5 comments about Perpetua's Passion: The Death and Memory of a Young Roman Woman.

1. STAMPED ON MY MIND FOREVER-FABULOUS BOOK. TO KNOW OF SUCH STRONG HEROISM OF THESE 2 SAINTS OF GOD MOVED ME TO A MUCH DEEPER WALK WITH GOD. IT MAKES YOU THINK IF YOU HAD THE FAITH TO DIE LIKE THAT. I LOVED IT TOTALLY.



2. In Perpetua's Passion, Salisbury has served two different communities very well---those interested in early Christianity, and those interested in the history of women. She deftly creates a sociology of life in a group of early Christian martyrs, and does so in a way that makes very clear family relations, gender roles, and the strength of Vibia Perpetua herself. I have used this book when teaching a course on ancient & medieval women (and will do so again), and found that it worked very well. Students found it readable and useful and thought-provoking.



3. Though this book is, on the whole, a useful one, it doesn't take a glimpse at the author's bio to quickly realize she is no classicist. How else can one explain two elementary errors back-to-back which, even to this amateur Roman historian, are as prominent as two sore thumbs?

   On page 36 (Chapter 2, "The City" subsection) the author asserts Polybius "wrote circa 200 B.C." Why? Because those who claim he was BORN at that time are only making "scholarly estimates" (according to my "Polybius on Roman Imperialism")? Or because Salisbury breezily, and in this case incorrectly, assumed that Polybius was a contemporary of the events he most famously chronicled (an assumption that fails to hold for most Roman historical sources; cf. Suetonius, Tacitus)?

   Similarly, a mere three paragraphs down, Salisbury claims Hannibal "crossed the Alps with his elephants and succeeded in laying siege to the city of Rome itself." I'd be prompted to ask "Why?" again if in this case the real reason weren't so blatant: Salisbury fliply read a history of the 2nd Punic War and just assumed that at the high-tide of his success Hannibal must have laid siege "to the city of Rome itself". This assertion is no more true than the Polybius one. In "Warfare in Antiquity" by Hans Delbruck (just one source where this can be found), the author states that Hannibal was so aware of his deficiencies in manpower and siege equipment that he knew "despite the greatest victories, he would not be capable of besieging and capturing Rome itself" (Chapter II).

   I may seem to nitpick, but the errors I cited above are fundamental and have no place in a scholarly work, even if they are somewhat tangential to the book's main topic. I hope that in a future edition they will be corrected.




4. "Perpetua's Passion: The Death and Memory of a Young Roman Woman" is the story of Perpetua, a young Roman Christian who was martyred in 203 A.D. It is a book well worth reading...but it is also missing something.

   I found Perpetua's Passion to be very well written and apparently well researched. Joyce E. Salisbury adeptly explores and explains the Roman and Carthaginian culture that Perpetua lived in. Mrs. Salisbury also seamlessly weaves into this tapestry a compelling picture of the Christian Church during the time of these events.

   The book is based off of the diary that Perpetua kept during her captivity. Mrs. Salisbury explains the significance of Perpetua's actions in light of the culture of her day. She then shows the influence of Perpetua's story on the later Church.

   All of this is very commendable. I was most impressed by the scholarship and insight of this book. Yet a question forms within me when I contemplate this book:

   So what? Where is the heart in this book? There is nothing in this book which says anything about how these events speak to the soul of people today. Maybe I missed it...

   What happened to Perpetua was more than a clinical historical event that affected the people immediately around her and eventually helped form certain patterns of thought within the Church. It was much more. It was a mortal being making an eternal statement. It was a moment in time where the Christian truth that there is more than this life was given a full embodiment in the actions of a young woman--A young woman who had every reason to live, yet for her, to die was gain. It was a moment of ultimate surrender, and at the same time, one of ultimate victory. The blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church!

   In the end, in spite of my objection, I recommend this book. It is insightful and instructive. However, don't just read this book with your head. Approach this one with your heart and your soul.




5. I found 'Perpetua's Passion really interesting, getting an interesting picture of Roman Society and attitudes. I finished the book wondering if the author, had some type of axe to grind in this society. I thought she tried to dismiss any notion that Pepetua and the other martyrs might have been truly holy or had any divine access to God. She was always giving another reason for what happened as though nothing spiritual was taking place.

5 comments about Like Rolling Uphill: Realizing The Honesty Of Atheism.

1. Dianna Narciso does a good job of explaining wht the label "atheism" is and why Christians like to use their own definitions. An easy read.



2. Very heartfelt, concise, and forceful putting forth of the atheist position. A recommended read to believers and unbelievers alike.



3. This book is a best seen as a collection of essays in defense of atheism; or at least, that's how it felt to me. The essays appear to have been written at different times, and there is a fair amount of overlap between them, so that if you read the book front to back, you get an impression that the author is repeatedly hammering away at the same set of points. You will come away with a more favorable impression if you sample individual chapters and let the book rest between.
   
   I thought the following chapters (or essays) were useful. Chapter 3 is on the different misapprehensions believers have of atheists, that they hate God, have no purpose, etc. Some of the same misapprehensions, and some new ones, are refuted in Chapter 12; these two could be combined, or should be read together.
   
   Chapter Five is a clear summary of the reasons that religious practice is satisfying and attractive to people. Narciso is exceptional among atheists in understanding and sympathizing with these underlying reasons for religion's popularity.
   
   Chapter Four ("There's no such thing as a true Christian") and Chapter Nine ("Morality") are summaries of the many ways that current Christian practice deviates from its supposed sources in the Bible, with emphasis on the contradictions, cruelties, and peculiarities of that book.
   
   The book purports to address believing readers, trying to explain to them how atheists are really decent people and have sound reasons for thinking as they do. But it is hard to imagine how it will reach that audience. What Christian would buy it? You might suppose that a new atheist might buy it to give to her Christian friends, as a way of saying "Here, this explains how I feel." But that would not be a good idea, because so much of the book consists of sharp attacks on every aspect of Christian belief. Yes, it does say "this is how it feels to be an atheist," but it also says, repeatedly and at much greater length, "...and here is how you are fooled, deluded, duped and generally wrong in so many ways." Which is not a way to earn, or keep, a friend's sympathy.
   
   Probably the best audience is a believer whose faith is shallow and tottering: the comprehensive survey of the contradictions of belief, delivered in a breezy, non-academic tone, should be reassuring and helpful.



4. I was disappointed in this book. I thought it was going to be a personal account of the author's life as an atheist, I wasn't really even looking for a case for atheism. I was hoping it would focus on her experiences "coming out" and telling her family, friends, and co-workers about her beliefs; a story about the day-to-day dealings of an atheist in a generally religious environment. Something to help those of us facing challenges in social interactions with the religious members of society. It struck me as a little disorganized, it did not have enough of the author's own experiences, and seemed to focus too much on presenting a case against Christianity, in my opinion.
   
   It just wasn't what I expected. YMMV.



5. I just finished this one & was all & all pretty pleased. Like many other reviewers have said, it's more of an introduction of or primer to atheism. However, it is a fantastic start for anyone curious about the topic. The information included is good enough to warrant 4 stars, but I didn't give it 5 because it wasn't entirely well organized & sometimes rambled. Additionally, the author sometimes sounded like a wonderfully compassionate, intellectual person, & other times she just sounded mad (without necessarily making an intellectual argument). I have to "deduct" points for that, because we don't need to push religious-followers any further into their mystical closets than they already are. (I'm just suggesting that our writings on the topic be more dry, fact based material...without the insertion of great emotion. Let's leave that tradition to the religious people.)

5 comments about God Saw Them Through: Semper FI - "America's Battalion" in Iraq.

1. It was reassuring to discover that the leadership of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines took their responsibilities so seriously when preparing to be deployed to Iraq in 2003. Decisions were not made by an arrogant group of American military but rather by people who sought strength from a power admittedly far superior to themselves - God. Between the individual prayers of the marines themselves and prayer chains established across the country, the marines of 2/8 were shielded from any severe casualties. It defies logic that this battalion could have fared so well. After reading this book, perhaps more then once, you can decide for yourself if God really did see them through.



2. Gave this book to my husband as a gift and he absolutely loved it. After reading it, here's what he had to say:
   FANSTASTIC! It should be read by all military members. A true example of God's present intervention on our behalf. We personally met Colonel Mortenson and he is a man of true character.
   
   God bless!



3. God Saw Them Through is a fascinating, inspiring, and convicting story about the answer to prayer for soldiers in warfare written by Thomas, the father of one of the marines in 2/8. Sometimes the military abbreviations overwhelm, such as one paragraph which includes the following: CO, XO, H&S Company, TAC CP (though definition is given), assistant S2, assistant S3, Main CP (definition given). Thomas gives all of the definitions at least once, but it can be confusing to those who are not familiar with military rankings and abbreviations. He also includes a helpful glossary, organizational charts, and some maps though a few more would be helpful.
   
   Regardless of the difficulties of the abbreviations, the message comes through clearly. God answered the prayers of thousands on behalf of 2/8. Thomas records how more than once individuals back home were awakened to prayer just before 2/8 was going into battle and that God laid specific requests on their hearts that He answered through their prayers. This has been one of the most inspiring books about prayer that I've read in a long time.
   
   Probably men and women with a military background will appreciate the style and content more than those of us who lack the background. This is a story that men in particular can enjoy. The first chapter bogs down a little with the introduction of the 2/8's leadership, but persevering through it pays off. Men and teenaged boys interested in the military might enjoy finding this book in their Christmas stocking.
   
   God's miraculous answers to prayer in keeping the marines safe during firefights will inspire anyone, military or not, to pray. -- Debbie W. Wilson, Christian Book Previews.com



4. There are only eighteen infantry battalions in the U.S. Marine Corp. This is the story of one of them through combat in Iraq in 2003. Commanded by Lt. Col. Royal Mortenson whose philosophy of command includes statements such as :It is fine for the Marine to be able to run three miles in eighteen minutes, but it is better to be able to run one mile in seventeen minutes carrying a wounded Marine on your back."
   
   Lt. Col. Mortenson trained his battallion, took it to Iraq, into combat and brought them all back alive. To Lt. Col. Mortenson, a hearty well done. You deserve your subsequent promotion.
   
   The author is the father of one of the young Marines that went to Iraq and back. He believes that the Christian faith of his son and of the rest of the Marines in this unit was responsible for the Lord returning all of these young men home. Who can say that he is wrong?



5. If you are a Christian and believe in the power of prayer, you will find the factual stories in this book very inspirational. Glenn Thomas has done a marvelous job in telling the story of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put the book down.

5 comments about Wild Child, Waiting Mom: Finding Hope In the Midst of Heartache.

1. Happy Mother's Day! This book is a great read, providing the story of both a wayward daughter and loving parents in their own words. One of the most helpful chapters is at the end: "Asking the Hard Questions." It provides some responses, both from Wendi (daughter) and Karilee (mom) to such questions as "How could you have been so blindsided by your daughter's rebellion," "What actions/words from friends helped you and what actions/words hurt you," "What advice would you give to parents to prevent children from making the same mistakes you made?"
   Main idea: Never, never, never, never give up hoping and praying for God to do what only He can in your child's life.



2. This book gives you mom and daughter prospective. The book gives you real life circumstances that we all deal with and helps those going through family struggles know they are not alone and that there is hope.



3. I was just at a Christian Camp called Fort Wilderness where much of this story takes place in McNaughton Wisconsin. I bought the book from the mother who wrote the book with her daughter. Her husband was the speaker this week. I had met this family over 20 years ago. This book has been such an encouragement to me of God's amazing Grace, especially because I can see these truths applied in more than just the mother & daughter relationships. Never give up because God has not. I applaud Karilee and Wendi for sharing this brutally honest story with us.



4. This book was chosen as the book of the quarter by the board of directors for Parents Helping Parents, Inc. in Edmond, Oklahoma
   
   Both mother and daughter share their story of fear, frustration and disappointment in a very honest and open way that helps the reader feel deeply involved and captivated. Karilee struggles with questions for God like, "Does God even hear my prayers?" The book answers these questions and many more while giving testimony to His sovereign nature and the plan He has for every life. Wendi's return to faith is a powerful experience that will give hope to all that it is possible to be forgiven and restored regardless of the depth of one's addiction.
   
   One of the most rewarding and unique aspects of this book is the question and answer portion at the end in which both mother and daughter answer the most frequently asked questions when they do public speaking. This was a real insight into what hurts and what helps.
   
   Warren Pat Nichols



5. From the first page, I realized that I finally found another mom who could identify with my heartbreak over a wayward child. But this book is so much more than that. It's a true story of how God changes lives in HIS time; not only the prodigal daughter's, but the hurting waiting mom's as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with their adult child's choices. Through her own experience, Mrs Hayden has helped this waiting mom more than she can imagine. Although we are currently embedded in the midst of our journey I now have renewed hope and peace.

5 comments about Baba: Autobiography of a Blue-Eyed Yogi.

1. A tour de force spiritual adventure! Rampuri's journey to India and his eventual acceptance into the esoteric tradition of the Naga Babas is extraordinary given the exclusivity of the tradition. In an unprecedented occurrence, a foreigner was allowed into this highly ascetical tradition in which he (Rampuri) undertook a strict discipline( interestingly, part of this "discipline" is the use of ganja) of spiritual practice and study. This lifestyle of a Hindu ascetic is a a radical departure from the affluent lifestyle he knew in his home of origin, Beverly Hills, CA
   Rampuri candidly describes his struggles as a spiritual seeker and Westerner seeking acceptance among these radical Indian sanyansins (renunciates).
   Readers unfamiliar with Hinduism--particularly the Shiva worshiping sects like the Nagas--may struggle a bit with this book.And there are several transliterated Sanskrit terms that may slow an unfamiliar reader down. Still overall, the book is an easy read unencumbered by heavy theorizing or philosophy.
   I highly recommend this book. It's a beautifully told account of spiritual transformation in extraordinary circumstances.



2. I found this at the library, was skeptical, had no notion of what might be lurking between the covers. This is a treasure. Rampuri is not only a unique being with a star-blessed journey that most of us who are interested in such things can only dream about - he also writes beautifully. This unfolds like good novel, and even if only a fraction of it is true (I suspect all of it is), the story is amazing on a host of levels. I have been to India several times, lived in ashrams, studied Yoga there, been with great masters, but this - my God, what an adventure, it makes my pilgrimages seem like they were taken in an armchair. The ending reminds me of one of my favorite books "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" - an unexpected, shocking and enlightening BOOM! Great job, Ram Puri-ji, thank you.



3. Rampuri grew up in a moderately affluent Beverly Hill's household and like many well off Americans felt something was lacking. This was also the time when America was experiencing a strong counter-cultural element. Rampuri, the American, decided instead of just being a hippie or preaching free love he wanted the real authentic experience. The only way to get this was to travel to perhaps the most sacred and spiritual land the world has ever known. India.
   
   After arriving in India, Rampuri wanders a bit till he finds his guru Hari Puri Baba. Hari Puri decides to try and initiate Rampuri into the strongly traditional mystical order of yogis. In other words, Rampuri would become a true sadhu. However, during the book there are some obstacles to this initiation. One is that despite other sadhus supposedly being spiritually evolved they tend to be judgmental to a foreigner. Some of these sadhus cannot stand the thought of an American yogi or sadhu. A whole plot of contention and animosity develops between Rampuri's guru and another spiritual guru. This strong tension is what makes this book read somewhat like a story. Elements of evil and suspense linger till the end of the book.
   
   During Rampuri's spiritual discipleship he learns many things. He learns languages like Hindi and Sanskrit and also traditional yogic practices dealing with herbs, medicines, and just a whole different way of looking at the world in general.
   
   For the most part I enjoyed the book minus a few rough areas. One problem is that a lot of the terminology is not very clear. You can, of course, understand many things from context but if a person had no previous exposure to Hinduism or its beliefs they would probably have trouble deciphering some of the text. There is no glossary at the back of the book to help with this problem either. Another problem I had is that sometimes the book seemed to wander a bit without any sense of direction. Lastly, the biggest problem I had was that this book was too brief. I was hoping for something more rich and in-depth. At only a little over two hundred pages Rampuri has only revealed very limited aspects of his experience to make them entertaining to the reader. He admits to having thousands of pages of notes so why skimp? Despite these few drawbacks I believe most people interested in the spiritual side of things (especially concerning Eastern traditions) will enjoy the book.



4. The writing doesn't *seem* bad....but there's definitely something missing here. There are lots of details and interesting stories, and some self-reflection. But in the end, I just don't get it. The connections, the analysis, the context just isn't enough to make this story captivating to a person who hasn't had this sort of experience. Which would be most of us. Perhaps after 30 years as a yogi, the author no longer hs much connection to the boy who left home and moved to India and became naked. But in order to understand his story, we need to be able to understand who that boy was and how he changed. Though the surface story is here, the true inner depth seems gone, maybe erased through spiritual practice or ganja, or maybe just not clarified through careful enough writing. It's hard to put my finger on what's missing in this book, but something just isn't there.



5. If you have been to India you can relive the smells and sights of that phantasmagoria in Baba. If not, welcome to baba-ville where the unusual is likely, the bizarre is commonplace and miracles are found anywhere. You may be possessed as was the author. Ah if only the outcome then would be so precipitious. Having been to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, I was transported again and enjoyed a drop of the nectar of that initiation.
   Jai baba!

5 comments about The Strength of Mercy: Making a Difference in the World One Child at a Time.

1. if you've ever adopted a child (or tried to), this book will deeply touch you and inspire you.



2. This book was a great story of one mom's faith in a promise from the Lord, and how He used her grown daughter and political upheavel to bring His promise to fruition. It was interesting to hear about the adoption experience of another family adopting from a different country. We have adopted two children from China.



3. As a recently adoptive parent and grandparent of two Romanian and one Bulgarian children, I have felt the anguish and despair that can overcome a person when he or she finds themselves in such an emotional battle as the one to save children from a life of pain and despair. Like the author and her family, we found hope in the Lord and in prayer, but even that at times seems not to be enough. This type of book is one that all people, believers and non-believers alike, should read again and again.



4. This was a truly amazing book that I think all Christian readers, as well as non-christians would love. I liked the honesty portrayed in Beazely's story of how their family started out with the adoption process; the difficulties and the blessings. Wonderful story!



5. I enjoyed this book because it was a true story of a family who so much wanted to follow God's will and plan for their lives. I didn't want to put the book down! This book is similar to Experiencing God, a book also about knowing and doing the will of God. I highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially those considering or in the process of international adoption.

5 comments about Faithful Travelers.

1. It was a delightful read of an insightful odyssey. A must read for every fisherman who is blessed with a daughter. A must read for every fisherman who has faced recent personal crisis. Dodson weaves opportunities for refelection within the passages of a fine story.



2. I LOVED this book! It reminded me so much of my relationship with my own father. He always had some interesting new fact to share with his daughter, yet he is willing to listen to what she has to say, and possibly learns more from her than he taught her himself. A must read for any father or daughter.



3. This was no doubt a tough book to write, but a wonderful book to read. Jim Dodson left his home to take a fishing trip with his daughter. But what he was really doing was trying to unravel what went wrong with his marriage, what his daughter thought of this new event, and what the future might bring. This human and humane book is funny and sad, sometimes all on the same page. Most of all, it is honest. Three cheers to Dodson for being willing to take this journey and then sharing it, no emotions barred.



4. If you are the father of a young daughter, you owe it to yourself to read this book!



5. This guy makes a killing off of family difficulties. First, in Final Rounds his dad is dying and so he cashes in and writes a book about it. Now, because his career is more important than his family, he gets a divorce and then uses this tragedy to take his daughter on a fishing trip, all the while milking it for material for another book. I just could not get past the fact that I simply did not like the narrator. This guy loves his job and he loves rubbing his elbows with famous people and he loves telling you about it.

4 comments about David Livingstone (Heroes of the Faith).

1. Recently when looking over a shared bookshelf, I made choice to read something I intended to be simple and quick. I was not disappointed. This short book was both simple and quick. A bit of a cross between a long magazine article and a children's book. It did however satisfy a basic understanding of David Livingstone's life.
   
   The series title 'Heroes of the Faith' certainly gives some insight into where the reader is about to embark. Mr. Wellman's run of Mr. Livingstone's life is full of excitement and adventure. It is a surface account, yet manages to be well written to provide flow and continuity. If one wishes to get a good general idea of this remarkable man's life and accomplishments this book would be an excellent choice to provide quick satisfaction. I do believe the author accomplishes a goal of providing the reader with the admirable aspects of Livingstone's life in a easily digestible format. The book also creates a desire to do further reading on David Livingstone.
   
   The series title 'Heroes of the Faith' also provides insight into shortcomings of this work. David Livingstone is painted in a very positive light. Even when the author does mention some of his shortcomings or faults the reader finds themselves wondering if he is really mentioning a shortcoming. The intention is to portray a hero, not to provide a critical look at his life and work. One is however able to read between the lines that perhaps Mr. Livingstone was not the easiest individual with which to get along. I do not feel the author was trying to hide this from the reader, but rather focus on Mr. Livingstone's strengths.
   
   I would definitely suggest this book as an introduction to David Livingstone's life and work. I give it 4 out of 5 stars as I feel the author accomplishes his goal of portraying a hero in a very easily read format. Minus one star for at times minimizing Livingstone's faults too far.



2. David Livingstone's life is all but forgotten in this generation that despises anything missionary or Christian but this is a shame. For Mr. Livingstone was ahead of his time in his treatment of the lovely African peoples. He treated them with sensitivity and respect in an age when most white men wanted to 'steal' the blacks and sell them into slavery or abuse them for their own greedy purposes. Livingstone showed the patience, kindness, and mercy that are required of those who heed God's calling as missionaries. Sam Wellman presents the life of this extraordinary man in layman's terms. A beautiful book about a beautiful human being and the people that his life touched.



3. The true story which this book is supposed to be telling was corroded by bias, which paved way for fictitious lies and assumptions. First and foremost, David Livingstone was not the first person to discover Victoria Falls. The native Africans who knew the Falls before him, were the ones that led him to its location.
   Also, castigating Africans for not trusting and loving him at-the-first-sight was very unfair. It showed how myopic the author, (Sam Wellman), and the reviewer, (Hazel Rochman), are. Both men must be joking if they assumed that readers have forgotten that Dr. Livingstone entered Africa at a period when the aim of 99.9% of Europeans who went there was to abduct and sell Africans into slavery.
   This book is dying for a revision. It will be an interesting piece if all the facts and figures are frankly accounted for.



4. I found this biography to be an interesting glimpse into the life of Dr. David Livingstone. Having no prior knowledge of this Missionary to Africa, I found this to be a very informative book. With admirable strength and courage balanced with humility, all supplied by the Holy Spirit , Dr. Livingstone hiked through the wilderness of Africa, intent on showing the natives the love of Christ. By his kindness and fairness to the African tribes, and by oral preaching in their own languages, he brought the saving news of Jesus Christ to them. He helped to heal animosity between neighboring tribes, and sought to replace the horrible slave trade with honest commerce by searching out water routes to the interior of Africa. Overall, following him through his struggles and sorrows built an attitude of respect for Dr. Livingstone and his work, making for an excellent book.

5 comments about Body Piercing Saved My Life: Inside the Phenomenon of Christian Rock.

1. Beaujon is a senior contributing writer for Spin...and a PK (preacher's kid). He is not a believer and in "Body Piercing Saved My Life" (a reference to a popular t-shirt sold at Christian music festivals which shows the pierced hands of Jesus above the slogan) he presents a non-Christian perspective of a Christian industry. Seeking to answer, "Why do Christians need their own music?" He comes out of this quest not as a Christian but as one who is "a fan, not just of the music, but of Christians, and of Jesus himself." Beujon visits many key Christian festivals and events in search for an answer; he also travels off-the-beaten-path to visit a number of indie labels and in order to introduce readers to the likes of Pedro the Lion and The Psalters.
   
   There are a number of "Christian Rock Lifers" interviews which break up the book--and ultimately do just that--they break up the flow of the narrative. Not that the interviews are bad (he speaks with Doug Van Pelt, Steve Taylor, Jay Scwhartzendruber, Bill Hearn, Mark Salomen and others--it's just that they would serve better as appendices.
   
   Beaujon does a great job traveling not only geographically, but taking the reader back in time. In the second chapter, "No More LSD for ME (I met the Man from Galilee" he jumps back in time to the "early days of Christian rock music" notable for "the smell emanating from the musicians, reconstructed hippies crammed into a station wagon, lying on the top of amps as they traveled from church to church. They loved Jesus. They didn't shower much."
   
   As I mentioned early he visits a number of musicians and those who run independent Christian labels. His quest includes a stop at Calvin College's Festival of Faith and Music. Really, through the first half of the book he heaps praises on the indie spirit of early Christian musicians and highlights of the alt-Christian acts on labels like Tooth and Nail that are creating interesting music that appeals to non-Christians like himself. Then he heads to GMA Week.
   
   The chapters on his time in Nashville for the Gospel Music Associations main event are highly amusing. It is there that he gets baptized into the world of "worship music."
   
   "Worship music is Christian Music, and it's rock music, but, confusingly, it's not quite the same thing as Christian rock. Most good size evangelical churches have their own worship bands, which lead the congregation in a sort of amplified folk mass. Worship music has "hits," songs that appear on compilations like Worship Jamz and are licensed to individual churches through Christian Copyright Licensing International, a company that also keeps track of the most performed songs in churches and pays songwriter royalties, much like ASCAP and BMI.
   
   ... If you've seen that TV commercial for Time-Life's Worship Together Collection, you've heard worship music. Much--not all, but enough to tar the whole genre--of it sounds like Christian pop scrubbed of any remaining hint of menave. It's usually an updated form of folk-rock, anchored by drum loops and crystalline acoustic guitars, reminiscent of artists like Counting Crows or Hootie & the Blowfish, but with earth-shattering choruses that make those artists look like amateurs."
   
   This conversation continues a few pages later...
   
   "...I'm not saved and don't think I ever will be, but if such a miracle were to take place, I can't imagine anything worse than being forced to pay for my salvation by listening to worship music for the rest of my days.
   
   Worship music is the logical conclusion of Christian adult contemporary music--not just unappealing but unbearable to anyone not already in the fold. Every song follows the same parameters. It opens gently, with tinkling arpeggios or synthesized harp glissandos that portend the imminence of something celestial in glacial 4/4 time. In the second verse, the band--invariably excellent players--soft-pedals in, gaining in volume to the bridge. And then the chorus. Heavens, the choruses. They could put U2 out of business for good, they're so huge. Another verse. A middle eight. Then, a breakdown when the audience takes over singing. Another massive chorus. Fin."
   
   This isn't music to appreciate; it's music to experience. People at a worship service close their eyes and, as ecstasy spreads across their faces, begin to rock rhythmically, arms out, mouthing the lyrics. It's more than a little sexual and a tad uncomfortable if you're sitting next to an attractive person who's been overcome by the Spirit."
   
   Body Piercing Saved My Life offers an in-depth look at the Christian music industry and the Christian music indie scene from someone on the outside who is not a Christian and yet respects several key players in the scene. This is a book worthy of dialogue between believers and unbelievers. Beaujon also drops a number of names of musical artists who I had not heard of and have since added to my collection. I highly recommend this very insightful book.
   
   Related reading:
   Charlie Peacock presents an insiders look at Christian music in his book "At the Crossroads" (Broadman & Holman, 1999).



2. Beaujon writes a good book. I read it quickly. As a rural pastor and a huge fan of Christian Rock since the 70s I was impressed with this "agnostics' take on the subject matter. I have read a few reviews that comment on beaujon's nuetrality which I disagree with. Toward the end of the book Beaujon admits his dad was a pastor who had an affair with a church member and stole money from the next church he "landed at." Sad. Beaujon does in-depth work with several disaffected personalities in Christian Rock that I would contend are unknowns or at least alt acts that few kids could care about. When talking with Bazen and others who get paid for playing to Christians audiances they seem to loath or distrust, Beaujon gives them free space to rail, question or act typically artist like. In his few takes with true lifes like Taylor and the head of word he ask questions I could have come up with. So I think the word "balance" is tough to give Beaujon. I see him featuring the Bazen and company to confirm his own quite problems with the faith. Beaujon had to be affected by the sad actions of his dad. Those actions must have crushed his faith. If he knows it are not he bleeds all over the pages with his pain. I think he exudes that some things about the faith are good, but I can't enternalize it. I hope he will continue to study Christianity and I think the object of the worship music he distains will continue to patienly seek him.



3. It arrived at my house in a very timely manner. It was exactly how it was described, in a good condition.



4. ...though not a great one. most of you will remember the author as frontperson of Eggs, the band that gave us the classic LP "Teenbeat 96 Exploder." since that time, Beaujon has enjoyed success making journalism (of which this book is part). the book does a good job of providing some background and perspective on a subject widely misunderstood by outsiders (whom i count myself among). my criticisms are pretty much the sort that could be levelled against a vast number of music books. there's some distracting editorializing outside the (presumed) subject matter (anyone for a rehash of Dave Matthews vs. the Dismemberment Plan?) and no mention of some figures who've enjoyed notable crossover appeal: the sublime electronica of Joy Electric, Roadside Monument (a sort of Don Cab for Jesus) and the Sam/Leslie Phillips phenomenon. in terms of political orientation, the Serious Christian rock audience (as opposed to, say, those Serious Christians who limit their intake to Christian Rock) are as likely to speak well of Mr. Obama as Mr. Huckabee. overall, it's a terribly, terribly complex subject that Beaujon is to be commended for tackling.



5. I think there's something in all of us that loves to know what other people think of us. Growing up in the `90s under the "christian music only" rule, and a (former) collection of over 300 christian rock cds, I found this aspect of my life under scrutiny from the "outside." And I loved it.
   
   In Body Piercing Saved My Life, Beaujon offers a very candid look at the christian rock music industry. I have to say that I learned a ton about the music industry in general by reading this book. Seeing the behind the scenes issues, the financial policies, the tensions, etc. was something new for me.
   
   The book focuses more on people than anything, and I think Beaujon realizes that you can't really learn much from caricatures or stereotypes. (I guess that's why he wrote the book). This, for me, was incredibly interesting, as he basically related a series of interviews, relationships with figures in the scene, and how they all fit into the big picture.
   
   I can't say that I found much to disagree with in the book. I resonated strongly with David Bazan's confusion and then rejection with the charismatic background he was raised in. I very much agreed with Beaujon's analysis of modern praise music as "more than a little sexual and a tad uncomfortable if you're sitting next to an attractive person who's been overcome by the Spirit." (159). He pointed out the similarities between the way Deadheads and now the current jamband scene experience their music, and the current "worship experience." I thought I was the only one who saw that! As one who has had deep experiences in both scenes, I thought his analysis was right on and matched my experience perfectly. He also points out many of the quirks and foibles in modern american evangelicalism, and I couldn't really argue with any of them.
   
   I think I share the same opinions with Beaujon when it comes to american evangelicalism and its music. For me, I've rejected it in favor of a bare-bones, bible based faith which rejects most of the trappings of this sub-culture (some would label me a "fundamentalist," though (like we all say) "it's much more nuanced than that!") When I "got convicted" about my music, it wasn't just the Grateful Dead that got tossed out, it was my entire music collection, all 300+ christian rock cds included. Beaujon, in contrast, finds himself identifying with those christians who reject the american evangelical subculture in favor of the world's culture, and an emphasis on a social gospel.
   
   I found this fascinating: "As I left, [Jae] Choi asked me if I was a Christian, and when I said no, he handed me a tract. I was on the plane home before I realized that I'd been working on this project for six months, and it was the first time anyone had tried to evangelize me." (168)
   
   It's apparent to me, also, that Beaujon doesn't understand the gospel: "To me, the message of the Gospel is love one another, look out for the less fortunate, and try to walk gently on the earth." (271). This is, in fact, the "gospel" that many american evangelicals are currently preaching. To me, the message of the gospel is this: even though I am a wretched sinner who knows that I deserve hell and have no possible way of saving myself from it, God Himself took the initiative, became a man, took my sin upon Himself, and received the punishment I deserve. The way is clear for a restored relationship with the Creator of the universe! That's good news!
   
   I loved Beaujon's writing style. It was downright art at times. I also loved his transparency, and felt that this was a pretty unbiased, straightforward account of the scene. I didn't feel any hatred or malice or desire to make anyone look stupid; (if anyone looks stupid in this book, they brought it upon themselves). Overall, I wouldn't say that I necessarily gained a whole lot by reading this, but I found it fascinating and enjoyable to read.

5 comments about Cravings: A Sensual Memoir (Bluestreak).

1. Even though the punctuation is unorthodox, this is the way I think sometimes (in fragments). It wasn't distracting or hard for me to understand. I can also closely identify with the emotions brought forth in this text in terms of growing up in the same era and losing a parent, and believe that most "baby boomers" would feel the same way. This was wonderful summer reading!



2. While Ms. Felman's book is meant as a commeration of the death of her mother, and thus one feels some sympathy, I felt that her book was self-indulgent. Most particularly because of its usage of indecipherable punctuation, (a usage that implies a desrespect for the reader), but also because of the fact that almost every other paragraph seems to be either a request for pity or a request that one concur that the world is a rotten place. In transactional analysis, such cynisism and victimhood is known as "grievance collecting," and one does begin to feel that one is functioning as Ms. Felman's therapist.



3. I read this book in preparation for a class that I took of Jyl's while I was attending Brandeis, where Jyl teaches (last I heard- I graduated 1999). Because I knew Jyl, I heard her voice in my head reading that unusual puncuation. It makes a lot more sense if you know her. A lot of her personality and individuality came across. Jyl has a amazing style and grace that I admire greatly, and is an excellent professor. She made us write on the spot, and read our stuff aloud right in class. There was always something going on, something emotional and tender- just like in the book. I was at once comfortable and extremely uncomfortable- when it got personal. I began to wonder about my relationship with my two sisters. Definitely an experience and well worth the time to understand the structure of the book.



4. The story is compelling but I can't make it past the first 50 pages because of the way the author puntuates. Her writing style is very distracting. I do not recomend this book.



5. Jyl Felman is an excellent writer who captures very moving and powerful experiences in an economical style that held my attention and had me wanting more. Ms. Felman juggles many emotions in this short work. The reader finds herself dealing with mother/daughter relationships, Jewish history, feminism, lesbianism, the Holocaust, and food. I highly recommend this book.