Review of "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy" by Eric Metaxas

This was my second favorite book of the year and probably the best biography I've ever read. Then again, it has all the things you would want in a theological spy thriller (who knew that existed?). 


What I Liked: 
The story itself is one just begging to be told. The courage, spiritual insight, theological depth, trust in God, and peace that surpassing all understanding in this man's life is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Metaxas does a great job at building tension in this book. He also gives more focus to the ecumenical movement going through Germany (and Europe in general) during these crazy times. It was fascinating to hear Bonhoeffer's role in all of this. I don't want to reveal too much about the plot for those unfamiliar with this story, but will simply say that you should read this book. 


What I Didn't Like:
Metaxas does get a little hairy in the details of Bonhoeffer's early life and at times reading the letters between Bonhoeffer and his friends/family in length seems tedious. That having been said, getting through some of those chapters only makes the pay-off of the espionage, assassination attempts, and the chaos of Germany even greater.


Favorite Quotations: 
- (on prominent preachers in the US) "In New York they preach about virtually everything; only one thing is not addressed, or is addressed so rarely that I have as yet been unable to hear it, namely, the gospel of Jesus Christ, the cross, sin, and forgiveness, death and life." 
- (on his fellow theologians joining Hitler's "German Christians" church) "'If you board the wrong train,' [Bonhoeffer] said, ' it is no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction.'"
- "For Bonhoeffer, the challenge was to deliver the Word of God as purely as possible, without feeling the need to help it along or to dress it up. It alone had the power to touch the human heart. Any frippery would onl dilute the power of the thing itself. He had told his ordinands of this time and time again. 'Let this power speak for itself, unhindered.'"


Recommendation:
This book is fantastic and I do widely recommend it. However, as much as there is a political thriller feel to the plot of Bonhoeffer's life, this book reads nothing like a John Grisham novel. But it is worth it if you can put the time (500+ pages) and patience into the story.