Rules of Engagement by Chad Hennings, and a Giveaway

Check out how to win one of 5 copies of this book toward the end of this review.
In all of the roles Chad Hennings has been privileged to play in life he has seen that the persistent "go-it-alone" myth in our society traps men from connecting in a meaningful way with other men. In fact, men in our society are emotionally disconnected from each other and from God.

In this book Chad wants to share the lessons he has learned that will make a difference in men's lives and tear down the walls that separate men from each other and their true selves.

This book will offer men a plan for a new approach to life that stresses:

1.Crafting character and vision for ones self
2.Healing the troubled past
3.Developing a work ethic
4.Committing to self-care
5.Finding fulfillment
6.Living with spirituality
7.Making a strategic life plan
8.Serving the family
9.Male bonding
10.Developing an understanding of money
11.Community service
12.Redefining success

My first love in reading is fiction, and I admit I need to read more non-fiction. I have to honestly say though, that this book is one of the best non-fiction books I have read in a long time.

The author gets down to what men need in an easy-to-read and understand way. He tackles several issues: character, accountability, male bonding and friendships, and even things like temptation and raising kids.

I'm a guy, so I know this is true - Christian men need other men to be friends with and be accountable, and Chad Hennings shows how important that is.

This isn't a "self-help" book, but is more of a handbook or manual on how to be a Christian man in today's society. I was challenged by the book, and am thankful I have a friend to confide in, which is what we all need.

I was disappointed in some language issues in the book, for it being a Christian book. It had a couple of words that do not belong in any Christian's vocabulary, and as my copy is an advanced reading copy, hopefully those words will not be in the final copy of the book.

About the author: (longer than normal, but he has an impressive bio)

Although best known for his role with America's Team, Chad Hennings' successes began long before his professional football career. An accomplished lineman in high school, Hennings was offered full scholarships from universities across the nation. Instead, he chose to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he racked up numerous honors academically and on the gridiron. Named most valuable athlete at the academy, he earned defensive player of the year honors from the Western Athletic Conference and was named to the WAC's All-Decade Team. In addition, he received the 1987 Outland Trophy, given to the country’s outstanding lineman, and the most valuable player designation at the 1988 Freedom Bowl. A two-time Academic All-American, Hennings was inducted into the GTE Academic All-American Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

His exemplary achievements put him at the top of many draft lists and earned him a spot on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, but Hennings postponed his entry into the National Football League to fulfill his commitment to the U.S. Air Force. He entered the Euro-NATO program, a training program for top pilots, and soon found himself at the controls of the A-10 Thunderbolt.

During his four-year stint with the Air Force, Hennings flew 45 missions in support of Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, an effort that helped provide relief and humanitarian aid to Kurdish refugees. He received two aerial achievement medals, a humanitarian award and an outstanding unit award for his actions in the service.

After his discharge, Hennings joined the Dallas Cowboys, quickly earning a starting position as a defensive lineman. He spent his entire 9-year professional football career with the Cowboys, retiring in 2001 with three Super Bowl rings.

Chad lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where he is involved in commercial real estate. He frequently speaks on the topic of commitment. He is the founder of Wingmen Ministries and serves on the board of Happy Hill Farm Academy and the Advisory Board for Christian Community Action.

Chad is married to Tammy and has two children, Chase and Brenna.

Giveaway:

Thanks to Valerie at Hachette books, I am having a giveaway for 5 copies of this book.
This is an excellent book for men, so even if you're female, try to win one for your husband, father, brother, son - any guy in your life.

US and Canada entries only, no P.O. boxes.
5 winners will be picked 2 weeks from today on January 15
To enter, simply comment on this post.

Rules of Engagement will be available from Faith Words/Hachette books on January 7.
Thanks to Hachette book group for the review copy.