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The Book of Amazing Stories: 90 Devotions on Seeing God’s Hand in Unlikely Places
You may have thought you knew the lives of famous people--such as Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Hughes, Mother Teresa, Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan, Susana Wesley, and many more. But, in The Book of Amazing Stories, you'll know so much more about Ronnie's faithful church-going single mom and William's early days as a humble shoemaker's apprentice. You'll marvel at how God used the lives of these ordinary people to change the course of human history.
Life makes the strangest sharp turns and, sometimes, U-turns. Robert Petterson--popular speaker, storyteller, and author--has been a student for his entire life of what God is teaching us through those real-life U-turns. In this book, he compiles 90 amazing stories that teach lessons you won't easily forget.
Each devotional ends with a compelling and hopeful take-away--a thought about what the story reveals about life and God.
Be amazed. Be encouraged. Learn the lessons God is teaching through people's lives.
Life makes the strangest sharp turns and, sometimes, U-turns. Robert Petterson--popular speaker, storyteller, and author--has been a student for his entire life of what God is teaching us through those real-life U-turns. In this book, he compiles 90 amazing stories that teach lessons you won't easily forget.
Each devotional ends with a compelling and hopeful take-away--a thought about what the story reveals about life and God.
Be amazed. Be encouraged. Learn the lessons God is teaching through people's lives.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2017
22 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Robert Petterson
7 books1 followerDr. Robert A. Petterson, known as “Dr. Bob,” is a master storyteller, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. With an earned doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary, he has served as a senior pastor in some of America’s leading churches, an adjunct professor at Covenant Theological Seminary, and the East Coast president of Mastermedia International, where he mentored media executives in Hollywood and New York.
Dr. Bob’s passion for uncovering hidden, life-changing stories has made him a renowned communicator, addressing audiences across America and in over 30 countries. His bestselling book, The One Year Book of Amazing Stories, was recognized by Barnes & Noble as one of their Top 10 books of 2022. He has authored eight books including Desert Crossings and Theater of Angels.
As the founder and CEO of The Legacy Imperative, Dr. Bob leads a movement dedicated to equipping grandparents and parents with tools to pass down Judeo-Christian values in today’s digital age. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and ongoing support, he empowers families to bridge generational divides and instill faith-based legacies.
Dr. Bob’s passion for uncovering hidden, life-changing stories has made him a renowned communicator, addressing audiences across America and in over 30 countries. His bestselling book, The One Year Book of Amazing Stories, was recognized by Barnes & Noble as one of their Top 10 books of 2022. He has authored eight books including Desert Crossings and Theater of Angels.
As the founder and CEO of The Legacy Imperative, Dr. Bob leads a movement dedicated to equipping grandparents and parents with tools to pass down Judeo-Christian values in today’s digital age. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and ongoing support, he empowers families to bridge generational divides and instill faith-based legacies.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 26, 2018
Robert Petterson is a masterful storyteller. So often the devotionals would keep us in the dark (much like Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story" spots) and at the same time bring me to tears. This is a wonderful tool to show us God's hand all around us and give nuggets of wisdom backed up by scripture. Makes a great gift at Christmas/New Year's. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2023
A book that truly inspires and lives up to its name. I must preface this review with two things:
1)I bought this in India and hence got the version that doesn’t have the bible quotes.
2)I think the bible quotes would have been a great addition to the book. To be honest, i felt its absence.
And so, I proceed having read the book sans bible quotes. To start with what I liked, I loved the selection! I thought that the stories couldn’t have been picked in a better way. My personal conviction is that everyone has a story. However, the author showcased a lot of people whom society admired for their effortlessness, natural talent, and work, but most people didn’t realise that they were struggling with some deep and obscure thing or the other. That was pretty special. It chose (mostly) well known people, but never failed to surprise you. They showed saints for their honest flaws, and villains for their abusive and stormy past and upbringing. That made a lot of difference and made this book one that you really learn a lot from. The shift of perspective was enlightening. I loved how they would make you guess the person, and you would finally find out at the end. That made the stories more impactful, as you read from an unbiased point of view.
Another particularly enjoyable thing about the selection of the stories, were their breadth and diversity. There were stories about everything - people of all crafts, and all struggles, i.e. abusive childhoods, fatal sickness in the family, unwanted children, extreme poverty, mental illness, deaths, etc. All while tying everything in quite an impressive way. Sometimes,there were even interlocking stories, which was cool. The one I specifically remembered was the two stories of Beethoven and his mother. In my estimation, just the fact that the author wrote about the little known parents or family of famous people was a testament to the research he did.
Another thing I liked, was the standard and short length of each story. I liked the idea of a story a day. It seemed like a novelty to me. I was about 3 pages per story, that made it really bite size and compact. The style of his writing is also so comfortable - not verbose, to the point that you wouldn’t want to read, and not informal, to the point that you doubt his credibility. It had a good flow, and was easy to understand. All the information provided were relevant and put in a way that was very clear in its meaning and quite meaningful in its moral. I was amazed that the author could find so much information that all added to his premise and aren’t well known facts. To make this even more amazing, he put pages and pages of citations. I think that’s an author who is accountable.
Among the things that I would have changed or tweaked, I didn’t know that the book was a christian book, which I didn’t mind at all…. until I read the sometimes, quite brutal judgement issued by the author, especially, from my observation to non christians or people who did not eventually become religious christians. As such, I might have either a)marketed it as more of a christian book or b)Removed some of the constant reference to christianity. I personally didn’t mind it, but I know a lot of either a)Atheists or b)Other religious groups of people that wouldn’t have appreciated the bombarding of christian ideology. By extreme christian ideology, I am not referring to the Bible quotes, which I would have liked. Though the author does explicitly express a lot of disapproval to people of other religions, some who didn’t do anything that terrible. It reminds me of religious parents who tell their children that people of other religions are bad. I felt the book would have been more affective is he just laid the facts and stopped there. There wasn’t a need to further downplay people’s achievements or feel condescend for one lesson that can be learnt in their life.
All in all, it was extremely inspiring and thought provoking. It sew some seeds of my trust in destiny, opportunities, god’s plan and humanity. I realised that it does indeed seem like god has his plan for some people - even ones who started from small beginnings or didn’t show much promise initially.
The stories that I really loved were:
1.The man of a million lies - Marco Polo
2.Old Woom’s Winnie - Winston Churchill
3.The Miracle on Flight 255 - Cecilia Cichan
4.Letters from Lizzie - Elizabeth Barrett
5.Two minutes that changed history - Abraham Lincoln
6.The price we pay for love - C.S. Lewis
7.Paco’s papa - Ernest Hemingway
8.The hand that rocks the cradle - Susanna Wesley
9.The dangling telephone - Marilyn Monroe
10.A tale of Two families - Jukes and Edwards
11.Falling forward - Harland Sanders (Colonel Sanders)
12.Only the Lonely (Pyotr Ilyich)
13.Unbroken by failure (Abraham Lincoln)
14.Theo’s big brother (Vincent Van Gough)
15.Decision at twenty nine thousand feet (Mazur)
Some quotes by the author or by others (highlighted by the author)
1.Ain’t too much sadder than the tears of a clown when there’s no one around… I’m hurt and I want you to know, but for others I put on a show - in man of a thousand faces (Peter Sellers)
2.There are two ways to be fooled: one is to believe what isn’t so; the other is to refuse o believe what is so - The fifteen minute superstar (Superstar USA)
3.Success is the ability to go from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm - Old Woom’s Winnie (Winston Churchill)
4.These words run like a thread of hope through so many stories: a rabbi running for his life; an inmate fighting to keep his sanity; an an evangelist trying to find hope; and countless millions who have been inspired by a hymn. Isn’t the sustaining power of a story amazing? - A lifeline from the asylum (The love of god Hymn)
5.You will make thousands of choices today. A few may be carefully weighed, but most will be impulsive or unconscious. The vast majority probably won’t warrant a second thought. But none will be unimportant. So do yourself a favour. Reflect long and hard on the story of the little boy who stole a quarter. Your decisions today may not lead to such high drama, but this much is true for each of us: Monumental consequences are shaped by momentary decisions. - Little Herbie steals a quarter (Herbet Dillinger)
6.Giving your heart away is risky. Too many folks try to protect their heart from hurt. - Strong heart (Saint valentine)
7.Do you see your story in Sukey’s disappointments? Have your dreams been dashed and your hopes been postponed? Maybe life has deposited you at a wide spot on the road to nowhere. Is it possible that God has placed you here for bigger purposes than you can dare imagine? -The hand that rocks the cradle (Susanna Wesley)
8.Maybe you are facing overwhelming odds. Perhaps you have suffered a crushing defeat. Take heart from the story of the three hundred spartans - A victory in defeat (Xerxes)
9.Theodore never recovered from the trauma of that move or the fact that his mother was incapable of showing affection. To make matters worse, she married an abusive alcoholic. The boy drew into a shell of bitter loneliness. Though he grew up to be quite handsome, Theodore had few friends or dates. He could never shake his paranoid fear of intimacy - Be careful little eyes what you see (Ted Bundy)
10.He waddled to the podium and stuttered, “C-c-c-comrade, I w-w-w-want you to t-t-turn me into a l-l-leader of m-m-men.”
Hyde later wrote in his book, Dedication and Leadership, that he groaned within. He had never seen sorrier human material. But he had made a promise. So he gulped and welcomed Jimmy into the brotherhood. The new convert was sent out to the mean streets of London to hand out the Daily Worker. He was ridiculed, spit upon, and assaulted. When he returned with his soul battered and bruised, he whimpered, “I c-c-can’t d-d-do it!” But his comrades wouldn’t let him give up. Slowly but inexorably, Jimmy was transformed from a loser into a leader. - The Unlikely Leader (Jimmy Reid)
11.It matters little where any of us are buried. It does matter what we compose while still alive on this earth. Every time we love, touch, rescue, or encourage others, they become the living notes of a beautiful symphony that we are composing for the ages. It may not have the perfection of Mozart’s musical genius, but our life symphonies will bring joy and beauty long after we are gone. So live today with this in mind:Everything will perish, and this world will pass, but the symphony you compose will last forever. - Symphonies and Pyramids (Mozart)
12.Sam Peckinpah posed hard questions to an America wrestling with Vietnam. Can pacifism stand in the face of evil? Will wickedness go away if ignored? If war isn’t waged against evil when it is small, will we face an inescapable fight to the death when it grows into a monster? Straw Dogs is an allegory of spiritual warfare. We flirt with evil, thinking that we can charm the snake. Like Amy, we are caught by surprise when our pet becomes a predator. Or, like the professor, we passively sit by and allow evil to worm its way into our homes and seduce our loved ones. We shouldn’t forget the story of a professor and his wife. They would probably agree with this truth: The only way for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” - Strawdogs
13. By now you are thinking that this is no fairy tale but a story from Sunday school. It appears in the Jewish Torah and the pages of the Christian Old Testament. It is the true story of Moses, whose name literally means “delivered from water.” The delivered one went on to deliver God’s people. All fairy tales—and every other story, including yours—are really reflections of a redemptive narrative that makes up the greatest story ever told. God has written your story too. Your personal history is really his story. Yours is very special and indispensable to his bigger story because he took the time to write it just for you. - The power of story (Moses)
14.Her closest friend, Sister Nirmala, told CNN, “Mother Teresa often felt abandoned by God. But then, Jesus also felt abandoned on the cross.”
Most of us have never come remotely close to exhausting ourselves in works of mercy the way Mother Teresa did for more than sixty years. - The exorcism of a Saint (Mother Teresa)
15.Careers pale in significance to the care we give loved ones. If you put your life on hold to do what Mort did for Milly, let this encourage you during those often exasperating and thankless hours: Careers will fade in importance and soon be forgotten, but heaven’s applause for caregivers will last forever. - Saving Milly (Morton Kondracke)
16.It was dedicated with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for allowing the greatest crisis in their history. Sometimes things have to fall apart before they can fall together. - Let’s hear it for the boll Weevil
17.Though he has been called prince of preachers and countless millions have been transformed by his ministry, Spurgeon suffered severe depression for the rest of his life. Though his sermons were full of humour, he wrote, “Melancholy is my closet neighbour.” There were times when flashbacks of hat night in the Surrey Music Hall would come in the middle of a sermon and he would have to be carried home in a stupor. He would experience seasons of enthusiasm, only to spend other months in bed.
1)I bought this in India and hence got the version that doesn’t have the bible quotes.
2)I think the bible quotes would have been a great addition to the book. To be honest, i felt its absence.
And so, I proceed having read the book sans bible quotes. To start with what I liked, I loved the selection! I thought that the stories couldn’t have been picked in a better way. My personal conviction is that everyone has a story. However, the author showcased a lot of people whom society admired for their effortlessness, natural talent, and work, but most people didn’t realise that they were struggling with some deep and obscure thing or the other. That was pretty special. It chose (mostly) well known people, but never failed to surprise you. They showed saints for their honest flaws, and villains for their abusive and stormy past and upbringing. That made a lot of difference and made this book one that you really learn a lot from. The shift of perspective was enlightening. I loved how they would make you guess the person, and you would finally find out at the end. That made the stories more impactful, as you read from an unbiased point of view.
Another particularly enjoyable thing about the selection of the stories, were their breadth and diversity. There were stories about everything - people of all crafts, and all struggles, i.e. abusive childhoods, fatal sickness in the family, unwanted children, extreme poverty, mental illness, deaths, etc. All while tying everything in quite an impressive way. Sometimes,there were even interlocking stories, which was cool. The one I specifically remembered was the two stories of Beethoven and his mother. In my estimation, just the fact that the author wrote about the little known parents or family of famous people was a testament to the research he did.
Another thing I liked, was the standard and short length of each story. I liked the idea of a story a day. It seemed like a novelty to me. I was about 3 pages per story, that made it really bite size and compact. The style of his writing is also so comfortable - not verbose, to the point that you wouldn’t want to read, and not informal, to the point that you doubt his credibility. It had a good flow, and was easy to understand. All the information provided were relevant and put in a way that was very clear in its meaning and quite meaningful in its moral. I was amazed that the author could find so much information that all added to his premise and aren’t well known facts. To make this even more amazing, he put pages and pages of citations. I think that’s an author who is accountable.
Among the things that I would have changed or tweaked, I didn’t know that the book was a christian book, which I didn’t mind at all…. until I read the sometimes, quite brutal judgement issued by the author, especially, from my observation to non christians or people who did not eventually become religious christians. As such, I might have either a)marketed it as more of a christian book or b)Removed some of the constant reference to christianity. I personally didn’t mind it, but I know a lot of either a)Atheists or b)Other religious groups of people that wouldn’t have appreciated the bombarding of christian ideology. By extreme christian ideology, I am not referring to the Bible quotes, which I would have liked. Though the author does explicitly express a lot of disapproval to people of other religions, some who didn’t do anything that terrible. It reminds me of religious parents who tell their children that people of other religions are bad. I felt the book would have been more affective is he just laid the facts and stopped there. There wasn’t a need to further downplay people’s achievements or feel condescend for one lesson that can be learnt in their life.
All in all, it was extremely inspiring and thought provoking. It sew some seeds of my trust in destiny, opportunities, god’s plan and humanity. I realised that it does indeed seem like god has his plan for some people - even ones who started from small beginnings or didn’t show much promise initially.
The stories that I really loved were:
1.The man of a million lies - Marco Polo
2.Old Woom’s Winnie - Winston Churchill
3.The Miracle on Flight 255 - Cecilia Cichan
4.Letters from Lizzie - Elizabeth Barrett
5.Two minutes that changed history - Abraham Lincoln
6.The price we pay for love - C.S. Lewis
7.Paco’s papa - Ernest Hemingway
8.The hand that rocks the cradle - Susanna Wesley
9.The dangling telephone - Marilyn Monroe
10.A tale of Two families - Jukes and Edwards
11.Falling forward - Harland Sanders (Colonel Sanders)
12.Only the Lonely (Pyotr Ilyich)
13.Unbroken by failure (Abraham Lincoln)
14.Theo’s big brother (Vincent Van Gough)
15.Decision at twenty nine thousand feet (Mazur)
Some quotes by the author or by others (highlighted by the author)
1.Ain’t too much sadder than the tears of a clown when there’s no one around… I’m hurt and I want you to know, but for others I put on a show - in man of a thousand faces (Peter Sellers)
2.There are two ways to be fooled: one is to believe what isn’t so; the other is to refuse o believe what is so - The fifteen minute superstar (Superstar USA)
3.Success is the ability to go from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm - Old Woom’s Winnie (Winston Churchill)
4.These words run like a thread of hope through so many stories: a rabbi running for his life; an inmate fighting to keep his sanity; an an evangelist trying to find hope; and countless millions who have been inspired by a hymn. Isn’t the sustaining power of a story amazing? - A lifeline from the asylum (The love of god Hymn)
5.You will make thousands of choices today. A few may be carefully weighed, but most will be impulsive or unconscious. The vast majority probably won’t warrant a second thought. But none will be unimportant. So do yourself a favour. Reflect long and hard on the story of the little boy who stole a quarter. Your decisions today may not lead to such high drama, but this much is true for each of us: Monumental consequences are shaped by momentary decisions. - Little Herbie steals a quarter (Herbet Dillinger)
6.Giving your heart away is risky. Too many folks try to protect their heart from hurt. - Strong heart (Saint valentine)
7.Do you see your story in Sukey’s disappointments? Have your dreams been dashed and your hopes been postponed? Maybe life has deposited you at a wide spot on the road to nowhere. Is it possible that God has placed you here for bigger purposes than you can dare imagine? -The hand that rocks the cradle (Susanna Wesley)
8.Maybe you are facing overwhelming odds. Perhaps you have suffered a crushing defeat. Take heart from the story of the three hundred spartans - A victory in defeat (Xerxes)
9.Theodore never recovered from the trauma of that move or the fact that his mother was incapable of showing affection. To make matters worse, she married an abusive alcoholic. The boy drew into a shell of bitter loneliness. Though he grew up to be quite handsome, Theodore had few friends or dates. He could never shake his paranoid fear of intimacy - Be careful little eyes what you see (Ted Bundy)
10.He waddled to the podium and stuttered, “C-c-c-comrade, I w-w-w-want you to t-t-turn me into a l-l-leader of m-m-men.”
Hyde later wrote in his book, Dedication and Leadership, that he groaned within. He had never seen sorrier human material. But he had made a promise. So he gulped and welcomed Jimmy into the brotherhood. The new convert was sent out to the mean streets of London to hand out the Daily Worker. He was ridiculed, spit upon, and assaulted. When he returned with his soul battered and bruised, he whimpered, “I c-c-can’t d-d-do it!” But his comrades wouldn’t let him give up. Slowly but inexorably, Jimmy was transformed from a loser into a leader. - The Unlikely Leader (Jimmy Reid)
11.It matters little where any of us are buried. It does matter what we compose while still alive on this earth. Every time we love, touch, rescue, or encourage others, they become the living notes of a beautiful symphony that we are composing for the ages. It may not have the perfection of Mozart’s musical genius, but our life symphonies will bring joy and beauty long after we are gone. So live today with this in mind:Everything will perish, and this world will pass, but the symphony you compose will last forever. - Symphonies and Pyramids (Mozart)
12.Sam Peckinpah posed hard questions to an America wrestling with Vietnam. Can pacifism stand in the face of evil? Will wickedness go away if ignored? If war isn’t waged against evil when it is small, will we face an inescapable fight to the death when it grows into a monster? Straw Dogs is an allegory of spiritual warfare. We flirt with evil, thinking that we can charm the snake. Like Amy, we are caught by surprise when our pet becomes a predator. Or, like the professor, we passively sit by and allow evil to worm its way into our homes and seduce our loved ones. We shouldn’t forget the story of a professor and his wife. They would probably agree with this truth: The only way for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” - Strawdogs
13. By now you are thinking that this is no fairy tale but a story from Sunday school. It appears in the Jewish Torah and the pages of the Christian Old Testament. It is the true story of Moses, whose name literally means “delivered from water.” The delivered one went on to deliver God’s people. All fairy tales—and every other story, including yours—are really reflections of a redemptive narrative that makes up the greatest story ever told. God has written your story too. Your personal history is really his story. Yours is very special and indispensable to his bigger story because he took the time to write it just for you. - The power of story (Moses)
14.Her closest friend, Sister Nirmala, told CNN, “Mother Teresa often felt abandoned by God. But then, Jesus also felt abandoned on the cross.”
Most of us have never come remotely close to exhausting ourselves in works of mercy the way Mother Teresa did for more than sixty years. - The exorcism of a Saint (Mother Teresa)
15.Careers pale in significance to the care we give loved ones. If you put your life on hold to do what Mort did for Milly, let this encourage you during those often exasperating and thankless hours: Careers will fade in importance and soon be forgotten, but heaven’s applause for caregivers will last forever. - Saving Milly (Morton Kondracke)
16.It was dedicated with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for allowing the greatest crisis in their history. Sometimes things have to fall apart before they can fall together. - Let’s hear it for the boll Weevil
17.Though he has been called prince of preachers and countless millions have been transformed by his ministry, Spurgeon suffered severe depression for the rest of his life. Though his sermons were full of humour, he wrote, “Melancholy is my closet neighbour.” There were times when flashbacks of hat night in the Surrey Music Hall would come in the middle of a sermon and he would have to be carried home in a stupor. He would experience seasons of enthusiasm, only to spend other months in bed.
October 20, 2017
I was imagining a "Chicken Soup for the Soul" style devotional book and that isn't want I received. Once I moved past my preconceived notions about what to expect, I found myself delighted and read quickly through the entire book in a short time.
Robert Petterson's book is described as "90 Devotions on Seeing God's Hand in Unlikely Places" and that is a very accurate depiction. Ancient and modern stories, set all around the world are told taking up an average of 2 1/2 pages each. Since the pages are just shy of 5x7", it takes only a few minutes to reach each devotion. I, however, found them fascinating enough that I had a hard time putting the book down.
While at first I felt a bit put off by it, I truly appreciated Petterson's selection of stories to include. Many of the stories would not at first glance seem to have anything to do with faith, religion, or spirituality. This is just the point, I believe. If we are paying attention, God is everywhere. There are no events in history He didn't attend!
Each devotion is set up simply, with "Day 1," "Day 2," ... as the headings, followed by catchy titles such as "Straw Dogs," "The Asterisk in an Obituary," "The Triumph of Bubbles," and "The Sweet Potato that Destroyed China." Now, if those didn't pique your curiosity, I don't know what will. If you're concerned this book is too lighthearted, rest at ease. There are also titles such as "The Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness" and "The Compassionate Puritan" among others. I found there to be a solid mix of intrigue, contemplation and rejoicing amid the pages in this petite book. The brief stories are well-written to drag you in with personal details about the historical figures and events mentioned and each ends with a statement to ponder and a Scripture verse related to the theme of the story. While I did not necessarily agree 100% with some of the conclusions the author drew, I did not find them to be heretical, merely a different opinion. Translations used for the verses include NLT, NIV, NKJV, ESV, WEB, and NASB.
Some of the content of this book, while historical, may be a bit intense for a young reader, so I would suggest adults read this themselves before allowing youth to browse the book. Many of the stories I'd enjoy sharing with my young boys, but some I don't feel are appropriate for them as of yet. For example, one story tells of a man who, at birth, was set in a kitchen sink (declared unwanted, claimed "left to die") while his mother was tended to following his birth. He was discovered to still be alive and grew up bearing the burden of feeling unloved and rejected. Some of the descriptions may bother sensitive individuals, so exercise some caution there especially if considering this gift for someone who may have triggers for PTSD. While I understand this caution may seem like an overraction to some, I would challenge you to research how many women have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility. Hearing of a situation such as this could set off a cascade of emotions for such women.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it. It's a wonderful change of pace, and I believe the author accomplished a worthy goal- helping us to remember the world is not divided into secular and spiritual. There are not situations where God was "at work" and perhaps where He "was absent." He's everywhere. I felt convicted that perhaps my view of God has been too confined and I've allowed religion (aka "church culture") to negatively impact my discernment as at first I was quite tempted (I admit) to judge this book as not being centered enough on God. The entire exercise was for me to realize I do not need to keep God in a spiritual-appearing-religious-sized box. The Bible itself tells of historical events and how God's provision, wisdom, mercy and justice can be seen in and through them. It's a blessing to see the Lord at work where others may only see earthly events.
**In the spirit of full-disclosure, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to give a positive review, my opinions are genuine.
Robert Petterson's book is described as "90 Devotions on Seeing God's Hand in Unlikely Places" and that is a very accurate depiction. Ancient and modern stories, set all around the world are told taking up an average of 2 1/2 pages each. Since the pages are just shy of 5x7", it takes only a few minutes to reach each devotion. I, however, found them fascinating enough that I had a hard time putting the book down.
While at first I felt a bit put off by it, I truly appreciated Petterson's selection of stories to include. Many of the stories would not at first glance seem to have anything to do with faith, religion, or spirituality. This is just the point, I believe. If we are paying attention, God is everywhere. There are no events in history He didn't attend!
Each devotion is set up simply, with "Day 1," "Day 2," ... as the headings, followed by catchy titles such as "Straw Dogs," "The Asterisk in an Obituary," "The Triumph of Bubbles," and "The Sweet Potato that Destroyed China." Now, if those didn't pique your curiosity, I don't know what will. If you're concerned this book is too lighthearted, rest at ease. There are also titles such as "The Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness" and "The Compassionate Puritan" among others. I found there to be a solid mix of intrigue, contemplation and rejoicing amid the pages in this petite book. The brief stories are well-written to drag you in with personal details about the historical figures and events mentioned and each ends with a statement to ponder and a Scripture verse related to the theme of the story. While I did not necessarily agree 100% with some of the conclusions the author drew, I did not find them to be heretical, merely a different opinion. Translations used for the verses include NLT, NIV, NKJV, ESV, WEB, and NASB.
Some of the content of this book, while historical, may be a bit intense for a young reader, so I would suggest adults read this themselves before allowing youth to browse the book. Many of the stories I'd enjoy sharing with my young boys, but some I don't feel are appropriate for them as of yet. For example, one story tells of a man who, at birth, was set in a kitchen sink (declared unwanted, claimed "left to die") while his mother was tended to following his birth. He was discovered to still be alive and grew up bearing the burden of feeling unloved and rejected. Some of the descriptions may bother sensitive individuals, so exercise some caution there especially if considering this gift for someone who may have triggers for PTSD. While I understand this caution may seem like an overraction to some, I would challenge you to research how many women have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility. Hearing of a situation such as this could set off a cascade of emotions for such women.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it. It's a wonderful change of pace, and I believe the author accomplished a worthy goal- helping us to remember the world is not divided into secular and spiritual. There are not situations where God was "at work" and perhaps where He "was absent." He's everywhere. I felt convicted that perhaps my view of God has been too confined and I've allowed religion (aka "church culture") to negatively impact my discernment as at first I was quite tempted (I admit) to judge this book as not being centered enough on God. The entire exercise was for me to realize I do not need to keep God in a spiritual-appearing-religious-sized box. The Bible itself tells of historical events and how God's provision, wisdom, mercy and justice can be seen in and through them. It's a blessing to see the Lord at work where others may only see earthly events.
**In the spirit of full-disclosure, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to give a positive review, my opinions are genuine.
October 9, 2017
Robert Petterson’s new work, The Book of Amazing Stories, is a great read. The author has distilled ninety events from the lives of historical characters into two to three page stories that keep the reader guessing until the final paragraphs. Who is the author describing? As the clues unfold the reader races to discover the identity of the subject under study. I choose the word amazing to capture my state of mind as I worked my way through these tales.
Petterson is a master storyteller and while some of the data presented may be more legend than fact the reader will pause often to remark, “I never knew that.” The author offers a comprehensive list of sources to enable deeper investigations by driven readers.
Each story ends with a quote from the character or a summary statement of a truth being illustrated accompanied by a verse of Scripture. Note the spiritual insight presented in this volume is not deep, and I struggled in some cases to connect the verse back to the story. Nevertheless I marveled at the perseverance exhibited by so many in the face of obstacles and found encouragement as I considered these heroes were human just like me. I especially loved the stories written about characters from the Bible.
The Book of Amazing Stories will prove useful to those engaged in teaching and preaching who understand the value of an apt illustration. Petterson has done the heavy lifting to gather ninety such illustrations in one handy book. Grab a copy. Add notes and a suitable index to enable finding that particular story when you most need it. Take advantage of the research already done by this talented writer.
Parents will find The Book of Amazing Stories to be a great read aloud book for older elementary children at bedtime or family devotions. The text lends itself to deeper discussions on the challenges the characters faced and the choices they made. The author has given ninety great starting points for teaching the next generation that character matters.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Book of Amazing Stories. This book is a keeper.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of The Book of Amazing Stories to facilitate my review.
Petterson is a master storyteller and while some of the data presented may be more legend than fact the reader will pause often to remark, “I never knew that.” The author offers a comprehensive list of sources to enable deeper investigations by driven readers.
Each story ends with a quote from the character or a summary statement of a truth being illustrated accompanied by a verse of Scripture. Note the spiritual insight presented in this volume is not deep, and I struggled in some cases to connect the verse back to the story. Nevertheless I marveled at the perseverance exhibited by so many in the face of obstacles and found encouragement as I considered these heroes were human just like me. I especially loved the stories written about characters from the Bible.
The Book of Amazing Stories will prove useful to those engaged in teaching and preaching who understand the value of an apt illustration. Petterson has done the heavy lifting to gather ninety such illustrations in one handy book. Grab a copy. Add notes and a suitable index to enable finding that particular story when you most need it. Take advantage of the research already done by this talented writer.
Parents will find The Book of Amazing Stories to be a great read aloud book for older elementary children at bedtime or family devotions. The text lends itself to deeper discussions on the challenges the characters faced and the choices they made. The author has given ninety great starting points for teaching the next generation that character matters.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Book of Amazing Stories. This book is a keeper.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of The Book of Amazing Stories to facilitate my review.
January 6, 2021
To start off, I really loved the idea of 3 page mini history stories that were able to keep my attention. Some of the people in the book I had never heard of so it encouraged me to look them up myself to learn more, especially since history is one of my favorite subjects. Petterson has a wide range of stories to read through and he includes a verse and small takeaway at the end of each story to take into your day with.
With all that said, I did have a few problems with the book. It is hard to call this book a devotional. Although the history stories are very interesting, they sometimes were a big stretch to the point he was trying to make, in some cases really pulling out of left field to find a moral. With 90 stories in the book, you can definitely tell on a few of them that he was running out of ideas, as he lumps a couple characters into one generalized point instead of writing a story, or taking a story from the bible and turning it into a fantasy novel and thinking the reader will be surprised when they get to the last page and find out what he's talking about (spoiler, I wasn't). I think the last thing that made me somewhat skeptical of this book was some of the historical facts he had included. I already had a knowledge of music history before reading this book (a topic he writes about a number of times) and most of the time when I was reading these subjects in the book, what he presented as fact was often not entirely true, or a theory so small, it actually took me a while to Google and find a singular article that mentions the theory that he passes off as fact, many times to better be able to make his point. Given no story seems to have more than 3 articles cited (not all of them historical references) it does caution me that if I was able to catch those not so accurate ideas in the music history subjects, what else may not be entirely true in the subjects I was not as well versed in.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. The short little history stories are enough to keep interested while leaving enough to want to learn more, but I would not recommend as a devotional and would encourage all who read to not necessarily take each story as absolute fact, and learn more about the subjects on your own.
With all that said, I did have a few problems with the book. It is hard to call this book a devotional. Although the history stories are very interesting, they sometimes were a big stretch to the point he was trying to make, in some cases really pulling out of left field to find a moral. With 90 stories in the book, you can definitely tell on a few of them that he was running out of ideas, as he lumps a couple characters into one generalized point instead of writing a story, or taking a story from the bible and turning it into a fantasy novel and thinking the reader will be surprised when they get to the last page and find out what he's talking about (spoiler, I wasn't). I think the last thing that made me somewhat skeptical of this book was some of the historical facts he had included. I already had a knowledge of music history before reading this book (a topic he writes about a number of times) and most of the time when I was reading these subjects in the book, what he presented as fact was often not entirely true, or a theory so small, it actually took me a while to Google and find a singular article that mentions the theory that he passes off as fact, many times to better be able to make his point. Given no story seems to have more than 3 articles cited (not all of them historical references) it does caution me that if I was able to catch those not so accurate ideas in the music history subjects, what else may not be entirely true in the subjects I was not as well versed in.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. The short little history stories are enough to keep interested while leaving enough to want to learn more, but I would not recommend as a devotional and would encourage all who read to not necessarily take each story as absolute fact, and learn more about the subjects on your own.
July 7, 2019
Who doesn't love a good story? One of adventure, intrigue, and world change? There is something about learning the behind the scenes details of what made up the lives of the greatest world changers that really excites us.
The Book of Amazing Stories is a gem. It is full of detail yet concise and to the point, easy enough for an adventurer who can't stay still or the avid reader who finds adventure within the pages to both enjoy. It is so beautifully written that you will want to keep flipping the pages day after day and learning the stories of our most beloved heroes. You will be so eager to get to the next day and read the next story! This book does not discriminate. It tells the stories of both the sinners and the saints and finds the golden nuggets of truth and wonderful lessons to be learned in all of them. The end of each day comes with an applicable verse that has quickly become my "life verse" for the day I'm in. Dr. Robert is a mastermind at plucking out the best life lesson and summarizing what can be absorbed, giving us a quote to live our lives by. You will quickly see how this book can be read as a devotional, giving you so much to reflect upon throughout the day and live by as you go through your routine. You will take comfort in seeing how these world changers went through many of the same things as us.
The Book Of Amazing Stories will no doubt inspire, captivate, and strikes a chord with something deep inside our human hearts: passion, to make a difference. No matter what age race, or gender, this beloved book will create a flame in you to change the world too.
The Book of Amazing Stories is a gem. It is full of detail yet concise and to the point, easy enough for an adventurer who can't stay still or the avid reader who finds adventure within the pages to both enjoy. It is so beautifully written that you will want to keep flipping the pages day after day and learning the stories of our most beloved heroes. You will be so eager to get to the next day and read the next story! This book does not discriminate. It tells the stories of both the sinners and the saints and finds the golden nuggets of truth and wonderful lessons to be learned in all of them. The end of each day comes with an applicable verse that has quickly become my "life verse" for the day I'm in. Dr. Robert is a mastermind at plucking out the best life lesson and summarizing what can be absorbed, giving us a quote to live our lives by. You will quickly see how this book can be read as a devotional, giving you so much to reflect upon throughout the day and live by as you go through your routine. You will take comfort in seeing how these world changers went through many of the same things as us.
The Book Of Amazing Stories will no doubt inspire, captivate, and strikes a chord with something deep inside our human hearts: passion, to make a difference. No matter what age race, or gender, this beloved book will create a flame in you to change the world too.
October 3, 2017
A well-known storyteller, Robert Petterson has crafted short story-based devotions in The Book of Amazing Stories. As you might guess by the number of times “story” was used in the last sentence, this is a book of stories.
It’s that plain and simple.
Each devotion is 2-3 pages long. In every one, Petterson shares a story about a figure or event. Many are familiar- like Ronald Reagan or the Battle of Gettysburg. But Petterson approaches them from a unique angle, illustrating a basic principle about life, faith, or God with an element of surprise.
The devotions are wrapped up with a memorable statement like “monumental consequences are shaped by momentary choices.” A Bible verse is also shared.
There’s a lot to love:
• The devotions are concise and memorable
• The principles are faith-based
• The stories are surprising and impactful
• There is a lot of variety in the types of stories shared
Some elements may not find favor with you though:
• The facts behind some of the stories are murky
• The spiritual insight isn’t very deep
• Scripture isn’t directly applied
• If you can’t stand Reader’s Digest, this probably isn’t your style
If you enjoy a good story and are willing to take some “facts” with a grain of salt, I’d recommend The Book of Amazing Stories as a light-hearted read.
It’s that plain and simple.
Each devotion is 2-3 pages long. In every one, Petterson shares a story about a figure or event. Many are familiar- like Ronald Reagan or the Battle of Gettysburg. But Petterson approaches them from a unique angle, illustrating a basic principle about life, faith, or God with an element of surprise.
The devotions are wrapped up with a memorable statement like “monumental consequences are shaped by momentary choices.” A Bible verse is also shared.
There’s a lot to love:
• The devotions are concise and memorable
• The principles are faith-based
• The stories are surprising and impactful
• There is a lot of variety in the types of stories shared
Some elements may not find favor with you though:
• The facts behind some of the stories are murky
• The spiritual insight isn’t very deep
• Scripture isn’t directly applied
• If you can’t stand Reader’s Digest, this probably isn’t your style
If you enjoy a good story and are willing to take some “facts” with a grain of salt, I’d recommend The Book of Amazing Stories as a light-hearted read.
December 11, 2017
Many years ago there was a public speaker, who became known for his story behind the story radio spots. I think he also wrote books. And now you know the rest of the story... I think maybe you might know who I'm speaking of. Paul Harvey.
Anyway, THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES reminds me of that old radio show. It takes well-known people, such as Mother Teresa, Ronald Reagan and others to show you how they got to that spot, provides an application that you can apply to your own life, and gives a Bible verse that kind of relates to the story.
This is not a devotional per say as I didn't walk away having grown in my faith, or my belief. It is just what the title says ... THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES. And they are amazing, feel-good stories that anyone can enjoy and since there is nothing religious about most of them (except for the verse at the end) you could gift it to anyone, even those who are part of the household of faith. It represents people from all walks of life, including a heroine addict, a Catholic nun, Protestants, missionaries, movie stars, opera singers, and so many more. And again, these are not religious stories. The Bible verse could've been left out and nothing would've been lost from the stories. (However, the verses add a nice touch and I'm glad they are there.)
If you know someone who likes amazing stories, then THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES would be an excellent gift this season -- or any time.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Anyway, THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES reminds me of that old radio show. It takes well-known people, such as Mother Teresa, Ronald Reagan and others to show you how they got to that spot, provides an application that you can apply to your own life, and gives a Bible verse that kind of relates to the story.
This is not a devotional per say as I didn't walk away having grown in my faith, or my belief. It is just what the title says ... THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES. And they are amazing, feel-good stories that anyone can enjoy and since there is nothing religious about most of them (except for the verse at the end) you could gift it to anyone, even those who are part of the household of faith. It represents people from all walks of life, including a heroine addict, a Catholic nun, Protestants, missionaries, movie stars, opera singers, and so many more. And again, these are not religious stories. The Bible verse could've been left out and nothing would've been lost from the stories. (However, the verses add a nice touch and I'm glad they are there.)
If you know someone who likes amazing stories, then THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES would be an excellent gift this season -- or any time.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2017
I love a good story. The right true story will sometimes make me cry, give me chills, or leave me in awe. When a person overcomes an obstacle and achieves success—big or small—I can’t help but be moved.
As I was by several of the entries in Robert Petterson’s collection titled The Book of Amazing Stories. From well-known historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Mother Theresa, and Martin Luther King, Jr, to lesser-knowns, these bite-sized stories were often motivating.
More interesting is that Petterson also included some people who did not have happy endings, people who achieved notoriety due to their poor choices or their tragic lives. Kurt Cobain and J. H. Zorthian are only a couple names on that list.
Ninety stories fill this book—each about two and a half pages in length and ending with a quote and a scripture for reflection. These easy to read chapters make a great addition to your daily quiet time or can be used as conversation starters or ice breakers.
If you’re needing inspiration, if life is holding you down, if you’re asking Why, God?, perhaps one or more of the people in this will speak to your heart and offer the encouragement you need. Because, after all, God is the author of the best stories ever.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
As I was by several of the entries in Robert Petterson’s collection titled The Book of Amazing Stories. From well-known historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Mother Theresa, and Martin Luther King, Jr, to lesser-knowns, these bite-sized stories were often motivating.
More interesting is that Petterson also included some people who did not have happy endings, people who achieved notoriety due to their poor choices or their tragic lives. Kurt Cobain and J. H. Zorthian are only a couple names on that list.
Ninety stories fill this book—each about two and a half pages in length and ending with a quote and a scripture for reflection. These easy to read chapters make a great addition to your daily quiet time or can be used as conversation starters or ice breakers.
If you’re needing inspiration, if life is holding you down, if you’re asking Why, God?, perhaps one or more of the people in this will speak to your heart and offer the encouragement you need. Because, after all, God is the author of the best stories ever.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 10, 2017
The Book of Amazing Stories is a 90 day devotion book filled with stories about people who have had an impact on the world. I have read all of the devotions in the book, because I am a sucker for a good story…and there are many to be found in The Book of Amazing Stories by Robert Petterson.
Each day, Petterson tells the story of a memorable person from past. In each person’s story, there is a surprising turn or unexpected twist. I enjoyed the unknown stories of some people I knew and others I wasn’t familiar with at all. The days are numbered, but not dedicated to specific days. At just a few pages in length, the daily devotion can be read in just a few minutes.
My favorite story Petterson tells is that of Nellie Clyde Wilson. It is actually the first daily reading in the book! In fact, the first story is what made me interested in reading the book. Not every story is as riveting as the first, but I was I found each of the 90 interesting and inspiring.
This book would make an excellent graduation gift, stocking stuffer, or a gift for an employee. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher. I was not required to give an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.
Each day, Petterson tells the story of a memorable person from past. In each person’s story, there is a surprising turn or unexpected twist. I enjoyed the unknown stories of some people I knew and others I wasn’t familiar with at all. The days are numbered, but not dedicated to specific days. At just a few pages in length, the daily devotion can be read in just a few minutes.
My favorite story Petterson tells is that of Nellie Clyde Wilson. It is actually the first daily reading in the book! In fact, the first story is what made me interested in reading the book. Not every story is as riveting as the first, but I was I found each of the 90 interesting and inspiring.
This book would make an excellent graduation gift, stocking stuffer, or a gift for an employee. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher. I was not required to give an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.
May 30, 2020
This book taught me so much and brought a new insight onto lives that I never thought of before. I will admit that half the stories were pretty boring, but then the other half blow your mind. My favorite was about the woman that tried to abort her baby, but the elixir dropped and spilled. Later, that baby grew up to become Beethoven. Or the one about the song writer that wrote Amazing Grace and how he started out as a not so nice gentleman but later found God and wrote one of our greatest hymns ever. It's amazing to think that a greater power is guiding us along.
November 2, 2019
Great devotional book about amazing people from all different generations.
February 4, 2020
This really is an amazing book with amazing stories. It's so full of facts, stories, and wisdom. I highly recommend!! You won't be disappointed
November 19, 2017
This book is AMAZING!! If you enjoy history and the people who have made or destroyed it, then you will love this devotional. Read a chapter a day for 90 days, or as a normal book! Not all of the stories here are filled with happy endings. But that is the point of history, right? To learn from the mistakes and to find hope and faith amidst the losses and the victories as well.
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