Dr. Graham is the Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX. I’m grateful that a decade later he has shared his struggle with depression after a battle with prostate cancer. Dr. Graham is a gifted communicator and that gift is apparent in the telling of his story. It’s not easy to admit that you have struggled with depression, but he does it with humility and honesty.

The best thing about this book is that it reads like you’re having a conversation with him, not like a counseling session. He gives practical advice and encouragement on how to deal with spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion. If you are a follower of Christ, you will find help in finding joy and growing in your relationship with Christ. If you are not, you will still find help on how to seek accountability and encouragement. He explains the scriptures in a way that is easy to understand for Christians and non-Christians alike. Those who are Christians will find inspiration in his words. Those who are not will find the same and won’t feel that his words are too “preachy” or “churchy”.

I read this in galley form but have since purchased the Kindle edition as I believe it to be a good book for reference in several areas. I recommend this book to anyone who may be struggling not only with depression, but with any of the challenges in life we may find overwhelming at times, such a struggle with our faith or even dealing with the isolation imposed by a pandemic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for this ARC in exchange for my review.

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Reignite by Jack Graham, senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, is a reflection on the lessons he learned battling depression a decade ago following a cancer diagnosis and the resulting surgery. It is also relevant to today's world after the global pandemic of COVID-19. It is written as an encouragement to people who are Christians and may need to "reignite" their faith. That's not to say that non-Christians wouldn't enjoy this. Many Christian principles are covered in non-churchy language easy for any reader to follow.

If you are not a Christian - a follower of Jesus - please let me encourage you to find a bible (you can download one for free from Amazon) and look up the book of John (the bible has 66 books; John is #43).

Some of the book is very personal and that's where the book shines. You get a feel for Graham's personality and deep faith. The rest of it, while good and necessary to flesh out what he's trying to say, reads a lot like a three point sermon from the pulpit.

Full disclosure - I was a member of Dr. Graham's church for over sixteen years, including during the time period referenced in this book. When he says he didn't share his health struggles with the church, I can verify that.

Overall, this is a timely book and well worth the time spent. It will give the reader a renewed perspective after a tough year.