One of the Few by Jason B. Ladd

Subtitle: A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview, Boone Shepherd Publishing.

Jason B. Ladd is US Marine fighter pilot and Iraq war veteran. At first, I thought the title was based on the Marine Corps advertising slogan, "The Few. The Proud. The Marines."

The book is Ladd's spiritual autobiography. Growing up as a military dependent, he lived in many places in the world. He met his future wife on a military base. He describes his transition from a secular worldview to a Christian worldview by relating his development as a Christian to his training and growth as a member of the military. In other words, he used the military thought processes he acquired in his training to search for Truth.

Ladd said that he was thoroughly prepared to be a military pilot but poorly prepared to be a husband and father. Each chapter starts with a quote from a secular worldview followed by a quote with a Christian worldview. In my opinion, he shared a bit too much detail about the military training. There is so much jargon associated with the military that a civilian risks losing the author's train of thought in all the detail and explanations.

The most impressive section for me was the part where he dealt with the glorification of alcohol use in modern society, especially in the military. How refreshing to hear a "real man" suggest that abstinence is even possible, and even preferable, to risking alcohol addiction.

Promotional materials says the book will "connect strongly with parents, students, spiritual seekers, aviation enthusiasts, Christian community, military service members and veterans, men desiring to understand faith, women desiring to explain their faith." Well that includes just about everyone I know. It is a great book, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. One of the Few was a 2016 Indie Book Awards Finalist.

And I'll let you in on a secret. The title is based on a phrase in scripture from the parable of the wedding feast: "Many are called, but few are chosen" Matthew 22:14 (KJV).

Photo source: http://www.jasonbladd.com/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I did not request a review copy and 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.”