Searching for God knows what (by Donald Miller)

(Amazon UK link)

I only came across of Donald Miller a few months ago, when I read and very much enjoyed 'Blue like jazz'.

So, since 'Searching for God knows what' by the same author was sitting on our shelves, I put it on my to-read shelf, and picked it up a couple of weeks ago.

I found this book riveting, although I only read a chapter or so each day, wanting to think about each one rather than moving quickly through the book. Donald Miller has a clear, chatty and almost simplistic style of writing that gets right to the heart of what many people are probably thinking. This book is partly biographical - although not as much as 'Blue like Jazz' - and partly theological and philsophical.

He uses examples such as Santa Claus, bearded ladies, spends a great deal of time thinking about Adam and Eve being unclothed, and also pulls to pieces the analogy of people in lifeboats deciding who is the most important.

These and other metaphors are used through the book, until he reaches the heart of what he's trying to say: that comparisons are pointless, and the world is shallow. That Christianity is not a religion of bullet points or formulae, but a living, loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

The familiar, almost casual writing style might annoy some theologians, and the simplicity of his message might upset or threaten those who like formulae and moral codes. But his thought-processes are clearly explained, and I very much enjoyed it.

All in all, I thought this book excellent and thought-provoking, and will probably read it again in a few years. Highly recommended.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 9th February 2009