The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren (2002, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

I started reading The Purpose Driven Life at the request of a friend who was going through a difficult time in her life. The book is designed to teach the reader about God's purpose for his/her life and how to live in such a way as to fulfill that purpose. It contains 40 short chapters (4-5 pages each) and suggests reading 1 chapter a day for 40 days (a symbolic number in the bible...40 days of rain, 40 days in the desert, etc.) The book recommends reading it with a friend so that you can stay accountable to the reading, discuss each chapter with that person, and better absorb the message.

The book is designed for Christians at any point in their faith. It does not matter if you are new to Christianity or have been following God for 60 years, it has something to teach you or reinforce in you wherever you are in your walk. Pastor Rick Warren does a good job of defining God's purpose for our lives as found in the scriptures. He writes in a very accessible way and because you only read 1 short chapter a day, you have time to let each message sink in. While at times some of the messages seem basic, it is through mastering the basics that we can grow and evolve into more authentic, committed Christians.

In addition to writing about God's purpose for us, Pastor Warren provides practical ways to fulfill our role. Each chapter concludes with a "Point to Ponder" (the message of the chapter), a "Verse to Memorize" (to reinforce God's purpose for us) and a "Question to Ask" (so that we can apply the message to our own life). All in all, it is a very practical and useful book that, whether you read with a friend or on your own, will provide daily encouragement that will enrich your life. It is the type of book that you'll be able to pick up many times in your life to help guide you in your Christian walk.

The Purpose Driven Life is one of the best books that I have ever read. We studied it at our church a couple of years ago. My Thursday night Bible Study class wanted to study the book and I had forgotten how awesome the lessons are. Each chapter starts out with a tidbit - "It's not about you" or "You are not an accident". This book really helps people realize how much God loves them and has a plan for each individual's life. You will want to read it over and over again. It will change your life!

This book caused me to re-dedicate my life to Christ. With clear, short chapters, readers are led to consider a life beyond our self-centered tendencies and to consider God's reasons for having us here. I have read many, many "self-help" books through the years and most of them seem to encourage the selfishness that so many of us (including myself) had become so accustomed to maintaining. If you are ready, this book will challenge many of your previous assumptions and could lead you closer to Christ. Readers who will take the time to read the book daily as instructed and then carry out the work directed in the book will experience benefit. However, just reading the book and choosing not to change your thoughts, attitudes or behaviors will not be helpful. (I am amazed at people I talk to who read the whole book through in one week and complain that they did not benefit from it). Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone serious learning more about God's purpose for humankind.

I have read this book and it is wonderful. Enlightening, uplifting, builds hope and is unlike any other "self-help" books, with supporting facts from the most authoritative literary source in the world the bible. It is nicely woven, easily read, reader friendly, and has short chapters. It is a do it yourself attitude adjustment that I might have valued when going through my tough young adult years. It gives you purpose in life wherever/whenever you are in the process of a lifetime. We decided to give a copy to all of our immediate family that can read for Christmas-E-bay afforded that luxury. This book is something to read and re-read again and again. The young and disillusioned of America would also appreciate the hope and guidance this book offers. It should be a staple in all recovery programs, detox units, battered women shelters, libraries, universities, bookstores, youth groups, high schools, elementary schools, and family homes. I am really sold on this book. Last of all it offers purpose, focus, clarity, and a myriad of positive rewards.

The book on CD is a good format for this. If you don't have time to read, you can listen to one chapter a day as recommended while driving to/from work, exercising, walking the dog or even getting dressed in the morning. The book will help you see life in a new light or it can help you re-focus your life if you have lost focus. It is a nice educational piece and Rick Warren is a motivational speaker. I cannot say that I agree or buy into everything he says, but it was worth listening to. I found it much easier to list to the CD than find quiet time to read the book. There is time driving to and from work that is wasted and for a time I filled it with thought and inspiration. I think it was worth listening to and would recommend it.