Last week for Sunday Reading we shared a favorite Christian biography. This week we are sharing another great biography. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.
Our plan is to share more than just biographies for Sunday reading, but this is another favorite book in our family so we knew that we had to share it.
Grace also plans to share her thoughts on some of Bonhoeffer’s writings for Sunday Reading. Before doing that we wanted to talk about his biography because it is where you need to start when learning about Bonhoeffer and his works.
My husband read this book shortly after it was published in 2011. He loved it and told me that I had to put it on my to read list. He knew that I enjoyed biographies and WWII books and felt like this was a book that I must read.
This book sat in my to read pile for way too long. When I finally gave it a try, I wished I had read it earlier.
This book is now one of my favorite WWII books. It is long, which I think intimidates many people, but it is worth the read. If you love nonfiction WWII books and have not read this one, I think it is one that you will enjoy.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy shares the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor and author, who was part of a small group that worked to take down the the Third Reich during WWII.
Bonhoeffer left America to return to Germany in order to fight for his country and what was right. He ended up dying for his fight against evil. It is often easy to stay silent and not fight. As a Christian Bonhoeffer couldn’t do that.
This book shares the story of courage and strength in the midst of extreme evil. It shares not just about WWII, but about Germany, the German culture, German churches, European history, and so much more.
This book shares a side of Germany and the war that many books don’t cover.
Eric Metaxes’ writing draws you into the story. It is a gripping story written in a powerful narrative way.
You will not always agree with Bonhoeffers beliefs, decisions, or works, but his courage and strength during extreme trials and circumstances is something that we can all learn from.
The reality is that we need more men like Bonhoeffer in the world today.
If you are familiar with Bonhoeffer, but I have not read his biography, I encourage you to pick it up.
If you are unfamiliar with Bonhoeffer, his life, his writings, and what he did during WWII, I encourage you to start with Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Then pick up some of the works that he authored. His story and writings are something you will not forget.
Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to read this. I read Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas and really enjoyed it.
GraceH
I read Amazing Grace quite a few years ago and loved it too! I need to feature that one sometime for Sunday Reading. It is another great book by Eric Metaxas.
I’ve had this book on my shelf for years but haven’t read it yet. Thanks for the review. I’ll put it in near the top of my soon-to-read stack.
I hope that you enjoy it. I really like Eric Metaxas writing and this is a great one!
I don’t know if you enjoy audio dramas, but Focus on the Family has a really good audio drama about Bonhoeffer as well. It’s part of their Radio Theater Series. (All of which I really enjoy).
I actually have this book by Eric Metaxas and need to find time to read it. Have a great week!
I have listened to some in that series, but didn’t know that they had one on Bonhoeffer. Thanks for the recommendation!