When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

I ordered this book and received the study guide which was very disappointing. I’ve since borrowed the book and it is greatly helpful for putting life’s priorities in place. It is well written and easy to read with a plan for action at the end of each chapter. Susan Aungst

I will confess up front that I have not purchased this particular version, but another visitor made a buying mistake and unfairly skewed the rating, so I'm hoping to bring it up to the other rater who actually used this. I have read the original book and it's TERRIFIC! There's plenty of humor, clear-headed prospective and encouragement for those hoping to achive peace in a troubled world. I have a friend who's been giving copies out by the boat-loads and have come here to buy for a family member who's facing some tough challenges. Dig and enjoy this wonderful author - whatever he brings to the public!

Ortberg is a wonderful author who uses humor to get the point across about sin and grace. Excellent read.

John Ortberg is an engaging and entertaining writer with a message. He likens life to a game. When the game is over, all the pieces go back in the box (casket) and what truly matters is not what you've won playing the game, but how you play. You can't live life without focusing some on death. While the basis of the book can easily be summed up in the old adage of life is like a game and it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play, Ortberg gives fresh meaning to it based on scripture and Jesus' teaching. This is truly a thought-provoking book and one that needs to be read by all Christians.

I've never written a review of a book before....I couldn't help but write one for John Ortberg's "Back in the Box." I sat down at 2:30pm to start reading. After breaks for time with my son, time with my husband, time to fix dinner, time for TV, time for some housework, I STILL finished the book before going to bed at midnight. It was that level of "can't put it down." I'd finish a chapter, put it down to do something else, and be drawn right back to it as soon as I could get there. Fresh, humor-filled, real, thought-provoking, spirit-nudging, action-prodding. Highly recommend it for ANYone.

When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back In The Box by John Ortberg is an inspiring, enlightening, life-changing book. Since I am an avid gamer, the cover art drew me in immediately. But it was the author's wit and practical advice that captured my attention and kept me reading. It begins with the greatest opening line since The Purpose Driven Life, and guides you through a series of strategies designed to teach the reader how to "play the game" of life. Filled with wit and humor and moving stories, I laughed out loud one minute and found myself tearing up the next as a poignant illustration was presented to show how so many of us miss the important stuff by concentrating so intensely on temporary rewards. The author then offers practical tactics for modifying our "To Do" lists so we can reconnect with what's really important in life. Not only did I take from this book several ideas for improving my life and relationship with God, but also the desire to make a difference in the lives of those around me as John Ortberg and his Grandmother obviously have.