Each one of us has periods of darkness. Each one of us has times in our lives where there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Sickness, death, family issues, failed business deals, and wayward children are just a sampling of the darkness that sometimes covers our lives. In their new book, “Finding God in the Dark; Faith, Disappointment, and the Struggle to Believe”, authors Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin share personal experiences about God seeming distant during the dark times of life and how the believer can remain close and connected to God.

The format of this is unique, as well as a handicap. The chapters alternate between the authors. Each take a turn in communicating dark spots of their lives followed by observances as to how to and where they felt God during the darkness. Kluck writes about the failed adoption of a child from Ukraine and how that event shook his family’s faith. He also writes about a business deal that fell through involving an unnamed sports figure. Martin writes about a failed recording contract and the death of his father. Although both authors shared personal experiences that were in their own right individually difficult, I favored Martin’s writing and spirit over that of Kluck’s. Kluck’s writings seemed prideful an arrogant while Martin’s writings seemed far more genuine. I found myself wanting Kluck’s chapter to end so I could get to Martin’s.

There is good information within this book. I found the flow of the book to be choppy and disconnected. This is, I believe, due to the style of alternating authors. There is nothing new and earth-shaking in this book as it relates to the intended subject of discussion. “Finding God in the Dark” is very light on application and could be best described as the memoirs of two separate authors whose stories happen to be in the same book. If you are looking for a deep treatment on the struggles of faith and dealing with disappointment, this book is not for you. I cannot recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”