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Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die, or
The conflict between the here and now and the ever after is a familiar one. Death and life are forever intertwined, as a life lived to the fullest includes pain and grief. Even more, it requires dying to self, which frees one to experience a greater joy: community. Thus explains best- selling recording artist David Crowder as he explores the complex relationship between life, death, grief and community. Drawing from personal experience, Christian theology, the science of pain and the "high, lonesome sound" of bluegrass music, Crowder applies his often hilarious voice to an inspiring message-death is not the ultimate calamity ... it is just the beginning.
262 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2006
26 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
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David Crowder
5 books12 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 10, 2011
The book club that I am in just finished reading the book "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven But Nobody Wants to Die or (the eschatology of bluegrass)" by David Crowder and Mike Hogan.
What a title! What a book! This is a great read, not at all what I expected before I read it, but it was a great book and I would recommend it.
To me, this book was like 4 small books all mixed together into one book that tackles the subject of loss, grief, suffering and how we can deal with death and tragedy. Those 4 books are shuffled together and then they add in an "IM" or instant messenger section that contains dialog between the two authors. They write in such a way that even though they are tackeling some pretty heavy subject matter they are able to keep it light with humor. They wrote this book shortly after the death of their friend and pastor, Kyle Lake. I think, this was their way of sorting through the grief and pain and coping with the loss of a close friend.
First, they tackle the subject of the soul and dig into the history of the soul. Throughout the years people have tried to discover scientifically if the soul exists. What is the soul, where is the soul, where does the soul go? All these questions that science has yet to prove one way or another. Despite all of this, the authors argue that even though science can't prove there is a soul, there is no denying that when you are standing next to the casket of a friend or loved one, there is definately something missing.
Second, they tackle the subject of the history bluegrass music. How the music came to America from Scotland and into the Appilation Hills to the backwoods. They discussed how bluegrass, in a way, expresses the feelings of grief and sadness but also looks to what could be and has themes of hope and joy.
Third, they tackle grief and loss and how we as people share, express and deal with those emotions. Often times we push those feelings dow or hide them, but they are emotions that we will all deal with. If we are in relationships, at some point we will all face death. They discuss how, like bluegrass, even though there is pain and sadness, it helps to remember the good times and the joy that was shared. Often times we get together in groups and share stories and how good that is for our souls to heal and share with one another.
Lastly, there is a section of the book called "Columns", at first I was so confused by this section, but as they unfolded I realized that they were a metaphor for the Gospel and how Jesus came to bear the weight of the world and to save us from our sins. Once we got all the pieces sorted out, I went back and reread this section and loved it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I really like how open and honest they were with the feelings and emotions that they processed through grief and loss of thier friend. It was a good reminder that we don't need and shouldn't rush through the healing process. It is even more essential to have a community of friends and family around during those times.
What a title! What a book! This is a great read, not at all what I expected before I read it, but it was a great book and I would recommend it.
To me, this book was like 4 small books all mixed together into one book that tackles the subject of loss, grief, suffering and how we can deal with death and tragedy. Those 4 books are shuffled together and then they add in an "IM" or instant messenger section that contains dialog between the two authors. They write in such a way that even though they are tackeling some pretty heavy subject matter they are able to keep it light with humor. They wrote this book shortly after the death of their friend and pastor, Kyle Lake. I think, this was their way of sorting through the grief and pain and coping with the loss of a close friend.
First, they tackle the subject of the soul and dig into the history of the soul. Throughout the years people have tried to discover scientifically if the soul exists. What is the soul, where is the soul, where does the soul go? All these questions that science has yet to prove one way or another. Despite all of this, the authors argue that even though science can't prove there is a soul, there is no denying that when you are standing next to the casket of a friend or loved one, there is definately something missing.
Second, they tackle the subject of the history bluegrass music. How the music came to America from Scotland and into the Appilation Hills to the backwoods. They discussed how bluegrass, in a way, expresses the feelings of grief and sadness but also looks to what could be and has themes of hope and joy.
Third, they tackle grief and loss and how we as people share, express and deal with those emotions. Often times we push those feelings dow or hide them, but they are emotions that we will all deal with. If we are in relationships, at some point we will all face death. They discuss how, like bluegrass, even though there is pain and sadness, it helps to remember the good times and the joy that was shared. Often times we get together in groups and share stories and how good that is for our souls to heal and share with one another.
Lastly, there is a section of the book called "Columns", at first I was so confused by this section, but as they unfolded I realized that they were a metaphor for the Gospel and how Jesus came to bear the weight of the world and to save us from our sins. Once we got all the pieces sorted out, I went back and reread this section and loved it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I really like how open and honest they were with the feelings and emotions that they processed through grief and loss of thier friend. It was a good reminder that we don't need and shouldn't rush through the healing process. It is even more essential to have a community of friends and family around during those times.
May 17, 2012
Reviewing this book is like attempting to review the Mona Lisa or Beethovens 7th Symphony. As with his music David Crowder's writing style is unashamedly unique, and with the subject matter drawing together such themes as death, the soul, love and loss, why bad things happen to good people and the history and beauty of bluegrass music this book makes for an interesting read both academically and artistically.
The artful weaving of scientific research, musical history, theology, emotion and the discussion of the existence of the soul are all balanced and interchanged throughout the book in a way that somehow all comes together at the end, though at points even the authors seem to admit that it takes some determination to get there. For those who want to read this book though, with its (at times) heavy subject matter and unique writing style, there is much to gain as a reward. From the witty, joking banter between the two authors to the sometimes quite random comments, to the inclusion of author to author IM message conversations about the progress of the book, to the masterful literary art of the "columns," this book is truly worth reading.
I couldnt believe how much I laughed while reading this book considering much of it deals with topics surrounding death and the grieving process, I was even wary of reading it at night for fear of waking my wife due to my laughter, but somehow Crowder and his co-author and band mate Mike Hogan take some very serious topics and turn them into a very enjoyable and insightful book. As the blurb says, "to heal your broken heart, all you need is hope, community, and a little bluegrass music."
The artful weaving of scientific research, musical history, theology, emotion and the discussion of the existence of the soul are all balanced and interchanged throughout the book in a way that somehow all comes together at the end, though at points even the authors seem to admit that it takes some determination to get there. For those who want to read this book though, with its (at times) heavy subject matter and unique writing style, there is much to gain as a reward. From the witty, joking banter between the two authors to the sometimes quite random comments, to the inclusion of author to author IM message conversations about the progress of the book, to the masterful literary art of the "columns," this book is truly worth reading.
I couldnt believe how much I laughed while reading this book considering much of it deals with topics surrounding death and the grieving process, I was even wary of reading it at night for fear of waking my wife due to my laughter, but somehow Crowder and his co-author and band mate Mike Hogan take some very serious topics and turn them into a very enjoyable and insightful book. As the blurb says, "to heal your broken heart, all you need is hope, community, and a little bluegrass music."
October 14, 2017
I did enjoy this book, but I had a few issues that keep me from giving more stars, please don't avoid the book thinking it's bad because of me.
The book is essentially the two authors coming to terms with death, mainly the death of their pastor after a accident. This lead to their search in the history of the soul and bluegrass.
The book also contains column stories that I enjoyed, but they have their own level of confusion and I question the role these stories had in the book as a whole besides the concept of grief. The book also contains instant messages that where shared between David and Hogan. The IM's where to me a vastly important part, as they broke up the heavy aspects of history and added more emotional depth that I think really make this book special.
I feel the book didn't tie itself together like it should, but I did enjoy what it had to offer.
The book is essentially the two authors coming to terms with death, mainly the death of their pastor after a accident. This lead to their search in the history of the soul and bluegrass.
The book also contains column stories that I enjoyed, but they have their own level of confusion and I question the role these stories had in the book as a whole besides the concept of grief. The book also contains instant messages that where shared between David and Hogan. The IM's where to me a vastly important part, as they broke up the heavy aspects of history and added more emotional depth that I think really make this book special.
I feel the book didn't tie itself together like it should, but I did enjoy what it had to offer.
November 6, 2019
“But I suggested that maybe it’s not that there is not enough here to live for, just that here is not enough.”
“Typically, we only get to sing in the face of death once a year. Easter. We sing at Easter, and I’m always surprised at the magnitude of my emotions. Once a year I stand and sing in the knowledge that death doesn’t win. That it is not the ultimate negative outcome. That it is not the ultimate calamity. And I stand and sing in defiance. And the magnitude of things turning in my chest surprises me.”
A book about grief and bluegrass. An interesting combo for sure, that made for an interesting read. What was weird was the fact that I found the same spiritual slave song written in it that was in the last nonfiction I read: Steal Away Home. I’ve never come across this song before so that it would be in 2 different reads back to back struck me as bizarre.
“Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
I’ve got to steal away, steal away home
I ain’t got long to stay here.
My Lord He calls me, He calls me by the thunder
The trumpet sounds within my soul
I ain’t got long to stay here
Green trees are bending, poor sinner stands atremblin’
The trumpet sounds within my soul
And I ain’t, I ain’t got long to stay, to stay here”
“Typically, we only get to sing in the face of death once a year. Easter. We sing at Easter, and I’m always surprised at the magnitude of my emotions. Once a year I stand and sing in the knowledge that death doesn’t win. That it is not the ultimate negative outcome. That it is not the ultimate calamity. And I stand and sing in defiance. And the magnitude of things turning in my chest surprises me.”
A book about grief and bluegrass. An interesting combo for sure, that made for an interesting read. What was weird was the fact that I found the same spiritual slave song written in it that was in the last nonfiction I read: Steal Away Home. I’ve never come across this song before so that it would be in 2 different reads back to back struck me as bizarre.
“Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus
I’ve got to steal away, steal away home
I ain’t got long to stay here.
My Lord He calls me, He calls me by the thunder
The trumpet sounds within my soul
I ain’t got long to stay here
Green trees are bending, poor sinner stands atremblin’
The trumpet sounds within my soul
And I ain’t, I ain’t got long to stay, to stay here”
October 22, 2008
I loved this book. When I read it again someday, I will do it with an erasable crayon in my hand, marking it up like I do my Bible. There were so many things that I wanted to come back to and think about some more. Like my little brother said, "I don't feel like I understood any of it... it's like it just seeped into my soul through the cracks ... it wasn't a book that I read, it was a book I experienced."
I read it the first time for the experience. I think I'll come back to again someday to understand it.
The writing style is probably what made the book for me. It was like taking a walk through my own mind (a more intelligent & knowledgeable version)- with David Crowder as the tour guide. Really, I should say his writing styles (plural) are what made the book for me. He doesn't leave you time to get bored with any particular topic in the book. Just when you feel like you're starting to get in over your head, you turn the page and find yourself in the middle of an IM conversation. Or during a dry-ish paragraph, you'll glance down at the footnote to find a randomly humorous story from the author's past which has nothing to do with the eschatology of bluegrass, but somehow makes the book more complete.
And I haven't even mentioned the columns. I hope you love the columns as much as I did.
And the honesty. I haven't experienced death in the ways that the authors have, but I felt the realness of what they shared about it.
"Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die."
I read it the first time for the experience. I think I'll come back to again someday to understand it.
The writing style is probably what made the book for me. It was like taking a walk through my own mind (a more intelligent & knowledgeable version)- with David Crowder as the tour guide. Really, I should say his writing styles (plural) are what made the book for me. He doesn't leave you time to get bored with any particular topic in the book. Just when you feel like you're starting to get in over your head, you turn the page and find yourself in the middle of an IM conversation. Or during a dry-ish paragraph, you'll glance down at the footnote to find a randomly humorous story from the author's past which has nothing to do with the eschatology of bluegrass, but somehow makes the book more complete.
And I haven't even mentioned the columns. I hope you love the columns as much as I did.
And the honesty. I haven't experienced death in the ways that the authors have, but I felt the realness of what they shared about it.
"Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die."
March 18, 2010
My primary interest in purchasing this book was because I am a fan of the David Crowder Band. I must say that this book is a direct reflection of the band's personality, David Crowder in particular. It was quirky and funny, and not overly intellectual.
Crowder and Hogan were able to take a difficult subject and bring it to a lay-person's level. But, this book is not for everyone. Not all readers will follow their writing style or their commentary. With that said, I thought their approach was brilliant. I.M. conversations in a book...that deserves a star all on its own!
The authors really become vulnerable in this book; they were willing to share openly about personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions without holding back. I think this wouldn't seem like such a high point in most books, but as a fellow Christian, I felt connected to their experience. I appreciated that the authors were able to create a relationship between 2 seemingly different subjects. I would never have thought to tie in a discussion of bluegrass music with one of the soul. The only critique that I would have, is that I did not have a sense of closure at the end of the book. But I'm not sure if, in a discussion of the soul, there is supposed to be closure.
Crowder and Hogan were able to take a difficult subject and bring it to a lay-person's level. But, this book is not for everyone. Not all readers will follow their writing style or their commentary. With that said, I thought their approach was brilliant. I.M. conversations in a book...that deserves a star all on its own!
The authors really become vulnerable in this book; they were willing to share openly about personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions without holding back. I think this wouldn't seem like such a high point in most books, but as a fellow Christian, I felt connected to their experience. I appreciated that the authors were able to create a relationship between 2 seemingly different subjects. I would never have thought to tie in a discussion of bluegrass music with one of the soul. The only critique that I would have, is that I did not have a sense of closure at the end of the book. But I'm not sure if, in a discussion of the soul, there is supposed to be closure.
February 14, 2009
David Crowder cracks me up! I so enjoy reading his books because I know that I will be rolling down the aisles with laughter one moment, and then pondering his profound wisdom the next. This book had the perfect mixture of poignancy and humor, I never felt like the one drowned the other out. It was never too serious or too silly. I would read a page and have to run off because what I was reading was so good I just had to share it with someone. Needless to say, I l-o-v-e-d this book. It was amazing. This book is definitely at the top of my must-read-recommends.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
Read
August 3, 2011This really disappointed me. I felt that the authors spent way too much time trying to be quirky/artsy than they did in dealing with the subject matter. In the few instances where they honestly conveyed their emotions surrounding the loss of loved ones, it was great, but those were too few by far. And I don't feel they taught the reader anything about bluegrass, either. I cannot recommend the book. =[
July 20, 2020
I learned a lot about bluegrass and the history of people's beliefs about where the soul is located in the body. An interesting combination of topics presented in an interesting format.
March 2, 2022
I was really drawn to this book by its title and optimistic about what it may contain. However, I sadly became disappointed. I found the structure of the book challenging. It was broken up into soul, bluegrass, messages, and columns. I found the soul, bluegrass, and messages interesting on their own level but by the time I went from soul-bluegrass-messages-columns and then back to soul, I had forgotten what the soul part had left off on. I still have no idea what the columns are about and would have been ok if I didn’t read them.
Some of the positive takeaways from the book was a self reflection on how much death I have been around. For the most part, I would consider myself blessed in that I have not attended many funerals in my adult life. This is something that we don’t necessarily ever think or talk about. The other thing is that I now understand the difference between a fiddle and a violin, which I think is pretty cool!
In short, I will continue to listen to their music but I’m all set with this book.
Some of the positive takeaways from the book was a self reflection on how much death I have been around. For the most part, I would consider myself blessed in that I have not attended many funerals in my adult life. This is something that we don’t necessarily ever think or talk about. The other thing is that I now understand the difference between a fiddle and a violin, which I think is pretty cool!
In short, I will continue to listen to their music but I’m all set with this book.
January 10, 2026
There's a reader review here in Goodreads with this pithy line: "I'd recommend reading it, but only to DCB (David Crowder Band) fans or random-thinker types, otherwise you'd probably be quickly befuddled and lose interest."
Random-thinker types. Wow. I'd never thought of myself as a random-thinker type, but there it is. There I am. I bet William Blake was a random-thinker type. And that guy who did the Calvin and Hobbes comic. Maybe Fran Lebowitz, too? She'd probably bristle at that.
What's the opposite of randomness, anyway, one wonders.
Your pastor, great human being, a shining soul in your life and in the lives of so many others in your sphere, is electrocuted. While baptizing someone.
So how random is that? Makes you think.
The mind reels in all directions. You write. Maybe you're searching for an antidote to randomness; maybe you're honoring or manufacturing some sort of truth behind that randomness...
Anyway, this is one damned good read if you're ready to give it a shot. Come on in, the water's fine.
Random-thinker types. Wow. I'd never thought of myself as a random-thinker type, but there it is. There I am. I bet William Blake was a random-thinker type. And that guy who did the Calvin and Hobbes comic. Maybe Fran Lebowitz, too? She'd probably bristle at that.
What's the opposite of randomness, anyway, one wonders.
Your pastor, great human being, a shining soul in your life and in the lives of so many others in your sphere, is electrocuted. While baptizing someone.
So how random is that? Makes you think.
The mind reels in all directions. You write. Maybe you're searching for an antidote to randomness; maybe you're honoring or manufacturing some sort of truth behind that randomness...
Anyway, this is one damned good read if you're ready to give it a shot. Come on in, the water's fine.
December 29, 2024
This book was not quite what I expected it to be. I thought it was going to have more discussion on the process of dying and how we fear that process for ourselves and for those that we love. However it dealt a lot with the history of bluegrass music and how that form of expression helps people deal with sorrow and suffering. There was also a random storyline woven throughout the chapters that I did not completely understand. This book was written by the two authors as a way for them to process the death of a very dear friend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will read it again. I have a copy in my library. I save this rating for my absolute favorite books.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: Finished it, just ok.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it. Probably didn't finish it
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will read it again. I have a copy in my library. I save this rating for my absolute favorite books.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: Finished it, just ok.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it. Probably didn't finish it
January 2, 2021
While, I admit to trudging through at times, there is no denying this work came from the authors' hearts after the sudden death of a dear friend; and it all came together for me on pp. 216-238. It's Crowder, so you have to expect brilliant quirkiness: both in terms of layout and content. But it works, because in true Crowder (and Hogan) form, it all comes back to Jesus, specifically Jesus as the suffering, servant, Savior.
I finished on the first day of 2021; reflecting on 2020 seems to have given a renewed relevance to the content, especially the section taken from an interview between Joe Carter and Krista Tippett. I recommend you listen to the interview here https://soundcloud.com/onbeing/joe-ca... as you head down the home stretch of the book.
I finished on the first day of 2021; reflecting on 2020 seems to have given a renewed relevance to the content, especially the section taken from an interview between Joe Carter and Krista Tippett. I recommend you listen to the interview here https://soundcloud.com/onbeing/joe-ca... as you head down the home stretch of the book.
abandoned
November 29, 2020I was struggling too much with the format of the book and style of writing to continue. Seems like a book that you will either really connect with or will dislike. Love Crowder and his music (and this definitely has his voice), but I fell into the latter category here and will pass it along for someone else to hopefully enjoy and get more out of it. Also, I'm currently watching Ken Burns' Country Music and am getting more depth out of the discussion of bluegrass/its origins/influences there.
June 10, 2017
10/10 would recommend because David Crowder*Band. They can almost do no wrong in my book so my 5 star rating is very biased and not at all objective. The book is all over the place and at points makes little to no sense, but it still amazing. So 5 stars. If you like David Crowder*Band's weirder side, you'll enjoy this book.
October 17, 2020
More than knowledge, a nice way to experience the concepts of soul and religion A really fun way to learn perspectives and respect for other people beliefs. A very well appreciated gift.
Learning: God is everywhere.
Learning: God is everywhere.
October 3, 2022
Thought provoking and a true poetic read. Unique layout as far as the chapters go. Probably one of the most interesting books I have every read. Music fans will love this. Musicians David Crowder and Mike Hogan penned a masterpiece.
April 11, 2020
I had a hard time reading this book. It seemed at times as if it was like reading the books at once.
June 30, 2011
Every third or fourth book I pick up tends to be a book that has to do with death and grief. I guess I need that steady stream of wisdom and companionship, to know that I don't sit alone on "the mourners bench" as Nicholas Wolterstorf puts it.
So I finally picked up David Crowder and Mike Hogan's Everyone Wants to Go to Heaven But Nobody Wants to Die. I knew that the David Crowder Band had worked through some grief of their own (their close friend and pastor died tragically, but I'll spare you the details in case you read the book) yet I expected the book to be a companion piece to their A Collision album. I didn't realize until I started reading that the book was essentially part of the healing journey itself, not just the end result of their journey. They took to reading and creating and writing to help them come to grips with death and the loss of a friend, and as you read you can feel this 'on the fly' sensation as if they are still haven't settled into this new reality that has been forced upon them.
In typically DCB form, the book is a web of many paths, each path weaving - and seemingly unrelated to each other at the start - and so you have to read with your mind turned on. Interlaced rhythmically through the book, the authors outline [their own take on] the history of bluegrass music, the development of science's understanding of the soul through history, three short stories, and a IM feature that allows the authors to candidly look back on each chapter. Each path marches on progressively chapter by chapter and while you can 'get it', there is really no closure, no summary of points, no tying up of loose ends. This book is a glimpse into the many (random and expected) strings of thought that were weaving through the band's minds as they dealt with their friends death. Nothing more, nothing less.
It's a lot to take in and while I was hooked (especially by the hilarious commentary found in the footnotes and because the whole time through I imagined David Crowder reading it aloud in his southern accent) I don't recommend reading it before you go to bed because it'll put you to sleep and you won't retain any of it!
The authors are vulnerable and candid, equally rambling and witty and disarming, all the while being predictably cryptic at times. For example: the development of the short stories blew my mind, but I still don't have a clue what it means. I guess I'm just not nerdy enough to track with DCB.
I didn't underline anything in this book or make any notes in the margins, and that's usually how I determine how much the book connected with me. But I valued their companionship and I was inspired by how they used their interests in science and music to pursue knowledge and gain perspective. I'd recommend reading it, but only to DCB fans or random-thinker types, otherwise you'd probably be quickly befuddled and lose interest.
[originally posted at http://ypinabby.blogspot.com/2011/06/...]
So I finally picked up David Crowder and Mike Hogan's Everyone Wants to Go to Heaven But Nobody Wants to Die. I knew that the David Crowder Band had worked through some grief of their own (their close friend and pastor died tragically, but I'll spare you the details in case you read the book) yet I expected the book to be a companion piece to their A Collision album. I didn't realize until I started reading that the book was essentially part of the healing journey itself, not just the end result of their journey. They took to reading and creating and writing to help them come to grips with death and the loss of a friend, and as you read you can feel this 'on the fly' sensation as if they are still haven't settled into this new reality that has been forced upon them.
In typically DCB form, the book is a web of many paths, each path weaving - and seemingly unrelated to each other at the start - and so you have to read with your mind turned on. Interlaced rhythmically through the book, the authors outline [their own take on] the history of bluegrass music, the development of science's understanding of the soul through history, three short stories, and a IM feature that allows the authors to candidly look back on each chapter. Each path marches on progressively chapter by chapter and while you can 'get it', there is really no closure, no summary of points, no tying up of loose ends. This book is a glimpse into the many (random and expected) strings of thought that were weaving through the band's minds as they dealt with their friends death. Nothing more, nothing less.
It's a lot to take in and while I was hooked (especially by the hilarious commentary found in the footnotes and because the whole time through I imagined David Crowder reading it aloud in his southern accent) I don't recommend reading it before you go to bed because it'll put you to sleep and you won't retain any of it!
The authors are vulnerable and candid, equally rambling and witty and disarming, all the while being predictably cryptic at times. For example: the development of the short stories blew my mind, but I still don't have a clue what it means. I guess I'm just not nerdy enough to track with DCB.
I didn't underline anything in this book or make any notes in the margins, and that's usually how I determine how much the book connected with me. But I valued their companionship and I was inspired by how they used their interests in science and music to pursue knowledge and gain perspective. I'd recommend reading it, but only to DCB fans or random-thinker types, otherwise you'd probably be quickly befuddled and lose interest.
[originally posted at http://ypinabby.blogspot.com/2011/06/...]
January 31, 2010
These are some fascinating individuals. I saw them in concert once, and was blown away. Also, they made a robot? Robot is probably the wrong word, but they made a machine from pistons and a drum, so it was a drum that played itself. It did a solo. They called it Steve3PO. Whatever.
So anyway, they are wildly smart and they wrote a book. I read the book. It is amazing, specifically the vulnerability involved in it: this is the book that I would have written at fifteen were I brilliant and Christian.
Some parts of it were irritating in that it seemed like the main point of their being there were to instruct the reader that the book and the authors were sort of wild and crazy, but I think that was something the authors were aware of and were willing to risk... it is, all in all, a brave, brave attempt at dealing with some very deep stuff.
Maybe just stick with the music (David Crowder band (they don't use a definite article) is WONDERFUL. Buy their CDs.) but if you like the way the lyrics in the music work, give the book a shot.
So anyway, they are wildly smart and they wrote a book. I read the book. It is amazing, specifically the vulnerability involved in it: this is the book that I would have written at fifteen were I brilliant and Christian.
Some parts of it were irritating in that it seemed like the main point of their being there were to instruct the reader that the book and the authors were sort of wild and crazy, but I think that was something the authors were aware of and were willing to risk... it is, all in all, a brave, brave attempt at dealing with some very deep stuff.
Maybe just stick with the music (David Crowder band (they don't use a definite article) is WONDERFUL. Buy their CDs.) but if you like the way the lyrics in the music work, give the book a shot.
October 13, 2011
This book made me smile and laugh often, which is surprising considering it is a book about death. I especially appreciated the jab at folks who enjoy Nickelback--haha! The best part was when they got honest about how they felt about their friend/pastor dying unexpectedly.
The two authors use commentary on the history of bluegrass, the history of how mankind views the soul, a series of instant messages to one another, and columns with symbolic stories to make up the book. I would have rather they focused on one or two of these elements rather than all four; as it is, it comes across as ADD! I like the creativity, but it does get confusing when you have to read a book sideways, and flip back in the book to try to remember what's going on. I didn't really grasp what they were trying to get across with the column stories. I enjoyed the book, but it is not a favorite and not something I will return to again and again.
The two authors use commentary on the history of bluegrass, the history of how mankind views the soul, a series of instant messages to one another, and columns with symbolic stories to make up the book. I would have rather they focused on one or two of these elements rather than all four; as it is, it comes across as ADD! I like the creativity, but it does get confusing when you have to read a book sideways, and flip back in the book to try to remember what's going on. I didn't really grasp what they were trying to get across with the column stories. I enjoyed the book, but it is not a favorite and not something I will return to again and again.
June 8, 2014
One of the best thoughts shared in the book was:
"Grieving Process – there is a comfort in this, in the predictability of exactly how you will be miserable." -Crowder
Overall, this book seems scattered, as if the authors weren't sure what their point was either. Maybe that is the point ... they don't have a point. Littered with story, quotes, conversation and historical analysis, the book concludes with no real conclusion to tie it all together. Given that the author is a song writer, I would guess that the intention of the book is much like that of a song, to give the reader an "experience" ... not necessarily make a point.
"Grieving Process – there is a comfort in this, in the predictability of exactly how you will be miserable." -Crowder
Overall, this book seems scattered, as if the authors weren't sure what their point was either. Maybe that is the point ... they don't have a point. Littered with story, quotes, conversation and historical analysis, the book concludes with no real conclusion to tie it all together. Given that the author is a song writer, I would guess that the intention of the book is much like that of a song, to give the reader an "experience" ... not necessarily make a point.
July 21, 2015
“And when we rise, and when we rise, and when we notice that the sky has been around us all along. We have been walking into it. It has been this constant collision. Divinity and depravity.”
A dear friend gave me this book when my mom passed away. I wasn’t ready to read it when she gave it to me, and I waited some time, but I’m glad I eventually did read it. The authors are incredibly vulnerable throughout the book and I felt connected to them as they discuss their loss, and dealing with the pain of when a loved one passes. Their words felt like companionship throughout the book. Amber, thank you so much for giving me this to me.
A dear friend gave me this book when my mom passed away. I wasn’t ready to read it when she gave it to me, and I waited some time, but I’m glad I eventually did read it. The authors are incredibly vulnerable throughout the book and I felt connected to them as they discuss their loss, and dealing with the pain of when a loved one passes. Their words felt like companionship throughout the book. Amber, thank you so much for giving me this to me.
September 7, 2016
This book is born out of the authors' efforts to understand the death of their pastor and good friend by electrocution. The format is mixed: e-mails, historical timelines into the histories of man's perception of the soul and blue grass music, three separate stories written in columns that meld into one story, and an appendix which includes every Bible verse that mentions heaven. The book is about suffering through grief and finding comfort in music. Interesting mixture but probably not for everyone, especially as the authors have an unusual sense of humor which they interject frequently in footnotes and comments.
April 19, 2007
Amazing read! There was just a few flaws in the book. It started off slow, the real message of the book didn't hit until the last two chapters. In the beginning there was just a lot of history (which was amazing), the authors went into depth about the human soul and the history behind where people through time thought the soul resided. It was a good book, and a good way of learning more about suffering a loss and dealing with that pain than ever before. Plus it was good getting to know the members of the David Crowder Band, some of their qualitys came out more in this book.
June 9, 2010
An amazing piece literary of art. This book has some incredible challenges about the soul and death. The two authors have intertwined the history of bluegrass, history of the brain and soul, three short stories (that are written in three columns that make you have to turn the book sidewise to read...and the stories eventually merge together by the end), an few im conversations between the two authors about the progression of the book...and death. It made me cry at the end. They were happy tears.
February 16, 2010
Another Christmas gift from Hilary. There is a banjo on the cover, which is good news. David Crowder talks about the origins and beliefs about the soul (i.e. where it comes from, its purpose, etc.).
I forget how bluegrass fits in to the soul story, but it seemed like a nice idea. I had trouble reading this book. Probably because I was thinking things like, "David Crowder, stop trying to be funny. Just talk to me about your friends that just died." But he didn't listen, so most of the book was David Crowder trying to be funny.
I forget how bluegrass fits in to the soul story, but it seemed like a nice idea. I had trouble reading this book. Probably because I was thinking things like, "David Crowder, stop trying to be funny. Just talk to me about your friends that just died." But he didn't listen, so most of the book was David Crowder trying to be funny.
June 6, 2013
Is there a concrete point in this book? Nope.
Still, it was a fun read and not a book that can be easily understood. Perhaps not even to the authors themselves... But fans of crowder will like the book and the quirkiness of it.... Much like the album, the book is quite in a fashion of conceptual thinking and basically finding connection of meaning of death and bluegrass. Which is absurd in the 1st place, but they mange to pull it off just by slightest margin...
Its a good book, but not for everybody
Still, it was a fun read and not a book that can be easily understood. Perhaps not even to the authors themselves... But fans of crowder will like the book and the quirkiness of it.... Much like the album, the book is quite in a fashion of conceptual thinking and basically finding connection of meaning of death and bluegrass. Which is absurd in the 1st place, but they mange to pull it off just by slightest margin...
Its a good book, but not for everybody
April 2, 2007
A jaunt through various topics, including bluegrass music and shifting societal views of the soul, and how they contribute to a Christian response to death. Very interesting, fairly postmodern in its presentation. I especially liked the "History of the Soul" chapters. And, well, if you didn't think you could laugh while reading a book about death, give it a try. This is the first book, especially the first one about death, in which I've ever read the word "Booyah." Twice.
September 10, 2007
I don't think I was really in the right state of mind to read this book. I haven't grieved for anyone but my cat in a while and couldn't connect to some of what they were talking about. And then they spent A LOT of time in the middle presenting all the research they did about man's view of the soul through history, all to end up at the same point they began. An interesting read, especially if you're wanting to know more about the great soul debate through time, but not especially terrific.
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