Rating: 
Summary: Could be better
Review: I ordered and received Mark's book for a few reasons. One is he said some theological things (such as there was a discussion about when Judgment Day is) that confused some on the roadkill list (An Internet fan list for Grand Funk). I wanted to look into that. Two the book is supposed to explain the Terry Knight fiasco better. Also (three) Mark fan's were telling me how balanced it was and how it did not always portray Mark in a positive light. I read the book and bias the book is. Even when it shows Mark had done something wrong, it has an excuse for him. There is also a small bit of anti Don Brewer Bias in parts of the book that is not necessary. The author goes so far with his bias against Don Brewer, Mark's stepfather takes shots at Don, Ricky Farner does, and Mark does as well, and its simple not necessary there is no evidence express in the book to paint Mr. Brewer in a bad light except foe the aforementioned persons hateful words. It's simply not necessary. The Book is unprofessional because of the author's bias, which he readily admits in a disclaimer at the book of the book. It is also poorly written in places, at times I felt like I was reading someone's notes for an upcoming book arranged in outline order. The Author also has an annoying habit of starting writing abut a subject, interjecting an unrelated event, and then finishing the subject. An example is when Mark was young he and a friend went hunting and Mark shot a squirrel and then he felt bad about it. Then he jumps to writing about Mark pissing on an electric fence, then back to Mark not hunting for a while. I'm I the only one getting lost hear, what the hell does pissing on an electric fence have to do with hunting? The Book Is choppy because of that. My other compliant is the type size its extremely small. On the plus side the book is filled with information about Marks life, Marks opinions, Marks friend's glowing admiration for him, Marks family, and hey some history of GFR is included. It also has some good information in the back of the book about concert dates and recordings. So if your a HUGE Mark or GFR fan you can wade though the spots of choppy writing it is a must read. One very good section of this book is about The GFR days from 69-76. They are written very well and flow very well and there are some funny little stories about life on the road. Then it turns to 77 to the present and shows Mark's was in involved in "Holiness Christianity" and how he has changed his view to a position of universal salvation, he sates that all devout believers are saved by Christ weather there Muslim, Jewish, Buddhists, etc., Its a nice view but it is not biblical, and he claims to be a Bible believer (oh well this is not a theological discussion forum and I know this is not really the place for a theological discussion. But I was surprised by Marks new view. The book basically ends with an attack on Don Brewer (After Mark talks about Grace and Forgiveness), in fact the book has a somewhat consistent attack on don interspersed though its pages from beginning to end (ignore those). Mark talks about Love, Forgiveness, Universal Salvation, and grace (there is a wonderful section on grace). I don't want to leave the impression that the whole Book is bashing Don Brewer; it's not; but it takes its shots throughout, and seemingly for no reason. The book takes a captious tone as far as Don goes. There are no attacks on Mel in the book. Be that as it may, the attacks on Don are not the biggest problem with "from Grand Funk To Grace," The biggest problem is how unprofessionally it is written. Especially the first 1/3 of the book, its so choppy its heard to read, Its just bad in places and because of the bias. What I like is clarity and flow and there's some hear, but really the book should not have gone to press unless it was rewritten. Also the author is just too complimentary of Mark, it makes the book a fluff piece. If it mentions something Mark has done wrong there is always an excuse, after all "Mark is a handsome man." The author repeats that line like 10 times, and has a habit of repeating the same things over and over. Also it seems to me Mark wrote a couple of the sections in the book, so he should get writing credit. In fact the book is so pro Mark and his opinions that it reads more like an autobiography instead of a biography, or even a political treatise. In a Biography you don't list a man's beliefs and say how great he is, or how you agree with him; you say what he believes and you try to find out why he believes it. You dig down deep and see what makes someone tick. You find out things about the subject, that even the subject dose not knows about him or herself. You don't only quote people who find your subject handsome, great, wonderful, and on and on. Where is the balance? There is no investigation in that way in this book, this is what Mark wants to say, that's fine but don't call it a biography. It's more like a political treatise; maybe it should be called Mark Farner, My Struggle. Or I would have called it From Grand funk To Grace To Universalism. But having said all that it is still a must have for GFR and Mark Farner fans. Just know the author's bias.
Rating: 
Summary: mark rules
Review: i ordered this book from mark`s website and found it one of the most detailed rock biographies ever.you get the whole span of mark`s life.also,the bonus cd that is included is absolutely fanastic.i don`t believe that it comes across as bashing don brewer.maybe,the guys should settle their differences and let bygones be bygones.
Rating:
Summary: From Grand Funk To Grace, great book.
Review: I purchased Mark Farner's authorized biography, From Grand Funk To Grace by Kristofer Englehardt a couple months ago. I found the book very informative and well constructed. I especially enjoyed the stories from Mark's childhood as well as his "searching" for, and finding his salvation. I enjoyed reading about Mark's family life as a young boy growing up in Michigan, and later, with the band we have all grown to love, Grand Funk Railroad. For those who love a good "love story", there is one tucked away in the book as well. I particularly enjoyed reading about the love of Mark's life, his wife, Leisa. Their story is truly a testament to their love and committment to one another. Upon finishing the book, I was able to see what it took to make Mark Farner the man he is today! It's is a great story and certainly well worth the time to read. Thanks to Mark Farner and to the author, Kristofer Englehardt, for a well thought out and presented story! Great Job! Lisa Harris
Rating:
Summary: Good Reading
Review: I very much enjoyed "From Grand Funk to Grace". Having read one of the longer reviews here it would seem that some folks (one in Particular) can't say enough bad things about The Author or the subject. I read the book and thought it was very well done. I especially liked how the book was done as a collection of stories
and that I could pick it up without having to think about where I left off. No wonder Mark Farner chose long ago to move to the outer reaches of Michigan. I hope he saved a few of those airport flares to protect himself from the "overbearing, long winded, negative reviewer who posted a review a few prior to this one". This book is long overdue, Grand Funk was a great concert act and loved by many and Mark Farner was the focal point of the band. If you liked Grand Funk or Mark Farner there is a lot more here than a collection of material from old fan rags such as CIRCUS. The information obtained for this book is priceless and the opinions of those who gave the interviews well expressed. I guess some fans are disappointed that the Grand Funk Drummer Don Brewer was not mentioned in always a favorable light. Hey,,Thats also part of the story!! It's all here. Conflict,emotion,adversity and redemption and even a few villains.
I would not be surprised to see a VH1 movie special or better from this book. To Mark Farner, thanks for the memories and to Kris Englehardt, thanks for writing it all down so well!!
Rating:
Summary: The Truth
Review: I was thrilled with the book "From Grand Funk to Grace". It was a very easy book to read and the facts were great. Anyone who is a Grand Funk fan and a Mark Farner fan will really enjoy reading this book. I think it has some very positive messages for our youth that dream of becoming a "Rock and Roll Star". My 24 year old son read it from cover to cover and loved it. He is a musician who is very hopeful on making a career doing this. Mark has some very postive advice and some real life lessons. It rates more than 5 stars in my book. I think Kris did a great job and is a terrific writer. I'm going to buy his other book about the Beatles. The book was a long time coming. Farner fans have waited years for a book like this. Thanks Kris. Thanks Mark.
Rating: 
Summary: Poorly Written.
Review: Most poorly written book I have read since the second grade. Filled with Fluff. Maybe its best not to know to much about former rock stars.
Rating: 
Summary: A must for any Farner/Funk fan
Review: Packed with behind the scenes stories, details, trivia, and more. A must for any Farner and/or Funk fan.
Rating:
Summary: From Grand Funk To Grace
Review: The book,From Grand Funk To Grace: The Authorized Biography Of Mark Farner,is long overdue.As a reader of biographies of achievers, I enjoyed this book immensley. Kristofer Englehardt obviously researched his subject in some detail and it shows in the quality of this book.Each chapter is a story in itself and gives the book a nice flow.I especially enjoyed the tales of Mark's non-Grand Funk activities and the fact that so many people were interviewed and allowed to give their insights into an obviously complex person.This is a must read for any Farner/Grand Funk fanor if you simply want to read a well written book about a rags to riches musician that managed to maintain his sanity,his heart and his dignity. Well done Mark. Well done Kris!
Rating:
Summary: A good look into the heart and soul of Mark Farner
Review: There are some great stories here from the Grand Funk haydays, as well as Mark's family life. Some of the stories are funny, some are heartbreaking. Kris really gets to Mark's heart and soul, and gives the reader a good idea of what makes Mark tick. Mark is an honest, down-to-earth person and a true patriot who is very up front and not at all ashamed of that honesty or patriotism. If the world had a few more people like him in it, it would benefit. This is a great book for a classic rock fan, or anyone who loves the USA.
Rating:
Summary: This is a great read for all TRUE GFR Fans.
Review: This biography is a must have for fans of the greatest power trio in rock. It contains numerous stories throughout Mark Farner's life and career, as well as insights into what makes Mark the great man he is today. It's a great read!
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