AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Chivalry by Zach Hunter

Chivalry.  It’s a word we don’t use much anymore.  It sounds old and antiquated.  The fact that Zach Hunter chose this word for the title of his newest book says a lot about the author himself.  Not that Hunter is old; he’s in his early 20s, a sophomore in college.  But he is an “old soul.”  He’s already written a couple books before this one, and he started Loose Chains to Loosen Chains, a social justice initiative combating modern-day slavery, as a twelve-year-old.

The whole premise of this book is social justice of a different sort: “personal justice.”  That is, justice in our personal relationships and daily interactions.  Honor, truthfulness, courage, and the like are hallmarks of this concept Hunter wraps up in the word “chivalry.”

Hunter’s intended audience is never clearly expressed, but based on his tone and examples it seems to be high school and college-age students.  Even though I am not included in this age group, I found many of his ideas intriguing.  For example, while exploring the idea of “speaking the truth in love,” his encouragement is to choose carefully what truths we “lead with” when discussing our faith with others.  Another great chapter is the one on pain and suffering in which Hunter encourages his readers to not view pain as a transaction (where we believe the world “owes us”), or as a consequence (as if God is out to get us).  This section is framed as a discussion between Hunter and a close friend.  Very cool stuff.

This audiobook is read by the author, which I almost always prefer over a non-author narrator.  In this case, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Hunter narrating.  His style is conversational and his examples are very personal.  I would even say the book is conversational and personal to a fault, coming across overly earnest and immature.  However, when Hunter reads it, he sells it.  It’s impossible not to be drawn in by his enthusiasm.

I found this book inspiring, and I love the approachable way Hunter deals with some big topics.  The choice of title could end up being a hang-up for potential readers because it seems to communicate that the book is for guys only.  It invokes images of knights in shining armor, and Hunter practically apologizes for his choice of title in the introduction.  Also, the quality content of this book could use a less pretentious title.  I would recommend this book to any young person, male or female, because it will encourage them to strive for a higher standard of “personal justice.”  Hmm, maybe “Personal Justice” would have made a better title for this excellent book!

Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.  More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.