Comments on: Book Notes: Interview with Donald Miller, Part 1

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years has helped me gather up the courage to change my own life. I just bought a 2nd audio book copy so that I can lend it out to friends and family. I think that people hate it when I get excited and ask them “are you living a good story?”, but that’s their problem.
I have no interest in reading Blue like Jazz.

By: Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Don is definitely the real deal. What you see is what you get!

By: W. Mark Thompson

W. Mark Thompson — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:10:00 +0000

So connected with this interview.
Never have seen Donald Miller speak or interviewed. This is the first time I’ve seen his personality or even him talk about himself. Gives me hope.

I’m not one of those people who “puts himself out there” or feels like he has answers. But what I do relate to is being real. Donald comes across to me as just being real.

One thing I am curious about though is his statement about “our identity comes from our external”. I don’t have people telling me much of anything. Feeling like I’m having an identity crisis now.
Who am I?! Ha!

DEFINITELY interesting he wrote down things years before… and they became realized. Another testimony for written down goals/vision.

By: A Review of Donald Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years | MarketingInProgress.com by Brett Duncan

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:10:57 +0000

[...] Miller is one of the most talented writers of our time. It is actually a joy just to partake in the act of reading what he writes. His voice and his [...]

By: adel

adel — Thu, 13 May 2010 03:38:52 +0000

I loved Blue Like Jazz but when I bought and read 'A million miles in a thousand years"….. I was very disappointed. Miller has made enough money to set his life stories in a more expensive setting , but at the end of the day, is there any real integrity in continuing to write about yourself ?

By: Special Blend Interview: Jonathan Acuff Takes “Stuff Christians Like” To Print | Faith Barista

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:40:38 +0000

[...] morning, and was no longer inside a story and life no longer made sense.” (Quoted from in an interview with Michael [...]

By: TonyChung

TonyChung — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:26:15 +0000

Feel free to delete my last two comments. I forgot I'd signed up with IntenseDebate before.

You can also delete this one. Thanks!

By: tonychung

tonychung — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:20:16 +0000

I know you say you've given away all the free copies, but I'm sure you must have one left over for me!

By: tonychung

tonychung — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:12:00 +0000

I know you say you've given away all the free copies, but I'm sure you must have one left over for me!

By: Book review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller ([.....] – rating o/s) « Matt Benson's Musings

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:39:44 +0000

[...] by Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson, publisher of the book) – of course that review (here) might have been biased, but it was the way the review that was written that convinced me, reading [...]

By: A Place For The God-Hungry » Places I’ve Been

A Place For The God-Hungry » Places I’ve Been — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:21:51 +0000

[...] Hyatt has posted a video interview with Donald Miller. Part one, part two, and part three. Categories: Places I've Been… Tags: Comments (0) Leave a [...]

By: An Interview with Donald Miller « Writer’s Block

An Interview with Donald Miller « Writer’s Block — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:14:22 +0000

[...] also interesting to listen to. I’d encourage you to listen to him and Michael talk. It was beneficial to me as a writer to observe how he sees story in real [...]

By: Don Kimrey

Don Kimrey — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:02:15 +0000

All this makes me wish I could write like him and have a friend like you! ~donkimrey

By: Carrie

Carrie — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:16:49 +0000

It'll free up a good $15 which I PROMISE to pass along to the Mentoring Project. Plus, my birthday is on Friday.

By: TomMartinATL

TomMartinATL — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:21:06 +0000

One other component of the interview which I hope the story dives into is the correlation between change = fear.

I know my own experience with change and fear is exactly what was mentioned. For me losing the job I never thought I'd leaving, finding myself in a nursing home battling a staph infection, but in the midst of these changes, the fear, & fighting for my life I found a Savior and connected with God in a relationship not as part of ritual, losing 200+ pounds, my Father's post retirement alcoholism, running my first 10K, etc. All this and so much more set in the motion by change; change I didn't think I could survive yet change I'm now grateful for that now defines my character.

Just wanted to add my final thought on the interview, hope to see Don in Atlanta this fall. @TomMartinATL

By: TomMartinATL

TomMartinATL — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:14:57 +0000

I don't think I heard of Donald Miller until I saw a RT. Not having read Blue Like Jazz, I don't have a reference point to draw from, but this interview leaves me wanting to know the whole story.

One thing I found compelling Don’s statement & your follow up about how the accidental can become intentional, especially when you listen to God and in obedience He will provide the motivation, skills, & resources to make anything possible, ex: Don's cross country bike trip for charity.

Learning more about the parallels in his life & mine such as the weight loss, reconnecting with family, being at the top of your profession and then suddenly being without a compass, or as he said “finding nothing to give your life to” also peaked my interest.

Thanks to Don for doing the interview & thanks to you for opportunity to win the book before I buy it! @TomMartinATL

By: Carole Ledbetter

Carole Ledbetter — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:17:38 +0000

I am hoping to receive Donald Miller's new book because his style and imagination intrique me as a believer and a writer. His vulnerability and wit make me want to read everything he has written, so actually I might have to buy the book. If you give me one, I'll buy another for a friend. I especially like his his comments regarding identity and seeing ourselves as God sees us.

By: EricaHami

EricaHami — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:31:54 +0000

I want to read 'A Million Miles' but I also want to read 'Blue Like Jazz.' { I don't suppose you could swing that could you? } I won't get the opportunity though, unless you help me out. I am the perfect candidate for this free book because…
1.) I won't be able to buy it if you don't send me a copy.
2.) I'll actually read it!
3.) I will tell others what I think about it on my blog when I am finished, as you already know. { http://bit.ly/4BShL” target=”_blank”>http://bit.ly/4BShL }

There is nothing more exciting or thrilling to me than discovering a new author that I love. Go ahead, make my day, its super easy!

P.S.) Even if you don't we will still be friends. You've already sent me two books so I am being slightly selfish. Thanks a million for Lucado's book & N.D. Wilson's… they have both been fan.tab.u.lous!!!

P.P.S.) Of course by 'friends' I meant I will still be a fan of your blog and your work… I don't presume to fall into the 'friend category' outlined in your Facebook Strategy… I was definitely using the term friend loosely & quite frankly… in-correctly. :0)

By: EricaHami

EricaHami — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:24:58 +0000

I want to read 'A Million Miles' but I also want to read 'Blue Like Jazz.' { I don't suppose you could swing that could you? } I won't get the opportunity though, unless you help me out. I am the perfect candidate for this free book because…
1.) I won't be able to buy it if you don't send me a copy.
2.) I'll actually read it!
3.) I will tell others what I think about it on my blog when I am finished, as " target="_blank">http://bit.ly/4BShL"> you already know.

There is nothing more exciting or thrilling to me than discovering a new author that I love. Go ahead, make my day, its super easy!

PS) Even if you don't we will still be friends. You've already sent me two books so I am being slightly selfish. Thanks a million for Lucado's book & N.D. Wilson's… they have both been fan.tab.u.lous!!!

By: jkay

jkay — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:31:24 +0000

I would like to read Don's book, because one of his comments in the first interview segment really spoke to me. Don basically said (my paraphrase) that when he got to the end of his childhood list of goals and dreams, he shut down. He didn't realize what was happening – it was all subconscious. I've been crying out to God for answers, because my husband shut down 4 years ago. He has refused to get a job, sits for hours and surfs the internet, watches TV and plays video games. His health has taken a violent downward spiral – diabetes, 3 heart attacks, heart surgery, and depression. It's been very hard to watch him go from "the life of the party" to withdrawn and silent. I've realized that he's lost his feeling of purpose in life, but until now hadn't realized that it's very likely just like Don. He got to the end of his subconscious 'to do' list, and . . . and has no idea what to do next. Maybe Don's book would give me some insight. Thanks for your consideration.

By: Book Notes: Interview with Donald Miller, Part 3 | Michael Hyatt | Chief Executive Officer | Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:02:18 +0000

[...] Book Notes: Interview with Donald Miller, Part 1 [...]

By: Darby Lohrding

Darby Lohrding — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:55:40 +0000

Hi, I read and review for your site and dang those 250 copies went way to quickly!!! By the time I had a chance to respond they sadly were g-o-n-e!
“Lindsey Nobles” contactied me and suggested that I contact you in order to receive a copy. I’ve read that this book is a terrific read and I love the books your company/publisher represents, I eat them up, otherwise I would not be a reviewer for your team!!! I have often thought about writing a book with the dread I would receive the same results of Don, IE: “not exciting enough”. Instead I write a column for our local paper about my “adventures”; my reviews are published there as well as on Amazon, B&N, Borders and several other sites that I feel will benefit the author’s sales.
Michael, if by chance I am chosen and “Linda Lyons” is not chosen, please send my copy to her…..for her situation needs her faith full-time and I thankfully have a job at this time, although it is not in my “field” nor is the pay “adequate”, yet I do have a job to go to in the mornings, which I am thankful for and I look at it as another opportunity to learn “a” or “several” lessons God wants me to learn before I “move on” to something else……although I must admit it has been a most humbling experience!
Thank you for this opportunity and of course your time!!!
Blessings,
Darby

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:52:48 +0000

i'm very excited to be a book blogger now and i got up early monday and there was an email from thomas nelson…i jumped in and got a copy…

By: Linda Lyons

Linda Lyons — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:31:13 +0000

It was then that I heard Don Miller calling out like that voice from the wilderness. Writing the things I had believed to be true, about loving everyone, and judging no one. He said it was okay to have questions, because this whole concept of faith is huge, and if you don't have questions, you probably don't understand the scope of it. Page after page, of words that could have come from my own journal, thoughts and ideas that looked like Christ, that sounded like that magnificent lover of us all. Stated plainly, that book brought my faith back to life, and in many ways laid the foundation for a relational aspect of my journey with Christ that had not existed before .
So I have been waiting for this book since I first heard it was in the works.
By no means am I trying to play the "economic" card, but I have been unemployed since January., and it would be a true blessing to get the book as a gift. But even if I am not chosen, I will use some combination of gift cards and discount coupons to buy it. Don's books are rather like a travelogue of his journey of faith. I am so looking forward to reading where he has been since last he wrote.

By: Linda Lyons

Linda Lyons — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:30:42 +0000

Don Miller is John The Baptist with dimples. Beginning with "Blue Like Jazz", I heard for the first time, the most amazing and authentic proclamations about Jesus, and what it is to live in relationship with him. As a child of The Jesus Movement, I have called myself a follower for more than 30 years, to one degree or another. But I had grown so disheartened by the evollution of mainstream Christianity. I felt no connection to the judgment and war on culture that had become its calling card. This bore no resemblance to the Christ whose uncompromising love and magnificent grace had captured my heart so many years ago. I could not find that Christ in my own church, and had even begun to wonder if I had misunderstood the meaning of the gospel in the first place. And worse yet, I knew that if this was what it meant to be a Christian, I was no longer interested.

By: can't tell you who

can't tell you who — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:58:39 +0000

I would love to read this book for a couple of reasons:

1.) I love Donald Miller's writing. I have read all of his books.

2.) I'm on staff at a pretty big church and my pastor has banned his books in our church bookstore (for who knows why?) and I kind of want to rebel against the system. :-) I think its dumb that he got banned.

By: Melinda Lancaster

Melinda Lancaster — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:20:21 +0000

I have never read one of Don Miller's books. I have however heard a great deal about the book "Blue Like Jazz." Unfortunately, being a college student for the past few years, I have been confined to prescribed books as part of my degree program. Thus I have not read many contemporary works.
After hearing this interview, I can relate to Don Miller. I have goals which I made when young which have recently come to fruition. I am at a place in life where I do not know what "is next." I know the story has not ended but I no longer have an "ambition." I would be very interested to hear how Don has worked through that process. My life's movie is not over. I would like to be able to view it along the lines of Don's book and see what God's "next" scene is for me.

By: Niel Blackwell

Niel Blackwell — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:15:04 +0000

i drive a Volkswagen Vanagon (I have always had a bus) so I was naturally drawn in by Don's first book "Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenace". Since i have read all of Don's work and that of his pastor Rick McKinley. It is amazing how these books, written from a passionate search for God have taught me more than my time at Seminary. Reading the books is great, but passing them on and recommending them is the true blessing. And BTW, VW buses break down way more than Don tells about in his first book.

By: Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Most of us live unexamined, reactive lives. Donald Miller discovered how to improve his life story in a proactive way and stepped out in courage. I can relate to his struggle on that level. I can relate, also, as a writer who turned away from my calling for seven (long) years.

I can spread the word about this book through my blog.

Janalyn

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:23:02 +0000

Quite simply, like Don, I have a best friend who is a pastor. We have served local high school students together for years and Blue Like Jazz is one of his favorite books of all time. I am absolutely certain that he will be equally as enthusiastic about "Million Miles" and therefore would like to ask for a freebie that I will give to Pastor Dave. Thanks!

By: Forrest

Forrest — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:51:21 +0000

Hope springs eternal in the miser's breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a book to come.

-Alexander Pope (mostly)
An Essay on Man, Epistle I, 1733

gotta be honest… i'm going to buy it if i don't get it for free… but a man/cheapskate can dream can't he?

By: @roachc1

@roachc1 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:01:46 +0000

Don mentioned a time in his life when he no longer had a story -and I get that. When he said it, something clicked for me. I want to hear more…

By: ryanroberts

ryanroberts — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:56:35 +0000

Dear Mr. Hyatt,
I really appreciate your "blog" ministry. I am privileged to serve as an educational and spiritual leader at an international Christian school in South Korea and I find your leadership postings, book reviews and recommendations, and life lessons to be so helpful, relevant and positive.

Many of my staff here are young Christians that hang on every word of Mr. Miller. His writings have served as a powerful and formative source of Christian growth in their lives.

I have read all that Mr. Miller has written…even before it was popular (albeit that was a small window of time). I want to be be a good steward of the spiritual leadership opportunities that God gives me. I will read Mr. Miller's book because I know that it will enrich my life and because I want to be able to recommend the book to my staff and then journey with them through its reading and reflection.

Thanks for your ministry. I will continue as an avid blog and twitter follower.

Warmly,
R. Roberts
South Korea

By: Victor

Victor — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:15:57 +0000

What Miller says about identity is true. For many years I ran away from being an artist of sorts because people told me I wasn't. Thank God for sending me people who say what God says about me. One of the things I am is a writer. I may never be published, but I've been able to help people around me in my circle. Thanks, Don. Keep it up.

By: Victor

Victor — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:13:51 +0000

Lately, in my story I've been fighting a lot to get one of my goals or objects, the hand of particular girl. But there's lots of familial opposition. I don't mind a good story, but sometimes you want it to resolve eventually. I wonder about a story where the conflict doesn't end.
I've enjoyed Don's books. He's one of my favorite authors period, and he's been a good help to me because he is one of the very very few Christian authors I can give to non-Christian friends to read. He's palatable, simple, humble, and drenched with truth. I appreciate that.
Hopefully I can glean more from this next one. And hopefully I'll keep on writing with or without a deal.
Great interview.

By: Steven Rossi

Steven Rossi — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:12:49 +0000

I like interviews with Don Miller. He's always got cool stuff to say.

Anyway, I'd like a copy of the book, for sure. I can't come up with any super creative reasons, other than really wanting to read it.

By: Suzy Parish

Suzy Parish — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:23:22 +0000

Reasons:
A. My seventeen-year-old daughter will review it and spread it to her friends.
B. She has been waiting for this book to come out and bugging me about it.
C.Have you ever been bugged by a seventeen-year-old girl?

By: Book Notes: Interview with Donald Miller, Part 2 | Michael Hyatt | Chief Executive Officer | Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:02:00 +0000

[...] Book Notes: Interview with Donald Miller, Part 1 [...]

By: lovestill86

lovestill86 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:19:53 +0000

1st of all ive been inspired by Don's writing ( ever since i was introduced to it when i read Blue Like Jazz in 3 sittings haha and then reread it recently) ,
not that its change who i am, though it has changed my perception, its taught me how to inquire meaning in all of my life experiences.

Even though I havnt been around very long( being almost 17 years old)
to experience all of life that Don has, I know that when i do step out to start those chapters of my life,

i'll take the revelations ive experience while reading his books and continue to search for beauty and purpose in every situtation.

ive already read the preview of the 1st 30 pages

anndd.. haha i would love to read the rest
thanks for the awesome thing you are doing :)

By: andysibirsk

andysibirsk — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:36:34 +0000

I don't travel a million miles in a thousand years but I do travel all over central Russia working with a number of believers and seekers. Nurturing faith in a country that has struggled believing has held many challenges. Don Miller's books have hit that fun chord of reality, honesty and clarity that many search for in Siberia. His other books have opened my eyes to my own struggles and I can't wait to see his perspective on a movie about his own life. My life would only interest my relatives out of a sense of obligation. I am certain he is going to find a kind of holiness that happens out of following God in a 'normal' life that makes the mundane eternal. How I don't know but I am looking forward to finding out.

By: michelleheflin

michelleheflin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:06:23 +0000

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Donald Miller writes sweet, and so do you.
Lame but creative.

Got the first 30 pages off his blog link. Donald Miller's writing gives me hope to become a writer. As far as the peek is concerned he captured what seems like typical mundane life as you live it and played it back on paper as a wonderful adventure. The style, honest thoughts expressed , and fact that you know exactly (well most of the time, LOL) what he is talking about. Donald Miller explains some of life's greatest aha! moments. I would be honored to get a jump start of editing my own life with a copy of "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years."

By: JakeSchwein

JakeSchwein — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:17:07 +0000

It is plain and simple…I would love to read it!! We are hosting him for one of his tour stops (Wilsonville, Or) and I would love to know how more accurately to encourage our body to come!!

Plus we have some things in common
He is from Portland, so am I…He has lost a significant amount of weight, so have I…He loves Anne Lamot, so do I…He has spent time with Tony the Beat Poet…so have I

Oh come on Mr. Hyatt…just send me a book!!!!

By: allthehoopla

allthehoopla — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:34:35 +0000

My life is saturated in stories, especially considering that I spend my days working with college students. Last Friday, I took to the student union at Mizzou to ask, What one word describes your life story? Words included: epic, dull, busy, beer, lost and more than 300 other words. I wonder how many of those people realize that, like Miller, their stories matter; that they too, have a story to tell.

By: Dave S

Dave S — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:18:22 +0000

Love your blog, Michael, and wow, can win a free book by Donald Miller – cool! Hmm, the only reason I would want the book is that it may likely help me in my own life. I live a wonderful and blessed life that seems it can be hum-drum and bit boring like Donald's sounds. I sometimes wonder though: how can I get out of the ruts? Why do I seem so stuck?

If it helps me in any way there or at least answers "Is the Matrix real or just a movie?" or helps with understanding "Do I have free will or is everything really predestined?", then l'll post a review for good or bad on Amazon.

By: John Carswell

John Carswell — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:01:29 +0000

I want to read this book because I am in the middle of massively editing my own life, and I am in desperate need of a support group and a how to guide. I tried googling "Life Editing Support Group" and "How to Edit Your Life," but no one's written an account that quite addresses these issues until now. Please help!

By: stephanie

stephanie — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:46:34 +0000

please see julie chamberlain's comment several hours earlier/app 6 pages ahead. i am her college roommate. i am flattered to have made it into her account of her experiences with don and the hidden copy of "a million miles…" and while we are determined to find one of those books yet, let's be honest…we really want don's number. while devouring every word he's written i've convinced myself we're just meant to be friends. the kind of friend you sit with over coffee and have life giving conversations with maybe many words or maybe very few words. but great understanding. one day i met don. i shyly brought my favorite of his writings, "through painted deserts" over to be signed and words completely failed me. i'm not sure i said anything more than "hi" and "thank you." fail. (i'm a little more convivial these days.) whether don and i will ever get to chat it up over a latte or not, i'll keep reading whether i have to buy the book or not ;) (please please send me a book :)

By: Kevin Matthews

Kevin Matthews — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:07:31 +0000

Because I read the first 30 pages on his blog already and I need to finish it now. And he is someone that actually interests me these days. He is honest, and real, and says things really well. Who would not want to read that kind of writing? Oh yeah, most of today's young people, but Iam not one of those and would like to read the rest. So please, sir, may I have another helping of Donald Miller?

By: emjoy

emjoy — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:40:36 +0000

well. The pressure to write something brilliant could easily immobilize me long enough to completely miss this opportunity…so, here goes.

I resisted reading BLJ for the longest time; I'm subversive that way. But then I read To Own a Dragon, and Searching for God Knows What, and I was hooked on Don's authentic style. I currently own every book he's written, and regularly repurchase them when loaned copies never find their way home to me.

I love how Don described his introvert self (something along the lines that it takes him 10 hours of solitude to produce 20 minutes of quality interaction) and I can SOOOOO identify with that (unfortunately, as wife and mother of two daughters, I clearly don't enjoy enough solitude to produce ANY quality interaction!!!). So the idea of his 60 city tour fascinates me…and I would love to read this book to discover how a man so described could metamorphasize into a man capable of endless days of meet and greet without losing his sanity completely.

I've been waiting patiently for the opportunity to score a manuscript (and his cell phone number, as one of the 40 things I want to do before I turn 40 is to have coffee with Mr. Miller!!!!!) but with a funeral recently behind me, a dear friend dying from cancer, and the start of the school year, I'd love the chance to at least get the book this way instead. Thank you!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:37:20 +0000

"Identity comes from outside ourselves, not within…" What a powerful message!!! Thank you for the interview and your time and effort to get Don's message out. I have been a fan for years and would sincerely appreciate your consideration for the giveaway.

How about Don posting/tweeting a quote from the book weekly that fans can use as email footer/signature.

By: Carol

Carol — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:34:23 +0000

I was a huge fan of Miller's "Blue Like Jazz." He's able to tell of the Christian faith in a very fresh way and this is vital to our culture. Miller is a contemporary spiritual writer that's able to draw in his audience. BLJ was one of the first Christian books I felt like I could pass along to anyone, religious or not, Christian or not, and be 100% assured that they would read the whole thing and not get offended.

I have no doubt Miller will be able to do the same with A Million Miles and I can't wait to have aread.

This interview is great for writers to see because as writers, we always think that the be all and end all is getting published. But as I heard here, it's only another milestone, not the final goal.