Rating: 
Summary: Thought provoking
Review: Rarely is there a book for men that will dive into the real issues that men do not want to deal with. I thought the author had a great approach. His writing almost forces you into introspection and gives wonderful insight into the deepness on the mind of a man. The real issue with men is dealing with our wounds.
Rating: 
Summary: Unfounded Bias
Review: We badly need a biblical model of masculinity that doesn't demean women, that challenges, but doesn't make us feel groslly inadequate, turn us into macho pretenders and is based on solid exegesis and sound theology. Unfortunately, Wild at Heart does not give us this definition.He demeans women by suggesting they are not risk takers, but beauties who wait on men to rescue them. Based on his warrior model of a man, he contrasts William Wallace, Scottish liberator, portrayed in the film Braveheart, with Mother Teresa, as her roaming the strees of Calcuta as a single woman to care for the deseased and dying involved no danger, risk or adventure. He, himself, admits his model makes even him feel inadequate. "I imagine myself to be Indiania Jones, but I'm afraid I am more like Woody Allen," he writes. I fear this book will turn men into pretenders by reviving the old stereotypes of men as active, strong, protective, defenders,
in contrast to women who are passive, weak, frail, soft, people whose major desire is to live safely (as if a woman's choice to conceive and give birth to a child is without risk--especially in developing countries where the rate of woman dying in childbirth is so high). Besides the inadequacy of his model of masculinity, Elderidge's foundation for it is extremely weak in the areas of theology, biblical scholarship, anthropology and zoology. For example, he claims Adam was created outside the garden of Eden to be a wild man. But, why, then did God place Him in a garden? He doesn't give us a good reason. Also, notice how selective he is in his biblical examples. He falls short in his anthropological support, citing mostly contemporary models (from films especially), but nothing about the roles and traits of men and women from other times and other cultures (where, for example, women are leaders and depended on for their strength). In his appeal to the animal kingdom, he notes that the male lion has all the traits of his masculine caracature. He is fierce, unlike the lioness. He claims if you look at the lioness you will see fierceness, but it is sensual (just as a woman's strength is in her beauty to attract a man whose nature is to search for her). Yet, it is humorous to see he misses the fact that it is the lioness who is the primary hunter and killer in king leo's pride. My encylopedia tells me that he is strong enought to muscle his way into the group of lionesses to eat after they provide the kill for him. Who, then, is the fierce on in the lion family? As Christians, we need not turn to Rambo or Rocky for our model of masculinity. We should take Pilate's advice and "Behold, the man." Jesus provides the most perfect authentic model we can find. And, if we were making a movie of his life, we would probably not think of casting the likes of John Wayne, Sylvester Stallone or Cling Eastwood to play His role. Sure, He could be fierce and take risks. But, he also was in touch with his emotions and willing to share what macho men might consider weaknesses. In the Garden of Gethesemene, He confided to His disciples he was deeply depressed. He was not a go it alone type; he asked for their support. And, he even wept publically and showed tenderness to little children. I believe that after a time, the readers of Wild at Heart will realize that the books foundation is very weak and that the authors views of femininity and masculinity are groslly inadequate.
Rating:
Summary: Favorite Book! (other than the bible)
Review: I was in a small group based of the readings of this book and it was easily the most influential book I've ever read. I recommend this book to any men/boys who don't feel quiet like their role in this world is complete... Really brings into focus what it means to be a MAN of God...
Rating: 
Summary: A Big Disappointment
Review: Since this book was highly recommended to me, I couldn't wait to get started. But I was quickly disappointed for a variety of reasons. 1. I think this book is geared for men who experienced "issues" with their own fathers during childhood. I don't think the countless examples of mean or insulting fathers (along with nasty comments about many mothers)doesn't resonate with those of us fortunate enough to have decent parents. 2. Eldredge makes a ton of claims about what God wants men to do, but these are rarely backed up with Scripture. I guess we're supposed to take his word for it. For example, he makes the case that God wants us to be dangerous and fierce because early men in the Bible (like Adam and Cain) were. He tells us this was God's intent for man. I'm sorry, but he's reading a version of the Bible that I've never seen. He is simply using creative liberty to make his case. I quickly searched for his credentials on the book jacket, but it doesn't seem like he has any related to theology or Biblical studies. It sounds like he's a counselor. He also dismisses Scripture, like when he says "Yes, I know that Jesus told us to turn the other cheek. But..." I'm sorry, but I'm not yet prepared to put Mr. Eldredge's views on a level higher than Jesus! 3. I don't mean to be rude, but the author clearly seems to have a Napaleonic-complex and an obsession with displaying his machoism. I hate to break the news, but not all "real" men have these self-esteem issues. Not all men want to climb rocks and take adventuristic risks that endanger themselves or their families. He calls this macho, I call it irresponsible (in many cases). 4. Finally, the book uses a lot of ambiguous and flowerly language that may win awards, but is meaningless for those truly trying to decipher the message. In addition, he often tries to be dramatic, but quite frankly, it wasn't working. The New Testament talks a lot about humbleness, gentleness, peacefulness. This seems to be in conflict with this book. While he's right that a lot of men are unhappy in life, he's prescribing the wrong cure. No, a man doesn't have to be a sissy. Not at all. But neither do we need to encourage our kids to solve problems by fighting or allow them to display horrible table manners...all in the name of being a man. Although the comparisons to lions and stallions were meant to inspire the reader, I found them to be comical. I'm most concerned that this is a dangerous book that can lead men in the wrong direction. If you accept what this guy writes without a critical eye, the results could be disasterous.
Rating:
Summary: Books That Will Change Your Life
Review: This past week, I read two life-changing books every man should read. Wild at Heart helped me see myself in a completely new way as a man. It made sense on both a biblical and common sense level. I also read THE GRAVEL DRIVE by Kirk Martin...wow, every father (and mother) needs to read this story. You will never be the same again. For those that want their hearts and lives changed, I highly recommend both books.
Rating:
Summary: Be aware of the pitfalls
Review: I'm a single female and read this book to help me get better insight into guys. It started out very encouraging. He is right to get onto churched men and women who tend to take the masculinity out of our faith. But it turned into just another discouraging, shallow fraternity manual. I felt his comments about encouraging his children to fight on the playground, even though that's against Jesus' teaching was appauling. He uses Christianity to sell the book, then disagrees with Jesus' teaching. Go figure. I had high hopes that the author would show the examples from scripture where Jesus stood up for others, where he showed righteous anger at injustice and greed. Jesus went against popular culture on issues like pride, self-righteousness, poverty and equality of the races. None of that here. Nada. Jesus was the ultimate man, yet he was not selfish. If this is a "Christian" book, it should aim to be Christ-like. Otherwise, take out the Bible(that he doesn't agree with anyway) and just call it "self-help."
Rating:
Summary: Not your father's "self help" book
Review: Actually I hate the phrase "self-help". No man was ever able to help himself to do the things only God can do in and through him, and Eldredge does a great job of explaining why. And he assures the reader this is not just another book to help you "keep promises" or be accountable to other men. I'm not old enough to know first hand what it must have been like for men 50 years ago, before the proliferation of so many self-help, Christian-living books that men seemed to do so much better without (or at least they didn't seem to suffer for lack of them). Eldredge compellingly implores the reader to look at his life as a unique adventure that is supposed to be much more exciting than the lives of "quiet desperation" most men lead. Eldredge is frank and forward in way in which many of what I call the "man books" fail. He clearly spells out many of the ways men "sabotage" their lives by seeking after the momentary pleasures and cardboard rewards that are mere shadows of the joys God has for us. He describes how often we mistake these false loves (and lusts), fears and failings for the things that God really intended to bring us fulfillment. One quote in particular spoke to me, and it was actually his use of a quote from another book: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. For what the world needs is men who have come alive." Read this! And be inspired to "come alive" by a deeper relationship with the One who made you to be more than you have become!
Rating:
Summary: Very Important
Review: This book is an extremely poingent and moving book for all guys, and women who want to try to understand guys! While it speaks directly to a mans heart, women will be inspired and educated as well - and the last quarter of the book speaks to all genders no matter what. This book will not fail to stir up a guy and get him thinking about what really matters in life. The prefect companion book is "The Journey of Desire." John Eldredge is a perfect conduit for God and his wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: A new pair of Glasses
Review: You can read the other reviews and see that this book generates passion from both the people who like it and those who do not. I will tell you that this is a powerful book that will definitely give you a new perspective on Biblical manhood. You may not agree with everything Eldrige has to say, but it is clear to me that he is 'on to something'.
Every father should read this book to get an understanding of the 'Father Wound', if not to heal from it, then to insure that they do not create one in their children.
Is it good advice to tell your young son to hit a bully? I cannot find a bible reference that supports it, but in my heart, I know that it is sometimes the best option. Is Saddam as a bully a valid parallel?
Rating:
Summary: Unleashed my heart
Review: Wild at Heart is a wonderful book for the man that feels like something is missing in his life. For years, I have searched to get in touch with my heart, my goals in life, the path I'm on, and who I am and why I struggle with the things I struggle with. Wild at Heart helped me to get a look into the way that man was created to be and to live. Written in a very easy to read style, Wild at Heart will put men in touch with their inner passion and purpose. This book drove me to the woods to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and transformed my soul, bringing me peace in the process and a new enthusiasm for myself, for manhood and for life. I would recommend this book highly to men who are serious about being men. It is a book about God and about men after his own heart. If this is what you desire, spend some time in Wild at Heart. But be prepared, this book gets into your heart and does something to you. You will not be the same again.
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