GUARD US, GUIDE US by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

Baker Books
Released March 2008
Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

In general, I really don't have a taste for Christian non-fiction. I find much of it is extremely preachy and often dry. GUARD US, GUIDE US starts off sounding very textbook: "We begin by pursuing the point that our prologue has made." Those eleven words put fear in me. It sounds like another dry read is about to hit!

What surprised me is that despite the rather text book start, the book is actually not as bad as it may seem. It also isn't as preachy as I'd expected. There are many Biblical references within, but there are also warm, engaging reflections and stories that draw the reader in.

At heart, the book is geared to help you develop a better relationship with God based on three ideals: Principles, Ethics and Spirituality. The end of the book contains a number of thought-provoking questions that are perfect for reading groups or Bible study groups. I do think the book is perfect for group discussions, even better than it would be should you opt to read it alone.