A glossy softcover book of 78 pages, Courage to Flee includes an Introduction, nine chapters, and an Appendix. The Introduction presents the author's story. Dr. Klick has been a pastor full-time since 1982, and his life and ministry reveal a man of God with practical advice to offer others regarding the avoidance of sexual impurity and immorality. Scripture verses are included throughout the book and are taken from several different versions: ESV, NIV, NASB, and KJV. However, none of the versions are referenced with the actual quotes of Scripture. Chapter titles are as follows:

• The Slippery Slope of Compromise
• We Do What We Think
• The Eyes Are the Window to the Soul
• Help for the Entangled: How Do I Escape?
• Yes, Cain, We Are Our Brothers' (and Sisters') Keepers!
• Parents: Start Early, Interfere Often
• Is There Hope for Those Who Have Failed?
• Be On Your Guard--Always!
• The Goal of Freedom

Written for adults or mature high school students, this book may be appropriate for those struggling to understand the need for limits and protective barriers for ourselves and our children. The author is brutally honest about his own habits of avoiding negative influence--not going to malls or beaches and not watching certain television shows--all for the sake of staying away from sensual assault and maintaining control of his thought life. Each chapter closes with "Questions to Pray About" that parents and children could discuss together. Or they may be used during a personal quiet time with God. The book addresses God's grace in repentance and encourages those who have failed to make changes in their lives. Sometimes these changes are drastic and may be difficult to accept, but the truth is clear. The Appendix lists a "Biography," presumably for Jeff Klick, but it is not there. The Appendix does include "Articles of Interest" that could be used as reading assignments for older children followed by discussion with parents. The closing list of Scripture is ideal for further study or memorization. The book itself is not designed as a homeschool course but rather as reading material for older students and adults.

There is a lot of good discussion material in this book. The author stresses that the reader's life has a purpose. Even our mistakes can become warnings for others. A good discussion of how women dress is enlightening and can be used to help daughters understand the need for modesty. An Open Letter to Women in the Body of Christ (included in the Appendix) speaks volumes to this subject. Men are clearly not left off the hook and are directed to be extremely careful to avoid flirting so as to avoid stealing "part of a heart to which we are not entitled." Wonderful gems will be found in this book. The ideas in chapter five about limiting our own freedom for the sake of others are excellent and worthy of discussion with our teenagers. Chapter six is a message to parents, one I believe is timely for our society: we should not conform to this world. The title of chapter seven asks whether there is hope after failure, and the very first sentence in the chapter is: "In Christ there is always hope!" Although the chapter admittedly is not an in-depth theological analysis of the provided verses, there is definitely plenty of encouragement to be found. God's forgiveness and faithfulness are central to the closing chapters as the author focuses on repentance and starting anew. In chapter eight, prevention is presented as the key to not falling into temptation. We should set up guidelines to follow in order to avoid taking the first step toward sin. A daily quiet time and strength in a group of believers are encouraged. I admit that I did not appreciate the author's attempt at humor in a reference to Scripture as the JKV, or "Jeff Klick Version," but I understand he was trying to make a point. My daughter, at seventeen, felt some of the early discussion was basic information we had already talked about as a family. But by staying the course and reading through to the later chapters, we found encouragement to help one another keep the faith. If we remember that we are raising not just children but future adults, we begin to understand that they will tackle the same tough decisions we have. This realization should spur us on to action.

It is so easy to say "everyone is doing it" or "that is just the way kids dress or act today" rather than taking a stand for change. Dr. Klick makes it clear that starvation is the only sure cure for any addiction, including sexual addiction. He stresses the importance of guarding our lives: "Maintaining a clean mind is so much easier than attempting to get back to one after being exposed to sinful images." He is brutally honest but deals with necessary issues. Courage to Flee offers real help for singles seeking God's will for their lives. Our 17-year-old daughter is nearing graduation, and we enjoyed discussing this topic with her. I loved this statement: "Being single is an opportunity to serve the Lord without distraction, and it is a waste to squander those years in frustration over not being married." That one statement provided enough discussion between my daughter and me to justify purchasing this book. I encourage families with young adults or children nearing adulthood to purchase Courage to Flee, read it, and then read it again with your older children. The closing verse could be the theme for many Christian homeschools: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity" (I Timothy 4:12). Courage to Flee will give parents the encouragement they need to stay the course in an increasingly sensual world.

Product review by Donna Campos, Senior Product Reviewer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, September 2009