There’s a new Max Lucado book out today. It’s called Fearless, and I recently had the opportunity to read a pre-release copy.

One thing’s for sure: we live in a scary world. Our country is fighting two wars, the economy is in shambles, and we don’t feel safe in our own neighborhoods. Fear is a habit for most of us: we lock our doors, avoid dark places, carry pepper spray, hoard away money, anticipate terrorist attacks, and avoid strangers like the plague. If only life could be more carefree!

Max Lucado would argue that our lives should be more carefree. His new book, Fearless, makes this argument from a biblical perspective. With each chapter, Mr. Lucado identifies, analyzes, and debunks another one of our common fears. He covers fears of violence, insignificance, death, failure, and more. The reader is encouraged to face life with more courage and confidence, and Mr. Lucado makes his case in a friendly, compassionate way.

One of the best features of Fearless is the collection of discussion questions that accompany each chapter. They will inspire good conversations about practical matters, making this a good book to read with a friend or study in a small group.

This book is presented in a very candid, relaxed style. It would be a good read for a lazy Saturday afternoon. However, since it was written this way, the reader could get the impression that Mr. Lucado skims over some of our more legitimate fears. It would have been nice for the author to spend more time on the distinction between healthy and sinful fear.

I have already recommended this book to many of my friends and family. The Bible clearly instructs us to live fearless lives, and Mr. Lucado’s book can help us take a step in that direction.

I am a Thomas Nelson book review blogger.