Wild at Heart question

nothing lost - go for it, then decide for yourself.
other's reviews are never your own.
don't let them decide what you will or won't like...

Yes

I went through the book as well as the workbook with a "band of brothers" from church. One person left the group because he couldn't deal with some of the issues. It brought something to light in my life that I didn't even realize (my Father hurt me emotionally) until I read the book. I had completely buried it for about two decades. Perhaps it's more secular than spiritual, but the one leading the group could always add scripture to the lesson. We all felt it was one of the best books we covered.

This is a GREAT BOOK, I recommend this book to all of my friends and I would to you. I have read it multiple times which I tend to have a hard time reading one book at a time let alone several times.

My wife read the first few chapters and thought it was a book of excuses for men but then she read more and she was blown away by the book as well.

I highly recommend Wild at Heart. I gave my last copy to a recovering addict who had been in and out of jail and he even got so much out of it.

I've read it several times and can't recommend it enough. It gives a whole new perspective on the concept of masculinity and the church. It really spoke to me and has helped me grow and change a huge amount as a person. Read it and see for yourself!! :)

people should read from wild to wise by Rohr

Great book!

I think Eldridge did a very sensible job of taking modern western culture's stereotypes and expectations of men (and women) and addresses what is right and wrong in each of them (such as being the hero and needing an adventure, something that is so popular particularly in American films). If you're not into the theology as much, you won't like those aspects as much, so take them for how they speak to you. If you are only into the theology some of the secular references you may dislike, so take them for how they speak to you.

I enjoyed reading it as a woman and asking various men in my life who had read it (or just reading a segment to them) and asking if it spoke to them or how accurate it was. It struck a chord with every single one of them on one topic or another. Eldridge does mention that not all the stereotypes apply to all men (and women) but addresses the majority. The companion book, Captivating, is great as well, although it borrows heavily from Wild at Heart. Read it and decide what you think about it for yourself. I recommend both books for both men and women. My favorite line from Captivating is actually in the opening section where she says the last spiritual self-help book for women that she tried to read she threw across the room because it was so frustrating. I can totally relate to that, and if you can, too, you will probably really enjoy it.

Andrew wrote: "This is a book given to me by my brother, I'm not one for christen based books and I've heard a lot of negative replys about the book. Should I read this?"

I recommend it.
I was going through a difficult time and was struggling with my anger. This book gave me a new perspective which allowed me to understand, accept and even embrace negative emotions in a way that free'd me from their negative influence and in many ways transmuted them into positive experssions.

I know, that doesn't sound like it makes sense.

Read the book :)

This book really helped me understand men. I've read it several times and have gotten something new out of it each time. Whether you agree with the author's opinions or not, John is refreshingly honest and transparent and I value that in an author. And for those of us who have been "wounded" - who hasn't? - this brings fresh insight and perspective. Highly recommend!

This book has gotten a lot of negative reviews in the circle I run in (post-evangelicalish), but I thought it was pretty good. Not every guy will fit the exact examples he gives, but I bet almost every guy will fit in the general categories in some way.

It helped me a lot in the middle of college and it was a pretty quick read. I should re-read it now that I've got a bit more study and life under my belt, thoughts could change.

The first half of the book is actually pretty good. If you sometimes find yourself hating the cubicle you will probably like it. The second half where he actually starts prescribing stuff is sort of iffy. Very one dimensional solutions, IMHO. YMMV.

read everything. Whether you like it or not is something you can determine after the fact.

This is a GREAT BOOK, I recommend this book to all of my friends and I would to you. I have read it multiple times which I tend to have a hard time reading one book at a time let alone several times.

My wife read the first few chapters and thought it was a book of excuses for men but then she read more and she was blown away by the book as well.

I highly recommend Wild at Heart. I gave my last copy to a recovering addict who had been in and out of jail and he even got so much out of it.

great book.. it's worth reading especially for men.

A not explicitly Christian alternative, To Be a Man: A Guide to Truly Masculine Power by Robert Augustus Masters, takes a more rigorous approach to thinking through the results of our woundings (which result, typically, in shame). I've read both Eldridge and Masters and, just speaking as a pastor, I'd choose to take a men's group through Masters over Eldridge.

An excellent book, if you're willing to face the issues it may bring up. I don't think any one book will do what Eldredge is trying to do with it, so I recommend reading this with a few others on the subject.

Eldredge is an intuitive writer and what he writes has a ring of truth about it, although sometimes it can be difficult to define why. Few distinctly male attributes are valued in society now and in this book the author make a great job of defining why that is and how we can start to view it from a different angle. I'd very much recommend it.

If you're curious, you should! I read this book (although it is written for men) and loved it! Have fun discovering who you really are...

I think it's an amazing book! One of my favorites of all time. It'll give you a new perspective that you've probably never had nor ever will unless you read it.

if your around boys/men ( sons brothers husband ) then its a great read.

It's limited and narrow on its thesis, but I think that was more so to make it a read for everyone. I think the guy can go more in depth on what he discusses, but he does do a good job at analysis some problems men have in today's society. Any book that stresses the importance of passion in life is okay in my book.

This book went through my circle of friends like a wave - a few years ago. Most of my friends loved or at least liked it a lot. A few hated it. I really liked it and agree with the author (mostly).

This book is a really great resource for men. I read it in college, I don't remember why, I think Captivating was circulating and I wanted to get the male version of things.
Anyway, I agree with writer, it's always best to read something for yourself and then make your own decision about what you like or don't like about it.

Awesome book helped me out a lot.

I read this book - twice! It is worth the time because it delves into some very important issues of true "manhood." I highly recommend it.

Michael - Author of: Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One

I've read "Wild at Heart" several times and done the workbook as well. It's a great read for men who need or want to understand themselves.

This book will make much more sense, I think, if it is read after Edridge's first book, "The Sacred Romance." In that one, he talks about how all people are wounded in their childhood, and how we all seek something other than God for healing and dealing.

Mike

Shade Tree Writings

I'm not big on religious books either but this was a pretty refreshing read for what it was.

A very good book to help you understand the difference between masculinity and femininity, and why men think (& act) the way they do.

While it is written for men, I think it is a good resource for women too as it very simply explains the psychological makeup & needs of men... whether we realize it or not. ;-)

It is a great read and also captivating is another good one that goes along with this one for the girls.

Eldridge's theology is a bit off (wouldn't sit under his teaching) but he brings up good points and he references Braveheart. And its an easy read.

If you're looking for a push, something to motivate you and get you pumped up, then it is excellent. But if you're looking for real spiritual direction, I recommend taking it with a grain of salt. This book is a little more secular than spiritual. But it is still very motivational. I loved it, although I did raise my eyebrows at a few of the "biblical" messages.

Andrew wrote: "This is a book given to me by my brother, I'm not one for christen based books and I've heard a lot of negative replys about the book. Should I read this?"

No. It's junk. There are plenty of good books you could better spend your time and effort on.