Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.
How does God’s hand guide books? Written by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll, and edited by Albert Y. Hsu, Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. presents a narrative history of InterVarsity Press, from 1947-2022.
Published in honor of IVP’s seventy-fifth anniversary, this expanded edition of IVP’s history is fast-paced and compelling. Beginning in the 40s and following through the 2020s, you will meet the people and events that shaped this influential publisher. Here are my three takeaways after reading this fascinating book.
Three Takeaways
First, it’s the people that makes a publisher. While it’s easy to see Christian publishing as a business, there are people behind-the-scenes who care to reach the world for Christ. These people aren’t perfect, but they have passion.
Second, book publishing is a different world. From working with authors to understanding sales, there is so much to learn about the making of books. This book offers short sections highlighting different terms and knowledge of the industry, such as what it means to get a manuscript “over the transom,” and gives a brief introduction to the CBA – the Christian Booksellers Association.
Third, it is up to God to give his blessing over books. The sovereignty of God can be seen in the pages of IVP’s history. From bringing unknown authors such as Eugene Peterson to the forefront, and seeing survival with changes in technology – God is the author of it all.
Books Shape Our Soul
I was happy to learn about such an interesting world from the people who live, work, and play in it. I am motivated to read more, believing in the ability of books to shape our soul. I am encouraged to pray for the Christian publishers I promote. And I am challenged to create good works in my own life for the cause of Christ.
I received a media copy of Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.