I picked up this book because I felt obligated, not really because I was interested. You see, Bob Merritt is the pastor at my church so I felt like I needed to read the book just to be supportive. After all, I had probably heard all of the stories and why read a book called "When Life's not Working" when life IS working? But this book turned out to be truly inspiring. And although I was familiar with some of his stories there was much more that I wasn't familiar with. And, to be honest, I needed some of the old stories as reminders! This book honestly motivated me to put the book down and go for a run, and that is saying a lot. I hate to run, especially on a cold dreary day, which we have had quite a few of this spring. But Bob's strategies (Don't Quit, Do a Few Things Well, Be Prepared, Increase Your Consistency, Use Small Tugs, Stretch Yourself and Practice Self Control) can be applied to any and everything in life. Even if life is working there is always room for improvement. Looking back on his 7 strategies I can't even say for sure which section inspired me to run in 40 degree weather, there are so many that could apply to my struggle with exercise and motivation and, really, many other areas in my day to day situations. Why does it surprise me that Bob speaks to the real issues in my life? He always does but, somehow, this book is better than a 30 minute service. Maybe because I can reread it or maybe because I can put it down when he isn't speaking to my heart and pick it back up when I know I am open to hearing the truths he is sharing. Maybe both. Then too, there is the added benefit of sharing it with others (with maybe a few passages strategically highlighted). This is the best book of this genre I have read in a long time! ( )