Book Review: I Like Giving

 

 Title: I Like Giving

Subtitle: The Transforming Power of a Generous    Life; Practical Ideas, Inspiring Stories

Author: Brad Formsma

Genre: Christian Living

The description of "I Like Giving" on Amazon states: When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change and so does the world around you. Something incredible happens when giving becomes your own idea, not something you do out of duty or obligation.

When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen. As you make giving a lifestyle, you’ll realize you’re not only loving life more, you’re also creating a more generous world— a better world for all of us.

Rich with inspiring stories and practical suggestions, I Like Giving helps you create a lifestyle of generosity. Inside you’ll find:
• Giving—something you get to do, not something you’ve got to do.
• How to raise kids with a sensitivity to others’ needs.
• You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference.
• Practical ideas for giving to people around you every day.

I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. We all have something to give. Giving goes way beyond money or things. It can be a listening ear, a touch, or simply the gift of time. Giving is living.

My parents are some of the most generous people I have ever known so I was excited to read a book about giving.  I chose to review this book because it advertised practical ideas for giving.   I wanted practical ideas and inspirations so that I could follow the model set by my parents.   Sadly, the book did not follow through.  There were many inspirational stories that real people shared of how they helped others but unfortunately there were few practical ideas on how to implement that into the average person's daily life. 

I also felt that the book focused more on the fact  that a person should give because it will make them feel better about themselves.  I felt like the book should have focused more on giving to meet the needs of others rather than giving for selfish motives.

Finally, I was really disappointed with the lack of Biblical references in the book.  As a book from a Christian publisher labeled Christian living, I expected the book to have a basis in the Bible.  There are so many references to giving in the Bible.  There are also many examples of generous people in the Bible that were not mentioned in this book.  I was most disturbed by the fact that the author did not even mention the most generous gift of all, God's gift of his Son so that we could be forgiven of our sins and have everlasting life.  

I don't feel that I can recommend this book.  I would give between 1 to 2 stars. 

Disclaimer:  I received this advanced copy of the book for free from Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.