I have read several of Miller's books in the past and because he is somewhat abstract in his thinking, I have had a hard time connecting with his writing. This was not the case with this book. Having grown up without a father, I could relate to the message of this book. At one point he speaks about being around men and their sons and feeling like thier was a men's club that he did not belong to. I remember that feeling but had never really idnetified exactly what it was.
It was inspiring to hear the story about how he was floundering when he saw an interview on TV that changed his life. the man being interviewed taught kids who were struggling in life to play chess. The result was that they learned the value of having a strategy and making right decisions. Miller began to play chess while implementing what he was learning to his everyday life. He had always wanted to publish a book and a few weeks later he had his first book contract. Today, he is one of the most popular Christian writers.
If there was any downside to this book, it is simply that he does not make a strong appeal to young men to put thier faith in Christ. He does not focus much on the life-transforming power of Christ. While he foucses much of his attention on God, there is no clear cut explanation of how to have a relationship with God. I always get the feeling that his beliefs in regards to man's lostness and need for salvation do not line up with mine.
Even though I have some theological concerns, this is still a great book for those who have grown up without a father. It will help you get grip on some of your struggles, make you laugh and in the end inspire you to be all that God intended you to be.