Eli: Greatness Begins

by Michael D. Goldsmith

It was a classic showdown between Minnesota and Los Angeles in the Metrodome. No one could understand why we were in game seven of the World Series and Eli McBrien had not been seen since game one, when he struck out twenty-four batters in eight innings. Todd Rucket was up to bat. Against the LA pitching staff, he had been making all the pitchers look like rank amateurs. Henderson, LA's manager, walked out to the mound. Eli had been warming up gently through the last inning. His arm seemed a bit sore. But when the game was on the line, they were going to go with their twenty-year-old sensation. Young Eli McBrien has a secret ambition. This ambition is not to be the greatest pitcher ever to step on a baseball diamond (even though he is). It's not to make millions of dollars (even though he eventually does.) His secret ambition is developed by God the Father Himself as he guides Eli through his life. Every aspect of his life is pointed toward that secret ambition. Follow along on Eli's journey in Eli: Greatness Begins to see how the Father guides Eli McBrien through trials and triumphs on and off the diamond.

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kyle Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli: Greatness Begins is a fictional account built around the subject of having faith in God, and that He will lead His children into great things if they believe in Him and obey His commands. The structure of the narrative is easy to follow and told sequentially. We follow the main character, Eli, as he grows from a lad to adult. The focus of his story is threefold: Eli's baseball career, Eli's love life, and Eli's continual learning and growing in his faith in, and relationship with, the Almighty. Eli is blessed by God with unearthly pitching skill, and the story continues from there.

As Eli's tale is told, there are small snippets of God talking to Saint Peter about The LORD's plans for Eli. These are often injected with humor, and are quite entertaining and insightful. The narrative is good example of the rewards of faith and a relationship with God.

To me the story doesn't carry as much impact as a non-fiction account or personal testimony, but it still is a good example of many fundamental concepts of the Christian faith. The message of the narrative is clear and powerful. There are also a few minor typos and what appear to be accidental changes in tense, but these are easily overlooked.

In the end, I liked and enjoyed the book, especially the dialogues between God and Saint Peter. I know Michael Goldsmith and attend the same church as he does. Michael has shared many inspiring accounts of this book changing peoples lives. God is clearly using Michael and this book to touch people and bring them closer to Him.

[Smilinhere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to my 10-yr old son by his classmate. After he read about 12 pages; he informed me that he wasn't going to read anymore ... I encouraged him to read a little more. Soon he was encouraging me to read the book as soon as he was done... so I did.a

This book was so good I had to add it onto here (goodreads.com)

It is an unique way to write a story and did take a couple chapters to get 'use to' the author's style; it is worth the read!

For a parent, this is a great life lesson on how to encourage the Christian life with my boys. For our sports-minded son, this book not only kept his interest, it also instilled further our similar values. For a daughter (we do not have one) I could see her connecting and being encouraged by the relationship between Eli & Jill.

Trying not to give the story is a challenge. I love the way the author writes about real life struggles within the characters.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book never sises to amaze me no matter how many times I read it.I love how it involves baseball
and God.

[Lute Mullenix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not horrible.

[Dave Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an awesome message, and it needs to be read by all generations.