The old title on this post was “A Christian Man’s Guide to Giving Recklessly.” Worth saying plainly: Leslie K. Nelson is a woman, and she did not write this for men. It is a general-audience book, and the previous review framed it as a men’s resource from the first line without ever mentioning the author.
Giving, Recklessly: Testimonials and Examples to Inspire Higher Levels of Generosity is independently published. Nelson is founder and CEO of Pivotal Connections, LLC, and writes as a business leader, a military veteran, a military spouse, and a parent.
What kind of book it is
The subtitle is accurate and you should take it literally. This is testimonials and examples. It is a collection of accounts of generosity, gathered and told, rather than a framework or a teaching book.
Nelson’s stated reason for writing it is that the generosity of God and of other people changed her own life, and she wanted to put those stories somewhere.
That format has a real strength. Arguments about giving tend to slide off, because most people already agree in principle and simply do not do it. Stories work differently. Reading an account of someone giving away more than seemed sensible, and what happened next, gets past the part of you that has already conceded the point and changed nothing.
What to expect, and not expect
This is not a stewardship framework and it is not financial teaching. There is no system here, no percentages, no budgeting, and no theology of money worked out at length. If that is what you want, this is the wrong book and Randy Alcorn’s The Treasure Principle is the right one.
It is also self-published, which means no outside editorial or theological review. That is not disqualifying, and for a collection of firsthand accounts it matters less than it would for a doctrinal book. It does mean the quality across entries will vary.
Honest notes
The previous review credited it with scripture references in every chapter, reflections, and practical exercises for self-assessment and family discussion. I could not verify any of those. Check the preview before assuming there is study material in it.
It also described a Called to Better review team whose members had financial breakthroughs and conversations about tithing because of it. There was no team. Removed.
Who should read it
A man who already knows he should give more and has never actually moved. Anyone who is persuaded by examples rather than arguments. Short enough to read in a sitting and worth passing on.
Skip it if you want a stewardship system, a theology of money, or practical financial planning. This is a book of stories, and it is honest about being one.