I had read this book several years ago. However, just like many other books, I discovered that this time around, I was able to understand various aspects of it more profoundly and from different perspectives.

As I delved into the story once again, I was filled with a newfound longing to engage in the art of storytelling and to experience the healing that it can bring.

It's truly remarkable how a book can have such a profound impact, evolving our understanding and kindling new passions within us.

This particular book has opened my eyes to the power of words and the potential they hold to touch hearts and transform lives.

I now look forward to exploring different forms of storytelling and sharing my own stories with others, in the hope that they too can find solace and inspiration.

This book truly reignited my passion for writing.

Even though I have a great admiration for Dan Allender's work, I was completely unprepared for the profound impact this particular title would have on me.

The significance of personal stories has been a widely discussed topic for quite some time now. We can see this in Donald Miller's "A Million Miles...", and initially, I held the attitude of "been there, done that." However, I was proven wrong.

I absolutely love Allender's emphasis on how our individual stories play a crucial role in uncovering the greatest story of all, which is the story that God is narrating about Himself.

This is not just aimless self-reflection; rather, it is the act of telling the truth, the kind that unveils the ultimate Truth-Teller.

"God is summoning us to thoroughly explore, to fully relish, and to completely seize the power of the great story, the gospel… One means by which we achieve this is by listening to our own lesser stories and then sharing them with others."

Although I felt that his focus on confronting tragedy was a bit overly forceful, there is undoubtedly a great deal that I can learn from a man who has dedicated years to the field of counseling and therapy.

Overall, it is a great read, filled with an abundance of excellent content worthy of serious consideration.

I truly adored this book to such an extent that I didn't hesitate to purchase the workbook as well.

The moment I started reading the book, I was completely captivated by its engaging storyline and well-developed characters.

It had a unique charm that kept me hooked from the very first page until the last.

The author's writing style was so vivid and descriptive that it made me feel as if I was a part of the story itself.

Realizing that the workbook could enhance my understanding and further immerse me in the world of the book, I knew I had to have it.

Now, with both the book and the workbook in my possession, I look forward to delving deeper into the story and exploring all its hidden gems.

I am confident that this combination will provide me with an even more enriching and fulfilling reading experience.

Assigned reading for school is an important part of our learning process. Although this particular book wasn't my favorite and there were times when it was hard to push through, it still had a good message. It challenges us to engage in deep reflection, making us realize how the themes and characters we encounter throughout our lives have shaped us and brought us to where we are today. Moreover, it also makes us think about where we are yet to go. Overall, if you are ready to reflect on your life and gain some insights, this is a decent book to read. It may not be the most exciting or thrilling, but it has the potential to make you think and grow as a person.

Ok, this book SHOULD have been a 5 star read. I can clearly envision how it could be life changing and future transforming. I truly adored Allender’s thought process. It feels as if I really missed out on fully grasping the essence of this book. Probably, I will read it again in the future. However, as I was reading it, it felt like only a 3 star book due to two factors.

First of all, it is definitely a book that requires you to do the homework in order to extract the full potential from it. And if you read it within a community of those you trust and engage in discussions, it would be even better. But unfortunately, I didn't do that. So, as a simple read, it seemed to be asking more of me than I was capable of giving at this particular time.

Secondly, Dan is extremely brilliant. In fact, his writing at times even felt poetic, demanding deep interpretation. As a result, I had to reread several paragraphs in each chapter just to understand his intention. And yet, I still feel like there were parts of the book that I skimmed over and just got through because it would have taken more effort than I had the attention for at that moment.

So, it's a 5 star book that unfortunately felt like a 3 star read for me this time. Nevertheless, I'll give it 4 stars.

I have never truly considered the significance of sharing our stories. However, this book has enlightened me, showing that we not only need to tell our own tales but also listen to those of others. When I share my story, I am, in fact, sharing God's story.

As we look back on our past, including the hurts, the unappealing aspects, the joy, and the triumphs, we can discern the themes that God is intricately weaving into our narrative. By doing so, we are able to perceive how God is assigning us a role in His grand story. We can begin to recognize His calling in our lives.

I am truly inspired by how Allender defined calling. He said, "I don't believe anyone has the calling to be the president of a corporation, the founder of a ministry, or the director of a counseling center. Those are fine occupations and sometimes careers, but our calling is not what we do - it's how we do it." I couldn't agree more. My calling in life is not simply to be a writer, therapist, speaker, trainer, or administrator. Instead, my calling is to walk through any door that God opens for me, with the purpose of revealing His glory.

Whether I am the president of a graduate school for a season or a physician or an auto mechanic, it makes no difference. I am called by God not for a fleeting moment or a specific reason but for all eternity, to shine a light on His glory. So, what is my calling? It is to make known something about God that is inextricably linked to my unique face, name, and story. It is to reveal God through my character.

This new understanding has truly transformed my perspective on life and has given me a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

I had to read this for work, but I loved it so much. It provided such a wonderful challenge to engage with my own story!

At first, I was a bit hesitant when I was assigned to read this. However, as I delved into it, I found myself completely immersed. The content was not only interesting but also presented a unique opportunity for me to explore and interact with my own personal narrative.

The challenge it offered was both stimulating and rewarding. It made me think deeply about my experiences, emotions, and perspectives. It encouraged me to look at my story from different angles and discover new insights. I found myself reflecting on past events and considering how they had shaped me into who I am today.

Overall, this reading experience was truly a delight. It not only fulfilled the requirements of my work but also had a profound impact on my personal growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with this material and look forward to more such challenges in the future.

Oh, books -- I just can't quit you. Usually.

It is extremely rare for me to stop reading a book before finishing it, but that's exactly what happened with this one. I should note that I was more than halfway through. By no means do I want to completely lump this read in with others, but similar to many self-help-y Christian books, "To Be Told" just becomes repetitive, with an added dose of "I know you're trying to inspire, but I've heard it all before."

Dan Allender's story of recovery from abuses and addictions in his own life to become a leading spiritually-minded psychologist and counselor is captivating to an extent, for sure. However, his writing is just a bit bland, although there are times when it is vivid and engrossing, especially in the links, metaphors, or analogies he makes (being a therapist and all).

I think this could have been a better long-form magazine article or essay or journal article rather than a full-fledged *book*.

It's a bad sign when what I look forward to most about the next chapter is the quote from a trusted and revered other writer that will start it. Shew. Allender does read and quote from some of the best, whether it's the psalmist or "The Velveteen Rabbit."

That said, here are some favorites from this book (I'm so mean) from a couple of my personal all-time authors:

"Why must holy places be dark places?" - C.S. Lewis

(This quote, from "Till We Have Faces" [the retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth:] could have me thinking for hours.)

"God acts in history and in your and my brief histories not as a puppeteer who sets the scene and works the strings but rather as the great director who no matter what role fate casts us in conveys to us somehow from the wings, if we have our eyes, ears, hearts open and sometimes even if we don't, how we can play those roles in a way to enrich and ennoble and hallow the whole vast drama of things including our own small but crucial parts in it." - Frederick Buechner

Dan Allender truly possesses a remarkable and positive gift for dissecting one's inner self with his powerful words. One should definitely read his books.

This particular work had an intense impact on me, jolting my emotions between excitement, passion, elation, terror, shame, embarrassment, and a whole gamut of other feelings in between. Allender compelled me to face my own life in a manner that I had never before been required to: with honesty, sympathy, critical analysis, and a sense of redemption. His gentle encouragement and incisive words have done more to shatter my preconceived ideas about myself than any other book I have ever read.

I am still in the process of grappling with much of what he has written in the book, trying to find ways to listen to my own past more consciously and deliberately. I am also hopeful of finding God in the midst of all this turmoil (even though I am aware that I may not discover him in the way I anticipate).

Dr. Allender is an outstanding storyteller!

I was initially hesitant to read this book as it was a gift and I usually prefer to choose books on my own. However, once I began reading, it continuously improved.

This book is filled with an abundance of truth and encouragement, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.

It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can have a profound impact on the reader's life.

Whether you are facing challenges, seeking personal growth, or simply looking for an inspiring read, this book is highly recommended.

I would encourage anyone to give it a chance and discover the wisdom and inspiration it holds within its pages.

I was perusing through the reviews and was truly dismayed to discover that there are individuals who are reluctant to listen to the accounts of abuse that other Christians have endured in their lives.

I bestowed a five-star rating upon this book for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the author is exceptionally genuine, and he is cognizant that by sharing his own story, he is facilitating others in finding their own niche. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of journaling as it is imperative for us to have a clear understanding of who we are!!!

If we are evading past experiences of adversity in our lives, such as childhood sexual or physical abuse, then we are not truly in tune with our true selves as individuals and as Christians.

Initially, I did not even elect to read this book; rather, it was one of the required texts for a group counseling course at a Christian University. As an integral part of the class, we were obligated to journal after each chapter, and this served as the impetus for our group discussions in class.

I must disclose to you that it was one of the most profound experiences I have ever encountered in my life. The author's authenticity enabled each of us to embrace our own genuineness, and we underwent a process of healing, felt God's presence throughout, and developed an empathetic understanding of what others are going through.

Therefore, if you have read this book and did not fathom who you are in God subsequent to reading it, I urge you to read it again and complete the assignments in the company of a group of others. For I can assure you that what the author has written is real and resounds with truth. It is an extraordinary book that I will revert to whenever I begin to lose sight of the importance of my journaling.

This book is truly amazing.

However, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. Allender delves into details that could potentially be triggering for those who have endured trauma or abuse.

Despite this, he has an incredibly unique way of demonstrating how the most challenging aspects of our lives can be and are indeed part of the story that God is penning with our lives.

It is a highly thought-provoking and deeply meaningful book. I would definitely recommend it.

In fact, it has made me eager to read everything else that he has written.

Overall, this book offers valuable insights and perspectives that can have a profound impact on one's understanding of life and faith.