I recently signed up to review books for Thomas Nelson and selected “Take Your Best Shot — Do Something Bigger Than Yourself” by Austin Gutwein with Todd Hillard as my first book — I guess based on the slick cover and the small description which captured my imagination.
When the book arrived, I placed it in my pile of books to read and left it at that, however my eldest daughter of 11 picked the book up one day and said that she would like to read this when I was finished. So, I thought, I should read it first, just to make sure it was ok. So, placing aside my other books I delved into “Take Your Best Shot”.
Starting the book, I almost put it down after reading a few pages as the language and overall tone of the book seemed to me, too child-like and almost “preachy” in tone. What can this kid teach me, I thought? But, I persisted and continued to read and after reminding myself that this was a youth book (took me a while considering I had been reading Neil Cole the previous night), I started to enjoy the book and even grew to love and appreciate the heart of Austin, the young man who sought to make a difference in the lives of others through Hoops of Hope.
“Take Your Best Shot” tells the story while weaving some devotionals around the issues that Austin was dealign with. I found myself wishing to ignore the devotional material and wanted more and more of the story of Austin shooting the hoops. But, I stopped myself, and explored the devotionals and material alongside the amazing journey that Austin shared.
After finishing “Take Your Best Shot” I was so impressed I looked up the website to see how the movement was faring. The book encouraged me in my own journey hanging with the homeless and marginalised folk in my own community.
I was thrilled to hand it to my daughter and she is about to start the book and the journey. I pray that the story of Austin inspires her in her journey, and that she is inspired by the young man who made a huge difference in the lives of many. Austin has many wise words to share in “Take Your Best Shot” and I will be keeping an eye on his blog to see what this amazing young man does as he gets older.
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