Rating: 
Summary: A Modern Book Of Proverbs
Review: "In, But Not Of" is a simply-written book; it is a short work. However, do not make the mistake of thinking it is a simple book. The author's words are direct, as is his message. In fact, I would compare his message to that of the Book of Proverbs. So much so, that I wish I had read this book when I graduated from high school. Such simple directness would have been quite useful to me at that time. However, this does bring me to one of the areas where I disagree with Hewitt. He has targeted this book to young Christians. Let me note that as a 58-year-old person, this book still has a lot of substance for me. In so far as being a Christian is concerned, yes, there are a priori statements that may grate against readers who follow other religions or even the nonreligious. If you fail to read this book because of such concerns, that is your loss. If you fail to pass this book on to someone because you are concerned how he or she will take such statements, that would be his or her loss. Additionally, please consider, you are saying the person you are considering is too immature to read this. The one piece that Hewitt omits is the need to have focus in your life. If you read his whole book, if you act on any of his suggestions/directions, you will be establishing a focus. That is what this book is really all about, getting focus. Hewitt assumes the reader has the desire and focus, but needs the book to channel that focus to a goal. He is correct, but I believe that understanding that will aid some readers. This brings me to how to read such a book. I mentioned the reader should not mistake it for a simple work. If you do, you will pass by too many important concepts. I urge readers to have a colored highlighter and pen handy; highlight important statements, pen your thoughts directly on the page. Have a discussion in the book with the author and yourself. After you have "read the book," pass through it a second time. It is that good. It is that worthwhile. After submitting this review, I read the others. One reviewer chastised Hewitt for being "ambitious". True, this book is about ambition. And yes, Hewitt is ambitious. What that reviewer failed to recognize is the goal of Hewitt's ambition. It is not personal aggrandizement; it is not personal attainment. Hugh Hewitt is clear that "ambition" is simply a worthwhile tool towards a significant, worthwhile goal. He postulates if you have intelligence and wisdom, you therefore desire to use them to positively affect others. This book is a roadmap on how to accomplish that end. There are important differences between intelligence, experience, and wisdom. One can be quite smart, but with the lack of appropriate experience and maturity, one will lack wisdom. Hugh Hewitt's book will greatly assist the reader in all three areas.
Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Essential Reading for Young People
Review: All too often I have run into Christians who rate highly in the wimposity factor: they recoil from any involvement in public affairs or the professional world, fear positions of influence and power and aspirations to such positions because of their perceived corrosive and corrupting nature, and avoid offending their secular friends at all costs. But, as law professor and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt points out, the practical reality is that if our freedom (including religious freedom) is to continue it is essential that Christians be amongst those who are the brokers of power in our society. It is indeed true that power and influence can corrupt anyone. Hugh rightly recognizes this, but just as rightly points out that Christians cannot fulfill the Great Commission and be salt and light of the Earth in a society where the leadership has undermined the very religious freedom that makes evangelism possible! The maintenance of such freedom requires leadership who understands and respects freedom in the first place. Hugh's stellar book provides specific and detailed advice about how young people with potential should operate and conduct themselves in school and at work, in order to succeed in this world and make a real impact. Indeed, In, But Not Of is highly effective because Hugh spends the entire book in the area where he so effectively operates: the every-day real world. The practical, down-to-earth (yet intellectual) approach that Hugh exhibits in his radio program also characterizes In, But Not Of. It describes important and common-sense approaches to choosing the right school, selecting the best classes, getting the right job, and building up personal networks. In, But Not Of is not long, but it does not need to be. Every page is made to count, being full of experience and practical advice. As a mid-twenties, recent law school graduate, I definitely fall within the book's target audience and am perhaps uniquely qualified to say that this book succeeds in what it was designed to do. (In fact, I was so captivated by the intro and chapter titles that I interrupted my study for the bar exam just to read it!) Hugh's book revealed to me some of my weak points, gave me some practical tips, and provided me needed affirmation where I was already doing the right thing but lacked a sense of certainty. After reading this book I am now no longer so hesitant to admit that Alexander Hamilton has long been one of my heroes. This book is a simple and straightforward guidebook for young Christians who are ambitious and want to get ahead in life-and do so without selling one's soul. Get it, read it, and then give it to a friend.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent guide for all Christians
Review: Although I believe this book is applicable to Christian adults of all ages, I can tell you that it is more valuable to read as a young adult. I will make sure that when my children are older, they read this book. Invaluable guidance and interpretation based on what the Bible says about how Christians are to act in almost every arena of life. Hewitt lucidly applies the Bible's timeless instruction to the technological age we live in today. We have all wondered, at different times, what the Bible says about things that didn't exist when it was written (TV, etc). This book brings a Biblical perspective to the modern struggles/decisions we Christians are faced with on a daily basis. READ THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: One of the most influential books that I have ever read
Review: Every Christian who wishes to influence the world (and that should be all Christians) needs to get this book. Hugh Hewitt has wielded power and influence for decades furthering God's kingdom and teaches readers how to do just that in this book. Hewitt proves why it is so vital for Christians of appropriate ability must seek power and influence in the world. This book is concise, no-nonsense and very practical. Every Christian must have this book and will benefit from this book but especially Christians 18-25 years old. This book has had an immediate impact on my life and it will do the same to you.
Rating:
Summary: Good Things Come in Small Packages
Review: Hugh Hewitt has managed to pack a tremendous amount of insight into a very short book. I read the entire book on a flight from Virginia to Seattle. And yet the wisdom revealed in those pages are potentially life changing. I have many books on my reading list, so I appreciate Hewitt's ability to say so much with so few words (many of his chapters are only 2 or 3 pages long -- but still manage to pack a punch). "In, But Not Of" reminds me of Dale Carnegie's 1936 book, "How To Win Friends And Influence People," which is still the best book I've ever read on leadership and influence. Both books share simple yet profoundly effective principles for putting yourself in a position to influence the people around you. But Hewitt's book has a foundation that Carnegie's lacks. For Hewitt, power and influence is just a means to an end, not the end in itself. "In, But Not Of" is directed to Christians who seek worldly influence in order to keep the doors open for religious liberty in America. This purpose-driven approach gives the book more focus (and makes it more impacting) than most books in the genre. Even though the book is directed at a relatively narrow audience (Believers with secular ambitions), it has much to offer to just about anyone willing to pick it up. It's a short read and a worthwhile investment of your time and money.
Rating:
Summary: Ultimate Christian Graduation Gift
Review: Hugh Hewitt's compact book is packed with intensely practical advice on how young Christians can make the maximum impact on the culture around them. He tells them how to choose their programs of study, where to live, how to conduct themselves at work, how to hold up their end of a conversation, and even suggests how they might build their influence through maintaining a weblog. The book contains a large number of short chapters that each convey a worthwhile lesson about the business of living an infectious and successful life geared toward building God's kingdom. Considering that the man who wrote it has worked for former Presidents, continues a distinguished career in the law, and has achieved a measure of fame as a nationally syndicated talk show host, Hewitt seems to know what he's talking about. Like others who reviewed this book, I would have loved to have read it ten or fifteen years ago since it would have helped me avoid some of the trial and error I've had to endure on the way to my own career in public policy. With his advice, I might have reached some of my major goals 8-10 years before I did. If you know an ambitious young person, get this book into his or her hands.
Rating:
Summary: Important Advice for expanding your reach.
Review: Hugh Hewitt's newest book is a gem. Short, sober, and immensely practical, it's full of insight I wish I had learned years ago. He not only gives Christians (and nonchristians) license to be as influential as they can, he also shows us how to do it. In many ways In, But Not Of reads like a coach's half-time locker-room speech - it gets right to the point, tells it like it is, moves at a quick clip, and most importantly, he doesn't insult or coddle the reader by softening the truth. Sometimes Hewitt states the obvious (e.g. avoid credit card debt), but other times he provides a much-needed kick in the pants (e.g. coasting will kill you). While the book is suitable for all audiences, it is especially tailored for Christians. An example of his invaluable advice: If you're a Christian, stop feeling guilty about pursuing a "secular" education or job and get out there and change the world. The first part of the book discusses ways to improve your credentials: apply to universities with strong reputations; study abroad, and controversially, recognize that going to some Christian colleges may limit job opportunities later. The next section covers ways to improve your influence/career: network with the right people, move to one of the major US cities (Washington, New York, Los Angeles), be gracious, and recognize that repetition plus discipline will bring success. Bottom line: Do yourself and your career a favor and get this book. I knew right away that this book would go on my list of books to buy graduates, and younger friends who are still getting started in their education or careers.
Rating: 
Summary: good, but...
Review: Hugh is obviously ambitious and willing to share what it takes to achieve influence without compromise. However, I hope he has no kids or their life would be one without him I'm afraid. It's a book for type A personalities. The advice was excellent though the tone made me bristle at times. It might have been better if before writing "In But Not Of" he had swallowed a dose of "Proud But Not Arrogant" Still, because it is rich with good advice, it will be given to graduates on my gift list this spring.
Rating:
Summary: Read it, then live it
Review: I highly recommend this. An easy read, but chock-full of wisdom and useful information.
Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: I think Hugh Hewitt has a lot of insight into what it means to live in this world while serving Christ in many aspects of our lives. Work setting is definitely the place to influence the world, however, the actual transformation of lives occurs by not just being involved in workplaces, but in the actual lives of the people. Even though I have to refute a few points on his recommendations of being ambitious, it is definitely a good read for young professionals.
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