Your Guide to Living Life Out Loud by Dave Bell

Are you making the most of your life? Bell has written this book to encourage you to do exactly that.

Bell was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer at age 16. He takes us through his thoughts and his treatment. He writes about how to handle an illness, such as the facts presented and the medications suggested. He also writes about his marriage and the birth of their son. He ends the short book with suggestions for living life out loud.

Bell's is a touching book. It is mostly a memoir with lots of pictures (28 pages of them). The overall message is to live life out loud with enjoyment and thanksgiving, happy to be alive. We really don't know how long we have to be doing so.

Considering the writing style and the humor, I think this book will be appreciated best by teens who recognize Bell's name as co-author (with Chris Eaton) of several worship songs. The end of each chapter summarizes the lesson, adds something to think about, something to read, something to pray,and something to live. It might be appropriate for a youth discussion group.

This book was originally printed in England so there are a couple of ways in which this book is different than what I am used to.

One is the humor. The British humor is different from what I appreciate. Much of the humor in this book seemed childish, odd for the serious nature of the topic, and had nothing to do with the lesson being taught. After a story about being naked in a gym changing room, Bell writes, “This story has no real relevance to this chapter, but it is quite funny.” (133)

Another is grammar. They must have different rules in England. For example, “...the chats that both Andrew and me received.” (16) “The 24^th of August 2009 was a special day for Sarah and I.” (86) And from his dad, “They particularly advised Irene and I...” (127)

Also, there is a mistake in the photos. There are two of the same photo on page 103 but with different captions. Some editor at the publishing company overlooked it.

Dave Bell is a musician, worship leader, songwriter and the lead singer of The Moment. Find out more at www.themomentmusic.co.uk.

Destiny Image, 160 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Book Group Network for the purpose of this independent and honest review.