Living All In

A number of books by Christian musicians are popping up in 2007 catalogs.

Thomas Nelson Publishers is publishing "On The Move" by Bono, a small book by U2’s lead singer which includes the full text of a speech the activist gave at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC. In the speech Bono reflected on his own faith, discussed justice and equality and encouraged Americans to work together on behalf of those Jesus called "the least of these." Combine "small book" with the full text of his speech, and who knows how much of this content will be new. Still, a savvy, easy project nonetheless.

TNP is also publishing the life story of Michael English, the one time CCM star who returned multiple Dove Awards after the revelation in 1994 that he was having an illicit affair with First Call’s Marabeth Jordan. Now back on the music scene and often appearing on Gaither’s Homecoming Friends videos, Michael English tells his story in "The Prodigal Comes Home". Since Hungry Planet’s books are all pretty brutally honest, I hope this is the same kind of honest take on his public fall from grace. Not to put Michael through the ringer, but so others can avoid/learn from his mistakes.

Speaking of public martial controversy, in Fall of 2007 Random House will be publishing the book "The River Runs Wide", a collection of reflections on the life and faith of CCM star Amy Grant. I give Michael English’s coming release a better chance of helping people, while Grant’s book sounds more like a inspirational celebrity gift book (not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

 On November 1st, B&H Publishing Group will be publishing the autobiographical and highly pictorial book "Pat Boone’s America: 50 Years".  I think I’m out of the target market for this one. In fact, I think anyone under 45 will pass on Pat. The most famous Pat of the under 45 set? Spokane, Washington’s own Julia Sweeney from SNL (see inset.) Simultaneously sad (to me) and funny, Julia’s act/book "Letting Go of God" describes her journey away from Christianity (specifically Catholicism.)

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out for our Christian music loving friends out there that one of Hungry Planet’s most highly ‘praised’ books is by Rich Wagner entitled, "The Gospel Unplugged". If you haven’t read it, it’s a deep devotional based on two dozen CCM song lyrics from artists like Jars of Clay, Switchfoot, Third Day, and others.

h/t: Crossrhythms