Yesterday I read The Velveteen Rabbit to my 5-year-old son. "This is the greatest children’s book ever written," I sobbed as I choked through the book’s explanation of what it means to be "real." "By the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand."

"That is the greatest children’s book ever," my son said nervously.

"Wanna hear it again?"

"No, thanks."

Like the Velveteen Rabbit, many Christians worry about being real. They want to be "in touch," "clued in," and "relevant" in the eyes of the world. But is that actually necessary?

In Keeping It Real in the Real World, B. A. De Oliveira wittily challenges this tendency with an undiluted frankness and a quirky sense of humor. Her fresh perspective on the many facets of life will inspire you to approach the Christian life fearlessly and embrace your individuality throughout your journey in the real world.