DancingPriest

Written by cycleguy on January 23rd, 2012

FOUR WORDS I WANT TO SAY TO YOU:

BUY THIS BOOK NOW!

BUY THIS BOOK TODAY!

DO NOT PASS GO!

DO NOT COLLECT $200!

Strong words I know.  I don’t say that about many fiction books, mainly because to many pastors, fiction is a side dish.  For me, it is serves as part of my lifeblood.  It is no secret that I cycle (road bike).  But it is sort of hard to cycle, when ice and snow cover the roads (as they have been).  Temps the past couple of weeks  have been more like the winter weather we expect in Indiana.  Not much snow but cold, blowing wind, and Friday night we had some ice thrown into the mix.  Winter time becomes my hibernation time.  I either work a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle or read fiction books.  My latest was Dancing Priest by fellow blogger, Glynn Young.  Glynn blogs at Faith, Fiction, Friends.  This is his first book, and I certainly hope it won’t be his last.

I am going to speak in riddles for a moment to give you some insight into the book;

This book isn’t “deep,” but it is deep.

This book isn’t meant to be challenging, but it will challenge you.

This book isn’t meant to be a life-changer, but it is life-changing. 

“Okay Bill, explain yourself.”   Thought you’d never ask. 🙂  Glynn’s book is the story of several people, and the choices they make.  Michael is the main character, and even though he is Anglican (and I am not), I relate mostly to him for several reasons: he becomes a pastor, and he also cycles.  🙂  There are several other characters-some major players, and some are sort of “fill in” players (that I hope he will develop in the next book).    I felt some were left unfinished, but maybe that was the plan.  😉

I found myself with tears in my eyes on several occasions because of some of choices made. I found myself smiling sometimes.  Glynn introduces the bicycle world to the reader, does a better than average job making it understandable, but doesn’t dwell on it or overdo it.   I like that he doesn’t preach at his reader, but does get his point across about the importance of a relationship with Jesus.  It was cool watching him develop some of the skeptical characters (one in particular).  Michael, though not a perfect character (none of us are), has to make some tough decisions along the way.  I like how Glynn develops that process.

I am not a scholar, so I can’t tell you about the nuances of language, etc.  I can tell you that this is a good book, well worth your purchase.  You will be glad you bought it.  You can also get it for your Kindle or Nook.  Personally, I like book in hand.  🙂  Well done, Glynn!

I bought this book on my own and this review is totally unsolicited.  That means I get to say what I want.  😛   I say, “Buy it!”


 

48 Comments so far ↓

  1. Glynn says:

    I am so glad you liked it. (You were a kind of acid test here, Bill — a pastor AND a cyclist.) This review is wonderful – thank you so much.

  2. jenn says:

    Okay, you’ve convinced me. Since I do have a Kindle now (Christmas present!) I was able to get the book for only $3. I couldn’t pass that up. Plus I’m a sucker for a good book. And usually I like pretty much every book someone has recommended to me… except Twilight. 🙂

  3. Tami Grandi says:

    “But it”? (last sentence) 🙂 Sounds like a good book! Love you!

  4. Jon Stolpe says:

    Thanks for the recommendation. I”m always looking for good books to add to my “To Read List”.

  5. Loved it! I read it in 2 sittings. I sobbed. I laughed. And I felt like Michael was me.

    • cycleguy says:

      Glad I am not alone in my assessment nor in my emotions Michael. Thanks for “having my back.” I can see you as Michael, especially the heart.

  6. Jim F says:

    Sounds like something I might need to pick-up. Thanks for sharing it.

  7. Zee says:

    Sounds fun. The title reminded me of Ted Dekker’s “Priest’s Graveyard”… and of “Martyr’s Song”… There were cool priests in both books…

    • cycleguy says:

      It was a good “romp” through several countries/scenarios. I have this sneaking suspicion that this priest is a tad bit different than Dekker’s. 🙂

      • Zee says:

        Well, the priest from Priest’s Graveyard, maybe. But the priest from the Martyr’s Song was quite a real priest in all senses of that word. That series is amazing…

        • cycleguy says:

          Never been a Dekker fan. Tell me more about the Martyr’s Song series.

          • Zee says:

            Oh, where do I start!

            It all starts with a story about a band of soldiers who come to a little tiny village in Bosnia during the war. All men from the village are at war, so it’s just the women, kids, and the priest who couldn’t go to war due to health. The priest tries to protect his parish from the soldiers, but it’s not working out as perfectly as it could. I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so I’ll stop here.

            The three books from these series evolve from that story. Three generations of people affected and whose lives are drastically transformed by God’s powerful work in their lives. It’s INCREDIBLE. When I was reading it, it was like breathing fresh mountain air after living in a city.

            Also, if you know Todd Agnew, his song “Martyr’s Songs based on Dekker’s series.

            • cycleguy says:

              Have to check church library (we have been given some Dekker books) or the local library after I read The Dreaming Highway by Bryan Thompson. 🙂

              • Zee says:

                *Vigorous nod* 😀 I want to hear what you think of his writing – you’ll enjoy it. (A fair word of warning, though – he’s addicting)

    • Susan says:

      I really like Dekker’s books, Zee.

      • Zee says:

        What’s your favorite? I loved Martyr’s Song series, Circle (except for Green) series, and Blessed Child / Man Called Blessed… Granted, I really enjoyed all his other books too… (I’m collecting his books)

  8. As a non-cyclist- this might be a good eye-opener for me. Glad you found one that you enjoyed, unsolicited and all! Thanks for the review.

    • cycleguy says:

      Cycling has so little you will go by it almost without noticing. It does come into play in one section in a big way. I think you would find this a good relaxing read.

  9. I’ll have to put this on my list. I liked the Mitford series, about another Anglican priest, so I look forward to seeing another viewpoint.

  10. Arny says:

    woe…gotta check it out!…

  11. Looks like another one to add to my list. Thanks for the heads up.

  12. Susan says:

    It sounds like I will have to download it onto my Kindle that my family got for me for Christmas. I much prefer paper and ink, but the Kindle Touch, other than it feels different when I hold it, looks very much like paper on ink.

  13. floyd says:

    With a recommendation like that… How can I resist? I’ll be getting a copy. I only hope I get some time to read it all the way through!

    • cycleguy says:

      If you like it as I did Floyd, you will want to find time to read it. I ran into having to go to bed and then having to study. It was tough but the sleep won out. Study took a back seat until i was done. 🙂

  14. Bill Gallagher says:

    Thanks for the recommendation Bill. I think I’ll check it out.

  15. Jason says:

    I’ll have to check it out.

  16. I used to not be a fan of fiction, but I’ve recently discovered how fiction works can be so insightful about the human condition. Thanks for the recommendation!

    • cycleguy says:

      Exactly! I used to read a lot of fiction but put it aside. I am now more selective in what I read, but it can be a big plus. You’re welcome Loren.

  17. lindaM says:

    Hi Bill,
    I checked out the book on your link to Amazon. what I could read of it online was good. Very interesting. I would like to read it.

  18. Paul says:

    Read it…loved it…thanks

    Paul

  19. Bill Gallagher says:

    Started reading it this morning and can not put it down. Have some parenting things I need to attend to now but think it might be a late night reading! Love it so far!!