Rating: 
Summary: Too many late nights!
Review: We could not put it down. My wife and I read this book in about a week. That week was one of the hardest weeks of our lives simply because of the fact that we couldn't wait to read some more. Even though we are asleep most of the time by 10 pm, we were up until 3 am on at least two occassions. If the un-put-down-ableness were the only thing going for this book, it would be occassion enough for the five-star rating. However, the fact that this book stirred up in us both a passion to share the Gospel, instilled a greater love for God, and humbled us greatly makes me want to give it six stars. Amazon, unfortunately won't let me.
I don't normally read Christian fiction...I don't normally read fiction at all. I usually would prefer books like Piper's "Desiring God", Stott's "Cross of Christ", and Mahaney's "Cross-Centered Life," but this book has made me aware of a whole genre of life-changing books which I would have downplayed had it not been for my encounter with this one. Please read it, enjoy it, and then pass it on.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!!
Review: Truly amazing book. Randy Alcorn has a way of bringing his stories to life, and of really getting you involved. When I finished reading this book, I had a true conviction to look into persecuted churches to see what I can be doing. God is using this man.
Rating:
Summary: Intense
Review: An American businessman goes to China to visit his old friend from college. His purpose for going is to discover how American businesses can best market their products to average Chinese citizens. What he experiences while in China shocks and changes him. This is one of the most touching books I've read. It is a challenge to much of the teachings that pass for Christianity today.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendously moving and convicting
Review: This novel grabbed me from the beginning and never let me go. It communicates so many deep truths in such a passionate story, and really caused me to reflect upon my life. I certainly felt that my thinking was closer to Ben's than Li Quan's, but I longed for the deep faith that sustained Quan through sufferings. Being Chinese myself, I found the little details about the culture and the conversation to be very true to life. The thought that this kind of story could really be happening was both inspiring and convicting, to me as I enjoy the seductive comforts of the USA. There are a few times when Li Quan's parts of the dialogue come across as too much like a sermon rather than a natural conversation, but overall it is impossible not to be tremendously moved by Li Quan's and his family's story. Many times, I wept for his sufferings as if he were my real friend, and other moments also brought tears of joy. This book is a real "wake-up call." While I have enjoyed many of the "Left Behind" series, there is something much more deeply personal, intimate, and real (this is about NOW!) in "Safely Home" that made it more effective in reaching my heart. I give Safely Home an unequivocal and enthusiastic recommendation!
Rating:
Summary: beautiful
Review: This is a beautiful story based in modern day China about the struggles and persecution Christians face in China. These people are so on fire for God! A truly inspirational story. One of the best I have EVER read.
Rating:
Summary: Real Gold Fears No Fire - this book is that good
Review: This book is eye-opening and at the same time inspirational. People are being persecuted this very moment because they believe in Jesus. While we sit here in America with our freedoms, and a church in every corner, and three Bibles on average in every home, there are people so hungry for the Word of God that they copy bits and pieces on scrap paper and assemble them into their Bible. Safely Home is seen through the eyes of American Ben Fielding, a successful executive eager to expand his company's business with China, and his reunion with his humble Chinese roomate who had gone back to China with a PhD, and expected to be a university professor. What Ben finds when he beholds his friend for the first time in over twenty years shocks him. On the one hand, he is amazed at the humble surroundings of his friend's one-room home, and yet full of admiration for their spiritual wealth, the love in the home and their strong solid faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ. Ben witnesses first hand persecution, the underground church, martyrdom, and the great faith of the believers. His life is eternally changed. Yours will be too as you follow Ben from the executive suite to the underground cave to the prison fence. If you're a Christian, you'll be inspired and convicted to obey the Lord in service. If you're not a Christian, you'll follow Ben's footsteps and come to the crossroad of the most important decision you'll ever need to make. This book shows that it is always worthwhile to live for God, and not by the opinions of man. "Real gold fears no fire." "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God." (Zechariah 13:7)
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I've read in a Long Time!!
Review: This book is the greatest book I have read! It really makes you think about your life and what you take as an advantage! There were many times when I was brought to tears because of how great Li Quan's (the main character) faith was, it was incredible! I can guarantee that after you read this book, the next time you're rushing to get ready for church on Sunday, you will think about the Chinese and the way they go to church, and when you toss your Bible on the kitchen counter, you'll think of the Chinese who don't have any Bibles! Overall, it reminds you how great the Lord is, how faithful He is, and how great your reward will be when you enter into His house!
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read
Review: From the moment I started this book, I was convinced that it was going to be a great read. What I did not expect is that this novel would affect me so deeply. Randy Alcorn does an excellent job of developing his characters into believable people. By the time the novel moves into the meat of the action, you genuinely care about the people involved. This book also opened my eyes to the need for prayer for the persecuted Church. I highly recommend that you read this book. It could change your life.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reading
Review: Excellent book. Although it is fiction it does a great job of giving insight to the persecution of christians in the world. Having lived in Asia for 2yrs. I found this book to be very close to some of what I witnessed overseas. The significance of the "Chair" did not hit stong until the end of the book. I highly recommend this book to others.
Rating: 
Summary: Take me home, too
Review: The cover art is as moving as the story. The angel holding the robe for the new citizen of heaven is so manly; and the expression on the King's face so compelling. The artist and author have delivered an eye-opening and emotional message. The word picture of heaven is appealing and, dare I say, realistic? The author's use of Scripture was truly thrilling; the explanation of ancient Chinese characters was fascinating; and I wanted to embrace the man who called himself "Yesu's donkey."
I found the long conversations somewhat artificial and intrusive to the story. It slowed the action.
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