Halftime

Rating:
Summary: Profound ideas diluted by evangelism and personal wealth
Review: A must read for those entering the Give Back movement! Both the man and his message ring true. A brisk read, practical and heartfelt. Bruce Fleming, Executive Director, SF Foundation.

Rating:
Summary: A starting point for exploration
Review: For those seeking something different, the initial spiritual journey or how to begin the process towards individual significance, this book is a must.

Sooner or later, we all need to come face to face with God and our true calling. If your facing that question, this is a great book!

Rating:
Summary: For those seriously evaluating the 2nd half of their lives!
Review: I found this book to be en excellent starting point for anyone (more specifically men, written by a man) who is interested in seriously thinking through a life plan of what you are going to do with the rest of your life. Those who find themselves asking the question "do I want to do what I'm doing for the next 10-20 years" will be intetested in what the author has to say.

Even if you have not asked that question yet this book will provide insight into where you are probably headed...

Best considered by those who are determined to be honest with themselves reguardless of the cost and are willing to do something to change their current situation.

Rating:
Summary: Cure for the career blahs
Review: Most career-oriented individuals reach a plateau in life where they realize there's more to life and happiness than making money and climbing the corporate ladder. They begin to wonder what life would be like if they had a career that permitted them to do what they love to do, rather than what they are good at doing. This book is for anyone who wants to get off of the treadmill but isn't sure how.

Rating:
Summary: This book is helping me to serve others as God would want!
Review: Mr. Buford's book is only the 2nd that I have finished in 15 years. I normally read only articles and summaries. But I am in the halftime of life and the book is a big encouragement to assess my abilities and target their deployment for significant, eternal purposes. The book was recommended by a friend who is a "tentmaker" in Singapore and has already made the switch to significance, leveraging the skills and abilities that God has given him. If you want to make a lasting impact with the second half of your life, this book will nudge you into action!

Rating:
Summary: The meaning of ministry
Review: The author did make some valuable points when he reflected upon his own experience on finding the real meaning of life. However, I do not totally agree with his approach of "efficiency" on ministry. As in the Gospel, God cherished the two very small copper coins offered by the poor widow. The quality of ministry is always more important than the quantity of people served. Every saved soul, even if we can only help one, is precious in God's eyes.

Rating:
Summary: Profound ideas diluted by evangelism and personal wealth
Review: The book offers excellent suggestions on making one's life more significant, especially in the second half. Bob's personal examples are powerful. Unfortunately, it seems to come from the perspective of a wealthy white man, including virtually all the examples of other men which he frequently uses to make points. With the multiple quotations of Biblical scripture the bent is somewhat evangelic.

If you are not a devout, fundamentalist Christian, you may find it difficult to mine the nuggests of wisdom.

If you are not wealthy, you may also struggle with the book. As you may not have the flexibility, Bob seems to think "everyone" has for the second half of life. Examples from those less fortunate than he would strengthen the book.

Rating:
Summary: Pathetic and navie drivel
Review: There are a whole lot of reasons why I despise Bob Buford's "Halftime." Besides the fact that it is horribly written (with the exception of a few entertaining anecdotes), besides its horridly cultural-christian tone...the main reason I would give this book zero stars if I could is that Buford makes it sound like pursuing material gain in the early years of life is not only normal--but to be expected. Buford's condescending assumption that people cannot hunger after and pursue the Kingdom of God at an early age is unbelievably obtuse and shallow. I usually don't waste my time on such drivel. I had to read it as part of a group. That some folks teach this as a curriculum for Christ-followers is just weak and sad.

Don't buy this one. If you have, its probably worth more to you as kindling.

Rating:
Summary: Halftime Is Great
Review: This book is about moving from the first half of life, which is dominated by achieving success, raising a family, etc. to the second half, which is about achieving significance. Bob Bufords book is both thought provoking and was very use to me in my search for what to do with my life as I approach retirement. He really puts life into perspective and asks questions, that when you answer them will help you to plot your course. I particularly resonated to now feeling like I have permission to do what I have a passion for. I am buying a copy of the book for my 22 year old son, and three of my friends that are my age.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Challenge to Think About Where You're Going
Review: While not the final authority, Buford has written a good book encouraging the reader to approach the second half of life as a quest for significance instead of success.

Among the points covered in the book include:

1. Do not allow the second half of life to be characterized by boredom, decline, and decreasing effectiveness for God's kingdom.
2. A challenge to think about what you believe and to find the one most important thing in your life and build on that.
3. How to continue to learn in the second half of life.
4. The more you submit to Christ, the freer you become.
5. Practical ways on how to regain more control over your life.
6. Questions to ask and answer as you "go in to the locker" and prepare for the second half of your life.
7. Find something that fits within the following 2 questions: What have you achieved? What do you care deeply about?

Read and be encouraged to believe that the second half of your life need not be a time of waste or past memories!

While I enjoyed the book, I believe his other book "Gameplan" is better in that it describes more practical ways how to have a productive second half.