Ice Cream As a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe

Rating:
Summary: Well written
Review: First let me say that I chose to read this book by the title alone. I've never heard of the author, his songs nor am I a devout person. Secondly, my mother probably has heard of the author, heard his songs and is a devout Christian. I will HAVE to get a copy of this book for her if she doesn't have one now.

So why did I find this book such a page turner when I came to it with nothing in common with the author? It's well written!

Ice Cream... has the sort of pop culture analysis that I was expecting (and didn't find) in The Ethics of Star Trek. Sprague takes the day to day experiences, including reading the comics, eating ice cream and watching The Andy Griffith Show to do an epistomological run down on how he has grown to be the person he is.

Unlike some books that are meant to be inspirational, Sprague does not preach. He's very upfront about what he believes and why he believes what he does but he does not fall into the trap of "It's my way or the highway" to true happiness, salvation or whatever. I respect him for his self restraint and respect for viewpoints contrary to his own.

In closing, read to the end of the book to the Appendices. There is a fantastic sounding ice cream recipe and a lovely lullaby by the author written for his daughter.

Rating:
Summary: Most enjoyable, most sincere book from a man of faith
Review: This is a precious work of art. The experiences of Billy's life take him through a journey of discovering the face of God. This is not an 'apologetic' but rather an honest approach to finding the heart of the Creator in the worst and best of times. Since this is based in experiences, it is a living testimony. It isn't preachy, nor does it have to be. Very wonderful. What a prize of a book. Blessings to those who read it ....

Rating:
Summary: Insightful, humorous, and touching view of life and God
Review: This is an outstanding book that I read in one sitting. Billy uses the difficult trials and the glorious victories in his life to reflect on the image of God, His plan, and the tough questions we all face. I literally found my self in tears on one page only be laughing out loud the next! A must read if you love God and ice cream.

Rating:
Summary: A look at life through insightful eyes
Review: When I was growing up a lot of us kids wanted to have X-ray vision like Superman, and not always so we could use it for good like he did. Billy Sprague doesn't have X-ray vision (at least as far as I know), but he does have a unique kind of vision for life-and he uses it for good.

Drawing from his own experiences, many of which are simply our experiences with a different cast of characters, Billy asks important questions about who we are and what God's role in all this is. Without insisting that you come to exactly the same conclusions, he gives his answers to those questions, and he does so in a very light hearted (but not light) way. Some Christians may be frustrated that the answers aren't more dogmatic. I for one appreciated the tone and thought what a great gift this readable little book would be for anyone who is struggling with the vagaries of life, whether Christian or not.

Billy is one of the finest songwriters around today, and many of his insights are revealed in his thoughtful and well crafted lyrics, inserted in just the right places in the book. He also gives a recipe for homemade ice cream, which I haven't tried yet, but if it is as good as the rest of the book I know I'm in for a real treat.