Dear Graduate: Letters of Wisdom from Charles R. Swindoll

by Charles R. Swindoll, Charles R. Swindoll

This gift book for graduates contains 30 letters to graduates on such subjects as integrity, commitment, generosity, Godliness, courage, principles, and excellence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Spirituality, Devotional

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[ECH · Rating 1 out of 5]

I truly do not understand this genre of book. It seems to lack a purpose, aside from giving one's least favorite relative something to give on graduation, and also seems to carry a blissful unawareness that a graduate might have more than one character trait, enabling one to provide a gift that will still be relevant to their interest tomorrow morning. Oh well, let's give for the occasion not for the person and try not to think about why basically no one ever buys these for themselves.

However, even supposing "grad" books are a good idea, I cannot see the point of this one. It purports to specialize in heavy, highly applicable, life advice, the sort of thing that would make a lot of sense in a handwritten graduation card but is baffling to outsource to a strange author in a faux leather book. Unwanted advice is at least sentimental if it comes from one's grandmother directly; from a self righteous author, it is bizarre. This is especially true given that the advice seems to be to form by sheer will and discipline a God obsession that is nowhere near mentally healthy... ok I guess that's not entirely fair. The sort of attitude the books suggesting could probably work out, if the person arrived at it through their own reflection, agency, and study. What would certainly not work is reading 138 pages on graduation night and attempting to actually follow any of this.

Let's face it, it would not be a good idea to use this as any sort of guidebook to your life. Even by the book's own standards it would be idolatrous to use it as your anchor and not the bible. So why are we setting it up by social context as the advice from the elders that will carry us naive, poor choice making, in with a bad crowd youths through life?

I waited many years to read this because if I decided to dislike it, I wanted to have enough additional life experience not to be the ingrate child who missed the point. Nearly a decade on, my opinion is the same. Give your own dang bad advice, don't buy it from Hallmark.

Oh and there's a homophobic example because of course there is. Dude, tell everyone to reflect on if their falling in love is a godly choice if you must tell anyone. It's either good for nobody or everybody.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-5 I used this book as a devotional with senior high school students. I picked certain sections which were more relevant than others and tied it to their specific situations, but it works to encourage contemplation of various character traits. Young adults are encouraged to think about who they want to be as they moved out on their own. For example, people of determination who show optimism and integrity.
The book is structured in the form of "letters" written to the graduate and each letter focusses on one of these traits. The chapters are also very short which adds to its appeal.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, two page lessons focusing on a character trait. I think it is better for someone who has graduated from high school or someone who is trying to find themselves. Each lesson tries to inspire the reader to live up to the character trait being discussed. This book is definitely Christian based. Of course, that's to be expected from Swindoll.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this from my aunt and uncle (Johnsons) when I graduated from college. Surprisingly, it was good timing for me to read it, because much of it talks about trusting God during big moments in your life, whether it's graduating from school . . . or moving halfway across the country to begin school.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this bookl!!! The letter inspires you to a be a good person!!! Thank you to my aunt for giving it to me!!! The letters make you think about your life!!! I would recommend this book to students who have just graduate high school!!!

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes a great gift for any high school or college graduate! It is composed of short words of wisdom in letter format on subjects like ethics, integrity, leadership, courage, determination, etc.

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom gave me this when I graduated high school and leaving for college. Two years later I'm finally reading it not realizing how good it really is. It was a great time for me to read it and I can't wait to give it to my kids one day.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of letters and wisdom. The title is pretty self-descriptive. A good book for graduates.

[Bryce Emley · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty wise, i reckon.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to me by my church, I found it inspiring, uplifting, helpful, and useful

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book....definitely inspiriing. ;)

[Rivkah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. A very dry slow read. Didn't really share anything new.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I can't say this book taught me anything I didn't already know, it was greatly encouraging at times.

[Corey Feagins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encouraging.

[Stephanie Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational little book about Christian principles :)