Rating: 
Summary: Ignores the consequences of "wild and free"
Review: I grew up in the rugged country of West Texas where men have titles like roughneck, wildcatters, and the like. I read a book like this about 25 years ago when I was 17. Lured by the 'romance' of adventure, I set out along that course. Along the way, I realized there were consequences that the book (and this book) dreadfully ignore. The author uses 'fairly tale' examples from movies where the hero always wins and always gets the girl. My experience has shown that sometimes you do... and sometimes you lay on the ground in a pool of blood. There's no romantic adventure when you're waiting for surgery. There's no thrill to see your four year old son near death in ER.I've taken lots of risks. I raced motorcycles, borrowed huge sums of money, built buildings. But I've also crashed, brushed with death, paid back those huge sums, and fallen off of buildings. I don't think the author prepares men for the stark realities of the choices he suggests. My friend Tom was lured to the 'romance' of an oilfield drilling rig. It was exciting to drill for oil, to fit pipe, to stand on a rig derrick some 200 feet up. But when a platform collapsed on him and left him forever in a wheelchair, all of that changed. Now, going to the bathroom is a challenge. In conclusion, let me say that I agree with much of what the author says. But I think we must channel that adventurous spirit in a positive direction. It's not manly to desert your wife every weekend for hunting season. It's not Godly to take stupid risks that expose your family to financial failure. We must use common sense and make wise choices. Living dangerously is for fools.
Rating: 
Summary: Not just a book for men!
Review: After reading this book I will not settle for just any man! The book brought out the desire in me to find a man that knows who he is in Christ. I don't want just a 'nice' guy. My heart longs to know a man that is dangerous and likes adventure. Yes, I need a man that will fight for me! I encourage all men and woman (single and married) to read this book with an open heart towards God. The Creator knows us so well and gave us desires that only He can fullfill. It is amazing to think of His love for His children. Eldredge simply put into words what has been on my heart and mind for years. There are longings within us that no man, woman, child, job, or achievement can satisfy. Until we are secure in the grace of God will we be able to unite with others the way we were ment to. I can't wait to give this book to so many people! I will also have to read it myself again.
Rating:
Summary: An Invitation to Live the Image of God
Review: For me, this book was life changing. You will recognize immediately the Truth expressed in these life giving principles. John hits the nail on the head time and again as to why men fail over and over to be "real men". As he as stated, this is not a book of 6 ways to be a better this or three ways to be a better that. This is an invitation to come alive; to discover what the image of God really is, and then live it.
Rating:
Summary: MUST reading for every man
Review: Simply amazing! I hardly know where to begin! This book brought perspective to the frustrations and tensions of my "domestic" existence. I'm bored! I want adventure! Now, I feel a great freedom to live life a little more "out there". The life of faith must be lived on the edge! My wife is thrilled, too, because she's become bored. Additionally, as a new parent, I am inspired by thoughts of how empowering my interaction with our children can be for them. I have the power to make or break my little son's spirit. How I want to do everything in my power for him to be free to live radically for God.
Rating:
Summary: fantastic
Review: Wild At Heart by John Eldredge reveals incredible insight into true masculinity and feminity. From this woman's point of view Eldredge expertly combines scenarios from popular movies with examples from the Bible to effectively reveal his vision. He challenges a woman to be valiant, vulnerable, and scandulous and supports these descriptions with Biblical text while presenting a refreshing viewpoint on how to live. His challenge of the androgenous stereo type of a nice guy is to be commended. Reading this book will challenge the readers, both male and female, in their walk with Christ and provide insightful knowledge for more effective and productive interaction with the men of all ages in their lives.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Androgyny
Review: Wild at Heart is, in a world of fruit drinks, a double gin and tonic! Powerful, warm, bracing, and permission-granting. This book takes a crowbar to the lid that religion and other domesticating forces have clamped on men (and women). At first impression, Eldredge seemed to be issuing a fine and compelling call to manhood, ala Braveheart (and, yes, even at that level, it's a rollicking great book). Then I realized he is really confronting that androgyny which is inevitably produced by the forces of conformity. Here, he is operating on new ground: the contemporary church world has unwittingly pressured men and women to trade their sexuality for a third gender called "Christian." But, then, he surprises again by throwing back the curtain even further and revealing the throbbing vitality of a connection with the God. He designed men and women, therefore, only He can define and empower their roles. Men must take their strength to, not from, women! It's time for men to unhook their little tubes from their mothers and wives and get reconnected to the Fatherhood of God. Readers of Wild at Heart are in for some delicious and even stunning passages. His view of Ruth and Boaz's courtship is a vivid revelation of the essence of a woman; it is also thigh-slapping funny. The parable of intercourse(page 185!) is another revelation; it genuinely stirred me (it would make Aunt Bee reach for a fan)! Eldredge's portrait of Joseph (Jesus' earthly father, not the patriarch) is moving and insightful. And, his explanation for pornography's pull on men is crystal clear. Please understand: this is not a trendy nor iconoclastic nor macho manifesto for men. Eldredge's heart is humble, his theology is surprisingly mature, and his mission is serious as a shotgun. Perhaps the most valuable cargo of the book is the way he challenges men to care and 'fight for' their wives and children. Wild at Heart says much about the sad abandonment of women by their men, especially in those long marriages, where the initial glow has faded and couples find themselves in a malaise. Eldredge challenges men with 'She's still in there, but she's captive. Are you willing to go in after her?' Men who have mounted their stallions and charged, dashingly, into a career need to turn around and ride back into the land where she fell, and sweep her up from the ground. Yes, she's still there and waiting to be rescued!
Rating:
Summary: Revolutionized my view of myself as a man...
Review: There are few books written about being a man of God that I have not either read or reviewed. None impacted me the way this book did. I had the fortune of attending a weekend retreat with the author, John Eldredge, and realized almost immediately that I had never heard anything like this. I can't begin to describe what happened in my heart as the weekend progressed. Suffice it to say, I was undone. Everything I thought about being a man in the image of God was shaken. I can only recommend this book for reading in this forum. I wish I could recommend this way of life but you will need to read it for yourself, and if possible connect with other guys in reading and discussing. Strength and honor!
Rating:
Summary: Wild at Heart
Review: This was a fantastic read. I have purchased 4 copies to give to friends and I am encouraging everyone I know to read it. Where are the real men of the faith -- not the timid souls who are afraid to take a challenge and attempt something great for the kingdom but those who are willing to lock arms with a band of brothers and make a real difference? Count me in for this brand of companionship -- for this brand of faith. "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who come alive."
Rating:
Summary: Being the man God designed me to be...
Review: Many books have filled our heads with knowledge but few have moved our hearts towards God as this does. In, "Wild at Heart", John lays out not only what God's design for a man is but what is keeping a man from God's design. After speaking to the deep parts of a man's heart: a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue, he then uncovers the wounds of our past, exposes our enemies, and unfolds the greatest adventure of a lifetime. This is not a recipe book with a cookie cutter approach to being a man. It is a treasure map that points and guides but never gives away the exact location of the treasure, as the journey to recover the heart of a man is unique for every man.
Rating:
Summary: What it means to be a man.
Review: This book captured what it means to be a man. It explains in it's valiant political incorrectness why we are the way we are, what motivates us, and what problems are inherent to our nature. I have never read a more invogorating book that made me search out "who I am" more than ever before. This is a must-read book for all men.
| 
