Courageous

A Novel

By: Randy Alcorn, Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick

Narrated by: Roger Mueller

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Four men, one calling: to serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God... and to their children? Bestselling author Randy Alcorn brings the heart-pounding drama of the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick to this inspiring novel that also includes subplots, characters, and backstory not seen in the movie.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2011 Randy Alcorn, Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick (P)2011 Oasis Audio

What is all the hype about?

Another one that I forced myself to finish. Too much hype about the book/movie ruined it for me to the point that I have the movie unopened. Too much packed into one story for me.
I have never liked Randy Alcorn but thought I would see if this was different.

Bottom line - not for me.

Reinvigorates your soul

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I questioned my purchase of this at first, thinking a book that was made after the movie can't be good, but the author nailed it and not only did he nail it, he expanded upon it, brought deeper character depth and added a few extra characters and story lines for those extra characters which seamlessly flowed into the story arch.
This book not only inspired me to be a better man and father for my family, it changed my dynamic on thinking about life and what truly is important. Since reading it I feel my own son and I have come closer together, instead of drifting apart.
I saw the movie after reading the book and though it was good, the book definitely added more wholesome meaning to each of the characters plights with life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Adam Mitchel, a initially very stoic character who has resigned himself to the mundane existence in his small hometown, working, paying the bills, seeing his family but only partially interacting.
It takes a huge reality check to put things in perspective and let him know that life is short and he must value every minute, love every minute and support his family in times of need and even in times when it is not needed.

Which scene was your favorite?

Opening scene drove it home, Nathan Hayes doing anything to protect his family.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Very much so, then again I'd never pay attention to my own family if I didn't break it up into parts.

Any additional comments?

Great screenplay to book adaptation!

A Thought Provoking Book

This book is a wonderful call to serve Christ and to take our places as Christian men and women (yes, women) in the world today. If you listen to this book I promise you will be touched and changed by it.

Love Sherwood Pictures!

Would you consider the audio edition of Courageous to be better than the print version?

They're all equally great!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Courageous?

Adam telling the sheriff he loves him. In the back seat of the cop car with the guy who was arrested and Adam's friend.

What about Roger Mueller’s performance did you like?

He's very good at imitating voices. He almost sounds like the actors themselves.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

There's already a film! Love it just as much as I love the book.

Any additional comments?

LOVE LOVE LOVE this story. The movie, the book, the message. I always look forward to Sherwood's next project!

Incredible

I absolutely love this movie so I couldn't wait to see if the book would live up to my expectations. it far surpassed them! I laughed so much just picturing all the characters as they we being depicted. I cried during it as well. Great story, great message!

A success!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Oh i cried a lot!

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful read. A real story of men's relationships with their kids while they put their lives on the line for the people of the town. I'll be honest. i watched the movie before I read the book and I was very surprised that the book was way better than the movie! i enjoyed the movie emmensely!

This very much is a feel good book with great morals and a purpose. you come away from it a better person.

Simply Awesome!

This is one the best books I've read in a long time. Although the main characters were men I learned things that are valuable to women also. This was definitely worth the read. I stumbled acrossed it while searching for narrations by Roger Mueller. After reading it, I suggested it to several friends and family members. Little did I know, shortly thereafter it would go to the big screen. Let me add, I LOVE listening to Roger Mueller. His energy engulfs you and leaves you wanting for more. He has not disappointed me yet. It was he who got me listening to audiobooks. Great job! Great story!

By: Cheerful (Concord, NC) October 7, 2011

A thoroughly enjoyable listen

What did you love best about Courageous?

I loved how some of the characters were developed. I watched the movie first, so I was excited to see this audio book. The message for husbands and fathers was great ... and much needed. But I also enjoyed the humorous bits sprinkled throughout.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Courageous?

The most memorable moment for me was when Adam goes back to the place where Emily had asked him to dance with her and finally does "his half of the dance". Have tissues close at hand for that one.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really liked the scene where Adam tries to figure out who Javi is and how he came to working on the shed. The understated humor of that scene is priceless. There were many powerful scenes, but I have a hard time saying that a scene where someone is hurting deeply is my favorite.

Who was the most memorable character of Courageous and why?

Of the main five men, including Javi, I'd have to say either Nathan or Javi were the most memorable for me. I liked Nathan because he was willing to lay his life on the line for his son and stand firm against a teenaged daughter's moods. I liked Javi because he was simply a good, strong man who loved his family and respected his own father. That said, honestly, the very most memorable character for me was not one of the main characters. I say he is memorable, but at the moment, I cannot think what his name was with 100% certainty. I think it was Bronson, the enormous officer whose hallmark move was to head-butt the crooks before he arrested them.

Any additional comments?

This story is well worth the time to listen to it. Drama. Action. Hearbreak. Humor. Conflict. Faith in action. It is all there. Put in your earbuds. Sit back and enjoy.

A book about parenting

Would you listen to Courageous again? Why?

Maybe. It is exactly like the movie and I own the movie. That is the only reason I would not listen to it again.

If you could rename Courageous, what would you call it?

A book for parents. I know it is aimed at dads, but being a mother, I am also reminded how important time with your kids should be. We should all strive to be closer to God and if you get that right, most will just fall into place. But having said that, we should consider our time with our children precious because we have no idea how much time we have with them!!

Great idea, not so great writing

The ideas set forth in this book are great. Unfortunately, the writing did not match up to it. It was certainly worth reading and I got a lot out of it, but from a literary sense, it was tedious. These men were truly heroes. Maybe better said, they were true men. I wish there were a lot more of their ilk in this world.