When I first received this book to review, I wasn't very sure I'd like it. I normally shy away from "religious" books as they are quite often way above my head and may not follow my beliefs. They also usually go off on a rampage or else try to get you to follow a set course of action which the author believes is the ONLY way to live.
But, I was pleasantly surprised at Max Lucado's Cast of Characters. He writes in a down-to-earth way which instantly draws you in and makes you comfortable. His way of selecting a character from the Bible, telling that person's story, and then blowing them out of the water by pointing out all their failings is fascinating! And yes, they ALL had failings. Max thens compares OUR lives to those characters, showing us that we are all alike, none of us are free from sin, none of us is perfect and none of us has it all figured out yet. Even Max!
He breaks down chapters and verses in laymen's words so they can be easily understood. An ancedote may be relayed to hammer a point home, but you don't get the impression that he's "preaching" to you, just laying out the facts. It's a very unique way of writing and getting a message across. He will cite instances in modern life that parallel life in Biblical days. And he's spot on with it too! It's amazing how well researched this book is. No reflection on Max in a negative way, it's just that I'm not used to a "religious" writer putting forth the facts in such a clear-cut, easy to understand and relate to, way.
Mr Lucado scores a big one in my opinion with this book. He tells how Joseph, Matthew, John, Paul, Mary, Lazarus, Moses, Esther, Job, etc, were all just "common people in the hands of an uncommon God"...as we all are even today.
A fascinating read that people of all religions or even NO religion at all, will enjoy and come away with not only a better understanding of God, but of themselves also.
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