Patched Together: A Story of My Story

by Brennan Manning

"Patched Together is a very special story to me. It is, in many ways, my story..."

These words begin this rich story from Brennan Manning, the beloved author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. Follow the character Willie Juan, a lonely boy who finds belonging in the eyes of the mysterious Man of Sorrows, through three distinct seasons of his life: morning, noon, and night. Each season is filled with memorable characters, significant wounds, and lingering questions.

More than a charming tale, Patched Together is a remarkable story in which readers will see themselves. Willie Juan and readers alike will be connected by the thread that ties all the patches together—the everlasting truth that in the end, only Abba's love remains.

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Religion, Ebooks, Christian Living, Theology

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2009

About the author

Richard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013) was an American author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]

In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.

Reviews

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is inspirational and surprisingly enjoyable.

Willie Juan is a young Mexican boy with a crippled leg and scars from an accident. The other children are cruel, making fun of him and embarrassing him even as he tries to believe they will be his friend. He has a wonderful, Godly grandmother who tries to impress him always with her love and the love of God.

One festival day Willie meets the Medicine Man who is the first stranger to ever befriend him. The man gives him a vial of medicine to use to help deal with his lameness and scars. It implies that there will be help, but doesn’t say the medicine will cure him. Willie Juan’s grandmother encourages him to go to a local cave that is considered a place for a vision or dream quest. Willie Juan has an encounter with the Man of Sorrows – God – and it changes his life.

The story is broken into three sections: Morning, Noon and Night. The author follows Willie Juan’s revelations, growth, success, downfall and finally surrender. Willie Juan’s experience is an allegory for everyman’s experience of longing, rebellion and redemption. The story is touching and moving and provided me with a central point for my devotion for the Ladies Book Club: do we recognize and accept that we are a beloved of God?

This was a quick, inspiring read with wonderful faith messages. All of the ladies in book club loved the story and recommend it to anyone who is seeking God or seeking to find peace and acceptance in who they are to God.

[Kaysi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patched Together wasn't really what I was expecting, but it was nonetheless a beautiful, touching parable telling the story of a man's journey with his heavenly Father from his childhood to his passing. Brennan Manning paints a wonderfully tender picture of God's heart toward us. Our Father is faithful, even when we are not, and He is always with us, even when we don't sense His presence.

[Ana Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and simple read that reminds you of the love that God has for you and leaves you in awe of the beauty of the world we live in.
I cried.

[Ashlee Kirschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite books. A good many pages are underlined and scribbled on.

And one conversation very truly changed my life. “Did you enjoy the fajita?” I’ll let you find the conversation because this book is worth reading.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious story... yet profound... following Willie Juan and his journey through life.

As the description reads the book contains the three stories which are patched together and yet the methaphor of our lives fits so well with this title. This story is so simple a child could understand yet layered with meaning for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

And as readers and "fans" of Brennan Manning will note, this story is also about his own life. Manning's ministry made and continues to make an impact on my spiritual life and walk. I'm sure I will be revisiting this story from time to time and remembering to enjoy the sopapillas.

[Ela · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Remember, there is something more important than understanding.'
'It's Love.'

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Willie Juan's life who grew up a cripple in a poor town in Mexico. Having lost both parents at a young age, his grandmother 'Calm Sunset' takes him in. She loves the Lord and through her words and way of life demonstrates the Lord's love to Willie Juan.

One day while still young, Willie meets the Man of Sorrows at a festival who befriends him. This is Willie Juan's first friend which naturally excites the boy. However, we soon see that the impact this man has on Willie soon wanes as life gets in the way. Willie gets caught up in his life and, even though he never forgets the Man of Sorrows, he pays him little attention.

Until he reappears at different times in Willie Juan's life.

The book is spread over three 'sections': Morning, Noon and Night and I understand this book is a 'patched up' version of two other of Manning's books with the third section, 'Night', added. It is both biographical and mystical in the way the Man of Sorrows or Medicine Man pops up in Willie's life.

Willie Juan is often alone but one of the books key messages is that we are never alone with God. I also liked the message of being God's beloved and that God wants us to enjoy his blessings even the simplest of things like the food we eat. God wants us to enjoy His gifts. I also particularly liked how Ana's role in the story and the childlike love the two of them shared.

It's an easy read; I thought it might be a bit more significant than it was, however, having read a bit of Manning's works it reinforced some of his key messages.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting allegorical tale of meeting Jesus in the midst of pain and sorrow, forgetting Him when times are good and finding Him again. This was a short sweet read about a man named Willie Juan who was a cultural anomaly and had visible scars, which made him an outcast. When he met the Man of Sorrows, his life was changed. He discovered some great talents and came to rely on himself, but soon learned that he was not enough. I enjoyed this short story that mirrored the author's life. I would have enjoyed a more personal note at the end as well to speak to which elements were completely his experience and which were allegorical, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Good insight into the author's walk with Christ.

[betanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Once again, Manning paints a picture of what it looks like to be loved by God, even when this world is not so lovely. Even when I am not so lovely.

This book is a story. A story based on Manning's own life. There message is what it means to be a friend of God's. Even when we can't see him or understand why things happen in life. I feel that any review I give will be inadequate for this book. The book did engage me in an intellectual way, but much more so was the emotional impact. More than anything, I hope that those who read this book will find the desire to be a friend of God's and to find that friendship exceeds expectations.

[Eric Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patched Together was a great surprise. Not knowing anything more than who authored it, which is enough for me with respect to Brennan Manning, I jumped right in to discover a fantastic tale. Willie Juan’s story could very well be taken for an established folk tale. Manning carries the reader effortlessly from Willie Juan’s beginning to his end through love and loss, longing and bitterness, rejection and redemption.

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story moved me as I read it. I recommend that sensitive souls have the tissues ready. I loved Willie Juan and could relate to many of his feelings throughout his life. The words came alive vividly and made this story entertaining and heartwrenching at the same time. I liked this book a lot.

[Kurtis Vanderpool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this story regularly.
Excellent story of love, grace, and acceptance. The writing is certainly not astounding, but the story and heart behind it always reminds me what’s important and what isn’t.

[Rebecca Augustine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Simple yet Profound Story

This is a good testimony of someone who was bullied by others, yet found faith. While I do not to--and will not--add any spoilers, I think the ending of the second part could have been handled better. (So tell me to write my own book!)

[Star Gater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful storytelling. Meaningful. This brought me to tears.

The physical book is compact, easily will fit in a handbag or backpack. The audio is on Hoopla (2.4 hours) and I liked the narrator.

I would gift this soul searching story. Feeling God in uncomfortable situations. Rise up.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful parabolic story

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice allegory.

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Brennan’s life. It is small book.
Lovely story of Willie Juan.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good. I like it.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemplative allegorical story about overcoming obstacles and tragedy through the help of "the.Man of Sorrow". A touching narrative that can inspire one to be more joyful while facing tragedy.

[C.R. Leverette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, well-written story filled with emotion and truth.

[Gareth Davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

An allegory about how the Man of Sorrows is our greatest friend. Whilst an easy read it didn’t grab me as I’d expected and found some of the character superficial.

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

RATING 2.77 STARS

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be sweet to read to younger kids to show them the gospel in a relatable way. Love Brennan's writing.

[Rulene Lintvelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a boy who didn't fit in. And how through spiritual encountments he found his way forward. A beautiful book. Quite philosophical. It made me think of The Little Prince and The Shack.

[Jay Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brennan Manning has been one of the most influential writers in my life; his books The Ragamuffin Gospel and Abba's Child are two of my all-time favorites. Yet this is his first work of fiction I've read, and I hated it. It lacked the authenticity I loved in his non-fiction works, and the characters were inconsistent and surface-level. I think I'll steer clear of any of Manning's other fiction writings.

[Bart Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Chapter?

It's no coincidence that Brennan Manning has put the final chapter to some previous work that he had done in the story of Willie Juan, a not too subtle semi-autobiographical character and parable that looks back reflectively on a life that has been spent in the pursuit of a genuine relationship with God.

Brennan Manning is in the evening of his walk. While many of his previous works have focused upon the message of what he has learned in walking with his God and Saviour, in this book, Brennan is the message. While it may appear, understandably, to many to be a little rough around the edges, the truth is, with Brennan, what you see is what you get. The book shines forth his imperfections as well as his heart which is a great deal of what those who have loved his books in the past have appreciated and picked up in reading.

Being familiar with Brennan's past history and having read several of his books, this book, which may be his last, struck me as a fitting exclamation point to a man who has pointed me in the passion of his walk toward a loving father.

Well done, Willie Juan; well done.

5 stars for more than the story.

Bart Breen

[Scott Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modern parable offers much for reflection to its readers. It is an invitation to consider the events of one's life, to remember one's lose of innocence, and to consider the faith that is lost and rediscovered in the journey of life. In a way reminiscent of children's book, the writing is simple and the plot is light, leaving readers to fill in the gaps with their own memories, stories and pains. In so doing, the humble and comforting faith discovered by Willie Juan is experienced on one level and longed for on another. His parting words to his young companion John are to be treasured: "Go back and live out your name; live like the beloved of Abba. Some may ask you, but most others will simply observe the way you live. Some will call you crazy, some may even try and silence your voice, but some will stop and wonder. Your courage in living as Abba's beloved can give others the strength to do the same. For in the end only one thing remains - Abba's love" (124).

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to Brennan Manning, these three parables are semi-autobigraphical stories of his encounters with grace. They are beautiful and true, and display a keen understanding of the Abba Father's love for His children. Written raw and simple, the stories feel as "patched together" as the title describes. The three stories are different movements in one life: morning, noon and night. Though they are modern parables, they aren't necessarily easy to relate to by contemporary readers. The setting and sufferings are not familiar to most people and may seem strange to some readers. But their value is in their explicit message: that God wants His people to enjoy His gifts to us such as good food, love and community.

[Eric Thompson]

I was given this book as a Christmas gift and read most of it in one sitting. The most profound takeaway from this parable is Brennan's very real, very tangible, very earthy, and very human experience with Jesus. Brennan removes Jesus from the strictures of systematics and in so doing presents Jesus as humble, loving, accessible, and very, very powerful. But, the experience isn't ethereal. I found myself deeply challenged by the notion that I'm involved in the business of Jesus but ache for the kinds of real interactions with him that the somewhat-fictional Willie Juan had. I'm also deeply challenged by the idea that such interactions come through excruciatingly painful experiences. As Brennan shares in the summary, most of us run to Jesus and run from him at the same time.

[Warren Benton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Willie Juan who grows up a hard life with his grandmother after his mother died. His grandmother pours love into him even as the children pick on him. When he meets the man of sorrows he meets his first friend. He forgets about the man of sorrows throughout parts of his life. He becomes a master tradesman with word work and finds fame. Then with the loss of his girlfriend he picks up the trumpet. With more fame he is able to bring more money back to the village he grew up in.