Book Review: Caught in the Headlights

I finished two books yesterday (see previous blog for the other one), the first of which was Caught in the Headlights: 10 Lessons Learned the Hard Way. Wow, what a book! I began my journey through the 10 lessons without much thought for how it applied to me. To be honest, I thought more along the lines of, "ooh, my husband should read this" or "Oh, this chapter would be great for my friend." It wasn't until I hit chapter 7 on forgiveness that I started to feel "caught in the headlights."

Everyone has things in their lives that change them, things that are tough for them to get over and I've certainly had my share, but I had one experience in particular that I found myself reflecting on as I read this chapter. It's not one of those experiences I can share as it is far too personal and would seriously hurt the other person involved, but it was one of those experiences I have really struggled to learn to forgive, both the perpetrator and myself--for being so stupid. I've prayed and done a lot of soul searching, I've met with counselors and sought guidance from church leaders to help me know how to let this go, and even all these years later I'm struggling. This chapter caught me in a cotton vise and wouldn't let go. I don't know that I've found all the answers here, but I've certainly found some, and it was a pleasure to find them in such an uplifting and humorous book.

Chapters 8, 9, and 10 also felt focused toward me and made me finally see what this book was about, but that's something I can't really tell you either. Not because I don't want to, but because the lesson is applied a little differently for everyone. You can only learn your lesson by reading the book and appying it to your life.

As far as the style of the writing is concerned, I found Barry Phillips an entertaining and energetic writer whose voice captures the reader and sweeps them through the book to drop them with a sigh at the end. I laughed out loud many times and found myself really pondering over the messages presented. I loved the cartoons introducing each chapter and found Mr. Phillips did a marvelous job using stories and his unique voice to make an impression. I'm not a big self-help reader, but this is one of those rare books I'd recommend to almost anyone. I think anyone could find something about themself in this book. I know I certainly did.

So, thanks, Mr. Phillips, for sharing your hard learned lessons with us in the hope of easing some of our journey on the path. This reader really appreciates it!

Quote of the Day: "Every novel is an attempt to capture time, to weave something solid out of air. The author knows it is an impossible task - that is why he keeps on trying."

David Beaty