Michael DiMarco
Revell, 2012, 144 pp., $12.99
Clear off your shelf of cheesy, cliché graduation books. You know the ones–Chicken Broth for the Graduate or The Prayer of Jabez for Seniors. Michael DiMarco has just written the book you need to be handing to your graduating seniors this spring. Independence Day goes straight to the heart of the three main issues for graduating seniors: freedom, temptation and opportunity. The heart of the book is the three main sections addressing each of these areas. DiMarco does a great job of introducing each section, drawing in the reader then transitioning into the upside and the downside of the issue. He ends each section with gracious wisdom and encouragement. Each section also includes a couple of journaling questions, allowing the book to become a reminder and resource. As an added bonus is the inclusion in the back of a quick relief glossary of Scripture verse,; once again adding the value of the book as a continual resource. This book is great for high school graduates, as they leave and experience independence for the first time. Its style and content, although great for any high school graduate, will be particularly appreciated by guys.
—Dan Istvanik
The new book Independence Day by Michael DiMarco is a great read for seniors headed to college and the work force. As young adults are looking for positive direction in life, DiMarco offers help that is practical and noteworthy. In fact, I think parents should read this, then with their kids about the truths (good and bad) DiMarco shares.
—Shawn Harrison, Student and Family Pastor at Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Saint Marys, Ohio.
Michael DiMarco’s book Independence Day is a perfect preparation tool for new graduates. The use of stories, Scripture and thought-provoking questions will make seniors start to think about life after high school. As DiMarco says, “freedom, temptation, and opportunity,” are things seniors need to be thinking about before they get tossed into the real world. Far too often we nurture them from birth to 12th grade, then let them go, forgetting to guide them as they take those first steps into the new reality. This book is designed not only to prepare, but to guide them in that next stage. I think every senior should read this book and answer the question: What’s next?
–D.J. Pittman, Youth and Family Minisiter, Branches of Christ, Acworth, Georgia
I was asked to review Independence Day at the time many of the children I used to babysit were graduating from high school. (Yeah, I’m feeling old.) DiMarco’s insights into the freedom and independence offered by high school graduation and the common pitfalls of independence focused on three central themes of Freedom, Temptation and Opportunity created three concise, yet important lines of thought that I would like my students to think about in their progression from high school to adulthood. At first, I was disappointed in the lack of scriptural references in the text itself; but then was pleased to find an appendix of scriptural helps given for each area of struggle for the new graduate’s life. Given this, I might be more prone to recommend or use this book for those students who are more grounded biblically than non-believers. I think the advice is great for all; but for new believers or non-believers, I think I would like a stronger tie to the Scripture verses in the text itself (rather than an appendix). However, I think the appendix would make a great resource for the reader to use. Good read, great points, and I most likely would have students who are already on their faith journeys read this as opposed to those who are just being introduced to Christ.
—Matt Murphy
Just because it’s after graduation does not mean you can’t give your graduates another gift. Enter Independence Day—not the Will Smith movie where he fights aliens to save the earth—but Michael DiMarco’s book in which freshman fight for their freedom, against temptation and a chance for their opportunity to succeed. DiMarco dives deep into these three keys to a graduate’s success with personal stories of success and failure. The book is an easy read, playful and poignant at times. Each of the three chapters offer some journaling spots where students can reflect on their journeys. I don’t know how many graduates read the books we offer them, but if they miss this one, they may miss the three most important keys to personal success.
—Paul Turner, Family and Youth Pastor, Pleasant Grove Assembly, Pleasant Grove, Ala.; Twitter
Graduating for high school can be a terrifying thing. Students are suddenly presented with an enormous amount of freedom, and few are thoroughly prepared. In Independence Day, Michael DiMarco offers some help. This book is written for graduates to help them make that transition into a world of independence. Filled with insight, wisdom and ideas, this book is a great resource for students who do not feel ready to exit high school. Quite possibly, the best part of the book is the questions at the end of each chapter. These questions would be great conversation starters for parents to talk about some of these issues with their graduating seniors.
—Mike Kupferer has been involved with youth ministry for more than 13 years and currently is serving in Northwest Ohio. He married his high school sweetheart, and they have three wonderful kids.
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