Those who know me well know that I am a fairly fast reader. Often I can read three books in the time that it takes some people to read one. (Sorry to my family & close friends who might be a bit annoyed by this.) Anyway, this was not the case when I read They Turned the World Upside Down by Charles Martin. After I read a chapter, I felt like I had run a marathon. I definitely had to pace myself. This does not reflect my enjoyment of the book – it was a life changing one for me. What that does say is how many pages I bookmarked and how often I was under conviction.

Initially I pre-ordered the audio book. (I still hope to listen to it someday with my husband.) I listened to the prelude, and the words were brought to life. Charles Martin narrates the book, and I think his voice adds authenticity to the message. World changers are hard to come by. What do we need to do? Follow what the Bible says.

Then when I noticed that the JustRead tours was featuring the book for a blog review/post, I requested to be a part of the team. Please make sure that you check out this post to find out about the book summary. For several days, you will also have the opportunity to win BOTH of Charles Martin’s non-fiction titles. The giveaway details are found on that page.

I did receive an e-copy of They Turned the World Upside Down, and that is how I completed it. At some point I will end up buying a hardcover book because I want to be able to see the verses on the page and take notes that I can read. I am not sure that my bookmarks or Kindle notes will cut it on this one.

What changed my life the most by reading this book was the challenge that the author frequently gave to look at Scriptures ourselves. He looked at some of the verses that we often dismiss as “not being relevant today” and challenged us to think through if that is really the case. Particularly he focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those believers that came after Jesus ascended back to heaven. He often pointed out that he does not have all of the answers, but that the Bible does.

I could go on and on about lessons that I learned. But to write out even the thoughts that I highlighted would take up SO many pages. Instead I will say this – please go pick up this book for yourself. Read it. Read the Bible. Do what it says.

This is a link to my Goodreads Review. To find out what other bloggers and reviewers thought about the book, please check out the JustRead Tour landing page. You can enter the giveaway there as well as find links to the other reviewers. I also featured the book on my @thesacredlinelit Instagram page if you want another take on this title. Then go and buy it for yourself. If you are looking for your faith to be challenged, I do not think you will be disappointed.