reviews
Jul 29, 2010
Dan B. Allender, Ph.D, is a professor of counseling, a therapist, and a public speaker, seminar leader, and a “reflection and recovery” retreat facilitator. He is also associated with the Mars Hill Graduate School, in Seattle, Washington. Visit his website at http://www.danallender.com
Dr. Allender writes with the premise of the reader’s belief in God. He uses Bible versus to reinforce a point, such as: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
To Be Told is c More...
Dr. Allender writes with the premise of the reader’s belief in God. He uses Bible versus to reinforce a point, such as: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
To Be Told is c More...
Mar 04, 2010
Oh, books -- I just can't quit you. Usually.
It's very seldom that I stop reading a book before finished, but I did with this one. I was more than halfway through, to note. Not to entirely lump this read in with them by any means, but as with a lot of self-help-y Christian books, To Be Told just gets repetitive, with a side dish of "I know you wish to inspire, but I've heard it all before."
Dan Allender's story of recovery from abuses and addictions in his own lif More...
It's very seldom that I stop reading a book before finished, but I did with this one. I was more than halfway through, to note. Not to entirely lump this read in with them by any means, but as with a lot of self-help-y Christian books, To Be Told just gets repetitive, with a side dish of "I know you wish to inspire, but I've heard it all before."
Dan Allender's story of recovery from abuses and addictions in his own lif More...
Dec 03, 2008
Allender is one of my favorite authors, and his "To Be Told" illustrates why I enjoy reading his work. Not only does he master the language, he writes with such fluidity and color he draws you into his subject matter, that is, writing your personal story. This is not an invitation to write a simple autobiography, rather a chance to dig deeper into details which have framed your life.
Allender asks "What if we were to embrace with wonder every person who has spoken our More...
Allender asks "What if we were to embrace with wonder every person who has spoken our More...
Aug 11, 2011
this was a cool book -- the concepts presented revolve around the importance of your life story as it has already been written -- and how that helps you see what could be next in life. definitely a worthwhile perspective! hits on the importance of recognizing God's work in your life in and through pain, the importance of taking risks, and the value of sharing stories in community.
Jul 05, 2011
This is one of those "write your story" books that you find in leadership and self-improvement programs. I found the structure to be helpful though and worth the effort to dig up the past to help us understand who we are and where we should be going (who God is making us to be).
Jan 29, 2009
We each have a story in life, and we need to know it in order to move on effectively to the next chapter. Many of the themes in this book are familiar to me -- the deeper life, examining who you are. It is a good affirmation of what I have been learning in the past few years.
Apr 06, 2009
Intriguing book. I liked his focus on story and on accepting and rejoicing in the story we've been given. I'm not sure about all of it. I think I might mull over some of his concepts and eventually read it again more carefully to try some of his suggestions.
Jun 25, 2010
I read this book years ago and found it to be formative and healing. I'm reading it again for a sermon, in light of the story of Joseph. Would be awesome small group study as well as personal reflection.
Jan 09, 2012
This is a great book about getting to know your own story and seeing how God uses the events of your life to continue to mold you into the image of His Son.
Oct 19, 2011
This book offers a helpful way of looking back through painful experiences, and exploring God's hand at work.
Jul 31, 2010
A must read! One of the best books I've ever read! He expresses what I've felt but not been able to put into words.
Apr 14, 2011
I really enjoyed this book... very thought-provoking and insightful. It helped me find themes woven into my story without oversimplifying the mysteries that remain hidden.
Feb 26, 2011
We are reading this book for our Life Group bi-monthly (or so) discussions. One chapter down, which opened up the concept that we are co-authors in the ongoing story of our lives. In order to co-author our stories, however, we have to know our calling. The end of the first chapter suggests that we can know our calling by examining our histories. I am interested in reading on, and look forward to our group's discussions over these next several months.
Sep 22, 2011
While the overall concept of reading your life as a story that has characters, plot, drama etc., is intriguing and helpful, this book fell short for me. It does have several profound moments but overall I didn't appreciate Allender's writing style. The book did however work well for creating discussion--I lead a small group of friends through this book this summer and if it weren't for our lively discussions I probably would have stopped reading this.
Aug 10, 2011
Like counseling all over again, only with more inspiration to write. (My counselor tried to tell me, but Dan has a way with words).
Oct 18, 2008
Allender reminds me a lot of Eldredge. Both men are passionate about stories and people discovering and living out their own story. i would like to share more of my own life stories, as well as ask others their stories. Stories of rescue or God's provision. Stories of burning bushes or God's silence. i want to be more intentional in storytelling.
Apr 23, 2011
Very encouraging book. Asks the questions needed to help someone process and think through both what they've gone through and what God is doing. Need to read it again along with the workbook to really get the full effect. Highly recommend. Would be good to go through with another person.
Dec 31, 2007
A very unique way of looking at your past (no matter how dark it seems)and identifying the themes God has written there. You will see your past in a new light and understand both the hope and the heartache. This book enables me to see what God is doing and wants to do in my life.
Sep 29, 2007
Reading the book and knowing the author make this book extra special to me. In learning to write my life story well,I am becoming empowered to co-author my future with God, for the sake of love, beauty, healing from the past, and the Kingdom of God.
Sep 05, 2007
this is an excellent book that really opened my eyes to the deeper meaning of some of the struggle and hardship I've experienced in my life.
kind of a strange thing to say I suppose.
Allender is a very gifted man. This book is worth your time.
kind of a strange thing to say I suppose.
Allender is a very gifted man. This book is worth your time.
Jun 05, 2011
dan offers clarity in constructing setting, naming characters, and identifying themes in the over-arching plot. of life. his way of seeing the world and approaching life can be a helpful navigational system in very disorienting waters.
Jun 26, 2008
Excellent book! I was eager to read chapter after chapter. This books makes you stop and think about all the events that have taken place in your life...and think about how they have shaped you into who you are today.
Aug 30, 2008
Important book and concept. And Allender teaches this material around the country and at incredible Story Workshops at Mars Hill Grad School in Seattle.
Companion workbook is helpful, coauthored by Lisa Fann.
Companion workbook is helpful, coauthored by Lisa Fann.
Apr 11, 2011
This thought provoking book is a great one to work through with a friend or small group. Deep, challenging, and true. I like the companion workbook even better.
Jan 03, 2008
i feel that this book is very appropriate to where i am at in life now. i think i'm going to really like it.
Oct 14, 2007
i think everyone should read this book and the journal you can do along with it is worth it.
Sep 06, 2011
The first 2/3 were amazing, but I'll admit I skimmed the last 4 chapters.
