Rating: 
Summary: The Power of Forgiveness and Grace
Review: I noticed this book last week at work when I was putting product away. I had just picked it up and started thumbing through it, when a couple walked by and were discussing the video we were showing. Suddenly, the husband said, "You know how the Northridge Earthquake happened right? Tammy Faye's face fell off" At that point I had gotten to the part where Jay was talking about the church turning it's back on the Bakker family, I was convinced. This book opened my eyes to the power of grace and forgiveness, and the fact that God is bigger than any circumstance. Jay's journey from the limelight of TV and wealth, to the depths of hell and drug addiction, to the loving arms of the Father left me completley broken. I was also inspired by his new ministry of reaching out to "Gen Xers" the lost and unwanted. This story is moving and inspiraional, and whatever your feelings are towards the Bakkers, I highly reccomend you read this!
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Summary: A look at religous reality
Review: I picked this book up on the libraries new bookshelf, little did I know that two days later I recommend it to everyone to read. I also didn't know that I would find deep understanding about Grace and Foregiveness in such a powerful testimony. You can't have a Testimony until you have a test. Jay Bakker has passed the test with flying colors. From his grim start on the PTL as a decoration, to his struggle with his parents, public humilation, drugs, alcohol, and dyslexia. The love and admiration for his father is true and profound. He gives us a glimpse of "Hollywood Religion" and the true meaning of what it is to be a christian, a "child of God." Saving the people Jesus would be saving.
Rating: 
Summary: Tentatively beleiving
Review: I really beleive in Jay's message of Grace, and applaud his endurance for all that he has been through. I do have some issue with the continuance of certain behavior. I truly believe God can and will save anybody willing, and I do beleive Jay on that point. He still seems to be stuck in the world a bit though.
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring story about search for acceptance and grace
Review: I saw the documentary The Eyes of Tammy Faye last year and thought is was fascinating. When I saw this book I picked it up to get another point of view on this family's unfortunate history. While Jay Bakker tells the whole story of his life, and of his parent's rise and fall as televangelists, the core of this book is really his reminder that God's love is unconditional. I admire his vision to bring the Gospel to those who are falling through the cracks in our society. Despite the great message and interesting content, I gave this book only 3 stars because the writing is only so-so. I understand that Jay is dyslexic (and I may be too since I don't know how to spell it!) and that may be why the writing is somewhat stiff. The book slows down at quite a few points, but thankfully it is a quick read. If you are not too concerned about great writing, then I suggest this as an interesting read and a good reminded to love everyone as Jesus did.
Rating:
Summary: Touching but a lot of conformity involved!
Review: I was first excited to get this book in the mail. But now I don't know what to think of it. I am touched by Jay's willingness to reach kids who are supposedly "unreachable". I feel his passion for those kids. God has laid a burden on my heart for those kids as well. I just disagree strongly with his ways of reaching out to those kids. There is a part in the book where a parent of one of the kids involved with Revolution(Jay's organization that reaches punks, and skate-boarders) asks Jay to turn off some vulgar music. Jay replies by saying that he is trying to reach non-Christians, but not Christians. How in the world will playing filthy music reach those who don't know Christ? Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." It is a touching book and a great book about redemption, and a perfect example of God's grace, but there is much to be desired.
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Summary: from a 20 year old
Review: I was really excited about reading this book after hearing Jay on Larry King Live a while ago. I actually went out to get it that week to find that it was not finished. I saw the book today in the store and couldn't wait to hear what Jay had to say. Being a twenty year old, I thought this book would put into words some of the ways I feel about what many churches have become and offer some hope and solution. Unfortunately, I feel like this book's main point was to allow Jay some kind of outlet for a subtle revenge that stems from a heart of fear and bitterness. The random mixture of autobiography and personal philosophy makes the book sparatic and sometimes confusing. I feel like Jay's story is one that could speak to many in our generation, but it seems that co-author, Linden Gross, did not do a very good job of capturing Jay's heart and message. Despite all this, I did finish the book in one sitting, so there must be be some draw. Even if the draw is the hope that the next page will be a little bit better.
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Summary: the book of inspiration for the young generation
Review: i would like to start off saying that the book written well in the sense that it kept me reading,the book was a strong inspiration to me. i am one of those "pierced and tattooed" christians,and it was inspiring to those that have a heart to minister to youth of today,its a dirty job and we are willing to do it,the book all around was exellent
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Summary: A VERY SAD, SAD BOOK WORTH READING
Review: If nothing else can be said for this book, it is indeed, a book of blind loyalty. Once I started it, I could not put it down. I was fastinated at this young mans cluelessness when it came to his father, and to a lesser extent, his mother. I certainly admire a kid who will stick up for this parents, but admire one more who can see them as they are, worts and all. I think the young, privileged man's drug and alchole problems are tradgic, but for the life of me, I could not dredge up on ounce of sympathy for him. I was saddened by the book more than anything. What horribly wasted lives!
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Summary: MUST READ FOR CHRISTIANS
Review: If you love the Bakkers then you must read this book! I have read both parents account of what they went thru...and agonized with them. Somehow the children got lost. If you have ever felt as if GOD has left you or doesnt care about you ANYMORE...then read ALL of their accounts. We fail to see or remember what it is like from a child's perspective. How COULD we? I thank GOD for his mercy and his grace. I ask for forgiveness for forgetting the children in the mist of crisis. Jamie (he will always be to me)writes forgivingly and honestly..I wish I could be as forgiving for what he and his family went thru. I (as well as my family)were partners. We NEVER failed to get reservations at the BEAUTIFUL "park" they (w/God's instruction) offered. Jamie may have forgiven "falwell" (the demon)..but I have a tough time. Buy the book...buy all the books by his family. They will show you what CHRIST meant us to be. With love, Tammy J.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightening but somewhat disturbing
Review: In a church I attended for several years, a man who became a good friend of mine was asked to leave by the pastor over an issue that basically boiled down to church politics. This man and his wife had 2 children of their own, plus 8 adopted children. This incident bothered me, because I couldn't help thinking "What about the children? What are they going to grow up thinking about Christianity, the church, and even God because of this incident?" Indeed, this book answers the question "What about the children?", at least from the standpoint of one child who, at a young age, saw his famous parents ridiculed by the world and shunned by fellow Christians who used to be their friends. He saw his dad go to prison, his parents' marriage break up, all the while getting little support from the Body of Christ. There is no doubt that, in retrospect, the Bakkers were treated more harshly than deserved (and I would like to quickly add that I was no fan of Jim and Tammy Faye whatsoever), and it had a profound effect on young Jamie Charles (aka: Jay) and his sister. It is amazing that Jay Bakker is even a Christian today because of what he and his family had to go through. Nevertheless, I still believe this is a young man with a chip on his shoulder. He ministers to a rather extreme group that many would not even attempt to reach, and he bends over backwards to show them acceptance because he is indeed one of them. But I detect in much of his tone that he still has some emotional healing that needs to take place. Not only that, probably a more solid grounding in the Bible would be helpful. I'm not wanting to be judgemental towards Jay Bakker, but I get a feeling that he is taking on the role of "pastor" before he is ready. While he wants to avoid giving people a license to sin, he seems to come perilously close to doing just that. I pray that his ministry is successful, even though many may not understand, and I also pray that he finds a little more peace of mind. Hopefully writing this book helped him. I know reading it helped me understand some things.
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