<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: If root canal sounds like more fun than Christian reading...
Review: Margaret Becker is about as real as it gets. She writes in a personal, relaxed way (often disarmingly so) about her own life, struggles and joys and how her Christianity informs and undergirds relations to the famous and the obscure. One word to men folk: despite its artistic graphics and appearances, "With New Eyes"is not simply a touchy-feely "women's book" - do not dismiss it as such. Maggie writes for "real people" of all genders and ages -- and all faith traditions. Hers is a full-blooded faith, yet one unafraid to honestly confront doubts and admit mistakes. Even though I first read this book in 1998, five years later I recall her vivid word pictures, and reread certain chapters in order to share them with friends and family. As a priest and pastor, I return to "With New Eyes" frequently as both a stimulus for new ideas and interpretations in preaching and teaching, but as refreshment in the midst of "parched deserts" one encounters in the ministry. Maybe what I like best about this book - and why it's the fall 2003 selection for our Christian Education book group - is "With New Eyes" lack of "agenda". Maggie doesn't want to "save" her readers - nor shame them, impress them or convince them of the rightness of one position or another. This is a simple "Pilgrim" (Four Grammy nominations notwithstanding) generously and bravely revealing herself and her experiences to fellow Pilgrims - with no pretense, puffery or posturing whatsoever. Strange as it sounds, as I finish one chapter, I can almost hear Maggie saying, "...but enough about me! Won't you tell me your story?" And, what's more, somehow I know she'd listen. MY SUGGESTION- Purchase three copies of this book: one for yourself, one for your pastor/priest, and a third as a "loaner". This is as much a "keeper" as any Christian book I have ever owned - and like a fine wine, only improves as it ages (and so do I).
Rating:
Summary: Becker Is a WRITER
Review: The trend is for artists to write books that accompany their new album releases, though most of them are quite average. Margaret Becker not only avoids mediocrity, she rises far, far above it with this book. It's a collection of thoughts, essays, and observations that, thanks to her stark honesty and poetic style, are a pure joy to read, moving, and challenging. Becker's lyrics are always remarkable and she shows that she's got the talent to transfer that skill to a more traditional literary arena here. Five Stars, and a steaming cafe mocha for you to enjoy while you read.
Rating:
Summary: Old aunts and young kids
Review: This is such a great book that when I sent one to my aunt about four years ago, she promptly purchased seven copies for her friends for Christmas. My aunt is in her 60's.Oddly enough, my kids loved this book, too. Becker probably didn't set out to write a devotional book per se, but With New Eyes worked great as one. I read a chapter per night until we'd finished the book. When I forgot to read from it one night, my 9-year-old said, "Get New Eyes, Mom."
<< 1 >>
|
