one30nine

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Quoting "The Princess Bride", I'm "no one of consequence". My skills and experiences are uniquely mine and will influence the meanderings along this path. View my profile to see Molly and Moe - my Yorkies.

Friday, February 05, 2010

BOOK REVIEW: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years - by Donald Miller

The author of "Blue Like Jazz" has another attention-getting book - "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years". thanks to Thomas Nelson I got a complementary copy to review. The books have the same weird humor, but the latest one has much more emotion and is much more likely to prompt a reader to introspection!

This time Miller's writing his own story - thinly disguised... Here's the plot: a writer gets so caught up in his writing and fictionalizing to 'make a good exciting read' that he ignores that fact that his own life is boring. It's passing by and he doesn't even realize he's not living it!

While he's concentrating on making up a good story, he is offered the chance to write a movie script of his life. He is attempting to conjur up something that people will want to read. So - using first person narrative Miller asks the question - "What makes a good story?" Through his own journey he gives a good example for others to evaluate their life goals and values; what's really important.

By the end of the book, Miller comes to the conclusion that a life lived well should make a good read. I can recommend this book, but be prepared to think about your own story. Does it need to be edited to be something others would consider 'reading'?

Thursday, February 04, 2010

I was given a copy of Eli Gold's book to review - "From Peanuts to the Pressbox Insider Sport Stories From A Life Behind The Mic" - by Thomas Nelson company. However, given that I'm a Bama fan - and the fact that the Tide just won the National Championship - I was very happy to give it a read.

As you would expect the book is an easy read with lots of great stories from Eli's experiences in a variety of sports. In and around Birmingham his voice is recognized easily - from Alabama football or NASCAR. This book doesn't necessarily compel you to finish it quickly or draw you to turn the page, but it does give an insider's take of the sportscaster role..

Eli Gold went from a New York kid fascinated by sports to a widely recognized voice - in Alabama football and for NASCAR. Selling peanuts at Madison Square Garden to Bryant-Denny and Talladega. I can hear his voice in my head saying 'Tide Wins! Tide Wins!" and "TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA". Those are sweet words in a state that bleeds crimson.