This should be required reading for all men. It is probably the most helpful book I've read on the topic and will be vital in dealing with this problem for those who struggle with it or know someone who does. The book takes an approach that is fresh. We find that out in the introduction by Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile who says "Defeating the porn monster will not come by white-knuckle, jaw-clenched grit individually willing its way to victory when all other soldiers have fallen" but "victory can be had, but only in the loving community of the local church with saints covenanted together to stand against the wiles of the enemy in the truth of Jesus's gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit." This book is indeed for anyone discouraged, anyone who thinks that it is not possible to walk in purity in this area. The author, Ray Ortlund hopes the book "messes with" the reader - just as it "messed" with him. Ortlund contends that any battle with porn isn't really a battle with porn, or even willpower, but a battle about hope. He believes the fight is won "by believing that God's love ... is too great to be limited to what" we deserve. He likens victory to walking in nobility and every time a temptation is slayed like a dragon, porn becomes a little more dead in this world. We should work towards this end to bring honor to each and every woman who has been created in God's image and no longer allow ourselves or someone close to us to treat them otherwise and with disrespect. An advance copy was made available to me from the publisher and NetGalley for a review without any commitment for positive feedback.

This is very basic, it doesn't really make any headway on this topic and there are sufficient resources already published that deal with the topic more successfully.

This book is hard for me to review because even though I love my father—deeply—I cannot imagine him writing a set of letters like this to me. Although he is not the reason I fell into pornography addiction, I am a firm believer what you bring into your home affects everybody, and his hidden lifestyle and habits did nothing to curb my appetite. It is my hope he will continue to be faithful to his new wife, and I know he wishes he could have done things differently. Lord, have mercy on us all.

Despite the aforementioned discomfort this book produced at times, "The Death of Porn" was a welcome read. With the rise of smartphone usage, of our "always-connected lifestyle," pornography is hard to avoid. And we are seeing even in the churches that orthodox secular ethics and beliefs are progressively being deemed anathema. Which is why Ortlund's admonition to not only view Jesus as a gracious and loving savior, but to view ourselves and others as nobility, as redeemed men and women of God. It's clear Ortlund is not coming at this from a place of aloofness, of harsh judgment, but compassion and empathy. His writing is full of hope and clarity without compromising the truthfulness of the call of discipleship.

I am not looking forward to the day where I will need to have these conversations with my children. When that day comes, however, I'm praying I can have this sort of humility and wisdom. I'm praying I can be the father my children deserve.

The Death of Porn is a series of letters written to young men. Each chapter is one of these letters. The format of the book works well. The letters are addressed to "you" the reader and it feels like Ray truly is speaking to you.

The beauty of this book is its pastoral tone. Ray's writing is filled with love and compassion. This is not a book filled with shame that tries to beat you into submission. In fact it might be surprising how little Ray talks about "how" to avoid pornography. Instead of spending his time talking about grit and strategies he speaks about the gospel. Instead of speaking about the shame of sin, he touches on the beauty and wonder of God. His letters were plainly beautiful. The last thing I expected in a book about porn is to feel encouraged and love. Ray paints a vision of what men should be and cheers you on to get there in the grace of God.

My main problem with the book is that it is focused only on men. That's to be expected because this is typically a male problem. But I couldn't believe there was not even a single letter addressed to women. Especially since the book was primarily about the beauty of God it seemed like women could have been at least acknowledged. Perhaps that would have changed the whole point of the book, so I understand why the choice was made to focus on men.

A small nitpick is that the book really is more about encouragement than it is about action steps and plans for fighting the world of pornography. I think that's actually a great thing! He has enough application that is touched on. But the marketing makes it seem as if that is the entire book.

Overall this is the best book for a man struggling with pornography that I have ever read. It's pastoral tone and focus on the gospel are a balm for weary souls. Many will be encouraged by it.