So...not a fan of this book. The book is divided into two parts: a parable and advice (or dream coaching). The writing is actually not terrible and I enjoyed reading the “parable.” But my praise for this book stops there. My biggest concern is the theology of the book, which is terrible. First, the author states everyone has a big dream that they must pursue in order to fill a need that only they can fill. If there is a need and God wants it filled, it will be filled regardless of who chases what dreams. Second, he states one should always be pushing past their comfort zone. He describes himself pushing his comfort zones by preaching at bigger and bigger churches and conferences. But what about the pastor who is supposed to simply shepherd a small church? We don’t always need to chase bigger dreams, but seek to glorify God in all things (even the small and ordinary things). Third, “bullies.” Anyone who opposed your “God-given dream” is a bully upset that you are disturbing their comfort and their words should be ignored. A) how do you know this “dream” is God-given and not some fanciful, temporary obsession? B) how do you not know these “bullies” are truly concerned for your well-being and have words of wisdom that should be heeded?

These are just a few of the issues I have with this book. There are some good truths that can be picked out of the muck, but also a lot of words and ideas that are not only false, but potentially harmful.

The Dream Giver is comprised of two parts with part one including a fictional story on fulfilling your dream. Part two is where author Bruce Wilkinson becomes our dream coach and answers questions people have posed, especially the obstacles, that create uncertainties about their pursuits. Additionally he reviews key points from chapters in his fictional work and tells us how to apply each stage in our advancement toward our dreams. It is God's desire and high calling that we become all we were created to be and do. You will see in the story that as we embark on the journey to fulfill the dream, we encounter obstacles along the way that will try to deter us from advancing. These obstacles can be in the people closest to us as well as things like fear, rejection, and insecurities. Although a fictional piece, you will clearly understand the process of fulfilling your calling and the necessity of the dark times- Wastelands- encountered along the way. Each step of advancing toward your dreams will leave you with choices only you can make.
Shared in this book also will be five common misconceptions that keep people from pursuing their God-given dreams and strategies for how to hang on during trying times. This book is super for all ages including young Sunday school classes. The options to be creative in sharing these ideas are numerous. The sooner the younger generation can embrace destiny and position themselves the better off is all of us as a result of talents and gifts being used for the glory of God. Author Bruce Wilkinson will share his personal "Dream Giver" experience and how the risks of leaving a fruitful past resulted in an even better future. His life experiences bring great validity to this book's theme message.

He vuelto a soñar...

My friend gave this book to me when I graduated college, years ago, and 2021 was when I began this journey; this book is thrilling and inspiring, to remind us of who puts the dream in us. How God places it on our heart and soul, how there are moments where we are on the journey and how He asks us to give the dream back to Him. He does so much more than what I could imagine. I highly recommend this story: part one is an allegorical story and part two is a coach like walk-through.

The great thing about parables is that they are non-specific enough that everyone can find herself in one.

When I first read the preface to this book, I was extremely skeptical. The author wanted to be my "Dream Coach," excuse me? 'What a load of inspirational baloney,' I thought. 'This is going to be the cheesiest thing ever.'

But I had a few hours to kill, and the book was thin enough and written in big print, so I gave it a shot.

I think this cheesy little book of inspirational baloney has changed my life.

I am so encouraged, so emboldened, and so convicted by it that I have no choice but to make a choice. There is more to life than what most of us are living, and God placed us here with the precious gift of life for a reason!

I would encourage anyone to read this, and read it with an open mind. Maybe even take a break from reading it to stop and think - and pray - about what God is laying on your heart. You could easily read this entire book in one sitting and blow it off, but I would really encourage you to take some time with it and maybe even read it more than once at different times in your journey.

It's very possible that in a few years' time, I will owe my happiness to this book. Maybe you will too.

More like a 2.7.
This book had promise and I liked the original concept but then I slowly became disinterested. The beginning reminded me of the Alchemist but then it fell short of improving upon it. This book is a short and easy read and yet was difficult to finish. The idea of Ordinary pursuing his big Dream is one we can all relate to. And many of us will experience having to leave our Comfort Zone, the naysayers, lack of progress, hurdles, etc. But in a nutshell, the author pretty much ties everything to keep pushing and having faith and everything will just work out.
A couple of things to note. This book isn’t really about following your dreams but more about pursuing God’s purpose...which can be two different things. So if your dream is about becoming the best financial advisor versus traveling the world saving others...good luck. Also, everything is compared to the great bible stories...which is great for motivation but there are no real tools given. Nothing you can take with you and begin using immediately. It’s just pushing forward and having faith. So for those who experience real challenges or hurdles in trying to pursue your dream. There really isn’t any real advice how to get past them. Just again have faith and keep pushing.
There were some aspects that I found to be helpful...like surrendering your desires to God. But again, what does that look like...how do you do that? And if you are getting this book to maybe learn more about what your dream is (like I did)...you can forget about it. A whole chapter is dedicated to helping you figure out your dream. Spoiler alert: it did not help me figure out my dream!
In a nutshell, if you are very religious, have a dream that aligns with service and people, and already have the tools and resources to get there...this book is for you. But if you are in any way cynical, lack tools and/or resources, or not sure what you purpose is...you will probably still be in that same boat after reading. This book in short is a great sermon in book form...nothing more.

I have just read as much of The Prayer of Jabez as I could stand. Reflecting, I realised that it wasn't my first encounter with this author. I read The Dream Giver whilst serving on-board a missionary ship. A friend highly recommended it so I found it in the ship library. I remember being disappointed and thinking it reminded me of the Christian hedonism principle espoused by John Piper which I don't have much time for.

This book is an allegory in the style of Pilgrim's Progress or Hinds Feet on High Places but it falls short in every area by comparison. The main reason it falls short is because the underlying principle is erroneous--it is all about living our dreams in the here and now or as Joel Osteen would say "Your best life now..." It might be a "nice story" but encouraging people to focus on their earthly dreams, ambitions and successes even with God in the picture is a recipe for disaster.

This book was not as offensive or dangerous as the Jabez one, I just think its focus is in the wrong place and it may distract people from taking up their cross and following Jesus. Also, what happens when the inevitable suffering and trials come or dreams fail?......let's set our minds on things above instead, then we won't be shaken.

The first part of this book is written in a similar style
as Pilgrim's Progress. A parable format is used to explain Ordinary's journey through the land of Familiar. Ordinary feels called to a Dream, and the first part of the book explains his journey and obstacles that he encounters trying to leave the comfort of the land of Familiar. As I read the first half, it brought tears to my eyes, as I relived some of the very emotions/experiences that are expressed. The second part of the book walks through all the aspects of this parable, making biblical references to Moses' Journey in the wilderness and giving ideas on how we can overcome and leave the land of Familiar to pursue the Dreams to which God, The Dream Giver has called us. The writing style was not 5 star worth, hence the 4 star reading, but it is a short, quick read and a book that I will be going back to study to learn how to apply the principles that I need in my life.

What a wonderful book! This dream guide starts with a wonderful parable about a relatable character that comes to realize his discontent with his familiar and mundane life. Realizing the excitement of his dream he begins its pursuit. What follows are the many pitfalls and roadblocks to his path. Through determination and faith in the Dream Giver, his dream becomes his reality. The second half of the book, the author becomes your dream coach and using the parable, walks the reader through the realities of of our own dreams. We focus on how to realize our dreams, expect opposition, continue through the uncertainty, and defeat giants. I highly recommend this book to everyone and all ages! Go out and chase your dreams!

This whole book is about the significance about your Big Dream that the "Dream Giver" has set for you. There are many challenges that sometimes you just have to face. I know I have had many. But now I know that I have to overcome the ones I still have. I have to be able to achieve my Big Dream. Step out of you comfort zone, leave your land of familiar, stop being a Nobody and become a Somebody. Achieve the Big Dream that you want and desire so badly, after all the Dream Giver gave it to you for a reason and now it's up to you to find out the reason.

This book is an easy read with an important message. What do we do with the dreams God gives us and Mr. Wilkinson believes he gives everyone a Big Dream to fulfill. The issues that come from trying to fulfill those dreams and how we can overcome them is the subject of this book. I think it had some wonderful insights.

Author Bruce Wilkerson explains how to follow your dreams in this life even when those around you do not support you, God is always with you.