Simple Gifts: Great Hymns: One Man's Search for Grace

by Bill Henderson

Documents the stories behind some of America's most revered hymns, in an account that shares the author's concerns about how hymn traditions are being compromised by modern hymn adaptations and traces his search for community and religious grace through hymn singing. 30,000 first printing.

Genres: Music

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2006

About the author

Bill Henderson (born April 5, 1941) is an American author, editor and publisher best known for his memoirs and the Pushcart Prize series.

Reviews

[Celia]

I can’t put a star rating to this book, as it is not only a deep dive into some timeless, historic hymns, but it is also the writer’s testimony in book form. It is beautifully written, and though some of his beliefs and mine don’t fully mesh, there is a beautiful spirit in it. Definitely worth the read.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author explores his own journey of faith and experiential religion through the singing of hymns. His reflection includes history and reflection on various hymns from Simple Gifts to Make me a Channel of Peace. His research is limited but his reflections are relatable.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

😳…

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I share the author's love of hymns and like his writing style, his repeated tossing aside of anything that makes Christianity distinctive, including most traditional beliefs, became tedious and incredibly self-indulgent over time. And his taste in favorites is fairly horrendous. He finds sexual stirrings in the hymn, "In the Garden," whereas I find sentimental words tied to a most saccharine tune. And because he takes all his history from other texts and does no research on his own, he is tied to all their mistakes. A great disappointment.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The only reason I ever go to chuch is to sing. Church is the only place adults can sing outside the privacy of their car where no one makes fun of them.

In this book, the author discuss different hymns and what they mean to him. Plus, the author has a dog that dies and he really misses his dog just like I still miss mine.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. Henderson deftly combined stories of great hymns and hymn-wriers with his own experiences of hymn-singing, grace & spirituality. He even mentions The Sacred Harp (in his retelling of the story of "Amazing Grace") and quotes my Conservative Quaker friend, Scott Savage!

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thought provoking look at classical hymns and how they have affected Bill Henderson's life.

[Linda Gaines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henderson gives stories of some of his favorite hymns. Particularly interesting is the further examination of Newton's Amazing Grace.

[Connie Paddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the various Hymns.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaned by Ellie.