Book Review: Pursuit of a Thirsty Fool

About the Book:

What are you thirsty for?

T.J. MacLeslie wrestles with this question on his journey from childhood faith through the wilderness and back again. Having been abused in the church, MacLeslie turned his back on God and looked for fulfillment in many places. His search led him to drink from many wells along the way, none of which quenched his thirst. All the while he was being pursued by One who loved him unconditionally. This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is an authentic story that tackles issues of abuse, addiction and personal failure. It also raises difficult questions about leadership, cross-cultural adjustment and disappointment in ministry. MacLeslie’s prodigal pilgrimage serves as a cautionary tale, but ultimately a hopeful one. Pursuit of a Thirsty Fool is a book for those who thirst, those longing for more. It is a reminder of our deepest desires and the Spring where they can be satisfied. It is for those who are in need of hope. Finally, it is for those caught in the dangerous pattern of doing things for God and who may have forgotten their first call: to love God.

About the Author:

T.J. MacLeslie has been in Christian ministry since 1990. He has been involved in a variety of ministries, including pastoring, church planting, leadership development and spiritual direction. He currently lives in the UK with his wife and two children where he leads a team focused on prayer and spiritual formation. For more information, visit http://www.thirstyfool.com

My Thoughts:

Authentic.  That’s the word I’d use to sum up this book.

Authentic.

In a world where we all wear masks MacLeslie dares to be real.  Our masks hide our hurt.  They hide our disillusionment.  They hide our pain.  They hide our failures.  But they also hide our hope.

If we are honest enough to admit it: we’re thirsty.  We’re desperately thirsty.  This isn’t just one man’s story.  This is every man’s story.  Though we live different experiences we are all thirsty souls who desperately try to quench our thirst with polluted waters.  Come join MacLeslie on a journey toward the source of living water.

The book promo states that this book is not for the faint of heart.  It’s true that the author doesn’t hold back.  He talks frankly about abuse and loss and lust and lies.  Facing sin is never for the faint of heart.  But, the reason I love this book is that it isn’t just about the sinful mess of life, but it is also a call to the beautiful hope of the gospel.  This book isn’t as much about MacLeslie’s life as it is about the God who never stops pursuing, never stops drawing, never stops loving.

Pursuit of a Thirsty Fool is one of the most redemptive biographical stories that I’ve ever read.  I highly recommend this book for all those who thirst.

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