Book Notes: Interview with N.D. Wilson

Last month, we published Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World by N.D. Wilson. In a few minutes I’ll tell you how to get a copy free.

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We publish about 400 new books a year, so I can’t read all of them. But three people I really respect—Matt Baugher, Joel Miller, and George Grant—told me that I had to make time for this one. So I did. Boy, am I glad.

I don’t think I have read any author with such a unique writing style as N.D. He reminded me of what you might get if you combined C.S. Lewis or G.K. Chesterton with James Joyce and Donald Miller. It is a kind of orthodox apologetic for a post-modern, A.D.D. world. The writing is truly art. But it is different. It honestly made me see God’s creation afresh, as though through the eyes of a child.

Last week, N.D. came to our offices in Nashville for a planning meeting. I had dinner with him, David Moberg, and Matt Baugher at The Red Pony in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. We talked about everything from theodicy to how he met his wife.

We had a wonderful meal and a stimulating conversation. It reminded me once again about why I love publishing books and why I got in this business to begin with.

The next afternoon, I was able to sit down with N.D. and interview him. We talked about the book—why he wrote it, his unique writing style, and what he hopes to accomplish. I strongly encourage you to get a copy, unplug from everything that might distract you, and rediscover again the joy of reading.

As an incentive, I will give you a free copy of the book if you will leave a comment below and email us with your mailing address. We will even pay the postage!

Why am I doing this? Because I want to prime the pump. Once you have read this book, I am convinced that you will be talking it up with your family and friends.

Update: This promotion is now closed. We intended to give the book away to the first 100 people who requested it. That happened in about about an hour. As a result, we raised the limit to 250 books. That took another two hours. I then raise it to 500 copies. We have given those out a few hours later. Thanks to every one who left comments and participated with us!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Building Champions has been coaching me since 2002. They have taught me to be more proactive and intentional in both my business and personal life. Visit their Web site to learn more and see their special offer for my blog readers.


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Posted on 22 July 2009

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695 Comments so far

  1. srauch0104 says:

    When "the problem of evil" was mentioned, I thought of my agnostic friend who, I think, has not resolved this. I'm already recommending the book to him, even tho' I haven't read it yet myself (but I have read several of N.D.'s other books).

  2. Kerry says:

    I would love to read it. Sound quite interesting.

  3. Melia says:

    Thank you!
    Looking forward to reading it.

  4. Jonathan says:

    I am really interested in how he discusses the problem of evil as an emotional problem, not so much a logical problem. Would love to read more!

  5. mwr4intnsdbt says:

    Sometimes I wonder about all the miliions of words that have been written about Christianity. I wonder if it is reaching further and further in order to say something diferent or to say the same thing in a unique way; to tickle the ears, so to speak. And when I hear the author talk about the world being God's art and how that explains the presence of evil, well, I guess I need to read the book to see how he puts it all together. Black paint does not equal evil in my mind.

  6. Jeremy VanGelder says:

    The thing that fascinated me from ND's video was his perspective on God and His relationship to creation. Especially when he mentions the way that God can keep things going in a way that seems random from our perspective.

  7. Joel says:

    Can't wait to read the book. Love the concept of seeing things hrough a child's eyes… My kids always bring fresh perspectives to me…

  8. wendy says:

    N.D. Wilson is a favorite author of my 11-year-old son. I would love to read his book.

  9. After listening to this interview, I am very curious to learn about the author's perspective on God and the spiritual realm. I look forward to reading it. Thanks Michael.

  10. Seda says:

    "the use of the color black in a painting"–what an image!

  11. MiataPops says:

    For you to be this excited about a book certainly says a lot about its possibilities. Thanks very much for the gift.

  12. Betsy says:

    The things that first struck me about N.D. are 1) He seems like a regular guy not trying to prove anything but really just wanting to discover God, and that makes me want to peek over his shoulder at what God is teaching him. Also 2) I always have liked the color black in artwork. I wonder what peace I might discover about my struggle with the existence of evil from this book.

  13. JoelDThomas says:

    I'm particularly intrigued by his use of emotional rather than logical discussions regarding God's "use of evil." How wonderful to see a young author be so up front about it when so many of us attempt to construct "rational" arguments when dealing with One so outside human understanding. In addition, I'm interested to read him share his "childish" observations while simultaneously "setting aside childish things," which he's obviously doing in his subject matter. Thanks in advance for an interesting read.

  14. Nico Bacay says:

    Sir I want a copy of this but I live here in the Philippines. In case you will be able to ship this book, please have this address. 9th Floor Corporate Communications Divison, ELJ building, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Mother Ignacia St., Dilimam, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. Please please please…

  15. Beth K. Vogt says:

    Interesting–to be caught up in the wonder of God … and that the author is okay with being "childish," not "childlike."
    I like that he knows what he meant–and didn't change because others told him he needed to.

  16. Beth D says:

    Sounds like a good book and that there are great conversation topics to be discussed among Christian friends

  17. Joanne Brunette says:

    The key word that caught me was "wonder"… I am once again challenged by the fact that I have become so blasè about all the wonder that God constantly surrounds me with – and I WANT to look around with wide-eyed wonder too!!

  18. cdmeadors says:

    I am always looking to better understand the evil and suffering in the world. I always want to use logic and reasoning and I am intrigued to look over Wilson's shoulder and see how he views the subject.

    I find it interesting he is okay if people don't like his book as long as it engages them. I liked the interview and the perspective it gave me of the author. I am looking forward to seeing the world from his perspective.

  19. coramdeo2 says:

    This is the first I've heard of N.D.'s book. It sounds great! I'm familiar with his father's works and I'm interested in his son's, too. Your interview with N.D. was excellent and I can't wait to read the book. Keep up the good work, Michael.

  20. TylerM says:

    Why do people name themself N.D. Wilson, or C.S. Lewis? I'm not M.A. Tyler; I'm Mark! At any rate, this sounds like a good book. I look forw to the read. Pls send me a copy!

  21. Lois says:

    i would appreciate a copy of this book.

  22. bryan says:

    Looking forward to the book. A friend told me that this would be a worth-while read.

  23. Becki says:

    I would love a copy of Nate's book!

  24. Virgil Hurt says:

    I've read this book and think it is certainly one of the best books that I have ever read. Since, then four of the most well read people in our church have also read the book and all say that it is outstanding. I am a pastor and ordered a book for every household in our church. Enjoy!

  25. Daniel says:

    I read the Credenda Agenda where Wilson and his dad write and I look forward to read this book.

  26. Gabriel Rench says:

    Can't wait for my copy!

  27. amh12345 says:

    I like how Mr. Wilson describes God's control over the universe- ever present in our lives, not just every once in a while.

    Could you give out 150 more books? A bit bold, I know. But you see, this post just happens to be almost in the 600's. If you do give more away, I could qualify for one of these great books by N.D. Wilson!

  28. @andydenekas says:

    Please send me a copy of this book!

  29. Michael Forney says:

    Thank you, Michael. I will look forward to the read and spreading the word.

  30. chasesanders says:

    Great Post and great idea! I loved the part about being childish and seeing the world as a child.

  31. NeilPhillips says:

    The book sounds like a great read. I was hooked when N.D. started talking about gaining perspective. I know I'm too late for a free book, but I will look for it on the shelves.

  32. Sounds fantastic. Great writing, greater message? I want to read it!

  33. David says:

    The Wilson (father and son) perspective on the world is different from any other than I have encountered (I hear it in almost everything that they say). Consequently, although I'm not quite able to put my finger on it why it's so appealing, I try to read everything Wilson.

  34. @nanahg3 says:

    Got the book in lightening-fast and have started reading – it's interweaving voice is fascinating! Thanks SO much! (And as an aside – is it just me or do you feel crippled with twitter down??)

  35. J.R. Hamilton says:

    "Out of nothing…only by the spoken word." I'm writing a devotional that parallels what Wilson's theme talks about, so I would welcome the opportunity to "hear" his perspective through his writer's voice. Thank you, for making this available. Perhaps one day next year, you'll be offering free copies of my devotional.


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