nerdyrev's review against another edition
3.0
Not a badly written book, but just not what I expected. Hoped this would be Graham looking back at his life and reflecting. instead it is him talking about the general concept of old age and how the Bible talks/approaches it. Not bad, but it had a lot of potential to be great. Imagine the stories that could have been told.
littlelovelybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Review appears on my blog www.littelovelybooks.com in its entirety.
As much as it pains me to look at the cover and despite the fact that I was insanely excited to get it, I couldn't get into at first. He spends a lot of time talking about old age and it seems rambly. I kept picturing myself sitting in my grandfather's house, listening to one of his endless stories, while mentally making the hand gesture to hurry it up already. I say that not to be disrespectful but to illustrate how much I wanted it to have a point. Where was the point? There were gems in there but it all seemed disconnected and all over the place
It's a super short read at only 182 pages but it took me days to read because I couldn't read "old" another time. I'm super glad that I stuck with it though because the last 50 to 75 pages made the rest of it worth it. This was the meat and the best part of the book for me. It didn't seem as disconnected but more like essays that moved from chapter to chapter.
It might have taken a more winding path than I had the patience for and there might have been parts that didn't apply to me quite yet but in the end I enjoyed it. I wanted to hug this book because it closes with such emotion and such heart. But most of all it closes with such hope for the future. And that I loved. Rev Graham might be nearing home but he's certainly doing it with grace, a steadfast assurance in his faith and a never ending desire to share his Savior with anyone who will hear him.
4/5 for finishing strong
As much as it pains me to look at the cover and despite the fact that I was insanely excited to get it, I couldn't get into at first. He spends a lot of time talking about old age and it seems rambly. I kept picturing myself sitting in my grandfather's house, listening to one of his endless stories, while mentally making the hand gesture to hurry it up already. I say that not to be disrespectful but to illustrate how much I wanted it to have a point. Where was the point? There were gems in there but it all seemed disconnected and all over the place
It's a super short read at only 182 pages but it took me days to read because I couldn't read "old" another time. I'm super glad that I stuck with it though because the last 50 to 75 pages made the rest of it worth it. This was the meat and the best part of the book for me. It didn't seem as disconnected but more like essays that moved from chapter to chapter.
It might have taken a more winding path than I had the patience for and there might have been parts that didn't apply to me quite yet but in the end I enjoyed it. I wanted to hug this book because it closes with such emotion and such heart. But most of all it closes with such hope for the future. And that I loved. Rev Graham might be nearing home but he's certainly doing it with grace, a steadfast assurance in his faith and a never ending desire to share his Savior with anyone who will hear him.
4/5 for finishing strong
kacilane's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely geared towards older people, but I enjoyed it. Full of practical advice for growing older, including financial and estate planning. Especially enjoyed the short part about heaven at the end. This was my first book of Graham's (happened upon it at Goodwill), and I hope to read many more.
behnnie's review against another edition
3.0
Billy Graham‘s most recent work, Nearing Home, is one of those thoughtful, peaceful sorts of books you can either read cover-to-cover, or stroll through at random and still come out ahead either way. It’s like memories of your childhood; you don’t have to bring them up in any certain order to enjoy them.
The focus of the book is on the challenge, and the beauty, of aging well. It deals with recognizing one’s value and responsibilities during a stage in life when it may seem like there’s little left to do, or fewer places where one’s value will be recognized. And it’s as much a pep talk for older readers as it is a guide for younger readers on the importance of respecting their elders for the wisdom and experience they can provide. It reaffirms the importance of standing fast in one’s relationship with God regardless of the inevitable challenges that accompany the changes of time.
Reading his commentary on dealing with the pains of aging and grief (Ch 5: “Fading Strength But Standing Strong”), and on providing wisdom and counsel to younger generations not only through words but through actions (Ch 7: “Influencing the Impressionable”), I was reminded again and again of the Godly examples set for me by my grandparents through their love for the Lord and for their families.
It made me think of my Mimi, in particular, and the way she boldly- daily- lives out a hope shared by Graham that her children and grandchildren will “become men and women of compassion, honesty, morality, responsibility, selflessness, loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice… trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior and seeking to follow Him.” (p. 120) In fact, multiple times throughout the book I heard the words in her voice instead of his. I guess you could say my Mimi served as my litmus test on whether or not what Graham was saying checked out as worthwhile advice. (Way to go, Mim. ;)
A few words of advice Graham shares with his readers on “bridging the gap” (p. 121) between generations hit home for me in terms of my own family because I regularly see them living out this guidance in realistic ways. (Way to go, fam. ;) I’ll share it with you here, and trust you’ll also read beyond the list’s disarming simplicity: Pray Consistently, Keep In Touch, Encourage [Your Family], Remember Your Place, and Be An Example.
There were times I found it difficult to stick with the book, as it speaks to a decidedly older demographic than my own. While I appreciated the sentiments the author shared, it was a bit like reading about dealing with grief when you’ve never lost a loved one, or about bonding with your troubled teen when you’ve never had children. I know there is value in his words, but for now I’m just filing them away in the hope that they spring back to mind about forty years from now.
A good summary of the book appears on page 48: “One day you may not be able to do everything you once did or everything you would like to do. Instead of feeling guilty or frustrated or resentful, however, thank God that you can still do some things- and make it your goal to do them faithfully and do them well. Commit your time- and your whole self- to Jesus Christ, and seek to do His will no matter what comes your way.”
Words to live by.
And it wouldn’t be a Billy Graham book if it didn’t end with an alter call.
“No one ever grows too old to accept Christ’s forgiveness and enter into His glorious presence. When we look back over our experiences along life’s journey, we may have regrets about the choices we made, but remember, that was then… this is now. … “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV).” (p. 180)
While I wouldn’t want to discourage younger readers from attempting to tackle this book- there is a lot in it to appreciate and learn from, and so many insights into perspectives it’s impossible to gain oneself until later in life- it is most definitely geared toward an older crowd. It is to them I would recommend this book. I think anyone dealing with the issues presented in it will find it encouraging, and will find its sentiments expressed in such a humble, straightforward way they will want to pass along to others Graham’s uplifting take on a potentially difficult subject: that of moving closer to our promised time with God, to nearing home.
*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The focus of the book is on the challenge, and the beauty, of aging well. It deals with recognizing one’s value and responsibilities during a stage in life when it may seem like there’s little left to do, or fewer places where one’s value will be recognized. And it’s as much a pep talk for older readers as it is a guide for younger readers on the importance of respecting their elders for the wisdom and experience they can provide. It reaffirms the importance of standing fast in one’s relationship with God regardless of the inevitable challenges that accompany the changes of time.
Reading his commentary on dealing with the pains of aging and grief (Ch 5: “Fading Strength But Standing Strong”), and on providing wisdom and counsel to younger generations not only through words but through actions (Ch 7: “Influencing the Impressionable”), I was reminded again and again of the Godly examples set for me by my grandparents through their love for the Lord and for their families.
It made me think of my Mimi, in particular, and the way she boldly- daily- lives out a hope shared by Graham that her children and grandchildren will “become men and women of compassion, honesty, morality, responsibility, selflessness, loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice… trusting Jesus Christ as their Savior and seeking to follow Him.” (p. 120) In fact, multiple times throughout the book I heard the words in her voice instead of his. I guess you could say my Mimi served as my litmus test on whether or not what Graham was saying checked out as worthwhile advice. (Way to go, Mim. ;)
A few words of advice Graham shares with his readers on “bridging the gap” (p. 121) between generations hit home for me in terms of my own family because I regularly see them living out this guidance in realistic ways. (Way to go, fam. ;) I’ll share it with you here, and trust you’ll also read beyond the list’s disarming simplicity: Pray Consistently, Keep In Touch, Encourage [Your Family], Remember Your Place, and Be An Example.
There were times I found it difficult to stick with the book, as it speaks to a decidedly older demographic than my own. While I appreciated the sentiments the author shared, it was a bit like reading about dealing with grief when you’ve never lost a loved one, or about bonding with your troubled teen when you’ve never had children. I know there is value in his words, but for now I’m just filing them away in the hope that they spring back to mind about forty years from now.
A good summary of the book appears on page 48: “One day you may not be able to do everything you once did or everything you would like to do. Instead of feeling guilty or frustrated or resentful, however, thank God that you can still do some things- and make it your goal to do them faithfully and do them well. Commit your time- and your whole self- to Jesus Christ, and seek to do His will no matter what comes your way.”
Words to live by.
And it wouldn’t be a Billy Graham book if it didn’t end with an alter call.
“No one ever grows too old to accept Christ’s forgiveness and enter into His glorious presence. When we look back over our experiences along life’s journey, we may have regrets about the choices we made, but remember, that was then… this is now. … “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV).” (p. 180)
While I wouldn’t want to discourage younger readers from attempting to tackle this book- there is a lot in it to appreciate and learn from, and so many insights into perspectives it’s impossible to gain oneself until later in life- it is most definitely geared toward an older crowd. It is to them I would recommend this book. I think anyone dealing with the issues presented in it will find it encouraging, and will find its sentiments expressed in such a humble, straightforward way they will want to pass along to others Graham’s uplifting take on a potentially difficult subject: that of moving closer to our promised time with God, to nearing home.
*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
bookofcinz's review against another edition
5.0
I had been taught all my life how to die, but no one ever taught me how to grow old.
This book shook me. There is no other way to put it. It really brought to light how unprepared I am for dying (is anyone my age ever really is?) aging and retirement. I have absolutely no plans in place for my death or retirement. After finishing this book I immediately wrote out my will and how I want my funeral arrangements to be. I messaged my friend and she was totally freaked out, asking where all my questions were coming from... I told her I just finished reading "Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well" by Billy Graham.
Growing up, I always heard about Bill Graham, I cannot say I followed his ministry but I know Rick Warren, looked up to him a lot and was totally shaken when Graham died. Rick Warren spoke so highly of Graham, when I saw his book at a garage sale I had to get it and I am happy I did.
It is always great reading a book filled with wisdom from someone who lived a long full life. Graham wrote about topics we don't generally read about, death, retirement and aging. I love how real this book was, as Graham rightly said, "aging isn't for sissies" he spoke about how lonely it can be, how much aging persons suffer because of health issues and have anxiety or worries because of their lack of finances. There are a lot of things to consider and Billy Graham brought all of these to the forefront in this book.
This is a book for everyone, there is so much wisdom packed into this read. A must read for me.
This book shook me. There is no other way to put it. It really brought to light how unprepared I am for dying (is anyone my age ever really is?) aging and retirement. I have absolutely no plans in place for my death or retirement. After finishing this book I immediately wrote out my will and how I want my funeral arrangements to be. I messaged my friend and she was totally freaked out, asking where all my questions were coming from... I told her I just finished reading "Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well" by Billy Graham.
Growing up, I always heard about Bill Graham, I cannot say I followed his ministry but I know Rick Warren, looked up to him a lot and was totally shaken when Graham died. Rick Warren spoke so highly of Graham, when I saw his book at a garage sale I had to get it and I am happy I did.
It is always great reading a book filled with wisdom from someone who lived a long full life. Graham wrote about topics we don't generally read about, death, retirement and aging. I love how real this book was, as Graham rightly said, "aging isn't for sissies" he spoke about how lonely it can be, how much aging persons suffer because of health issues and have anxiety or worries because of their lack of finances. There are a lot of things to consider and Billy Graham brought all of these to the forefront in this book.
This is a book for everyone, there is so much wisdom packed into this read. A must read for me.
mepitts's review
2.0
As a lifelong admirer of Billy Graham and someone nearing 70 myself, I was interested in what the author had to say about the relationship among faith, advanced age and impending dearth. There is certainly SOME of that, but many of the insights seem obvious and the content feels thin rather than dense on the pages. So much to recommend about Billy Graham’s life and ministry, but I didn’t find this book helpful. Not recommended.
pgchuis's review
1.0
Actually gave up on page 58. Supposed to be for book club. Found this superficial, repetitive and boring. He takes scripture out of context and his logic is meandering to put it politely. It reads like it was written by some one very elderly as indeed it was. A shame, as he is some one I have always respected.
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