Man Alive provides the most potent combination of insight, encouragement and practical wisdom I have ever experienced in under two hundred pages. Seven of it’s eight chapters focus on the “primal needs” of men as identified by the author. The opening chapter sets the stage, while the afterward lands masterfully where the book began.

The ride is excellent. Patrick Morley wonderfully weaves succinct stories in with dynamic truths from scripture. There are also small personal inventories and practical lists. Two of my favorites were the “Being verses Doing Profile” and the “Guys guide to hanging out with Jesus”. The classic commitment model of God first, wife second, kids next is encouraged in a fresh way. Morley dials in the need for men to live rich and meaningful lives as they connect to those meant to be closest to them.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book was found in the author’s encouragement to examine and consider painful generational cycles that prevent many men from building and finding fulfillment in relationships that matter.

Generally I find books that contain “materials for use with small groups” to be awkwardly added like a great steak served with a piece of parsley. That’s not the case here. Three simple discussion questions closeout each chapter. They aren’t onerous or overbearing, but light, conversational and helpful.

If you have tried long books like Man in the Mirror, or DVD based studies that didn’t seem to connect I’d like to encourage you to try again with this succinct little gem. I know I am going to be using it for years to come.

I was provided a copy of this book at no cost by the publisher in exchange for this review.

My Review on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1HCONUR74986Q

Review my review on the publishers website.
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/22890