I would like to say a lot about this book, but some of it would undoubtedly contain spoilers. I had to consider carefully before rating it, it comes very close (for me) to a 5 star rating. As has been said before, were there half stars I'd go 4.5 easily here.

First, this isn't the typical type book that I usually read or that usually appeals to me. We follow Ian through most of his life, his lack of wisdom, the decisions he makes, their consequences... I picked this book up because I saw (and liked) a made for TV movie based on it. I'd say this is one of of those rare cases where the movie is about as good as the book. There are things in the book that aren't in the movie, but there is at least one scene in the movie, that I prefer to the way it was handled in the book.

Second, don't go to this book for your theology. I could argue with a lot of what's said...but in a way that's part of the point. The thing that bothered me most was the transposition in the church Ian joins of the good works from being a result of a relation to God to some sort of "atoning sacrifice" where forgiveness seems conditional. All sins are forgiven and the changes that come are a result of the change wrought by Jesus. But, The teaching set forth in the novel isn't an unusual teaching and I'm sure some reading the book will agree with it. So, just as certain "other Christians" in the book take issues with smaller questions, some this will bother others it won't. I feel it's an extremely important question, but it didn't ruin the novel for me. So as I said...this isn't a book on theology. It's a book about people and Christians are people, they're human and as flawed as other people. Enjoy the book for what it is.

Okay, finally (I could add more, but as I said the more detailed the closer I get to a spoiler), I would describe this book with an old fashioned word that you don't hear that often any more. The book is "heartwarming". It's readable, enjoyable, memorable, and one of my favorites. I've read it a couple of times and I'd recommend it, and the movie to for that matter.

I just decided to get the "Audible edition" of this one.