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The Desire of Ages
The Desire of Ages, Volume 3 of the Conflict of the Ages series, is Ellen White's classic on the life of Jesus - the One who stands at the center of all human history. No one else has had such a profound influence on planet Earth as Jesus Christ. In this book the author does not set forth the events of Jesus' life in strict chronological order, but she presents Him as the One who can satisy the deepest yearnings of the human heart. She presents the divine beauty of the life of the Savior, the love of God as revealed in His Son. New and glorious light flashes from many familiar passages of Scripture. Follow Jesus in these pages from His birth in Bethlehem's stable to His death on the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His triumphant return to heaven.
868 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1898
783 people are currently reading
1,417 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Gould White
2,202 books518 followersIn brief, Ellen Gould Harmon White was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century (1827-1915), yet through her writings she is still making a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books; but today, including compilations from her 50,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. She is the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including religion, education, social relationships, evangelism, prophecy, publishing, nutrition, and management. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 140 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world's attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ's second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers. As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , “The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject” (Seventh-day Adventists Believe ... , Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington D.C., 1988, p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, “The fact that God has revealed His will to men through His Word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour to open the Word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings” (The Great Controversy, p. vii). The following is a more detailed account of the life and work of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 17, 2007
I read this book once a year. The last time I visited the Library of Congress, I learned that they believe it to be one of the best books about the life of Christ, aside from the Bible.
February 22, 2009
"one of best book ever there is in this world!"
i started reading this book... for about a year and have this battle, struggle and i cant just finish it--- (sigh) just the thought makes me sad, whenever i read each chapter... i kinda stop and reflect, there's so much to grasp in it---, i want to finish it & i would, the next thing you'll know i have it over my read shelf! :)
may God put strength and enlighten my mind with this wonderful book inspired and given by Him!
"In the hearts of all mankind, of whatever race or station in life, there are inexpressible longings for something they do not now possess. This longing is implanted in the very constitution of man by a merciful God, that man may not be satisfied with his present conditions or attainments, whether bad, or good, or better. God desires that the human shall seek the best, and find it to the eternal blessing of his soul."
i started reading this book... for about a year and have this battle, struggle and i cant just finish it--- (sigh) just the thought makes me sad, whenever i read each chapter... i kinda stop and reflect, there's so much to grasp in it---, i want to finish it & i would, the next thing you'll know i have it over my read shelf! :)
may God put strength and enlighten my mind with this wonderful book inspired and given by Him!
"In the hearts of all mankind, of whatever race or station in life, there are inexpressible longings for something they do not now possess. This longing is implanted in the very constitution of man by a merciful God, that man may not be satisfied with his present conditions or attainments, whether bad, or good, or better. God desires that the human shall seek the best, and find it to the eternal blessing of his soul."
March 23, 2009
This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read! In fact the curator for religious books at the Library of Congress says that this is the best portrayal of the life of Jesus he has ever come across. Read it! If you don't have the time or money get it listen to the audio book http://vegemedia.net/audios/egw/mp3Li... Then buy it and read it. There is just so much to take in that you'll never get tired of going over it!
July 21, 2012
My favorite all-time spiritual read aside from the source - the Bible. Reading this book is like jumping into a time machine and living the years of Christ's life. So thankful for this author.
December 18, 2012
The desire of ages is a book about God. This book gave us many means. This book said we should prepare for future of us by praying to God. This devotional classic tells the life story of the greatest spiritual leader the world has ever known—Jesus Christ. It does not merely set down a series of remote events; it presents the meaning of them so vividly that you will feel like you are an eyewitness to what is being described.
I would recommend this book a thousand times over. This book made me truly love my God. If there are anyone who misunderstand our God, they should read this book.
I really love this book.
I would recommend this book a thousand times over. This book made me truly love my God. If there are anyone who misunderstand our God, they should read this book.
I really love this book.
March 18, 2013
After the Bible, this book has been the most important book to me to getting close to Christ. You will absolutely get chills reading this book on the life of Christ, & you WILL have a deeper relationship with our Savior!
December 15, 2016
The whole of sacred history is centered on one individual, Jesus Christ, either through the prophecies and sacrificial meanings of the Old Testament or the good news of His life and message in the New. The Desire of Ages is the seminal work of Ellen G. White’s Conflict of Ages series in which the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is examined in great detail to show the love of God for man. Through over 800 pages of wonderful, engaging writing the 33 years of when the Son of God walked shoulder-to-shoulder with man.
The Desire of Ages is not a strict chronological retelling of the Gospels; instead it is a more in-depth look into the life and teachings of Christ to reveal the love of God for man. Yet, while White focuses on Christ’s mission to save man and show the true nature of God she does not shy away from explaining the challenges Jesus faced during His ministry. The Messianic expectations of Jewish culture before, during, and after Christ’s life were fully explained by White and how throughout His ministry it hindered his efforts to turn hearts to the Father. Alongside the cultural expectations was the hatred of the religious establishment that saw Jesus as a threat to their authority even though mean thought He might be the Christ. And finally the hardest burden Christ dealt with was His disciples whose earthly expectations and resulting disappointment continually saddened their Teacher.
The Desire of Ages is the central volume of the five-book Conflict of Ages series just as Christ is the central pillar of sacred history. For many, including myself, Ellen White’s book on the life of Christ is best spiritual book on His life outside of the Bible because of the in-depth perspective she writes and expounds upon. At the end of the book as heaven rejoices at Jesus triumphant ascension to rejoin His Father as our mediator, White reveals how the disciples returned to Jerusalem just as joyously knowing Christ reigned with His Father. Through the Acts of the Apostles the good news of Christ would begin to be spread around the world.
The Desire of Ages is not a strict chronological retelling of the Gospels; instead it is a more in-depth look into the life and teachings of Christ to reveal the love of God for man. Yet, while White focuses on Christ’s mission to save man and show the true nature of God she does not shy away from explaining the challenges Jesus faced during His ministry. The Messianic expectations of Jewish culture before, during, and after Christ’s life were fully explained by White and how throughout His ministry it hindered his efforts to turn hearts to the Father. Alongside the cultural expectations was the hatred of the religious establishment that saw Jesus as a threat to their authority even though mean thought He might be the Christ. And finally the hardest burden Christ dealt with was His disciples whose earthly expectations and resulting disappointment continually saddened their Teacher.
The Desire of Ages is the central volume of the five-book Conflict of Ages series just as Christ is the central pillar of sacred history. For many, including myself, Ellen White’s book on the life of Christ is best spiritual book on His life outside of the Bible because of the in-depth perspective she writes and expounds upon. At the end of the book as heaven rejoices at Jesus triumphant ascension to rejoin His Father as our mediator, White reveals how the disciples returned to Jerusalem just as joyously knowing Christ reigned with His Father. Through the Acts of the Apostles the good news of Christ would begin to be spread around the world.
July 13, 2019
The Desire of Ages is the retelling of the life of Jesus Christ. It is not in chronological order, but it is an in-depth study of Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Jesus is a loving God who wants to lift up his children in His love. The purpose of this volume is to set forth Jesus as the One in whom every longing may be satisfied. . . . To state it in brief, Jesus Christ is revealed as the Fullness of the Godhead, the infinitely merciful Saviour of sinners, the Sun of Righteousness, the merciful High Priest, the Healer of all human maladies and diseases, the tender, compassionate Friend, the constant, ever-present and helpful Companion, the Prince of the House of David, the Shield of His people, the Coming King, the Everlasting Father, the culmination and fruition of the desires and hopes of all the ages. Second to the Bible, this book has touched my heart and increased my understanding of my Savior.
July 8, 2010
The 3rd book in Ellen G. White's Conflict of the Ages series though actually published 2nd. The Desire of Ages takes us from the expectant hope of a Messiah, His birth and how the majority of Israel missed it, his life of ministry in teaching humanity who God is, His passion as he willingly laid down His life to pay the price of our redemption, and lastly his resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God's throne in heaven. No other book has so thoroughly and faithfully dealt with Jesus's life, ministry and sacrifice. The accounts in the four gospels are interwoven in this over 100 year old classic. This book will expand and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the gospel accounts and will bring you face to face with the express image of God, the Light of the world.
Read
November 25, 2008The version I read many years ago was called "The Desire of Ages". An amazingly great book. The search for truth never ends, and this is a great addition in the quest. My grandmother gave this to me when I was very young, and it sat among my books unread for over a decade. I promised her I would read it, and I will never regret keeping that promise.
August 17, 2013
This is at least my third reading of this amazing book, and definitely a blessing every time I read it. No other book outside of the Holy Bible reveals to love of God for fallen mankind as well as this book. I was touched, amazed, and found myself weeping as I read of my Savior's great sacrifice for me. Read this book, fall in love with Jesus again or for the first time.
October 31, 2012
I absolutely love this book. I read another version of this book called Man of Peace. It took me about two months to read because it was indeed lengthy. I would read as much chapters as I can daily as part of my devotions. It helped me grow spiritually and I also learned a lot. It tells the whole story of Jesus' human life but also sharing important lessons. I've learned to be patient, humble, and have a different outlook on my life. I definitely recommend this book:)
September 22, 2013
The Life of Jesus through the eyes of a mother, wife, christian and servant of God.
The Love of God through His Son is so vividly depicted as to capture the imagination and the heart. Truly, God is Love!
The Love of God through His Son is so vividly depicted as to capture the imagination and the heart. Truly, God is Love!
November 6, 2020
Honestly, I am astounded that grown adult people can actually be gullible enough to believe religious doctrine. As for myself, when I am expected to be gullible enough to believe it I feel like my intelligence is being insulted.
December 12, 2008
This is a lenghty book on the story of Jesus' short life and the lessons he taught. I loved the concept, but it isn't exactly light reading.
March 3, 2015
The best book I've read after the Bible ..
It explains the life of Jesus as a total savior and why He's called The Desire of Ages! amazing book!
It explains the life of Jesus as a total savior and why He's called The Desire of Ages! amazing book!
April 6, 2021
Beautifully written story of the life of Christ, captivating, engaging and full of so much hope. I'm sure I'll be reading this again in the near future.
Thanks Chad
Thanks Chad
June 1, 2022
First of all I'd like to point out that for those who are interested in the life of Jesus this is neither a good read, nor is it really about that. I read the book in Hungarian, where the title was quite misleading: the Life of Jesus.
My main problem is that the 4 gospels put together (which are about the life of Jesus) are not even nearly as long as this book, which is all the more disturbing since the author does not use any other sources. So question is: how can this be?
My answer contains my main critique: speculation and assumptions. I.e. We know little about the life of Jesus prior to the age of 30, but the author dedicates 6-7 chapters to his early years (even though only a few pages per chapter).
According to my judgement this work serves on the one hand educational purposes, while on the other hand presenting the theology of the author. All of these are put around the life of Jesus creating a wonderful picture of the Messiah, but one that cannot be fully proved. Under educational I mean that many ideas serve a specifically educational-teaching purpose and in many instances desired behavior patterns are inferred into Jesus' actions. All these serve as a guide to the Adventist community, as Ellen herself was one of the founders of the church and she primarily addressed them. There is no trace of ill-desire here, but she does impose her worldview. Exactly when presenting these behavior and thought patterns, is when we get to know the theological worldview of the author and that's what the book is mainly about. The person of Jesus is just the proper subject to present this.
For those who are interested in these aspects, this will most likely be a fantastic read. I assume it might help in getting to know the Adventist church somewhat better, but all in all it neither fulfills expectations about Jesus' life nor does it perform well in terms of quality.
My main problem is that the 4 gospels put together (which are about the life of Jesus) are not even nearly as long as this book, which is all the more disturbing since the author does not use any other sources. So question is: how can this be?
My answer contains my main critique: speculation and assumptions. I.e. We know little about the life of Jesus prior to the age of 30, but the author dedicates 6-7 chapters to his early years (even though only a few pages per chapter).
According to my judgement this work serves on the one hand educational purposes, while on the other hand presenting the theology of the author. All of these are put around the life of Jesus creating a wonderful picture of the Messiah, but one that cannot be fully proved. Under educational I mean that many ideas serve a specifically educational-teaching purpose and in many instances desired behavior patterns are inferred into Jesus' actions. All these serve as a guide to the Adventist community, as Ellen herself was one of the founders of the church and she primarily addressed them. There is no trace of ill-desire here, but she does impose her worldview. Exactly when presenting these behavior and thought patterns, is when we get to know the theological worldview of the author and that's what the book is mainly about. The person of Jesus is just the proper subject to present this.
For those who are interested in these aspects, this will most likely be a fantastic read. I assume it might help in getting to know the Adventist church somewhat better, but all in all it neither fulfills expectations about Jesus' life nor does it perform well in terms of quality.
March 5, 2014
I started reading this book around April 2005, took some breaks of setting it aside & then picking it up again. I *finally* finished it in March 5, 2014! It was a gift from some friends at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Amarillo, after one of their "Prophecy Seminars" they hosted (with Leo Schreven [Am I spelling that right?] as the featured guest lecturer), which stirred my interest. I agree with one of the other reviews that states this book "isn't exactly light-reading". Sister Ellen White did a good & thorough job writing it, I'll say. But it sure felt like a major accomplishment for me to finish reading this book!
I oscillated back & forth from:
"Wow, great insight! I never really thought about it that way." (As I often get epiphanies like this during Bible studies when studying from the same scripture material, just with a different group of people. A whole new perspective is opened to me!)
to
"Where are they getting this info? How do they know that? Are they just making up this bit?" (It might have helped if they had cited references when using info not solely found in the Bible.)
In short, I'd rather just read the gospels themselves, like black coffee--no added sugar, creamer, or other BS.
I oscillated back & forth from:
"Wow, great insight! I never really thought about it that way." (As I often get epiphanies like this during Bible studies when studying from the same scripture material, just with a different group of people. A whole new perspective is opened to me!)
to
"Where are they getting this info? How do they know that? Are they just making up this bit?" (It might have helped if they had cited references when using info not solely found in the Bible.)
In short, I'd rather just read the gospels themselves, like black coffee--no added sugar, creamer, or other BS.
February 9, 2020
este libro es de género religioso, algo que no había leído antes. Prácticametne es una biografía de Jesús de Nazaret, desde su nacimiento y todo loque fue viviendo hasta su muerte en la cruz.
Debo decir que me costó, aunque después le hice una breve pausa y eso me llevó a ponerle un poco más de atención, interesante y no desmerecedor por más que a mí me costara. Es una biografía más como de cualquier otra persona famosa, la historia de nuestro Salvador. Muchas cosas pueden tornarse conocidas por las pelíclas que se pasan en semana santa, pero otras son algo desconocidas.
este libro forma parte de una pentalogía (no tengo idea de cuáles son los otros) y fue publicado en 1898, siendo el tercer libro de esta serie.
SI se lee de una manera religiosa y con la fe, este libro encantará a quien lo tome; si por otra parte se pretende leer como forma de entretenimiento o conocimiento, costará, porque hay muchas referencias de la biblia, aunque relatado en forma crónica.
Debo decir que me costó, aunque después le hice una breve pausa y eso me llevó a ponerle un poco más de atención, interesante y no desmerecedor por más que a mí me costara. Es una biografía más como de cualquier otra persona famosa, la historia de nuestro Salvador. Muchas cosas pueden tornarse conocidas por las pelíclas que se pasan en semana santa, pero otras son algo desconocidas.
este libro forma parte de una pentalogía (no tengo idea de cuáles son los otros) y fue publicado en 1898, siendo el tercer libro de esta serie.
SI se lee de una manera religiosa y con la fe, este libro encantará a quien lo tome; si por otra parte se pretende leer como forma de entretenimiento o conocimiento, costará, porque hay muchas referencias de la biblia, aunque relatado en forma crónica.
April 1, 2021
This is the third book in the "Conflict of the Ages" series by Ellen G. White and is the longest. It is truly a classic about the life and death of Jesus. I recommend this to anyone who is new to the Christian faith, or perhaps just in need of a review of why Jesus plays the important role in He does in your life and the world. The words are love-soaked. If you were intrigued by Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of Christ" then you are ready to read the Bible-centered version called "The Desire of Ages".
Want to read
October 26, 2017Insight into the life and thoughts of the Savior. Very moving and inspiring. I've read it several times already. Definitely one of those books you want to read every year... at least once. In beholding, we become changed. This definitely brings out the life of Christ.
January 3, 2021
There is no way you can read this book and but fall in love with Jesus! The descriptions are so vivid and the story is so beautifully written! This book had to have been divinely inspired!
July 8, 2022
If you've ever wanted a thorough telling of Jesus' life on earth, this is it. This book helped me feel closer to Christ and built a better understanding of His life and sacrifice.
March 20, 2019
This book must at least read one time in our life. I cried, felt guilty and become hopeful and loved by Our Father and my precious friend Jesus. I cannot even explain in words what this book did to me and in how many eyes it opened my eyes. The only thing I can do is warmly recommend this book and pray in letting Jesus to change your hearts!
This book shows Jesus in a more deep way and in the same time it shows his suffering for us in a new light that you could not help feeling His love for you
This book shows Jesus in a more deep way and in the same time it shows his suffering for us in a new light that you could not help feeling His love for you
July 15, 2023
Life changing <3
July 1, 2017
The best book on the life of Christ. Second only to the bible!
June 30, 2024
This is the definitive story of the life of Christ. The author makes Jesus' life come alive in a story format that portrays Him as real in a very believable way. However, the author does not gloss over the lessons that Jesus sought to bring home to the hearts of His listeners. They needed to make dramatic changes if their world was going to survive. Jesus wants us to apply those same lessons to our lives and with the same urgency.
In fact, less than a generation later, Jerusalem was destroyed violently because the people and the religious leaders did not learn the lessons Jesus and his disciples preached. But this was not mere retribution on the part of a scorned and vengeful God-man. This book reveals that the Jewish leaders would rather the nation be destroyed than give up their own influence and power. The horrific destruction of Jerusalem was the direct result of choosing legalistic formalism over truly following the law with mercy. The lesson for us all is that any person or nation that chooses to ignore justice and mercy will also be destroyed as a direct result of its own actions.
The book does a good job opening a window into the world of the New Testament and explains many things that in the Biblical account are difficult to understand. After all, the Gospels were written nearly 20 centuries ago, and the interplay between Jew and Gentile, the Roman occupation, the extreme poverty of the common people, and the near-total subjugation of women is not a part of most of our experiences today.
That being said, it is still difficult to understand the motivations of some of the players. For example, the Jewish leaders spent a lot of time in a show of religious piety in order to increase their influence with the people. But what did this influence bring them? Money has to play into this somewhere, but it isn't clear to me where, other than possibly the selling of animals in the temple for sacrifices.
Finally, I appreciate how the book shares Jesus' extreme patience with the disciples. Too many times, they were simply unable to comprehend the lessons Jesus was attempting to teach them, and so they would ignore His words. But Jesus still loved them and gave them every opportunity to repent and follow Him. I need that same patience today in my life. This book shows that Jesus loves me, too.
In fact, less than a generation later, Jerusalem was destroyed violently because the people and the religious leaders did not learn the lessons Jesus and his disciples preached. But this was not mere retribution on the part of a scorned and vengeful God-man. This book reveals that the Jewish leaders would rather the nation be destroyed than give up their own influence and power. The horrific destruction of Jerusalem was the direct result of choosing legalistic formalism over truly following the law with mercy. The lesson for us all is that any person or nation that chooses to ignore justice and mercy will also be destroyed as a direct result of its own actions.
The book does a good job opening a window into the world of the New Testament and explains many things that in the Biblical account are difficult to understand. After all, the Gospels were written nearly 20 centuries ago, and the interplay between Jew and Gentile, the Roman occupation, the extreme poverty of the common people, and the near-total subjugation of women is not a part of most of our experiences today.
That being said, it is still difficult to understand the motivations of some of the players. For example, the Jewish leaders spent a lot of time in a show of religious piety in order to increase their influence with the people. But what did this influence bring them? Money has to play into this somewhere, but it isn't clear to me where, other than possibly the selling of animals in the temple for sacrifices.
Finally, I appreciate how the book shares Jesus' extreme patience with the disciples. Too many times, they were simply unable to comprehend the lessons Jesus was attempting to teach them, and so they would ignore His words. But Jesus still loved them and gave them every opportunity to repent and follow Him. I need that same patience today in my life. This book shows that Jesus loves me, too.
June 7, 2017
Other than reading the Bible itself, this is the best book about Jesus ever written!
October 3, 2023
Lucid și rațional, autoarea ne repovestește întâmplările din Noul Testament, aducând argumente pertinente și descriind pe larg contextul în care se petrece fiecare acțiune. Detaliile oferite și respectarea întocmai a cronologiei evenimentelor fac mult mai clar parcursul Mântuitorului pe pământ. Desigur, apar și elemente care, evident, aparțin religiei autoarei, în detrimentul altor religii care Îl au în centru pe Iisus Hristos și cu care fiecare este liber să fie de acord sau nu. Totuși, nu se poate nega talentul scriitoarei și claritatea cu care prezintă înlănțuirea faptelor.
Citate:
Iubirea pentru om este manifestarea pe pământ a iubirii lui Dumnezeu. Tocmai pentru a sădi această iubire, pentru a ne face copii ai unei singure familii, Împăratul slavei S-a făcut una cu noi. Și, când se împlinesc cuvintele Lui de despărțire „să vă iubiți unii pe alții cum v-am iubit Eu”, când noi iubim lumea așa cum a iubit-o El, atunci misiunea Lui pentru noi s-a împlinit. Suntem pregătiți pentru cer deoarece avem cerul în inima noastră.
Isus Hristos care n-a cunoscut nici
un păcat S-a făcut păcat pentru omul căzut.
Ispita, sărăcia și greutățile sunt tocmai școala necesară pentru cultivarea curăției și tăriei de caracter.
Atât prin aceasta declarație, cât și prin exemplul Său, Hristos a arătat că lipsa de hrană pământească este de o însemnătate mult mai mică decât retragerea grației divine.
Citate:
Iubirea pentru om este manifestarea pe pământ a iubirii lui Dumnezeu. Tocmai pentru a sădi această iubire, pentru a ne face copii ai unei singure familii, Împăratul slavei S-a făcut una cu noi. Și, când se împlinesc cuvintele Lui de despărțire „să vă iubiți unii pe alții cum v-am iubit Eu”, când noi iubim lumea așa cum a iubit-o El, atunci misiunea Lui pentru noi s-a împlinit. Suntem pregătiți pentru cer deoarece avem cerul în inima noastră.
Isus Hristos care n-a cunoscut nici
un păcat S-a făcut păcat pentru omul căzut.
Ispita, sărăcia și greutățile sunt tocmai școala necesară pentru cultivarea curăției și tăriei de caracter.
Atât prin aceasta declarație, cât și prin exemplul Său, Hristos a arătat că lipsa de hrană pământească este de o însemnătate mult mai mică decât retragerea grației divine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews