Book Notes: Interview with Donald Miller, Part 3

I remember getting "Blue Like Jazz". I heard about it, but didn't know Don Miller, or the story. I started reading just before I went to sleep. I ended up staying awake until 5am–finishing the entire book.

There is something about Miller's style which gives me a sense of relevance I find unique and unseen with many authors.

He is real and vulnerable in his struggles, mistakes, and hopes. He presents a relationship with God as an everyday "he was with me" type faith, instead of a thousand formulas.

I have been eager to read the his next book, and have looked forward to it for months. I snagged an excerpt of it in Barnes and Noble the other day. I am quite curious to see what he has to say about living your story well, and how we are all called to live a story. I feel like he is going to give me a perspective on adventure and authenticity, faith and failure, joy and journey.

That just happens to be what I am looking for.

I was intrigued by Donald Miller's concept that our true identity comes from outside of us. I currently don't hold that view, but am curious as to how he comes to that conclusion. It's obvious his book is more than fluff–but based on his introspective experience. I am 50 and have more than likely written over half of my story; but hopefully still have a large portion left. If his book can influence that story for the good-which I suspect it can, I'd love to read it.

BTW, I love your blog. I've forwarded several to my pastor. Does sucking up help in your decision? :)

Thank you for doing this, Michael!

I would like the book because quite honestly in the last week my life has fallen apart and the direction I thought I was going has just gotten turned on its ear. Can the book help? I don't honestly know. But anything that can provide me a little direction right now would be good.

I'm not saying I deserve a book more than any person here. I won't use the terrible circumstances with which I've found myself recently as a way to earn a pity vote. Quite honestly, I only ask that you pray and select accordingly, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And to whomever gets a book, may they be abundantly blessed by it.

Thank you!

Thanks Mike. Great interview.

Interestingly enough Donald Miller and I have something in common. We both sought out the father we never knew or met. I tracked mine down at about age 40 in New Jersey. Very cool. So I want to hear Donald Miller's story. We all ready autobiographically don't we. My best. Philip Rothschild

I'd like a copy of this book because there are no green puppies.

Donald's previous books have led to hours of conversation, bridge building & character development with many of my 20-Something friends (I'm 51). I've been involved in many latte-induced comas discussing Blue Like Jazz while recovering my faith in and enthusiasm for the next generation of leaders.

Books, lattes, discussion groups, community & green puppies. That's my case.

BTW – enjoy Colorado. I may see you while you're in town.

Jerry

I would like to receive a copy of this title to review on my blog http://www.celebrity-books.blogspot.com which largely focuses on books about celebrities and/or celebrity lifestyles, mostly non-fiction, or books (occassionally fiction) by well-known authors.

Some of the related titles I previously reviewed included Piers Morgan's (from "America's Got Talent" and "Celebrity Apprentice") Tom Bergeron's ("America's Funniest Home Videos," "Dancing with the Stars") and Michael J. Fox's ("Back to the Future," "Family Ties") memoirs, among others. I feel that Don Miller's showbiz memoir about having his life made into a movie would be interesting to review.

In addition to my blog, I'm willing to paste my review of this book on two retail sites (Amazon and Barnes & Nobles) and e-mail you the link to my review when I post it.

Thank you, and looking forward to hopefully reviewing this title as well.

Hi Mike,
I would like a copy of this book because Don's discussion and analysis about story has had a great impact on my life. Nov of 2007 Don spoke at my church and his talk was about "story". My story and our stories together. He had a great impact on me that day. I reflected much about how lucky I was to be a part of my parents story and I actually took action and drafted them a letter. I thanked them specifically in my letter for the great story they continue to live. As a parent of 3 myself now I continue to have a great appreciation on how my story can and will be a part of their life. I don't think a week has passed that I haven't made the comment to myself, or outloud to my wife "Do you want that in your story?"
I am eager to learn more about Don's thoughts on this topic by reading the new book. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
con't

Mom, you have always been the caregiver to anyone in need. You unselfish commitment to help others when in need by providing Love, care and encouragement is amazing. You have been giving out Love to your family and others for as long as I can remember. I believe you are truly an example of God's Grace and Love. You were always there to encourage and guide me. You were always in my corner, cheering me on and encouraging me. Actions you have chosen in your life and the things you have chosen not to do in your life are again great examples for me and others. Creating and running a home with such a safe loving environment for you family is a great story.
Together you and Dad have achieved many admirable things, taking risks at times, and together making it a success."

Mike! I love your blog and can't wait to read the new book.

Michael,

Loved all 3 parts of this interview, and I'm really looking forward to the book! I must admit that I'm pretty bummed that D.M. tour isn't coming closer to Charleston, SC.

BTW, how are you liking the Vibram 5 Fingers?

WHY DO I WANT A COPY OF THIS BOOK: OUTREACH!

I loved Blue Like Jazz and found it THE MOST helpful book for non-believer students. I've shared it with kids who were so hard of heart- and it worked!

I'm hoping to be able to use Million Miles to encourage more of my students who are going through tough times.

I would love to read this book for many reasons but after reading some of the comments posted by other people I think so many of them have more compelling reasons for the book. I hope Paul, The Mayor above gets a copy. Like all of us he sounds like he could use encouragement on the journey. Have fun choosing!

Hi Michael,

Really enjoyed the interview of Donald Miller!

Back in 1990 I found my real father after 38 years and had the opportunity to fly out to Oregon to spend a few weeks with him and my step-mother, I call her my mother the younger, as I was older than her (everyone got a kick out of it) I had a blast telling everyone I was older than my mother, then watching their faces. My Father and I communicated almost daily for 10 years mostly by phone and chatting on the internet and I got to know him before He passed away. Our relation began from the time we met, we did not look back, we looked forward. I thank the Lord for those years that He gave me to know my Father.

I can relate to things that Donald shared and I think his book would be a great insight for me, to write my own story. In 2003, my life took on another journey, as I began the battle against cancer. I found out that I had colon cancer, my journey began in February 2003, Chemo and radation from February till May, two major surgeries first in May and the second in September, and in January 2004, my wife of 29 years filed for divorce and in June of 2004, I was divorced not by choice.

A lot has happen, it is not the path I would have chosen, but the Lord taken these last five years and used what could have destroyed me to make me stronger, my writing, blogging, coffee cup ministry, was birthed out of all us, I lost everything to gain everything, have three great children, three great grand-children, they have watched how God has brought me through all this, the passion He has given me for those who have dealt with cancer, dealt with divorce, loneless, etc and has allow me to touch the lives of others by just listening and being there, I can't do what I use to but I can do what He has called me too. I am on full disability, so time is one thing that I have, rather than staying at home, I go out into the market place, to write, to listen, to encouage and listen to others stories.

He called me to go into the market place, in the coffee shops, to be there, to listen, too be available to those he brings into my life, to exhort, encourage others and to remind them we are never without hope, that we don't have to live with bitterness, we can forgive, because He did.I have hurts and wounds, but He took the bitterness and bringing healing to the wounds, for her and me. My former wife was going through things in her life also, empty house, empty nest, health, we allow ourselves to lose focus of the Lord, my prayer for her is that she will find that first love experience with the Lord again, as I did, for we have been blessed with awesome kids.

Don't know why I am sharing so much, but that is what is on my heart at this moment and I feel that Don's book would be a blessing and inspiration to write my story for my kids, for my friends, for those in my life.

Thanks for the interviews Michael, I will be spending a lot more time on your blog!

Writing for the King,

Paul
The Mayor :-)
The Mayor of Starbucks <span class="idc-smiley"><span style="background-position: 0pt 0pt;"><span>:-)</span></span></span> , now that is another story!

P.S. I have read Blue Like Jazz several years ago, my son's copy :-)

Don is one of my favorite writers. He has always had such a transcendent sense of how to smith words.

Thank you for giving us a chance to connect with both the man and the author.

Listening to him talk about his father was my favorite section. It is no wonder that he is so beloved; he is able to write from such an expansive reservoir.