A Review of "Average Joe" by Troy Meeder

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A Review of Average Joe

            I recently read Average Joe by Troy Meeder. It was a book I had been interested in reading since I heard him speak on Focus on the Family. I was also interested in reading it because I had recently read his wife’s book Hope Rising. I found both books to be fairly similar in that they were almost devotional in nature. Although the book was divided into sections, the chapters did not build off of each other. I did enjoy Average Joe more than Hope Rising because I was able to relate to Troy as a man, more than I could with his wife Kim.

            Although, I looked forward to reading the book, I still had my doubts and trepidations. I don’t want to be average. I don’t know anyone who wants to be average. And even if some might consider me to be average, I definitely do not want to be proud about being average. Troy addresses this issue by page 3. On page 4, Troy writes, “Before we go on, I want to make something really clear: when I use the word average, I don’t mean lazy, sloppy, inept, mediocre, or anything like that. A true average Joe works hard, gives his all, makes a difference. And he does it without whining or feeling sorry for himself. An average Joe isn’t expecting to get rich or famous. He’s content knowing that the One whose opinion really counts is pleased with him.” I can live with that definition.

            The book was an easy read and came equipped with a study guide that can be used for a men’s small group or in conjunction with a Bible study. I did enjoy parts of the book, Troy is definitely a skilled author, but I found myself becoming increasingly agitated with one small aspect of his stories. He owns a horse ranch that is known across the nation for its goodwill, he ran one of the largest youth ministries in the state, his wife was an exceptionally talented cross country skier and a best selling author, he takes flying lessons from a world class bi-athlete, and scubas in Hawai’i. I wish I could be that average.

            Other than that minor irritation I would recommend this book to any guy who wonders if God could use him where he is.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.