Review of Out of the Ashes..One Man's Journey

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Damian Keyes
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Review of Out of the Ashes..One Man's Journey

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Out of the Ashes..One Man's Journey" by Daniel Ryan.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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Out of the Ashes…One Man’s Journey details the real-life struggles and spiritual awakening of Daniel Ryan. Writing one’s life story is daunting, especially given Daniel’s experiences. As the saying goes, to have a testimony, you have to go through a test, and Daniel has endured many. In this quick 29-page read, he documents his issues with drugs and alcohol, growing up with an abusive father, and feelings of worthlessness.

This book showcases the transformative power of God’s love. Daniel’s traumatic childhood evoked sympathy, especially when he reached adulthood and saw others fall into the same addictions. The interplay of hope and despair drove Daniel to turn his life around by fully embracing God. He describes “Spiritual Cholesterol” as the negative and toxic buildup holding people back, and offers a spiritual “diet” to overcome it.

In the second chapter, Daniel shares his father’s background, including his escape from death in 1920s Ireland to reach America. The father-son dynamic is compelling and thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative. Even though his father was not the best, it was fascinating to read about his journey and its impact on Daniel’s life.

What stands out in this book is the author’s ability to weave his personal story with scripture seamlessly. The transitions are smooth, making the integration of his experiences with God’s Word feel natural and impactful. This approach adds a layer of authenticity and relatability, making the reader feel connected to Daniel’s journey.

While the book is impactful, I wished it were longer than 29 pages to include more stories of God’s Word. The seamless transitions between Daniel’s personal story and scripture were a highlight, making me crave more content. Unfortunately, the book contains noticeable errors, which detract from its quality. These errors are significant enough to warrant a deduction in the rating.

Despite these flaws, I’m rating it 4 out of 5 stars. Out of the Ashes…One Man’s Journey is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity through faith. If you’re dealing with addiction issues and seeking a story of hope and redemption through God’s grace, I recommend this book. Its honest portrayal of struggle and transformation can inspire anyone on a similar path.

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Out of the Ashes..One Man's Journey
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Anozie Stephanie
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Post by Anozie Stephanie »

Many people face struggles with drugs and alcohol and with abusive parents and relationships, I'm glad that Daniel Ryan wrote this book as we know the pains they share.
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