Donald Miller Greatest Hits: Three Books In One: 1) Through Painted Deserts, 2) Searching For God Knows What, 3) Blue Like Jazz

by Donald Miller

This Barnes & Noble Exclusive contains a trio of Donald Miller's winningly eccentric spiritual guides: Through Printed Desserts, Searching for God Knows What, and Blue Like Jazz. Miller's graceful, unpretentious reflections will touch religious readers who are still searchers: "In the winter, it was easier for me to believe in God and I suppose that it had to do with the new weather, with the color of leaves clinging to trees, with the smoke in the fireplaces of the opulent houses where I would ride my bike. I half believed that God lived in one of those neighborhoods."

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Spirituality, Faith, Memoir

764 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Don Miller is an American author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known for his New York Times bestseller Blue Like Jazz. He is the CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their messaging. Miller’s writing often explores faith, identity, and personal growth. His other books include Searching for God Knows What, Through Painted Deserts, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. He founded The Mentoring Project to support fatherless youth and has advised both nonprofit and government initiatives. His later work, including Scary Close and Building a StoryBrand, reflects a shift toward personal development and business communication. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Betsy.

Reviews

[ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about Donald Miller and BLJ in 2004. It took eight years for me to move him from my list of Things to be Skeptical About Until Their Popularity Has Waned, to my list of Things I Have Informed My Own Opinion About. I'm a bit stubborn, I know, but I am instantly apprehensive of new fads in areas most important to me; theology amongst the top few.

That said, eight years later Donald Miller is still around...still writing, sparking conversations, and even making movies. I figured it was time to give him a chance and after completing Blue Like Jazz, I must admit I like his style and what he has to say. I haven't quite formed my own opinion yet but I enthusiastically look forward to reading the two other works included in this book.

To be continued ...

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nov 26, 09
I've finished Blue Like Jazz so far, it's a great read. Looking forward to the rest.

Mar 6, 2012
Loved and want to reread all 3.
Searching For God Knows take us through his thoughts on how we apply formula's to God and how the formulas just don't work.

Through Painted Deserts, originally called, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance, is Don Miller's first book. Which journals his journey from Texas to Oregon. Oregon must of really has an impact on him since I think that's where he lives now.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to watch somebody else love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty.
Love.
Pain.
Sorrow.
Joy.
Hope.
Humbled.
Regret.
Yearning.
These stories led me through all of these feelings and emotions. They leave me feeling as though I understand more and want to know less. To keep it simple and embrace the beauty that can be found in all things when we keep our hands, out agendas, off and look for Him in it.

[Kathy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great following Donald Miller in these three books. He's an expert at drawing you into his questionings, his experiences, and into places where I sometimes fear to go in my spiritual journey. His observations challenge me gently, and I like that.

[Katie Seehusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I can come back to and read over and over again and still find new meaning.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching For God Knows What was pretty interesting -- mostly stuff I've already covered in some other studies or readings, but good to revisit. Most valuable thing was the interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. Through Painted Deserts worked as a story with some God searching, but its too bad it was released after the other books, because I found it less effective knowing where Miller ends up. At least in this triology it should have been put at the beginning.

[Natalie Youngquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I love Miller's writing...you really feel like you might be having a conversation across the table from him over a cup of Portland coffee, just being real about life. His style is just my style.

That being said, some of his theological viewpoints in these books are a little off, so I would just be mindful of that while reading. As with everything, take it with a grain of salt! Be discerning and enjoy :)

[Katie]

I am currently reading book 2 in this series of 3, "Searching for God Know's What". The book is entertaining, written in a very personable style. It has given me things to think about, and a new way to look at some ideas I had not thought of before. To me, that is the mark of a good book, so I am impressed so far.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this book has been amazing. It was recommended to me by a friend and I shall be packaging and sending it to another friend when I finish. It isn't in your face religious but kind of gives a tour guide through one man's journey finding God, losing God and then beginning to realize what spirituality is all about.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have finished two out of the three books. Blue Like Jazz was excellent; I highly recommend. Searching For God Knows What is good, but doesn't hold a candle to Blue Like Jazz! Maybe I should have read that one first? Now onto Through Painted Deserts...

[Elizabeth]

Yay for 3 in one! I'm a fan of BLJ, and have been wanting to read these other 2 for SO long! This book of 3 was cheaper than buying the other 2 that I need...

[~mischief~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book and no matter how many times i read it i keep getting more out of it

[Jeff Noble]

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller (?)

[Brad]

no author has captivated me or moved me like Miller has with these works.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of books. Highly recommended.

[Niel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I would not recommend reading all three in one go, you might miss something though. He is a great author, and I enjoy his honesty in his writings.

[Jvanlaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute great read! Such an incredible journey that was shared. It was so refreshing to read of such a real, vibrant, relational journey to knowing who God is and what He wants from us

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding God in the desert

[The Cute Little Brown-haired girl]

I read Through Painted Deserts and loved it and need to read the other two.