2008-10-07

Book Review: Churched

I've gotten myself in a situation where I get to receive free books with the promise of a review on this here blog. Many times I can't read them fast enough to get them up in time for the blog tours. I blame my dyslexia.
But this time I made it. Allow me to recommend Churched by Matthew Paul Turner.

Here's the description: Churched is the compelling narrative of life inside the walls of the local church (building) and what it means to "be" churched, relevant to any and all who are familiar with the evangelical culture, either through first-person experience, or through association with close family or friends, or simply by peering curiously at churchgoers. Matthew Paul Turner's story is one of a regular American kid growing up in the late seventies and early eighties in a small town. He attended church on Sundays and had to cut the grass every Friday afternoon. His voice will resonate with fans of writers like Anne Lamott, Donald Miller, or David Sedaris, who may not relate to exact demographical upbringing, but connect with the writing because of the candid humanity, the wit, and the compelling storytelling. Readers will easily identify with the relationship dynamics between Matthew and his loving-but-firm parents, dogmatic teachers, fear-inspiring, passionate pastor, and supportive, if sometimes misguided, friends. Gen X readers will also connect with the musings and misadventures of a pop culture-loving, music-appreciating boy trying to grow up in the eighties, in a home where even contemporary Christian music was proclaimed to be "of the Devil."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think you will too. Through a narrative format Turner presents his childhood upbring and struggles with aspects of the fundamental church. It is both humurous and thought provoking. While I didn't have the church experience he had I found myself caught up and completely invested in the stories that he told.

You can purchase it HERE.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

T-Rev - I came across this book recently and thought that it looked like something I could write. At least I've thought a few times that given my upbringing and church history, it's a miracle I'm still involved in church.
On another note - how do I sign up for the free book?