basic principles regarding pray or if you want something easy to jump start a study on prayer this book will offer several Scriptures that would make for good in-depth study.


Oh, and Dazey was right, it could have used a little more salt!