The Book of Amazing Stories: 90 Devotions on Seeing God’s Hand in Unlikely Places 

Hardcover, ebook

October 3, 2017

by Robert Petterson 

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 
• ISBN-13: 978-1496428141

You may have thought you knew the lives of famous people―such as Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Hughes, Mother Teresa, Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan, Susana Wesley, and many more. But, in The Book of Amazing Stories, you’ll know so much more about Ronnie’s faithful church-going single mom and William’s early days as a humble shoemaker’s apprentice. You’ll marvel at how God used the lives of these ordinary people to change the course of human history.

Life makes 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 90 amazing stories that teach lessons you won’t easily forget.

Each devotional ends with a compelling thought about life and God.

Be amazed. Be encouraged. Learn the lessons God is teaching through people’s lives.

My thoughts: Many years ago there was a public speaker, who became known for his story behind the story radio spots. I think he also wrote books. And now you know the rest of the story... I think maybe you might know who I'm speaking of. Paul Harvey. 

Anyway, THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES reminds me of that old radio show. It takes well-known people, such as Mother Teresa, Ronald Reagan and others to show you how they got to that spot, provides an application that you can apply to your own life, and gives a Bible verse that kind of relates to the story.

This is not a devotional per say as I didn't walk away having grown in my faith, or my belief. It is just what the title says ... THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES. And they are amazing, feel-good stories that anyone can enjoy and since there is nothing religious about most of them (except for the verse at the end) you could gift it to anyone, even those who are part of the household of faith. It represents people from all walks of life, including a heroine addict, a Catholic nun, Protestants, missionaries, movie stars, opera singers, and so many more. And again, these are not religious stories.  The Bible verse could've been left out and nothing would've been lost from the stories. (However, the verses add a nice touch and I'm glad they are there.)

If you know someone who likes amazing stories, then THE BOOK OF AMAZING STORIES would be an excellent gift this season -- or any time.  

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.