The Next Level: A Parable of Finding Your Place in Life    by David Gregory Order:  USA  Can WaterBrook Press, 2008 (2008) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Jessica Weaver The Next Level tells the story of Logan Bell, a recent college graduate whose father is pushing him into the business world. Logan finds himself at the doorstep of Universal System, where he is ushered up to the Director and immediately hired as an organizational analyst (when asked which job he would like). A very loose allegory for Christian life, The Next Level is sometimes so thinly veiled it is humorous; at other times it might push you to think a little harder about your life in Christ. Logan's job is to evaluate the problems in each level of the company, all of which operate independently and are rife with issues. The book is so short (128 pages) I will let you read the problems of the levels for yourself; they elevate from the self-obsessed to the passionate but aimless. When Logan finally encounters the employees who have decided to work on the fifth level with the Director and Shareholder (a father-and-son team), he must decide whether he wants to give up his own desires and familial pressures in order to do the work of the Shareholder with passion and selflessness. The Next Level examines the deeper idea that one should only be content participating in the work of God with an intense love. It is an interesting allegory, but one that is so shallow it leaves little to the reader. For similar ideas presented in a more interesting way, I would recommend George Barna's Revolution. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews