Morning Sun on White

Rating:
Summary: A great little book
Review: Do you want/need your spirits lifted, your soul revived, your vision heightened your life challenged? This little book will do the job for you, and more. Easily readable and easily read inan hour's time, it is one you'll want to read time and again.

Rating:
Summary: Sentimental But Biblically Inaccurate.
Review: Dr. Meyers claims that the lesson in the Tower of Babel is that when language fails human co-operation is impossible. This is not the lesson of Babel. The lesson is that man cannot reach God by their own efforts.

Biblical inaccuracy ruins an otherwise nice sentimental book.

Rating:
Summary: Not just for Christians anymore, but for All
Review: I have handed this book out to many of my friends. I found it to be one of those life centering books we should all read.

Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful presentation of the ordinary made extraordinary
Review: In "Morning Sun on a White Piano", UCC minister and professor Dr. Robin Meyers presents twelve essays, geared to refocus his audience on the truly important things in life.

Although these revelations are not terribly new or extraordinary, what *is* extraordinary is their simple, beautiful presentation, the wide breadth of ideas he manages to express, and his ability to connect to his audience without being preachy, sanctimonious, or condescending. Especially noticeable is the "Not Wolf" story, and his essay on the importance of mercy.

This book is very refreshing and readable, the equivalent in book form of a five-minute shoulder massage, or a cup of tea on a rainy day. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful presentation of the ordinary made extraordinary
Review: In "Morning Sun on a White Piano", UCC minister and professor Dr. Robin Meyers presents twelve essays, geared to refocus his audience on the truly important things in life.

Although these revelations are not terribly new or extraordinary, what *is* extraordinary is their simple, beautiful presentation, the wide breadth of ideas he manages to express, and his ability to connect to his audience without being preachy, sanctimonious, or condescending. Especially noticeable is the "Not Wolf" story, and his essay on the importance of mercy.

This book is very refreshing and readable, the equivalent in book form of a five-minute shoulder massage, or a cup of tea on a rainy day. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Simple wisdom for real people
Review: It didn't take me long at all to read this small book of twelve vignettes on the simple pleasures of life. Although it is true that there's not a lot in here that you won't have heard before, I stand by the idea that the best books are the ones that remind you of what you already know. In places I found it a little cliché, especially the first couple of chapters which reiterated the old "turn off the TV, have more conversations, read more books" wisdom. But it improved as it went along, and it was the last four chapters - discussing mercy, faith, freedom, cooking, creating, the joy of anticipation and the art of hoping - which made me give this book five stars rather than four.

This is not one of those cheesy gift books that contain 50 half-pages of "bite-sized wisdom" and 70 generic photos of flowers, babies and rainbows. Nor is it a specifically Christian version of other books such as 'Life's Little Instruction Book'. It is simply a book of short, thoughtful essays which help us to stop and examine our values and our idea of what will really make us happy. I foresee myself reading this many times throughout my life.

Rating:
Summary: PHd + Minister=smart and soulful
Review: On the shelf, this book looks like another cheesy, other-wordly book by someone who can barely write, but wants to communicate something "deep." On the contrary, open it up and you'll find clean prose, interesting examples, and a compelling argument for rediscovering life's simple pleasures. I couldn't put it down in the bookstore, which may sound silly for a non-suspense/action/mystery novel. Rather, I had a quiet moment much like the book describes; I sat on a chair and just kept reading, until 2 hours had passed and I finished. I remembered the simple pleasure of finishing a book, of enjoying still and silent air. To me, that's what this book is all about. Except, unlike me, Dr. Meyers pulls it off without sounding corny. I bought it, and gave it to my parents for Easter.

Rating:
Summary: Not just for Christians anymore, but for All
Review: Reading "Morning Sun on a White Piano" made me not want to miss a single word, so I read it twice. Dr. Robin R. Meyers writing style leaves something for everyone. He clearly paints the world around us and points inside for the answers. Amazon says, "Morning Sun on a White Piano is The Miracle of Mindfulness for middle-class Christians." I have read both books and even Buddhists could come away with something of importance here. What this book does apply differently than Thich Nhat Hanh's book, is it explores our changing American culture, from yesterday, today, and the future. This is certainly not a book that is to be put back on the shelf. Pass it along, give it to someone. Just don't let it sit around with the other spines sticking out. You don't have to be Christian to enjoy this book you just have to be a sentient being.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing new here...
Review: Something to pass the time on an airplane trip. Simple-minded and non-threatening, and not very insightful - more like a series of "newer" Reader's Digest articles.

Rating:
Summary: Fresh, delightful reading with sharp insights into living
Review: This is a small book which one expects to read on a chapter-per-day basis but upon beginning finds it hard to put down. The language is fresh and pleasant with unexpected expressions that focus sharply on the matter at hand. It is written gently with affection for the subjects discussed and with a confidence seemingly born of thoughtul living and observing the human lot. The judiciously placed references to sources in literature, social science and theology hint of a comfortable familiarity with many thinkers. The writer is unafraid to take on extremism, whether political or religious He calls us to respect children, animals, books, conversation - and most of all the joys of each day. He often recommends philosophical and practical measures such as "Throw away any religion that circles the wagons and makes you meaner, and replace it with one that makes you more merciful." The book is too brief but leaves room for its sequel, perhaps titled "Evening Sun on a Back Porch."