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kstephensreads's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED this book. Thought provoking and inspiring. I found the wording to occasionally be a bit sloppy, and the chronology a little disorienting to follow as it would leap forward a number of years and I wasn’t sure where we were in time; as it was covering the lives and ministries of two different men neither was terribly in-depth. But it’s beautifully woven together and I love how it highlights themes and patterns. Beautiful and respectful treatment of the battle against depression.
conway_bethany's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book. It’s such a powerful story and a reminder I definitely needed of God’s sovereignty in the ugliest circumstances. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just leave it at this: READ IT!
kay_reads9's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
shortthoughts's review
5.0
This book focuses on Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson. Spurgeon was the well known pastor in London and Johnson was an African-American born into slavery in Virginia and lived as a slave for 28 years until finding freedom at the end of the Civil War. Johnson was saved when Jesus found him on the plantation. He went on to become a preacher and pastor. He longed to go to Africa as a missionary and ended up studying at Spurgeon's Pastors College before he went to Cameroon.
The book focuses on these two men leading up to their eventual meeting and the friendship between them thereafter. Johnson was a friend and counselor whose experience as a slave helped Spurgeon in facing his own bondage of physical sickness and paralyzing depression. It's a side of Spurgeon you probably knew existed, but it's not typically the focus of any treatment of his life.
I found the book fascinating and appreciated the authors' work in producing it. It is a work of narrative non-fiction. The authors took the various pieces of history of these two men and put them together in a narrative rather than an academic listing of names, places, and dates. Such an approach requires creativity to connect the dots at times. Every small detail may not be exactly right, but the work produced is readable and informative.
The book focuses on these two men leading up to their eventual meeting and the friendship between them thereafter. Johnson was a friend and counselor whose experience as a slave helped Spurgeon in facing his own bondage of physical sickness and paralyzing depression. It's a side of Spurgeon you probably knew existed, but it's not typically the focus of any treatment of his life.
I found the book fascinating and appreciated the authors' work in producing it. It is a work of narrative non-fiction. The authors took the various pieces of history of these two men and put them together in a narrative rather than an academic listing of names, places, and dates. Such an approach requires creativity to connect the dots at times. Every small detail may not be exactly right, but the work produced is readable and informative.
michellef's review against another edition
5.0
`Steal Away Home` is a Christian Living book about Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson by authors Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey. Thomas Johnson was a former slave that had been trained at Spurgeon's college in England and commissioned by Spurgeon as a missionary to Africa. The authors are quick to note that this book is not a biography or a history book, but a story based on real life events that occurred in history. Many of the word-for-word quotations are from Spurgeon's or Johnson's own writing.
Young Charles Spurgeon enjoyed visiting his grandfather staying for long visits to read the books his grandfather owned. He also enjoyed the outdoors where he saw beauty in everything the Creator made. Charles' grandfather played a big role in Charles becoming a famous preacher. His knees had callou7ses from kneeling in prayer, damaged eyesight from years of reading scripture, and his heart groaned for the Spirit of God to save souls.
I learned that Spurgeon began preaching at the age of 19. He was well advanced in wisdom for his age. This came from many hours of reading books including the Bible. I thought it was interesting that the more criticism Charles received the more people filled his pews. He also suffered from depression (see page #82).
My favorite part of the book was when Thomas became free in Jesus and he was no longer a slave to the devil. Even though he was a slave to man he no longer saw himself as one. Jesus gave him compassion for those doing evil.
My favorite quote from the whole book was when Charles said, "My friends, there is a terrible day coming when the terror and alarm of this evening shall be nothing. My friends! Even if you are the chief of sinners, believe that Christ died for you, and you shall be saved Do you not know that you are lost and ruined and that none but Jesus can do you any good? Jesus can heal you, and He will if you only trust Him."
I chose this book as a way to learn more about Spurgeon. Since I don't understand his speeches I felt this book would shine a light on him and his belief's, and it did. I also thought the cover was unique. This book did live up to my expectations, as the reading was understandable.
All-in-all this book did not disappoint me, it held my interest, and I recommend it to fans of Spurgeon.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
Young Charles Spurgeon enjoyed visiting his grandfather staying for long visits to read the books his grandfather owned. He also enjoyed the outdoors where he saw beauty in everything the Creator made. Charles' grandfather played a big role in Charles becoming a famous preacher. His knees had callou7ses from kneeling in prayer, damaged eyesight from years of reading scripture, and his heart groaned for the Spirit of God to save souls.
I learned that Spurgeon began preaching at the age of 19. He was well advanced in wisdom for his age. This came from many hours of reading books including the Bible. I thought it was interesting that the more criticism Charles received the more people filled his pews. He also suffered from depression (see page #82).
My favorite part of the book was when Thomas became free in Jesus and he was no longer a slave to the devil. Even though he was a slave to man he no longer saw himself as one. Jesus gave him compassion for those doing evil.
My favorite quote from the whole book was when Charles said, "My friends, there is a terrible day coming when the terror and alarm of this evening shall be nothing. My friends! Even if you are the chief of sinners, believe that Christ died for you, and you shall be saved Do you not know that you are lost and ruined and that none but Jesus can do you any good? Jesus can heal you, and He will if you only trust Him."
I chose this book as a way to learn more about Spurgeon. Since I don't understand his speeches I felt this book would shine a light on him and his belief's, and it did. I also thought the cover was unique. This book did live up to my expectations, as the reading was understandable.
All-in-all this book did not disappoint me, it held my interest, and I recommend it to fans of Spurgeon.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
jbalmet's review
5.0
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, as I tend to prefer straight biographies to novelized ones. However, I think this one was very well done, and from my knowledge of Spurgeon’s life, this book was very faithful to the truth.
joshuamadl's review
5.0
This was a beautiful book. Brought me to tears numerous times. Grateful for the life of Spurgeon.
krstnkay's review
5.0
Just when I thought I couldn’t fall any harder for Charles Spurgeon, Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey go and write this moving story of Charles’ unexpected friendship with Virginia slave-turned-missionary Thomas Johnson. These two—and their plucky wives—flat out gutted it out, all the way home. I want to be like them when I grow up. Oh, yes I do.
Theirs is a story of endurance, of courage, of keeping one’s hands on the plough, no matter how blistered or bruised. Ultimately their friendship reminds us that pastors are just like the rest of us: sons, brothers, husbands and fathers who never outgrow their need for friendship, for freedom, for Jesus.
"A sick wife…a freshly dug grave…a lonely and terrified slave…poverty…gout, depression and fear…they all teach us lessons we can’t learn nowhere else. Trials drive us to Jesus. Sickness has been more useful to the saints of God than health ever has. The furnace is a blessing, Charles. Embrace it.” – Thomas Johnson
Theirs is a story of endurance, of courage, of keeping one’s hands on the plough, no matter how blistered or bruised. Ultimately their friendship reminds us that pastors are just like the rest of us: sons, brothers, husbands and fathers who never outgrow their need for friendship, for freedom, for Jesus.
"A sick wife…a freshly dug grave…a lonely and terrified slave…poverty…gout, depression and fear…they all teach us lessons we can’t learn nowhere else. Trials drive us to Jesus. Sickness has been more useful to the saints of God than health ever has. The furnace is a blessing, Charles. Embrace it.” – Thomas Johnson
snorthington's review
4.0
Growing up Catholic, I hadn't heard of Charles Spurgeon before, but really enjoyed learning about him and his friend Thomas, a man who found Jesus in the depths of slavery and went on to preach about the profound freedom found in Christ. I enjoyed the writing style of this book, and the clear love and research that went into its creation. I love the way this book addressed depression, faith, slavery, family, calling and love. I'd highly recommend it!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
hpeezie's review against another edition
I just despise fictionalized biographies. I hate it when modern authors ascribe feelings and motivations and thoughts to long-dead people. That is not your right.