I Am Second: Real Stories. Changing Lives.

Bought this for an 15 year old boy who is underprivileged and lives in the inner city. There are not many good inspirational books for teen boys out there let alone boys who have a difficult life. Most are uber cheesy, relate only to one genre (usually sports) , and/or would be for boys who have good role models guiding them at home. What about the boy who loves science and video games, has one or both parents in jail, and would be like to be spoken to as the adult he almost is? I went with "I am Second" because it seemed to cover good cross section of life and culture and speaks to both youth and adults. I felt if there was even one story he could relate to to find hope and meaning ( aka Jesus) ...this would be a successful purchase.BTW< I showed the Bryan Welch/KORN video ( available on YouTube) to my 5th-6th grade Sunday School class and they were mesmerized by this man's testimony. These are fairly mature- thinking kids and completely "got" this man's Saul-to-Paul type conversion.

I would sum up the newly released "I Am Second" paperback as encouraging, uplifting, and equally inspiring. I have the Kindle version and read the updated portion of the new release with fresh eyes. In the pages you will read the stories of addiction, heartache, death, overcoming obstacles, and so much more. These people either find new faith in Christ or continue in their faith regardless of the trials and obstacles of life. The stories are short, only a few pages, but the impact goes far beyond the binding. You will be encouraged and challenged in your own spiritual walk by reading the stories of Rock Star Brian "Head" Welch, Biggest Loser Michelle Aguilar, Rapper Lecrae, and many more.

I like the idea behind this book and found it interesting to read about different people. Each chapter/story is about one person telling his/her story. Most stories seemed to follow the same pattern and there was not that much of a variety between the stories. I was glad that the stories were short because it made them easier to read, especially when some were not that exciting. It definitely wasn't a book that I didn't want to put down - which in some ways made it nice because it was easy to leave it and go back to it later or to just read for a short period of time. This book wasn't that great but wasn't bad either - it was okay. I really like the idea/message behind it more than I liked the actual book.

I don't know how anyone who is a Christian, can give this book anything other than a 5 star rating. To read how people who are part of the Jet Set crowd, are totally human, sinners, and lost like me, until Jesus came into their lives, and made them His children.As I read this book, I realized that EVERYONE has to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To those out there who have never had that, this book is helpful in many ways.It is well worth the effort to read it. I have so many verses highlighted, it almost the whole book. Lol.Please read this book. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

When Jesus spoke of loving your neighbor as yourself - the literal rendition of that is to love others ABOVE yourself. And if we take it all in perspective, we are to love God first, with the second great command being to love our neighbors.The approach of this book is to get you to think of God and others first - placing our own preferences and desires secondary to those great commands of Christ. It includes some great testimonies, and there is a series of videos that accompany this book as well.A worthwhile read/study for those who truly want to walk as Christ.

This book is an amazing testimony of God's transformations. Each story, although very different, has one common theme... How lives change when God is allowed to intervene. It's emotionally gripping, as the reader is drawn into story after story of God's amazing love. There were several points in the book where I definitely needed a box of Kleenex. There's a real rawness to the stories, making the reader feel as though he/she has entered into each and every life typed out before him/her. It's well-written and captivating. It's the kind of book you can't put down once you've picked it up. If you're in need of inspiration and encouragement, this is an absolute must-read!!!

I have always been a Christian, but up until this year, I never lived as a Christian, and I certainly never lived second to God. I always made myself and others first, but each story in this book opened my eyes and showed me that the best way to live and the happiest I'll ever be is by putting myself second. Each person of each story will tell you that being second is a struggle and a roller coaster ride, but that's life. Choosing to put yourself second is only going to make life more enjoyable and lead you to an amazing eternal life with God. The stories are not "nail biters" or "page turners", but they are "feel-good" stories that are written by real people to help you see that you are not alone in your struggles. I hope this book gives you as much encouragement as each story teller tries to show you.

This book is a wonderful compilation of testimonies. It is truly inspiring to see how God brings people to Him.

Really enjoyed the book, opened my eyes on certain areas of my life that I can improve in. A must read!