Did you know that sometimes I have to be talked into requesting a review copy? Sometimes the call goes out for a book and I think, “Yeah… not for me.” But someone says, “Give it a chance.”
And eventually, I get talked into it.
When King Here came up for review, I passed. The cover looked like either a book on the prosperity gospel or maybe being both a Christian and a strong businessman. Neither interested me. So, I chose to ignore the call.
You guessed it. I got talked into the book. The subtitle, I confess, hinted the book might be a little better than I’d first thought. “Never too old, too rich, or too anything to meet Jesus.”
That said, I wasn’t ready to read it last night. I had a lot to do and didn’t want to read and review a book. Yes, I often read them the day before the review is due–especially when I’m still catching up from an exceptionally busy time. Other times I do it deliberately because I know if I read the book today, I won’t have time to review it until closer to time, and by then, I might have read a dozen others. That means I leave out things that might matter to you. So… delay.
Well…
Note: links may be affiliate links which provide me with a small commission. No worries, it doesn’t cost you extra. Additionally, a free review copy of this book was provided for the purpose of this review. I read it, here are my thoughts.
What Happened When King Met the King of Kings?
This book has my mind all over the place. Part of me says, “Why should want to I read a literal biography of a man I’ve never met just so I can see what God did in the man’s life near the end of his life?”
The other part of me says, “Why shouldn’t I want to read about the life of a man Jesus died for? Why not?”
Well… I don’t have an answer. I’ll be honest. Being privy to this man’s private life, including pictures and some very private information is uncomfortable for me. I’m weird that way. Still, no one can deny that Chuck King lived life to its fullest (most of it, anyway), and I enjoyed many of the stories in the book.
While I have a few theological issues with how salvation is presented in this book (not going to explain or debate that here–it’s nothing heretical), I loved that this family didn’t leave this man’s soul to chance. Had Chuck King rejected Jesus until the day he died, his family would have known that they did everything they could to make him see his need for Jesus. And they did it without ramming Jesus down his throat. I really have a lot of admiration and respect for how they did that. It’s beautiful.
I feel like there are a few organizational issues, but otherwise, the book is written in a conversational style–as if the author is seated beside you, telling you her stories in person.
I’d recommend this book for people who love biographies of people Jesus has redeemed, enjoy stories of people who are high achievers, and respect families who are highly competitive in organized sports and similar things. I’m not sorry I requested a review copy of the book, and while it isn’t something I’d likely purchase to share, I’m glad I read it.
About the Book
Book: King Here
Author: Trish Porter Topmiller
Genre: Religion/Christian or Spiritual
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Trusting God and sharing Jesus with aging parents can be difficult. As Trish Porter Topmiller watched her father’s casket be lowered into the ground, she knew the complicated jigsaw puzzle of his life finally held the missing piece. Jesus. But for years, his life seemed as far away from grace, and a believing faith in God, as a person can be.
A multimillionaire entrepreneur who believed his financial fortress (and business acumen) was invincible, he turned into a workaholic adrenaline junkie and ultimate opioid statistic who had given up on life.
Even then, grace found him.
King Here offers hope that no matter how old, how rich or how addicted someone is, it’s never too late to meet Jesus. Trish shares her father’s inspiring, yet tragic life story, filled with adventure and color and unique escapades to reveal God’s plan for an old rich man who thought he had no need for God.
Stepping back to see the big picture brings to light the hope and joy that God truly can answer prayers and do the impossible, but it doesn’t always look the way readers expect. In this moving tribute to her father, Trish encourages readers to never give up on loved ones who seem “too far gone” for God to reach.
Bea LaRocca says
Thank you for sharing your review. This sounds like a wonderful read.
Melissa Wenger says
Thanks for sharing your review!
James Robert says
I am enjoying these tours and finding all the terrific books my family is enjoying reading. Thanks for bringing them to us and keep up the good work.
Dianna says
I’m not usually drawn to read a biography unless I’ve heard of the person.
Bren says
I would love to read this book. I love stories where the God of heaven and Creator of all is given the glory he deserves when we don’t deserve the mercy and long-suffering he gives us. Thank you.
Emma says
This sounds like a book I would really enjoy. I tend to go for biographies or memoirs.
Amelia says
Thank you for the review!
Andrea Stoeckel says
This actually was so interesting,I got the ebook!