Breakfast with Bonhoeffer by Jon Walker

I had looked forward to reading this selection as I am attracted by anything Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was quoted throughout the book, but no references annotated to prove I was indeed getting the real Bonhoeffer. Instead of the chosen title, his book should have been titled What Would Bonhoeffer Do?

There were Scripture references sprinkled in as well as challenges posed in parallel fashion to the trial or lessons learned. I appreciated the author's transparent sharing of his trials and struggles but I believe the book would have been better if it was presented in a more objective or general confession format (TMI). Some examples would be: premarital sex and getting pregnant, heeding advice from a pastor who advised getting an abortion, getting a divorce but not disclosing why, online dating, random mentions of pornography which were not in context, no common sense, and confusion (example page 169, last paragraph).

Another struggle I had was with the writing style. Sometimes a paragraph would be in present tense (reminded me of the beginning of a joke - a la "A guy walks in a bar and...) and then the very next chapter I would not understand the timing. I often wondered if I was thrown into a flashback or current situation with information missing. Because of this disjointed, fragmented style, I would not understand and be able to commiserate with the situation the author was facing.

I concluded the author did not have male accountability (p.131-132) but then cheered when Mark appeared for a sentence (p.141). I had a problem with the author's decision on page 195, "Naively I said, I want to pray for the money I need, and then walk to the mailbox the next day and find a check for exactly the amount I need." I realize the author admitted this was not wise (after the fact), but I witnessed so many of these types of decisions being made throughout the book. Yes, we must trust but God also tells us if we do not work we will not eat. Having been a pastor, the author should have known better 2 Thess 3.

There were beams of brilliance scattered throughout which I appreciated. The author had a way of sharing his thoughts in breakthrough moments of descriptions of emotional pain, watching nature and casual humor. I appreciated his health issues and struggle to live a healthy life emotionally as well as physically. He was a victim throughout and I am still wondering why his wife divorced him and would not disclose where she and the boys lived.

My favorite part of the book was knowing the author splurged on a new toaster. After all, nobody likes burnt toast.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Leafwood Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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