Book review: Real, by Jamie Snyder

It took me a while to get past the first chapter of this book. It’s a short book and easy to read, but in the first chapter, Jamie Snyder, author of Real, Becoming a 24/7 Follower of Jesus, asks:  “Would anyone know I am a Christian if they didn’t see me at church?” Wow.

I had to think about that and process it for a while because as Snyder explains, so many of us define our relationship with Jesus around worship services on Sunday – and that’s all. So I had to wonder…how WOULD someone know that I was a Christian?

Through the remainder of the book and using frequent Bible references, the author shares stories and examples on how we can be a 24/7 follower and demonstrate unbridled generosity, daring courage, rebellious joy, risky faith, relentless hope, scandalous grace, and mad love seven days a week. He has an easy-to-read writing style, and a dry sense of humor.

Each chapter ends with a prayer and questions that can be used in personal reflection or group discussion.

Originally I had intended to read this book and then donate it to our church library, but I’ve underlined and circled so many things, I will have to buy a new copy of the library. I’m keeping this one to read again. I learned a lot of things from this book – too many to list here – so I highly recommend this book.

(This review is based upon a copy of this book which was provided free of charge from Bethany House Publishers. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.)