What role do our friends play in our live sand how can these friends help us to experience God? Noted spiritual writer Robert Wicks and his friend/publisher Robert Hamma attempt to answer this question. The two examine the role of friends in their lives and look at their own professional and personal relationship. They offer four images of friends for us to ponder. They divide friends into four basic categories: the prophet who is able to see our potential and lead us in that direction; the cheerleader who is our strongest supporter; the harasser who can challenge us and lead us in ways we may not wish to go; and the spiritual guide who for most people would be a spouse or closest companion. The book has echoes of the writings of St. Aelred of Rivaeux, though he is not mentioned specifically.

Using this book in a discussion group can be interesting and it can also be used as a model of a retreat with people for all ages. Most of all, this book helps the reader appreciate the people that touch our live sand how we can come to know God through these people.