Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Bonhoeffer" by Erick Metaxas is a page-turner, and it isn't even fiction - it's history.  I've been captivated to the point of not wanting to put the book down in order to go to bed, captivated at the stellar integrity, extreme faith, perseverance, high intelligence, insight into human nature, and dedication to living a life pleasing to God that this man possessed.
Many probably have not heard of Bonhoeffer, but he's a World War II German who never fired a shot but who saved the lives of many.  Beyond devouring the details of this extraordinary man's life and deep insight into God's Word, I've been made clearly aware of the truths about which he wrote prolifically and profoundly in teachings, sermons, and countless letters to those who knew him; most profoundly I've been made aware of my own lack of discipline and study of God's Word in my life. 
Bonhoeffer saw the Germans and German Christians taken in by Hitler's promise of a return to glory of former days for Germany and did all he could to prevent it.  Even now, I see that the enemy of our souls hasn't given up on destroying the Church, the body of Christ, and he never will.  He simply changes tactics.  Hitler's attack of the Church and the Jewish people eventually destroyed him, but the Church and the Jews still remain.  Such brazen and brutal methods for destroying God's people, both Christian and Jewish, have now been replaced with more subtle methods, undermining the core beliefs of God's Word by eroding the very ground on which Christ's Church was built.  Mushy, spineless faith is commonplace; deep thinking is unheard of.  We are too busy, too captivated and enthralled by technology and entertainment to give thought to anything more than what's for dinner tonight or what movie we're going to see this weekend.
Bonhoeffer was a very deep theologically-minded man.  He inspired countless people during his lifetime and, thanks to the skillful writing of Metaxas, he still inspires people today.  His story reveals the struggles of the German Christians and those who opposed Hitler's rise to power; it's the personal history of Germany seen through the life of Bonhoeffer.  I recommend it to anyone who has the desire to know God more deeply, to understand the struggles of the Church, to experience the fear of the German people during Hitler's reign of terror, and to be exposed to Bonhoeffer's theological studies and disciplines.
I've been devouring this story, this 572-page book (in a small font!) for over a week during my lunch hour at work, during breakfast at home, and in the evening.  With about 120 pages left to read, I won't finish it tonight.
Bonhoeffer never lived to see his 40th birthday; he was executed by the Nazis two weeks before the Allied liberation.  His life as pastor, prophet, martyr and spy had come to an end, yet I know that I will meet him someday.