Unstoppable is the sort of book that’s hard to review. It’s tempting to just say, “You really need to go read this book,” and leave it at that, trusting the book to speak for itself. But of course, the point of a review is to encourage the reader to try the book in the first place, and after that, it’s always up to the story.
The trouble I have with many non-fiction inspirational books is their tendency to offer formulas or blueprints for how to succeed. And if you disagree with one point, or one step doesn’t apply to you, the rest of the information can seem equally invalid. Rather than take this approach, Mr. Vujicic takes a very conversational approach. He tells stories of problems he’s faced and questions he’s struggled with, and he shares what helped him. At that point, it’s up to the reader whether the book is an amazingly inspiring story, or a source of inspiration.
You might think from the cover that the focus of the book is overcoming the obstacle of living without arms and legs, but most of book focused on much more mundane issues. Handling failure, overcoming depressions, coping with bullying, dealing with financial trouble, and falling in love are just a few, and Mr. Vujicic weave his own stories through the big picture issues with humor and humility. His constant conclusion that the answers lay with God and a relationship with Him never came across as trite. Rather, they seemed a gift.
Some people possess the rare ability to make themselves completely vulnerable to others. Telling stories about their lives and their trials isn’t egoistical, it is an offering. It gives us a chance to learn from them and since they have no way of knowing what God can use, they give it all. One person might take comfort in the fact that another person has overcome childhood bullying. Another might be consoled that moments of doubt aren’t signs of a weak faith. Mr. Vujicic is one of the people who can extend this grace, and I would encourage you to give Unstoppable a try. You have no idea what might be waiting.
Author website: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
My thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for sending me a review copy of Unstoppable, in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.