Better by Tim Chaddick, Craig Borlase

Better: How Jesus Satisfies the Search for Meaning by Tim Chaddick & Craig Borlase ISBN-13: 9781434705235 Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: David C. Cook Released: Sept. 1, 2013

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
“What does it take to find satisfaction? Will I ever find something in life that’s better than this?”

Most people live a life they never would have planned. The good news is that coming to the end of their expectations means they’re on the brink of great wisdom, peace, and joy. That’s what the ancient author of Ecclesiastes helps us figure out—it is quite possible to face detours and dead-ends in life and still find more satisfaction than you ever could have imagined.

Better explores the mysteries, scandalous lines, and deep truths of Ecclesiastes and applies them to life today. Better seeks to show how the questions of the heart find their answer in the person of Jesus. Here you will find a vision of life that is neither naive nor cynical, but realistic and hopeful. Because the truth is, when God answers the questions, you finally realize what is better.


My Review:
Better is a study of Ecclesiastes. The author started by asking: what are your expectations of life, where did you get those expectations, and what if those expectations are wrong? He explored the things the Teacher in Ecclesiastes had tried to find meaning and lasting happiness and explored why they don't do so. They also looked at attitudes that don't work (like discontentment and envy) and explained how to get our focus right to find meaning and joy.

The author wrote in a casual tone and was easy to follow. He was good at bringing out the meaning of what the Teacher said and then dug deeper into it. He quoted from other books in the Bible to show how God and Jesus make sense of the things that were shown to be meaningless without God. It's written for the Christian and the non-believer who are looking for meaning and lasting joy. I'd recommend this book to those who feel discontentment with life or who wonder if this is all there is.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.