Live to Give: Let God Turn Your Talents into Miracles Paperback – Illustrated, August 6, 2012

Typically I don't like to read, but when I started this book I couldn't put it down! Austin's book, Live to Give, is truly an inspiring book for all ages. He uses real life examples as well as Biblical facts to take the reader on a journey through self-reflection and self-discovery. Live to Give isn't just the title, it's a way of life. Austin not only talked about his talents, but painted a picture on how everyone has been given their own talents; all unique, but none less important than the other. I can't wait to share this book with others, and I would recommend this book to all! Thanks Austin, and God Bless!

Inspiring to young and old!!!! A perfect graduation gift for any age!!!

Live to Give is a book about unpacking and discovering and using the gifts and talents God has graciously given to you. We all have received different gifts from our Creator and it's vital we don't spend our time and energy envying other person's gifts. Like most teenagers, Austin Gutwein has struggled with comparing himself to other people appearances and gifts. He always hated his freckles and he had trouble going outside because if he was outside to long his skin would sunburn. He believed and sometimes felt like he wasn't good enough to make a different in the world. He eventually rose above and decided to get involved with using the gifts God has bestowed to him. At age nine, he started an organization called Hoops of Hope. He initiated a plan to shoot baskets in order to get people to donate to his cause and outreach. He even stated that he missed quite a few shoot when he played basketball but he used what little God has given him and God took him to another level. He has raised over three million dollars for communities in Africa.Austin Gutwein polled random sampling to gather data about what people feared in their life. The majority from the sampling responded that their biggest fear was being unaccepted by others. I also agree that is probably my biggest fear that I have had to endure and deal with. I found the interesting study that Austin conducted to be very enlightening and extremely supportive in the overall concept of the book. Another aspect of the book he shared was about bullies who will try and persuade you to keep you from rising higher and accomplishing your vision of helping other individuals. Most of the people who criticize you are doing so because you are making a difference and using your gifts for the greater good. The bullies are feeling bad because in their hearts they are ignoring the call for them to actually join and support a cause. It's far easier to complain and demean than it is to unite in on the mission.Austin Gutwein personal story is a huge encouragement to teenagers, young adults, and adults to never perceive and believe that they are too young or too old to make a different in the lives of their communities and countries. I would recommend this book to all age groups who need encouragement and inspiration about the power of one changing the world. The book is written towards the audience of the young teenagers but older adults would still enjoy and benefit from this book. His story will reveal the importance of reaching out to the desperately hurting individuals around us and strangers we haven't even met. God has entrusted us to be a blessing and to give ourselves, our time, our money, our love unselfishly! It's up to us to discover and use what God has given us!"I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group/ Thomas Nelson for this review".

The most striking thing about Live to Give is the author. I wasn't at all familiar with Austin Gutwein when I started reading this book, so you can only imagine my confusion when he started writing about packing his lunch for school!Austin isn't your typical high-schooler though. His organization, Hoops of Hope is made up of over 40,000 members and has raised nearly $3 million for AIDS relief in Africa. He is also the author of Take Your Best Shot and travels speaking to different youth groups about his organization and his message that God has a plan for each and every one of us.Chapter One starts off by reminding us "God doesn't need you". Austin recounts a time when he was in Africa building a house for a needy family and some of the children approached them, wanting to help. While Austin and his team didn't need their help, they were overjoyed to allow the children to get involved in the project. He writes, "God can create anything, fix any problem, and He can do it all without us. But He wants to use us, which means we get to work by His side and have front-row seats to see His amazing power."This book contains an encouraging message about individuality, purpose, and the amazing gift opportunity we have to be used by God.I encourage you to purchase your own copy of the book or read more reviews online.Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from a publicity agency. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own.

Live to Give is an incredible call to live a radical life of both excitement and sacrifice, as the author urges us to realize that God has made us to give back to the world around us. The book is written in easy to read chapters, with "study questions" at the end of each chapter that are designed to make you think about what is unique about you, what gifts God has given you, and how to go about using your talents and time for his purposes and glory. I did find some of the chapters a bit repetitive, but overall feel it a worthwhile read, and one that both teens (the target audience) and adults will enjoy and be inspired by. Austin Gutwein is an individual worth reading about, someone who didn't let his young age hold him back but instead put feet to his faith and has made a significant difference in this world. His message is one worth spreading, especially for the next generation who is looking for purpose in a world that often seems so hopeless.I definitely plan on recommending this book to the teenagers I interact with on a regular basis, and hope that they take this message and run with it, learning that they have been given so much by God, gifts that they can use to bless the world around them. I award this book 4 out of 5 stars.Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.