Friday Book Pick: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

So, it was with trepidation that I picked up Donald Miller‘s Blue Like Jazz. I knew I should read it. It’s one of those books that you hear people buzzing about wherever you go. “Have you read it? I couldn’t believe it! Oh, you’ve got to read it…” It’s one of those books you hear other books being compared to, “…it’s almost as good as Blue Like Jazz.” or “well, it’s not Blue Like Jazz, but it’s still pretty good.” It’s the same reason I read The Shack last year. Eventually you have to stop nodding and pretending like you understand and just get around to reading the actual book and finding out what everyone is buzzing about.

But, with my non-fiction-eye-glazing problem, I was very hesitant to read this one. The words on the cover, “Non-religious thoughts on Christian Spirituality,” made me pause again. Non-religious thoughts? I thought this was a Christian book. And then there was that word “spirituality.” That word takes me back to weighty college theology classes full of required reading out of lengthy midevil texts. Maybe that’s where my non-fiction difficulties started.

But, I decided it had to be done. I bought the book and then tucked it in my bag while I escorted my kids to the playland at McDonald’s. McDonald’s is not the best place for serious study, so I didn’t hold out high hopes for getting very far in the book. That was before I opened it. I was a few chapters in before I knew what was happening.

Reading Donald Miller’s writing doesn’t feel like study. It’s more like sitting down to coffee with a friend. He shares humorous (and not-so-humorous) stories from his life and what they taught him about God, faith, community, sin, politics and people. The book is full of story and characters. He voices concerns about the “church” and “religious people” that I have often felt, but never been able to put into words. I didn’t agree with everything he said. But, like when you sit and banter with a friend over coffee — you don’t expect to agree about everything. And yet, while you listen and discuss things, it helps you to understand your friend better and also to seriously consider why you believe the way you do.

I am proud (and a tinge relieved) to say that I read all the way through Blue Like Jazz. So if you have my same non-fiction-eye-glazing-over predicament, you can pick up this book without fear. It’s definitely an eye-opening look at Christianity. It might offend you in places and it might inspire you in others. But it will definitely make you think. And that’s a great thing.

So, now I understand why everyone buzzes excitedly about this book. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in sharing their faith with non-Christians. And now, I can be the one to say, “Well, (insert book title here) is no Blue Like Jazz, but it’s pretty good.” Then I will look around to see who is nodding.