Book Review: The Call

The Call by Os Guinness

Few books I have read in my life have had the kind of profound effect on my way of thinking like The Call has.  I got this book last summer and intended on reading it then but it had been sitting on my shelf for quite a while before I actually got around to reading it.  I finally picked it up again this year about two months ago and I am so glad that I did.  I have been greatly blessed.  Os Guinness is a fountain of knowledge as he draws on the combined wisdom of philosophers, theologians, and artists throughout history to present a Biblical perspective on finding ones purpose in life.  On to the review!

The Good: Os Guinness’ writing is so deep and profound that each chapter really does need to be enjoyed as suggested in the table of contents: one chapter a day.  Each chapter is written as its own unique meditation on the different aspects and results of having a Biblical perspective on calling.  While I tried to read a chapter a day, each section is so rich that I could have read and meditated on a chapter for an entire week before I would be ready to move on to another topic.  The study guide questions included in the back of the book were also a great blessing as they gave me the opportunity to really spend time with each chapter.

This book covered so many topics that it would be hard to single out any as being any better than the rest.  Personally, I most enjoyed the chapter titled “Patches of Godlight”.  In this chapter, Guinness explains how even the lowliest and most menial of activities is transformed by knowing that what we do, we do in service to the Lord.  This knowledge gives meaning and importance to all that we do.  I could probably write an entire book extolling the virtues of The Call but I do have to stop at some point, which brings us to…

The Bad: While I would recommend that everyone read this book, I do realize that not everyone will appreciate it nearly as much as I have.  Os Guinness’ style of writing is very much like an old philosopher passing on his wealth of knowledge.  Some may find it boring and there may be some who would not be able to fully appreciate this book.  To those who pick it up and get bored I would encourage you to take time to carefully read each and every chapter individually and to continue reading it, despite your sense of boredom.  I promise you that you will not regret the time spent reading this book by the time you finish.  Now for…

The Ugly: I simply wish every book I read was as thought provoking as this one was.  This book will sit in a prestigious spot on my book shelf for many years and every book I read after this will be compared to it and will most likely be found lacking.  That may be a little extreme but I don’t think I can say enough how great this book is.

If anyone buys this book and would like to read it through with someone, let me know.  I would gladly read this book again and would appreciate having someone to talk to about it.

You can find the book here.

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