Safely Home

By: Randy Alcorn

Narrated by: Steve Sever

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is a soul-stirring story of two college friends who reconnect after 20 years. One is living life apart from God, in comfortable corporate America; the other is living for Christ under intense persecution in China. This challenging book will convince readers to live in the light of eternity.

©2003 Randy Alcorn (P)2003 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Inspiring

Very powerful and inspiring story. This story may be fiction, but the fact that people in many countries go through these very things are not. It makes me feel blessed and humbled that I live in a country where I am allowed to practice my religious beliefs in safety. And perhaps one day I will do more then just pray for my persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

Held me Captive

What did you love best about Safely Home?

I loved the fact that it is so close to reality. It made me want to listen all the time to see what happened next.

What did you like best about this story?

This story could have been true and probably in all reality is a true story. I know about the underground church and this book brought more to light. I felt like the characters were real.

Have you listened to any of Steve Sever’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I thought he was a fine reader.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved to the edge of my seat when the police broke in during the secret house meeting. People were made to choose if they would stay or go. Only the devoted disciples of Jesus Christ stayed. The story really changed after that. I was taken off guard.

Any additional comments?

This book was very well written and it was easy to get to know the characters. I highly recommend it.

Timely and riveting.

This book DID rivet me to my seat. I should have been more social with the people I was driving for a 5 hour trip, but once I started listening to this book, I couldn't. I became "one" with this story. And now, with the news of Chen Guangcheng, blind Chinese activist, who is revealing the truth about forced abortions and deaths in China, it makes it even more timely. Religious freedom is something the west takes for granted. This book makes that pretty clear what can happen when those freedoms are gone.

EXCELLENT!!!!

We loved this book! Randy Alcorn draws you into the story and does an incredible job of portraying life and persecution in China. The narrator is superb. Our only criticism of the narration is sometimes his voice gets so soft when doing the voice of the Chinese character that it is hard to understand him (we were listening in the car and "road sounds" interfered). The narrator's ability to do accents is amazing. We highly recommend this book!

This was an amazing read! So eye opening!

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

Probably because of the creativity of the reader as he portrayed the characters. I probably wouldn't do that quietly in my brain as I read! Plus, I am an extremely busy person who likes to have books "on the go" to accommodate my multi-tasking lifestyle.

Have you listened to any of Steve Sever’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No... I'd be interested to though:)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the main character arrived in heaven and all the dots were connected for him.

Any additional comments?

Thank you for making this excellent book available on audio!
Also, thank you to Randy Alcorn for a wonderful story!

Challenging and Powerful

This fictional book intertwining the lives of an American businessman and his old college roommate in China is a powerful story that will challenge the status quo of American materialism and Christianity. It leaves the Christian reader with a hunger, yearning, and exciting for our true home.

Perspective

We think we have life figured out until we are shown another perspective.

And then our world is turned upside down. At first we are not happy about that. And then we realize everything how happy our world flipped.. and now.. it's right side up

All-time Favorite!

This Book is so well written! There are twists and turns and interesting surprises in this book. It helps the reader understand the underground church in China yet there is an American main character.I love the metaphors and irony in this novel. I read it 10 years ago and now I am reading it again. It makes me rethink everything in my life, and that is a good thing.

Do you support torture and murder?

What did you love best about Safely Home?

Beautifully written, understated story of faith. I have read many stories of great heroes of the Christian faith - and expected this to fit nicely into those norms. I wasn't even sure I wanted to read "another one." This book threw those perceptions out the window. It wasn't "preaching" like a scholar to the average citizens of the world - it was one man, living his faith, with no false delusions and helping his friend to see the strength and confidence available with a deep abiding faith. Heaven is never mentioned by name, but several scenes and conversations take place there. It took me a while to figure it out, but when I did, it felt more real than any other "heaven" scene I had ever imagines or read. It was also very scriptural.

What other book might you compare Safely Home to and why?

It was haunting - and will continue to haunt me as I turn over the conversations and truths presented. I can't think of a book to compare it to - and I have been with Audible 20+ years and read constantly. It is one of a kind. Without stating or hammering on the facts, this book should bring most of us to our knees as we take stock of our own compromised values.

Have you listened to any of Steve Sever’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first tme listening to Steve Sever. I was impressed by the variety of voices, their consistency throughout the book, and his interpretations of the heavenly voices. Marvelous performance.

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

It is rather short - only 5-6 hours. I usually prefer books closer to 40 hours, so that once I am vested in characters and plot I don't have to put them down. I listened to it nearly in once sitting. With about 45 minutes to go, I took a break, thought about it, took a deep breath and dove back in.

Any additional comments?

Even for non-readers, especially nominal Christians, or Christians who are desiring a deeper faith, I really recommend this book. The book was dedicated to an Australian Missionary to India, who was burned to death for his faith with his two very young sons while his wife and daughters watched. If you haven't thought about what the money you spend on products "Made in . . . " various corners of the world actually supports, this will certainly open your eyes and quite possibly, change your life.

eye opening

may God use me in such a way. may we as Brothers and Sisters in Christ show Christ love like this story showed Christ's love