Reviews

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken

uscrx's review against another edition

4.0

Great biography! Even though I'd heard about John Newton's story before, this book was a wonderful read, and I thank God for the life of this man! So many wonderful lessons from his life, but the best one is in his own words at the end of his life, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior!"

franquie's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

I’m on a biography/autobiography kick right now, and this one did not disappoint. I love stories of real people who, through the grace of God, struggled and grew in their faith. It’s especially encouraging to read of people who started out as grievous sinners (John Newton worked on a slave ship!) but who God loved and redeemed despite their unworthiness (we are all unworthy). It makes me think that if even these people could be saved by God, why not me? Why not ANYONE? There is no one who is too bad or too far gone for God to save. It’s encouraging to think of these stories particularly when I’m tempted to worry about people who I love that aren’t saved, that in God’s timing, He can reach anyone and none of them are beyond His reach. 💕

moosetash's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

maigahannatu's review against another edition

5.0

Biographies and memoirs are one of my favorite genres. This book about John Newton was no exception. Having visited Olney and learned more about William Cowper and about John Newton there and then having watched the movie Amazing Grace, I was interested to find out more about John Newton. This book is thoroughly researched and engaging. I admit I enjoyed some chapters more than others, but overall it was a good book.

bartendm's review against another edition

4.0

Fascinating life of the man who wrote Amazing Grace. An interesting illustration of the times and of his conversion from a slave trader to a very influential Christian of his time.

awolgs's review against another edition

5.0

John Newton was incredible (incredible), and Jonathan Aitken does an admirable job recounting his life.

An impressed Navy sailor; a deserter; a slave ship captain; a new Christian struggling to cast-off his immoral habits; a more mature Christian struggling to find his calling; a small-town pastor impacting his nation; a big-city pastor impacting his government and the world; a hymn-writer; a best-selling author; a loving, tender husband; a networker (in the best sense of the word); a man committed to prayer and reflection; an adoptive father ... he lived a remarkable life. Escaping near death multiple times in his early years, he lived a long, faithful life and - in the end - he wasn't afraid of dying (nor of his wife's death) because he knew the one who would welcome him home.

(note: I work for the agency that represents this book)

rinda's review

4.0

Another one recommended “In Search of Deep Faith”. A favorable author to Newton. Nice to dive deep into his life as I had just a high level understanding of his life.

brazilianmelody's review

3.0

3.5 stars

The writing has it's highs and lows. Or it could also just be that I'm not much for biographies. But the life recounted in this book is definitely an inspiring one.