Shouts and Whispers: twenty-One Writers Speak about Their Writing and Their Faith

by Jennifer L. Holberg

Flannery O'Connor once wrote that "to the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost-blind you draw large and startling figures." Some of the twenty-one well-known writers included in this book prefer to "shout," as O'Connor did, while others offer what Doris Betts calls "whispering hope."

Shouts and Whispers contains a fascinating array of reflections on topics surrounding the often-perilous intersection of writing and faith. The authors all agree that literature can help us to be more faithful, yet they approach the subject in ways as diverse as their biographies. Some, like Katherine Paterson and Frederick Buechner, propose models of how literature and belief can fruitfully intersect. Several authors offer insightful metaphors for the experience of doing faith-filled writing, while others speak of writing as finding hope in the midst of brokenness. Finally, in essays by Madeleine L'Engle, Thomas Lynch, and others, readers are encouraged to make the connection between writing and embodiment, translating words into actions.

While the essays, addresses, and interviews in Shouts and Whispers are by no means the final word, they will provoke rich and nuanced reflection on the dynamic relationship between faith and writing.

Interviews
Joy Kogawa
Anne Lamott
Kathleen Norris
Paul Schrader


Essays by
Doris Betts
Frederick Buechner
Will Campbell
Betty Smartt Carter
Elizabeth Dewberry
David James Duncan
Ron Hansen
Silas House
Jan Karon
Madeleine L'Engle
Bret Lott
Thomas Lynch
Katherine Paterson
James Calvin Schaap
Luci Shaw
Barbara Brown Taylor
Walter Wangerin Jr.

Genres: Writing, Literature, Christianity

271 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2006

Reviews

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

How a writer will intersect faith with craft intrigues me. Each does it differently. Some will get the attention of their audience by making loud, bold assertions, others will allow faith to quietly move on the page. Pen meets paper and ideas flow.

While some would say this volume is academic, I see it as an opportunity for readers to move beyond and behind the text, allowing us to see how faith permeates every aspect of life.

I especially enjoyed essays by Katherine Paterson, Frederick Buechner, Madeleine L'Engle, Luci Shaw, and Jan Karon. The interviews allowed the writers to express how they see faith and craft to meet.

This was not a difficult book to read. It's definitely thoughtful.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays, and a few interviews, by people who identify themselves as writers and as people of faith, written in exploration of the intersection of faith and writing. The book is entirely by people of a "Christian" faith, and as I read I was curious what a Muslim, or Buddhist, or some other religious person would say, but on the whole, I really appreciated this collection.

There were a few religious wackos, like Brett Lott, who were unhelpful and rabid in their faith rantings, but most of the authors humbly proclaimed "I don't know, but this is what I do" being honest enough to acknowledge that they have no real answers, and that by writing they are simply expositing the questions. I wish more people of faith were so honest.

It is fascinating to me to discover why people write, and how who they are influences the writing process. If that interests you, this is a collection for you to peruse.

[Sue C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in learning what influenced these writers. Their views of the Christian faith are diverse, the writing is expert. Many of the writers were new to me, but they brought me into their world as successfully as the familiar ones. The writer in me as well as the Christian in me were both inspired by this book.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some essays better than others. I gleaned some "tidbits" to use in English courses.