Jacob Butkiewicz’s short compilation of maxims blending Christian belief and personal reflections offers a set of simple, colorful prescriptions for dealing with life, with accompanying illustrations.

Butkiewicz’s list of 100 sayings are modeled after the Book of Ecclesiastes in their tone, style, and general content, which ranges from exhortations of faith to declarations of opinion. Overall, Butkiewicz’s voice emerges as folksy and contemplative, a wise elder dispensing remarks to a younger set.

The majority of the author’s sayings celebrate the love and guidance of Jesus Christ and share truisms of faith, for example: “We might bear different banners but still serve the same purpose Jesus Christ [sic].”

Some offer advice on manners (“If you can’t control the beast you won’t be Civil”). And while there are several warnings against hate (“Haters don’t solve problems because they are part of the problem”), the overall tone tends toward love and acceptance, as in: “Hold what is dear & never falter from what is true.” This general tone makes the few sayings about warriors stand out oddly.

While many of the statements are useful, some are obscure, reaching for language or metaphor that isn’t always clear (“Why run from the moment when you’re stuck in the time”; “If you don’t get it from your family you get it from another”). And some seem to address a point that simply personally rankles (“A wedding isn’t based on fashion & display it’s based on Love”).

Finally, several offerings are overly familiar (“Struggle will lead to enlightenment”; “Real Friends Understand”).

Grammar and punctuation are unconventional and inconsistent, which undermines the author’s authority and, in some cases, clouds the author’s meaning (“Loves got correction”).

The advice is wholesome and sometimes constructive, and readers will find interesting nuggets throughout. However, the issues noted above lend an unpolished and sometimes puzzling feel to this book.

Also available as an ebook.