Rock Valley Bible Church

Below is a list and description of the books we have studied with our Man To Man group.

	Thoughts for Young Men by J. C. Ryle This is an older book, written by J. C. Ryle (1816-1900). His words are every bit applicable for young men today as it was in his day. His style is simple and straight-forward. Since this is an older book, it is in the public domain. We have posted it to this site, along with some application questions for fathers to discuss with their sons (found at the end of the document). Click here to read Thoughts for Young Men.

	Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis This book is really the premise of our meeting together as fathers and sons. In this book Robert Lewis describes how a knight grew up. He was mentored and taught by those around him. Additionally, it was clear to him when he became a page and when he transitioned to be a squire and a knight. Likewise, we are seeking to help our sons make the transition from boyhood into manhood. Lewis speaks of the priority of giving a vision to your son, so that he has a great cause to live for. He also speaks of the importance of having transitional ceremonies in the lives of sons to help them transition from one stage of life to another.

	Stand Fast by Douglas Bond This book is written as if a father was talking with his son. As such, it has been an excellent book for us to read together as fathers and sons. Douglas Bond covers such topics as the way of a young man, his idols, his relationships, his words, his heroes, and his reading. The style of this book is straight-forward, with much content and many illustrations. Each chapter ends with some resolves, a Scripture passage for memory, and some questions for further discussion.

	Father to Son: manly conversations that can change culture. Fathers need to begin speaking to their sons. But the conversation can't be aimless or trivial. Fathers need to talk in manly and specific ways about the duties of Christian manhood. This six-part DVD series is designed to provide fathers and future fathers with simple examples of manly discussion. Each episode tackles an age appropriate discipline of manhood and how it is developed with fathers. Sons learn the disciplines of manhood through hard work. Fathers interpret the world for sons through shared adventures. Sons learn leadership duties through worship. Sons learn to conquer the world by dominion and to hold the ground they take through spiritual battle.

	Crazy Love by Francis Chan The back cover of the this book describes it: "Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy if you think about it. The God of the universe — the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and e-minor — loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not . . . we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts — it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything."

	Hold Fast by Douglas Bond "Already well established in historical fiction for young people, Douglas Bond now offers a more direct and vital message for young men and their fathers. With ample story-telling ability, he warns them of the pitfalls and opportunities of youth in a debased culture. The result is a first-class textbook on modern culture, with much wise and challenging counsel for young men and their fathers." - Douglas Bond's book website

	Practical Happiness by Bob Schultz ”Behind their brave and independent exteriors young men are searching for answers. Without counsel how can they find the path that leads to inner joy and lasting contentment? … Practical Happiness offers such counsel. Through short, captivating stories, Bob Schultz has crafted a book to lead young men toward a life of contentment that can only be found by seeking the heart of God. Young men will learn that happiness is not found in what they have, where they go or their next exciting adventure, but rather in their attitude and response to life–especially when things aren’t going ‘their’ way.” - An excerpt from the back page of Practical Happiness