The One Year Book of Amazing Stories: 365 Days of Seeing God’s Hand in Unlikely Places

by Robert Petterson

You wouldn't believe it, but . . .
James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, grew up mute.
Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.
Albert Einstein was bullied mercilessly in school.
Beethoven's mom almost aborted him.
Life takes 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 365 amazing stories that teach lessons you won't easily forget. Each entry is written in the rest-of-the-story style popularized by Paul Harvey. With The One Year Book of Amazing Stories, you'll marvel at how God has used the lives of these ordinary people to change the course of human history.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith

816 pages, Hardcover

Published October 9, 2018

About the author

Dr. 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.

Reviews

[Drake Mariani · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than Amazing

My wife and I read one a day together. Then we talk about it. Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we cry. But always we are moved.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful. The daily readings were uplifting, heart-wrenching, and left me in awe of God's plans. Each story is told with a bit of mystery at the beginning, so you don't find out immediately which historical figure's story is being shared. I looked forward to picking up this book every evening.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to us by a friend who found the stories interesting. The stories are mainly historical and shed light on many parts of history we found interesting. Connecting them to God's hand was a longer stretch in many of them although the one verse of scripture at the end of each one makes an effort. We usually read a devotional before we go to sleep at night. This book was NOT good for that. Many of the stories are difficult emotionally and, because they are history, are often laced with war, victimization, and bloodshed. Read in the morning we may have had a better reaction.

[Keith & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Supplemental Devotional

Although somewhat dark at points , The stories in this book are fascinating. This is my second time reading through these stories As a daily supplemental Devotional. I found that I enjoyed reading each daily story after I had my daily time in the bible. As pastor of a small rural church , I also used some of the stories to illustrate sermons I preach.
Caution: don't read the last story until December 31! It's a shocker. (I suppose by saying this that all I have done Is enticed folks into reading That last story early! Oh well... It's like a wet paint sign—You just gotta touch it!)

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful deluxe hardback edition that I was fortunate to win in the Goodreads Sweapstakes Giveaways Drawing. It is an extraordinary collection of short fascinating anecdotal real-life stories about everyday people (and some famous names that you’ll recognize).

Designed as a read-a-story-a-day yearly inspirational book, each two-page vignette packs a powerful and evocatively gripping portrait of each individual’s life highlighting where their personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ shines through.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to state that I have received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I enjoyed the authors writing style. It is an extraordinary collection of short fascinating real-life stories about everyday people and some famous names that you might even recognize. The book was very interesting.

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for something with “light” and positive short stories which I could read in bed at night as I fall asleep. Not so engrossing it keeps me awake reading, but interesting enough to focus my spinning mind and prepare for sleep. This fit the bill. The author is effective at concisely, yet compellingly telling the stories of real-life people. This includes certain aspects which are not commonly known. Some were interesting enough that I mentioned them to my husband.

[Ardis · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I won this book through a goodreads giveaway and yes I stuck with it and read it over 365 days. Thanks! I love how the real life stories are written in short and mighty powerful way. I loved the quotes to conclude them and the bible verse at the end.

[Jim Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Shot two page story for each day of the year. Many historical tidbits that are interesting to learn. We liked this work so much what we ordered multiple copies (Amazon) and had them delivered to family and friends.

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book of inspirational short true stories about people at various times in World History. It can be read one day at a time. Each passage keeps you guessing about whom the story is about until the end, and it often surprises the reader.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this book. There are some interesting stories.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book as a devotional for this year, and thought the daily stories were interesting. A quote and a Bible verse are included at the end of each entry.

[Lexi Gravino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best daily devotional I've read.

[Nancy Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing book of stories. Well worth the read!

[Terrie Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many devotionals out there to choose from. I have tried several, vowing to make them my daily morning routine. This is the only one I have stuck with. The stories are short and easy to read but most importantly there are interesting. They are not the repeated Bible stories that we have heard forever. They are current stories that the author connects with Bible passages.

This book has become my daily morning routine. I read, I think and I smile. What a great way to start the day.

I recommend this book. Wether you read it in the morning, at night or all at once, you will not be disappointed. I cannot express how much I enjoy this book!


I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is no way affects my opinions or ratings of this book.