The 2016 election took hold of the news and social media more than any previous election due to its candidates. The presidency continues to do so each day, now due to the man holding office – Donald Trump.

In his book, Choosing Donald Trump, Stephen Mansfield seeks to explain how this occurred. What led to the turn of events which then gave us the unexpected outcome? The author has written books about the faith of other leaders including George W. Bush, Barak Obama, Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln.

The book is broken down into four parts:

1. An Unlikely Champion – takes a look at the surprising appeal Trump gained with religious conservatives.
2. The Backstory – tells the intriguing story of his upbringing and the voices which shaped him throughout the course of his life to date.
3. The Appeal – explains the promises and verbiage which strengthened his appeal among particularly, evangelicals.
4. Of Prophets and Presidents – raises the important question, Will religious conservatives speak the truth of faith to the president?

The book is well written and held my attention with every page. Mansfield does a wonderful job at presenting the facts without leaning in any direction. His commentary is presented fairly, in my opinion. It was difficult to put the book down.

One of the most sobering thoughts the book left on me is from a quote shared in the closing chapter by H.L. Mencken, nearly a century ago:

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day, the plain folk of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and a complete narcissistic moron.”

If this quote is true, we all are in need of change, and not just politically. We are in need of a heart change which produces deeper character, wisdom and humility in us all.

Mansfield heightened my awareness of our need to be informed and stay informed. We all have a responsibility to vote, recognizing each vote helps to guide the formation of our country and our culture. May we be wise and on our knees for our country so that we leave this country better than it has been before.

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell/ a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Today I am joining … Booknificent Thursday .