About this title: In BLUE LIKE JAZZ, Don Miller chronicles his journey toward a Christian life, in short essays that provide him with the opportunity to examine and experience basic principles in an open, honest, and engaging manner. As in his previous book, PRAYER AND THE ART OF VOLKSWAGEN MAINTENANCE, which was about trip across America, this one is about a journey, but this time it is an inner one. Without attacking conventional Christianity or churches, Miller writes of his earlier religious practices, which eventually left him unfulfilled and unhappy. Miller gave it a second chance, and there is an ...
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Description: Good. Trade Paperback. Cover has shelf and edge wear. The first three chapters have highlighting, all other pages are clean. Spine is straight. read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Nelson Books
Date Published: 2003
ISBN-13:9780785263708ISBN:0785263705
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 256 p. Contains: Illustrations. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Date Published: 2003-07-17
ISBN-13:9780785263708ISBN:0785263705
Description: Very Good. Text is clean, bright and unmarked. No names, no remainder marks, no stickers. Binding is tight and square. No creases in cover or spine. Careful packaging and fast shipping. We recommend EXPEDITED MAIL for even faster delivery! read more
"This and other books by this author have become "a doubter's guide to the universe" especially of christianity and the organized church. His style is quick, funny and a bit off the wall. If you have ever wondered about deciding to be a christain inspite of the church, read this."
"This book was recommended to me by MyFleshSingsOut, who is a very religious goodreads friend. He is a Jerry Falwell loving, hardcore, right wing conservative. He believes the entire old testament word for word: none of it is allegorical to MyFleshSingsOut. He doesn't even believe in evolution. You've probably run into him before. He goes around this site trying to save souls.
Knowing that I struggle with my belief and that I'm not nearly as religious as him, but more spiritual, than say, the average goodreader, he advised I give this book a shot.
And I'm pretty glad I did.
It's not a very deep or penetrating book. If you're looking for the deeper questions of science and the existence of God, or musings on morality, this is not the place to turn. Donald Miller was no Dostoevsky, nor was he as analytical as I would've liked. I do not recommend this book for non Christians.
The tone is very informal. He's just one of the guys talking to you. He's young too, like just-turned thirty or something. And it shows, not only in his lack of probing depth, but in his annoying need to be cool all the time. He constantly goes out of his way to show that he's not like other Christians, because, you see, he's been there and done that. He drives a motorcycle and has hung with hippies, and he hates Pat Buchanan. He even drinks and goes to parties. You see, he's cool. And if you forget how cool he is, don't worry, because he'll remind you time and again.
Yet, there are some advantages to Miller's frank, informal narration. He's brutally honest about his shortcomings, he's entertaining, his prose makes for easy reading, and he does have heart. His message is a positive one: focus on love and Jesus, not doctrine and religiosity. And really, his childlike look at things is refreshing at times: he comes up with some touching insights; the kind that seem simple and obvious, but tend to get lost or go unnoticed in everyday life.
So, while I rolled my eyes a number of times, I did appreciate this quick and easy read, for both its entertainment value, and its ability to remind me why I'm a person of faith.
Thanks for the recommendation, MyFleshSingsOut! I liked this book."
"Donald Miller's story of his spiritual development is a very introspective look at Protestant Christianity. His journey starts with a "born again" conversion, and it continues through doubts and exploration, as he deepens his understanding of the exacting and liberating mission of following Jesus as Lord. Some of the stories are of his close friends who he admires for their faith and works. He hints that his present church is less dogmatic, more service oriented, but I was curious to know exactly what doctrine and practices he now subscribes to. Although I found parts of the book to be ego-centric(the chapter titled "Alone"), I found many comments to be incisive and eloquent. Miller's style is somewhat "stream of consciousness", which appeals to some more than others. The reader is privy to his very intimate and personal thoughts, similar to "Million Little Pieces". I feel like I know Donald Miller quite well after reading this book. If I were to meet his, I would ask him about his practice of Christianity since his "re-conversation". I understand his church is more tolerant and diverse. Is the liturgy similar to the Methodist Church, the Baptist, or something else?"
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