1.5 stars

I was under the impression that this was a book about intimacy - specifically, intimacy found in friendship and Christian community. It was really more focused on marriage and parenting, with a bit of our relationship with God thrown in to make it "Christian" and just a blip here and there on friendship or work relationships.

It was one of those books that is so unfocused I didn't walk away with any distinct memory of what it was even about. It used a lot of stories/quotes from other books, Ortberg rambled a lot (I had a hard time seeing how many of his anecdotes were tied to whatever he was writing before and after them), and the book was repetitive. In addition, I found some of Ortberg's interpretations of Scripture a bit sketchy (as in, he read more into the Bible than what is actually there).

While someone could read this and walk away with a good nugget or two (especially if this is their first foray into relationship self-help books), I think most people would be better off skipping this one and going straight to the tried-and-true books on relationships - particularly if they're looking for books that cover more than marriage and parenting. ( )

This is an excellent, clearly written book looking at different aspects of connection, communication and (in the broadest sense of the word) intimacy.

Ortberg writes in an engaging manner, peppering his teaching with anecdotes, many of them against himself. Whereas I struggle to read more than a couple of pages at a time with some authors, I read a chapter of this every day for a fortnight. Pausing was in order to process and think about the contents, not because of my mind wandering.

While there isn't anything new as such, there are many points made in ways that struck me afresh. I particularly appreciated comments about love languages, and the way that in each interaction with anyone else, we can choose to respond positively or negatively, moving towards or away from that person in ways that can mount up over time.

The intended audience is Christian; there are many Biblical references, and Ortberg gives examples from Jesus' life of his ideal way of relating to those around him. But much of the content could be of relevance to anyone wanting better communication, and closer relationships.

Highly recommended. ( )

An easy read, and Ortberg feels like a companion that is alongside to give you insight into yourself and others. A good devotional type read. However,
I was preparing sermons on appreciating the diversity of gifting and cultures that we have in the church and I think I hoped for more depth and meat than this book ever offered. ( )