Fireproof


Non-Fiction - Relationships
320 Pages
Reviewed on 03/10/2009
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

WOW! This book deserves 5 gold stars crusted with precious jewels. Rarely does a book like this come along. I have been told the movie (by the same name) is very good, also. I can hardly wait to see it. It is difficult to give this book justice; it is that good. I was late for work, because I was so caught up in the story. I did not want this book to end. More books of this caliber are needed.

The setting is Albany. Captain Caleb Holt is a firefighter that makes better decisions at work than at home. He lives by the firefighters adage: NEVER LEAVE YOUR PARTNER!! Unfortunately, he leaves the adage at the firehouse instead of bringing it home with him. His life at home with his wife of eight years was constant bickering. She had filed for a divorce. Caleb’s father asked him to commit to a 40-day experiment: “The Love Dare.” Caleb has to do nice, thoughtful things for his wife everyday for 40 days. At first, his heart was not in it, but once he began to take the challenge seriously, he realized he wanted to save his marriage. He took the challenge past the 40 days.

This is a must read for all couples, even if you have a good marriage. We need to realize that marriage is not disposable. We must take our marriage commitment seriously.

Fireproof is well-written. The characters are endearing. Again, I declare this book a must read!

Wolfe Moffat

In case nobody has noticed, Eric Wilson is getting pretty good! Ok, cut through it already, he's better than most. So much so that Alex and Stephen Kendrick trust him with screenplays that they wrote, and Eric was chosen to do the novelization. In my opinion, that's great! Let's just say that with "Fireproof," Eric Wilson decides to turn up the heat.

Who would not want to be in the shoes (or boots) of Caleb Holt? He's a man's man, he's in charge, and he's one of the youngest to be promoted to Captain. He's a hard working firefighter. There is no doubt you'll see his name in the papers, maybe on the evening news. The man's a hero. But with all due respect, you'd better convince Catherine that. Who's Catherine? That would be Caleb's wife. They fell in love once upon a time, and now are preparing for the easiest way to go separate ways. The idea of communication, let alone eye contact between these two is nothing short of eruption in the home. And the marriage looks to go up in smoke.

But Caleb's dad isn't about to give up so quickly, and he dares him. He dares Caleb Holt with a 40 day commitment called, "The Love Dare." And what Caleb thought he knew about love is about to reach a whole new level. The stakes are going to be high. The question is, how badly does Caleb want this marriage to survive? Does he love his wife just as badly as he loves fighting a fire?

This is a movie I've looked forward to, and after reading this, even more so! Eric Wilson shines with this effort. He knows how to keep a reader's attention. And he knows how to make it special. And I give a special thanks to Eric Wilson. Thank you!

Christina Slike

Every marriage goes through some tough times. In this day and age, most of us accept divorce as acceptable and sometimes expected in a marriage. It is refreshing to read a story that is based on renewing a couple's love for each other and showing the blessings you can reap from forgiveness rather than the continuing hurt of divorce.

This story is realistic. I felt like I was reading about an actual couple who had gone through feelings of separation and written a story about it. They have been married for six years - long enough to know each other well, and to be disgusted with each other. It is interesting to have the viewpoint of both the man and the woman, to be able to put yourself in both of their shoes, so to speak.

I think a lot of spouses go through similar feelings of distance and could relate well to the characters. There is not a lot of drama as you might see in a movie or on TV - not a lot of tension that you feel as you are reading. It is, however, real enough to someone who is going through similar heartaches, similar fights, and similar distances without putting the blame on only one or the other.

I have not read any other Eric Wilson books as of yet, and I have not yet seen the movie, "Fireproof." From this novelization, I can see his talent of fiction writing, adding such lovely descriptions of a fire, of the surroundings in a scene, of a person's thoughts and struggles. I look forward to reading one of his own novels, which I received today!

"Fireproof" can touch lives and encourage married couples to focus their attention back onto each other and to make their marriage fireproof through the One who can bring redemption, love and joy into it.

Sandy Gardner

Good story, deals with very difficult marriage issues, more about love and marriage, than about mystery or action which the title might lead you to believe. It made me cry and laugh which says a lot about the authors ability to connect you with the characters. It encouraged me to fire proof my marriage.

Mrs. Deborah A. Allen

Fireproof is the BEST book I have read in a very long time. From the very first page, it captivated me. I couldn't put it down, in fact, I read the book in 5 days, which is super-fast for a super-busy Mom who only has time to read after the kids go to bed! As for my marriage, it jumpstarted my heart and head, and has helped me to get out of a complacent attitude about my husband. Along with the Love Dare, FIREPROOF is a MUST for all wives, no matter how long you've been married, or where you're at in your marriage. I've already purchased several copies of both books, and have been giving them to my girlfriends!

R. Miller

I have not seen the movie and am unable to compare the book with the film. This novelization (the movie came first & the book was adapted from the screenplay) was an easy read ~ though perhaps partially because hubby was off for the holidays and I had some uninterrupted time. There were a few things that were somewhat predictable, yet entirely probable to be more reflective of the types of "affairs" that men have verses those of women.
With neither being a Christian, Caleb is a firefighter more dedicated to his work than his wife and when Catherine feels appreciated more at work than home, she throws in the towel. Caleb has an addiction to internet porn and I thank the author for not sharing the "gory details" with the reader. Feeling it impossible to compete with his online activities, Catherine basks in the attention of a coworker. I found it quite realistic that neither were treated as a "criminal" solely responsible for the breakdown in communication and that there is no single "event" that *breaks* or *fixes* the marriage.

I think those who are in the "comfortable" stage of marriage may realize that is not always the best thing. I enjoyed, "Love is a decision" and that we are in charge of our hearts, not the other way around.

***POTENTIAL SPOILER***
I was a little disappointed about the ending. It was a little "too happy" and overly "and all their dreams came true". I believe the emphasis should have been on the rebuilding of the marriage and renewing the vows, not the boat. It seems that in the spirit of having faith change and rescue our marriage, happiness does *not* flow from worldly possessions.

Crystal Price-martin

I was told that I had to read the book or see the movie so I read the book first and then watched the movie. The book was much better. This book opened my eyes and reaffirmed my love of my husband and jesus and saved my marriage. If you are having any problems in your marriage this is a must read

C. W. Rempel

This is an excellent book - well written and much needed in our society today. The movie is good too, but as usual, the book is even better.

Edioth G. Freas

This book is great to reread when having issues. It goes along great with the DVD and the work book The Dare. (The Love Dare)

Pippi

This movie has accomplished what it intended. It invites viewers to consider their relationship in a different context. It encourages rethinking and dialogue. I purchased two additional copies for colleagues at work who were struggling with their marriages. A movie doesn't have the power to save a marriage, but it is definitely thought-provoking. The two people I know have started communicating more effectively with their spouses. The couple who had separated are now back in the same household. For those with faith, you will especially enjoy this movie.

S. Severson

I ordered this book before I saw the movie. The movie was out before the book and I recommend reading this before watching the movie. It has more detail and has a more detailed ending. It was a great book. My sister and mother have also read the book and it was a hit. My husband is a firefighter and it is very realistic. this is a MUST READ!!!