Rating: 
Summary: bordering on fluff, though may speak to a few
Review: Donald Miller's book seems watery, disconnected and largly self absorbed with a few intresting and engaging ideas on the God and Jesus. He seems to be writing for young, hippie, liberals who are bordering on christians in mind.The problem I think with this book and lately of Brian McLarens books are that while they are christian, they try entirely too hard to stay "open" to everyone at the price of ultra-tolerence and over all accepting sin in a person as something also to be loved. They've spiraled away from the point, and if they havn't, then they arent clearly mentioning it. to truely love the person is to wish for thier recovery in god, not to embrace thier sins and faults and make them feel 100% ok with it. to love the person as a child of god, not to love thier sin and everything negative that God hates that comes with it.
Also, Miller talks about his dislike of churchs supporting the republican party, yet has no problem with his communist liberal friend who's also a christian and denounces chruchs as being too republican or too conservative, yet mentions liberlism in a favored light. If writers such of Miller and Mclaren fail to give a clear and watered down representation of christianty as it should and was meant to be, then they have abused their responsiablity as christian writers to the new and easily influenced christians who are reading this and taking it at face value. Look at the bible's word before you take these countless christian books to heart. overall i give it 2 stars for some of the ideas that i agree with him on, and for his various gems of information interspersed throughout the book. but as a young christian i cant take his watery stance on some key issues and the format of the book largly seeming all about him.
Rating: 
Summary: Jazz Fan
Review: Excellent book for any one frustrated with the current state of the American church. Blue Like Jazz brings vitality into a previously dying genre--Modern Chritian thought. Great for skeptics and people desiring a more realistic explaination of the metaphysical
Rating: 
Summary: This isn't a book on theology
Review: I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. The author hints at his political leanings early on so I had a notion I might not like it (not because of his leaning but because it might just be a political rant) but his style kept me engaged and pulled me along as I wanted to read more. I laughed a lot, thought a lot and looked critically at a lot of what he said. Ultimately, I liked it.
The book is not about jazz. It isn't about theology or how the Bible should be read and interpreted. It isn't philosophical theory. Don't expect it to unravel life's mysteries before your eyes. It may seem like it is telling you how to live but really, it isn't.
What it does do is show us how much of a struggle life is, especially if you ask questions. It is kind of like reading a diary full of personal stories and revelations. Because of this type of writing, it is very informal and personal. Donald Miller says a lot of things I disagree with but most of those things are personal opinions, things about his personality that are different than mine. Politically, we might differ on some things. Same with some of our interpretations of theology. But I also see a lot of myself in him, too. He asks questions of the world, of himself, and of God. Some people are uncomfortable with this because it forces you to grapple with thoughts and ideas that are hard to get a grasp on. And that can cause doubt. But he also shows how that doubt leads to revelation and discovery in his own life that truly seems to come from God.
Take this book and read it as someone sharing their life with you. If you are at a similar stage in life, you may get some insight. If you've been there, you may recognize some things you've seen. And if it seems foreign, maybe it will come in handy later. Or maybe not.
Donald Miller isn't trying to write another book of the Gospels. He is telling us about how he is getting through this life that he has been given. Hopefully you won't completely dismiss it if you don't completely agree with or like what he is writing.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Take on Gen-X Spirituality
Review: I enjoyed Mr. Miller's last book "Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance", so when I found out that he'd written another tome on Christian spirituality, I had to get it. I was pleased to discover that "Blue Like Jazz" was as good as its predecessor. Mr. Miller's writing style is accessible, and he comes clean in a vulnerable, candid way about his struggles with Christianity. When I'm reading "Blue Like Jazz", I feel like I'm hanging out with him in a bohemian 23rd Avenue cafe, talking about deep spiritual matters over a hot vanilla latte. A reviewer listed on the back cover compares "Blue Like Jazz" to Anne Lamott's "Traveling Mercies" (which I'm currently enjoying as well), and I agree with that assessment. Each book chronicles the author's spiritual quest to comprehend the transcendent God they love and make sense of the temporal world they live in, all while striving to discover their destiny. I love it when Christians get together and hash out the unique aspects of working out their salvation with fear and trembling. That's how we grow, bear each other's burdens, and become more Christ-like. Books like Anne and Donald's are the next best alternative. "Blue Like Jazz" is much more immediate for me because it's set in the region I call home: the Pacific Northwest, specifically Portland, Oregon. Don writes about people I know of (Tony the Beat Poet and Mark the Cussing Pastor), and places I've been (Palio, Multnomah Bible College/Seminary) or at least driven past (Reed College). More importantly, he deals with issues I can relate to, like romance struggles, dealing with (or being) a difficult roommate, and feeling a little different than the "normal" Christian. He even has a website, www.bluelikejazz.com. It's a bit sparse, but there's a couple chapters of "Blue Like Jazz" that you can check out to see if the book might be to your liking. But the best thing I got out of "Blue Like Jazz" was Imago Dei, the church Mr. Miller calls home. I've been looking for a church where I didn't feel like an outsider, so after reading about Mr. Miller's adventures at Imago Dei I decided to check it out. It has quite an eclectic congregation, but I fit in with them more than the typical suburban churches I've previously attended. Even my non-Christian older brother finds it more appealing. So, I'm grateful to Mr. Miller for his help in leading me to Imago Dei through "Blue Like Jazz." Have I met him? Not yet. I'm hoping when I do I don't come across like a fawning fan-boy. Well, that's a risk I'll have to take. FYI - I found out from one of the author's roommates that he is finishing up his next book, tentatively titled "Looking For God Knows What." I'll be on deck for that one when it hits the stands. I hope you will be too.
Rating:
Summary: My name is Tiffany and I'm a Self-Addict!
Review: I first disovered Don Miller through "Prayer and the Art of Volkswagon Maintenance" -- a very entertaining tale of a road trip in a VW bus where Don and his best friend learn to see the God of the Universe as a person who is intimately involved in their lives. Don's writing was hilarious, thought provoking, honest, and witty. Several years later, I was blown away by "Blue Like Jazz". While I thoroughly enjoyed Don's first book, I didn't expect that his second book would have such a deep impact on me. First, Don's writing style, honesty, humor, and insight prove to be a vast improvement over an already solid base. But more than that, Don's writing spoke to my sinful heart. His honesty about his failings forced me to see my own "self-addiction." He writes in a way that is convicting without being condemning. I left feeling challenged to think of myself less and others more. Don exposes the hidden shallowness of many Christian lives (mine included). We claim the name of Christ, but seldom love as he does, wholly, purely, and selflessly. Don writes that Jesus not only loves us, he actually really LIKES us! After reading this book, I am on the road to recovery from self-addiction. I have been motivated to see people through Christ's eyes and love others as he loved. I not only have a better understanding about God's deep love and enjoyment of ALL people, but his pleasure in ME as well. If you're looking for a book that gets down to the nitty-gritty of the REALITY of loving Christ and his people (written in a very entertaining manner), this book is for you. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel you are better than others, look elsewhere. I'm going to keep my eye on this author. He is brilliant at 30-something. Can't imagine what he will have to say in the future.
Rating:
Summary: phenomenal read
Review: I found Blue Like Jazz in a used book store (sorry, Don I promise to buy at least 2 copies at the real store) and have come to believe that it was a divine appointment. At times, it seems that the author has crawled into my head and is writing my story. Most times, however, he delivers truth and beauty (without shying away from the hard questions) shrouded in humor and great writing. I plan to wear this copy out. And by the way, Mr. Miller - you do matter today.
Rating:
Summary: The diary of a "born again" Woody Allen
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is written in a conversational tone throughout, and the author is a genuinely likable guy. This book is autobiographical in that it depicts his journey through a phase of life, and his gradual awakening and acceptance of his faith within the larger context of the society he lives in, and the people with whom he interacts.
There are several high points. The first is the level of honesty. This book does not pull punches. If Donald is struggling with something, he just lays it out there. There seems to be little attempt at positioning himself in a more positive light. That is refreshing and makes for a very engaging read.
For example, he states that "every person who is awake to the functioning principles within his reality, has a moment where he stops blaming the problems in the world on group think, on humanity and authority, and starts to face himself" (Page 20). He depicts how his own world is turned upside down when he realizes that despite his moral views about helping others, he is doing next to nothing for anyone else.
He also depicts his own journey into a sort of fundamentalist control freak, and starts focusing solely on external actions. He basically becomes a complete hypocrite because he doesn't follow his own resolutions. (Page 80). He kind of lost me here though as he seems to find fault with the intent and takes a rather judgmental view on anyone who is more disciplined than he is. Which is about everyone, it would seem.
In a sense the book allows the reader to see Donald Miller in a clearer light than he sees himself. He acknowledges that many of his rather liberal friends have no substance behind what they feel; it is all just for show and to fit in with others. He describes his anti-Bush friend as "She decided what to believe based on whether other people who believed were a particular fashion that appealed to her". The irony here is that this is the same approach that Donald himself takes on nearly every decision he makes. He time and again relies on his perceived value to others and on what others around him reflect to decide who he is and what he should do. He seems to genuinely value fitting in more than his faith.
The book has some really great moment of clarity though. I was at times inspired by his willingness to be honest, and truly put himself out there selflessly for others. In the end he is the walking definition of how God uses imperfect people for good in the world. Overall, I recommend the book as you too will enjoy the journey, if you are at all introspective. While Donald hardly puts out a model life to aspire to, he is at least honest about it.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing! Real, true and inspiring. Great w/a vanilla latte
Review: I recently finished reading Blue Like Jazz, and was incredibly impressed with the vulnerability and honesty that was so endearingly expressed throughout the pages. Like many others, I too feel like if I met Don I could sit down and have a long conversation with him as if we were old friends.
This is definitely the sort of book that I want every person I know to read. As well as every person that I don't know.
It takes an honest look at Christian "religion" versus Christian spirituality and explores the differences and the way our society has twisted them both.
Point blank, it is all so much more simple than people try to make it. God loves us.
Jesus died for us. Jesus desires a relationship with us. Blue Like Jazz is a wonderful expression of this journey and gives the reader a taste of what life looks like when you let Jesus love you and love Him back.
Thanks so much Don, this book was incredible blessing to me.
Rating:
Summary: Should have been a pamphlet
Review: I thought at first that the book was going to go somewhere, perhaps share real deep insights on living out spirituality. Instead it just rambles.
The author lacks basic knowledge about other paths of spirituality. i.e. He talks about Buddhism being about "rubbing a fat guy's belly" to grant wishes. That's pretty insulting toward most serious Buddhists.
If I were you I'd just read "The Message" - don't bother wasting your time on this pointless rambling.
To REALLY get a grip on real-life Christian spirituality, read some spiritual classics like "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence or "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis.
Rating:
Summary: Blue Like Jazz - an inspirational read
Review: I'm halfway through re-reading this book for the second time in a week. Don Miller has written an amazing book. Intellectual and clever yet such an easy book to read, he uses humorous stories and characters from his life to illustrate timeless principles that seem to have been lost in today's world, and often in today's church. Miller's honesty and self-deprecating style is so refreshing. Too often Christianity becomes ritualised and bound up in rules and regulations and the underlying truths get buried. Fundamentalists beware - this is a pipe-smoking, beer drinking, motorcycle riding guy who gets crushes on girls, seems to dislike Republicans and sees the value in a "cussing" Pastor and a "godless" university campus. He is open, tolerant, and understanding, but still emphasises personal responsibility and the problems of selfishness and original sin. Self-addiction is the term he uses which I find very apt for the state most of us live in. This is a wonderful book - the kind of book you read and re-read and buy extra copies for your friends (all of which I've started doing already) Please read it yourself. I heartily recommend it.
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