Book Review: Amazing Love by Corrie Ten Boom

This is a review of Amazing Love by Corrie Ten Boom. The edition of this book was printed in 1985, and was published by Christian Literature Crusade in Fort Washington, PA. This is one of the shortest and most unique reads from Corrie Ten Boom.

his is a review of Amazing Love by Corrie Ten Boom
At just a little over 111 pages, this short read from Corrie is made up of chapter after chapter of short stories. Each chapter is roughly two pages long, and equates to about 27 short stories or chapters. This read, unlike The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord, does not tell a story where one chapter connects to the other. Rather, this short read follows short reflective challenges and encouragements from the life, ministry, and experiences of Corrie Ten Boom.

I think there is some great stories and reflections in Amazing Love, but it is certainly my least favorite read from Corrie Ten Boom. Her other books have shown off her story and the theological, missional, and experiential depth that stemmed as a result of her journey. This book, Amazing Love, just does not witness in the same way as her other books, to her miraculous dependence on the Spirit of God, nor does it feature as many challenging takeaways for me. That critique being identified, should not insinuate that this book was a regrettable read. As a light read, Amazing Love carries beautiful stories and challenging reflections. I agree with Norman P. Grubb, in the Foreword of Amazing Love, that Corrie Ten Boom, a worldwide, troubadour of Christ, shares with readers in this book, “all the vividness of first-hand experience, contacts and conversations with all sorts in camps and jails, with actresses and students, with sophisticated and illiterate.”[1] As he says, in this book we see the way her faith has made her wise and winning at commending Jesus to so many.[2]

This book, Amazing Love, will challenge readers to see the way that God love’s amazingly encounters us, transforms us, and ultimately works through us. Each story challenges us to live out a life walking with the Spirit of God. Corrie Ten Boom remarks, that we “should not try to be anything but an open channel for the Spirit of God. You never can be anything else, even though you may think so at times. Follow the pathway of obedience, and you will be used by God far beyond your own powers.”[3] That simple statement captures Corrie’s faith, faith journey, and the way God has been able to use her over the years. I recommend this read for those looking for short reflections on a life lived well in step with the Spirit of God.

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Highlights & Quotes

[1] Corrie Ten Boom, Amazing Love (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1985), Forward.

[2] Corrie Ten Boom, Amazing Love (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1985), Forward.

[3] Corrie Ten Boom, Amazing Love (Fort Washington, PA: Christian Literature Crusade, 1985), 21.

I grew up inspired by Jesus, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the California Raisins, and The Clash. I'm an avid fan of baseball, boardwalks, beaches, and books. Additionally, I am currently a doctoral student at Kairos University, and finishing a third master's degree, an MBA in Executive Leadership, at City Vision University. Previously I have earned two master's degrees - one in Theology and Ministry and another in Leadership - both from Fuller Seminary. I also graduated summa cum laude with a Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Management and an Associate Degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership from City Vision University.

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