Cast of Characters: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God written by Max Lucado is a collection of Mr. Lucado's writing on 22 different people in the Bible. Each character is covered in 10 pages or less and includes Bible references as well as several reflection questions at the end of the chapter. The writings are drawn from Mr. Lucado's writings over the past 20 years. This book covers characters such as Joseph, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and the woman at the well.
Let me begin with, I LOVE Mr. Lucado's children's books. This, however, is the first of his adult books that I have read...and I wasn't disappointed. He brings the characters to life, breathing a personality into them that makes it easier to relate to them. He makes them come alive with emotions, hopes, dreams, and even fears that each of us has felt at one point in our life or another.
Each "character" includes a life lesson to consider. For Martha, Mary and Lazarus you are urged to consider what you place is at the "table" of life. Mr. Lucado not only brings out these people's strengths, but he draws our attention to their weaknesses as well. How easily we can get wrapped up in what we are doing and forget why we are doing it.
Overall I found this book not only educational, but entertaining as well. I was drawn to the people and now I see them, and myself, in a new way. This would be a great book for a small Bible study group or as a personal devotion book, or personal study. I was pleased to have the opportunity to review this book and would highly recommend it to others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
