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Summary: A life-changing book
Review: A friend recommended that I read this book while I was down on the couch with the flu one evening. I don't usually finish books because I don't sit still that long but I was "forced" to in the case and the length of the book was a plus. Even feeling ill, congested and coughing, I read on, tears after tears, as God showed me myself and my "giants" and gave me hope and understanding from His point of view. I loved the book and am giving it to another "Dreamer". If this book is for you, the Spirit of God will hover over you as you read and it will be life changing for you - if not, you will think it silliness. Period.
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Summary: Great gift for someone in crisis!
Review: A good friend was inspired to knock on my door and drop off this book for me to read. I was facing a difficult challenge. I am a very busy person and don't have time to read long books -even though I love the details of any issue. This book is so simple and a very fast read. However, every point jumped out at me and I could really see myself in the whole analogy. I have never had a confusing situation made clear so quickly before. I was already familiar with the principals it discussed, but because they were laid out as a process, I saw and understood them, in a totally new way, as I needed to right then. I was so moved I cried for two days as I read it! I have never cried over a book in my life. Please buy this book for your self. I have already bought two copies for friends and plan to buy 2 more!
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Summary: The future does not have to be an extention of the past
Review: After having read all of Bruce Wilkinson's books I am convinced that this one will appeal again to millions of readers. Many of my friends read it and told me it is an eye opener. As Bruce takes you into ORDINARY's story thru the seven DREAMSCAPES you will identify where you are and know what to expect next. The book is both motivational and instructional - you can help others after reading it. Bruce's use of a story makes the truth easy to remember - knowing the author's own pilgrimage adds to the credibility of the story. The book is a wonderful mix of the romantic and reality side of following a God given dream. Many people will thank God for at least 3 things after reading this book - for giving them a unique dream - for the Bruce retelling the story of Moses and Joshua in a modern idiom - and for the person who gave or recommended this book to them. You want to be connected and connect others to this message. Go get it, read it, teach it - I am convinced 2004 will be different for all who do it.
Rating: 
Summary: "Great idea--a little disappointing..."
Review: Although this work seemed to have a great idea going for it, I was a bit disappointed in the finished result. Dreams and goals are important to all of us, but life does not allow us to reach all our goals, nor would all our goals necessarily bring us success ( e.g., winning the lottery) if we achieved them. While I enjoyed the authors' use of characterization by way of description (can you say: Pilgrim's Progress'?), I would have enjoyed the lessons a bit more had they used actual Biblical characters, and their lives. If you enjoy such prompts which teach goal-setting, achieving success, dealing with hardships and other 'need to know' (and nice to know) principles for life--or want to give such to a graduate just starting out--this book pales in comparison to works such as "With Joseph in the University of Adversity" (if you can find it!), or "The Purpose Driven Life".
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Summary: Dig for the gold.
Review: An easy read with personal touches by Mr. Wilkinson. God's truth can be found if you dig for it...but it has been heavily culturalized and commercialized. For those of us who have experienced this truth, it shines through. For those looking for the "self" centered dream, they will think they have found it; but you will be disappointed with what you find. Beware of what you ask for.
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Summary: This book is a must to read!!
Review: As I read the account of Ordinary I was amazed to see my life unfolding before me. Bruce Wilkinson really hit home on so many points. I can look back on my life and see the "border bullies" who stopped me from persuing my dream. However I can also see the Dream Giver giving me others to push me along and to get my dream back on track.
This was a wonderfully motivating work that has inspired me to reach out for new and bigger dreams, and to help others to achieve theirs.
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Summary: the Journey towards the Dream
Review: Biblically based, with an emphasis on the lives of Moses, Joshua, and David, this slender volume is extremely helpful to those of us either pursuing the Big Dream, or those who have it in their hearts, but have not taken any action to fulfill their Destiny. It will be of particular value to those who might feel that they have lost their way in the WasteLand.
The first part of this book is in the form of a parable; it is as wise as it is charming, and is an almost Tolkienesque tale of Ordinary, who lived in the Land of Familiar, and who one day leaves his Usual Job, and his Comfort Zone, to persue his Dream. There are many trials and tribulations in his path, and Giants to slay (Giants like Moneyless), but his faith gets stronger, as he learns his lessons. In Chapter Nine, "Living Past the Edge", Mr. Wikinson describes his fear of public speaking, and the steps he took to overcome it. I recently had the good fortune to be at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, where Mr. Wilkinson spoke not only to the vast crowd in attendance, but to millions on televison, and he is a truly gifted speaker; it is hard to envision that at one time he had felt inadequate in front of an audience. With this book he will help you conquer your own fears, and get past the feeling of being Unworthy and Unable. In Chapter Twelve, he talks about the Dream that has not been surrendered to God, and the pitfalls that can bring; how "Your Dream will become your idol", and how that can "make people 'successful' but not fulfilled" (pg. 133) and further, to face the areas in our lives that need cleansing, where we may be making compromises and have "unfinished business".
In the final chapter, Mr. Wilkinson describes how his Dream has led him to South Africa, to help the millions of children who have lost their parents to AIDS, and it is an example of how once you have reached one Dream, it can lead to another, with God continually working through you. "You are meant to be a river of blessing, not a puddle drying in the sun".
The layout is lovely, with small but beautiful images by Steve Gardiner, good quality paper, and a readable font size. I found a lot in this book to inspire me and give me the tools and armor to slay another Giant, and perhaps you will too.
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Summary: Dream Stepper
Review: Bruce has produced an excellent book, easy to read (I read it in one sitting) filled with encouraging words. If you have difficulty dealing with parables or word pictures this might not be a wise choice for you. However, if you are on a spiritual life journey and wish to know where God has you in the process, this book is for you. I believe that Bruce has struck a perfect balance of scripture and application. The allegory is perfectly clear and I intend to purchase this book for two friends who are on their own journey but in very different places than I. Buy it and put it in your church library!
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Summary: Uplifting, Entertaining, But Unbalanced
Review: Bruce Wilkinson, the best-selling author of The Prayer of Jabez, has managed to enlarge his territory yet again with this inspirational work. A short book, 157 pages, it consists of two parts. The first is an extended allegory about a young man named Ordinary, who pursues his Big Dream through many obstacles and struggles, at the behest of the Dream Giver (God). In doing so he must leave his home in the land of Familiar, leave his Comfort Zone and deal with the Border Bullies, who include his family and closest friends. Author Wilkinson uses a lot of capital letters to make sure we don't miss his points. In the second half he talks to the reader, explaining his concepts in more detail, for any who might not have "gotten it" the first time round. He gives examples from his own life and ministry, exhorting, cheerleading and cajoling us onward to the fulfillment of our Big Dreams. The book is easy to read, uplifting and entertaining. I managed to finish it in little more than one afternoon. Author Wilkinson has a gift for communication and his writing conveys the sense of personal contact. Unfortunately, he has left out some important elements that would have given the book more balance. Not all Big Dreams are to be followed relentlessly. Some dreams are misguided or even delusional. The author meant to say, I think, that certain dreams--dreams from God, dreams of service and ministry--are to be pursued. Dreams of winning the sweepstakes or becoming a world dictator--maybe not. But, he didn't say it. I think he also meant to say that one should exercise discernment in following a Big Dream. Pray about it, get advice from others, ask questions. Is it really a Big Dream or is it just restlessness, a hankering for change. Maybe your purpose in life is right where you find yourself. But author Wilkinson doesn't say that either. The Dream Giver is an entertaining, uplifting book--but lacking in balance. Take it with a grain of salt. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.
Rating:
Summary: MUST READ
Review: Excellent guide out of mediocrity. Bruce touches that raw nerve hidden under years of "surviving life" - Life was meant to be lived, not merely survived. This is a must read!
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