Between Heaven & Hollywood is David’s inspirational journey from the wheat fields of his Mennonite home outside of Dodge City Kansas, to the bright lights of Los Angeles. This story of perseverance will assure you that your dreams aren’t frivolous. They might be the most important part of your life. White has starred in more than twenty-five movies and produced forty films, including the blockbuster God’s Not Dead . He serves as a Managing Partner of Pure Flix, the largest faith-based movie studio in the world. With his signature wit and sidesplitting hilarity, David’s story of faithfulness, grounded in the biblical truth that no dream is too big for God, will inspire you to relentlessly pursue your dreams, and in the process, bring the reality of God’s kingdom a little closer to the here and now. God has planted a dream in your heart that is both unique to you and essential to the world. White reminds us that there is no one too common, too uneducated, too poor, too inexperienced, or too broken that he or she cannot be used by God.
I enjoyed reading about David’s journey in Hollywood and his spiritual journey as well. This book is excellent encouragement for anyone who believes God has given them a dream (or a calling), including plenty of warnings about how not to get lost along the way.
When I saw that David A. R. White had written a book, I just knew I had to get it. I wanted it for two reasons. Because it's:
1. written by David A. R. White and I really like his movies. 2. about chasing your God-given dreams.
This book is so good! David A. R. White talks about how to go about pursuing your God-given dreams and how to know if they are actually God-given dreams or just your own dreams. In this book he also talks about his life and his journey to Hollywood. This was especially fun since I really didn't know much about him before reading this book. It was fun to see how he went from growing up as a Mennonite in Kansas to acting and making movies. He went on to talk about getting to Hollywood and his early days there, making his first movie, meeting his wife, and lots of other things all while helping you figure out your dreams. It was also fun to see how Pure Flix was started and what their first movie was. I learned a lot of fun facts about David A. R. White's movies and I also learned how to tell if my dreams are God-given ones.
David A. R. White is also really funny and this book definitely had me laughing several times. "Between Heaven and Hollywood" is such a great book and definitely one that I would highly recommend.
One quote that I especially like is from p.128 and it says: "A God-given dream is a persistent and clinging thing that will not be wiped from your heart."
The book was alright, to say the least. David A. R. White’s life was certainly interesting and his theology and thought-life are pretty sound and noteworthy, but I did feel like the writing style, timing, and life lessons were a bit repetitive, cliche, and hard to read at times. We must be terrible listeners if he has to constantly tell us to let go and let God as if every other Christian self-help hasn’t told us to do so already! But I sure do appreciate his longing to fulfill God’s desires and will for his life and by using movies as a way to spread the Gospel. So kudos to him! But hey. He’s an actor, writer, director, and producer, and I’m not. I will say, though, that this book is better than most of his films. Pretty rough, but it’s kinda true. What do you think? Am I being too harsh, or do you agree with me? Happy reading!
It's often hard to explain the difference between a "Christian movie" and a movie that simply deals with Christian themes or Biblical subject matter. Unfortunately, the easiest way to distinguish between the two is in a negative sense. Christian movies tend to play things very safe and simple, and they shy away from mature content or uncomfortable realities. They are suitable to be sold in Christian bookstores, and they almost always end on an incredibly upbeat note, usually thanks to some dues ex machina--oops, I mean "miracle"--that illustrates the need for putting one's trust in God. Christian movies are so heavy-handed and over-the-top in their messaging, they invariably fail to reach a secular audience. They are strictly a preach-to-the-choir affair, generally created by filmmakers whose devotion to God outweighs their artistic talent. The film BRUCE ALMIGHTY, for example, cannot be considered a Christian movie because it contains too much rude humor, does not push the need for giving one's life to Jesus, and is more concerned with being entertaining than with theology. There was a short window of time (from about 2003 to 2008) when it seemed like the Christian movie industry was about to get interesting. BELLS OF INNOCENCE, for example, was the first Christian horror movie that I know of, and it even co-starred a household name (Chuck Norris). THE VISITATION (starring Edward Furlong) came out a few years later and was a great little horror-thriller based on the popular Frank Peretti novel. THREE, based on the thriller by Ted Dekker, was also good. Other efforts like SIX: THE MARK UNLEASHED and the Peretti/Dekker collaboration HOUSE ended up being lousy, but at least they continued the new trend of Christian genre films. These movies introduced me to David A.R. White, who appeared in three of the ones I just mentioned. It was Mr. White's movie company, Pure Flix (don't you just hate that name?), that later became the #1 game in town for producing and distributing movies for the Christian market, and it quickly put a stake through the heart of the short-lived trend toward edgier, PG-13 fare. Over the last 10 years, Pure Flix has produced and distributed a slew of generic faith-based films, the most successful of which, GOD'S NOT DEAD, shocked Hollywood by getting a theatrical release and reaching #4 at the box office despite it's shoe string budget and cast of B-list actors like Kevin Sorbo and Dean Cain. BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HOLLYWOOD is David A.R. White's memoir of how he achieved success in Tinsel Town and the lessons he learned along the way. I don't claim to be a fan of Mr. White's, but I do find his journey interesting, and I'm a sucker for any behind-the-scenes look at how films are made. And, of course, I'm curious to hear how a boy raised as a Mennonite soon found himself auditioning for Madonna and acting as an extra in Oliver Stone's THE DOORS. Unfortunately, David A.R. White isn't as interested in talking about his career as he is in giving a Sunday school lesson on how we can achieve our God-given dreams. It's like reading Joel Olsteen's YOUR BEST LIFE NOW, but without the phony smile. The message of the book is simplistic and boring. It also feels self-contradictory in some ways, though I get the basic idea Mr. White is driving at. He's simply encouraging us to follow our dreams while applying both common sense and Christian discernment. If you're past high school and have ever been to church in your life, there isn't much for you to learn here, though the book does make for a pretty decent pep talk. If you're seeking a Christian self-help book aimed at teenagers, then BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HOLLYWOOD is worth a look. If I'd known that's what I was getting into, I wouldn't have purchased it; I wanted a memoir about the Christian entertainment industry. The book does provide some of that, but not nearly enough. I mean, how the heck do you appear in a movie with Chuck Norris and not even mention it?! And how can you consider yourself a successful actor when the only way you can get work is to start your own studio and (mis)cast yourself in your own movies? And while I'm thrilled that Pure Flix has had a positive impact on some people's lives, I'm afraid I don't see much intellectual depth or artistic merit to the movies they make. If it is God's plan for David A.R. White to make movies, it seems someone isn't setting the bar high enough.
Some of you may know, but I was chosen to be a part of the launch group for this book. What an honor!! I can't even tell you how excited I was. I've been such a fan of this guy for YEARS; love his movies, love his ministry. So to be a part of this book launch was seriously a HUGE deal for me. Anyway, here's my review: READ THIS BOOK. Seriously. If you've ever had a dream and found yourself floundering, this book is for you. If you've ever had a dream and given up, this book is for you. If you're not sure you've realized what your dream is, this book is for you. Basically, this book is for you, regardless. :P ...David writes with such humor and realness; there's nothing fake or "churchy" about his message. He writes what he has learned on his journey to follow God, and nothing about it comes off as preachy; it's real life and real faith. I was deeply inspired by this book, and my respect for David only went higher (which I hadn't realized was possible!). I HIGHLY recommend this book.
If you are thinking about buying this book, DO IT!!! You will not regret it! This book has truly changed me! I know it is a cliché, but it is true!
This book is well written and easy to read. You will feel like you are sitting across the table from David, talking as friends would. As he walks us down the path of his life, you will start to journey into your own. You will examine the things you have been through and how God put them there on purpose. You will look deep into your heart and see what dream God has placed inside you and how you can use it to serve our Lord. David uses his experiences to give you knowledge and guidance for whatever stage of your dream path you are in.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! Grow closer to God and learn what His will is for you in this life!
This actor/producer had one major Christian hit film and decided to write a book about his life, but it's filled with failures, bad theology, and really confusing advice. I get that David White thinks he has some level of success now and that he should offer his life's downs (with very few ups) as a way for others to learn. But he isn't mature or educated enough to be preaching to us. Namely, this book was written way too soon in his career and is underdeveloped with conflicting messages that may mislead Christians that want to make it in Hollywood.
The book is part memoir, part inspirational career advice. Neither are fleshed out enough to work. Each chapter has him telling about his life story, then ends with him preaching a message of what we're supposed to learn from his mistakes. He contradicts himself throughout the book and writes in a casual, often sarcastic, style that is too informal for the message he is trying to communicate.
The first chapters deal with his young years. He grew up in Kansas in a strict Mennonite pastor's home where he rarely watched TV and only went to the movie theater once in his first 18 years. Somehow he got the desire to be an actor in Hollywood, and after a year of directionless education at Moody Bible in Chicago, he headed to California to pursue his dream. He continues to be directionless and makes really bad decisions, but writes in the book that his goal was to serve God by pursuing his dream. Over and over in the first part of the book he encourages readers to go after their "God-given dreams" just like him. Yet he is a complete failure, makes stupid decisions, and never really explains why he believes a kid from Kansas who rarely saw anyone act should think he could make it easily as an actor in Hollywood.
Somehow he stumbles into a role on the sitcom Evening Shade with Burt Reynolds, which leads to guest appearances on some major TV shows and commercials. The author is very hesitant to share details about almost any of his Hollywood work. It's unclear why. Is he ashamed? Does he not want to tell us about bad behavior? Was he getting caught up in the non-Christian world and he wants to avoid being seen as a bad guy? It's frustrating to see him say that he appeared on a show like Saved by the Bell: The College Years and then say nothing about it since it's in reruns every day and we'd love to hear the details.
He accidentally insults Burt Reynolds and is cut from the show, which starts a downward spiral in his career. He continues to make bad choices and the book doesn't analyze that. While there is a little bit of introspection, rarely does White dwell on the fact that he is his own worst enemy. Instead these chapters-after-chapters of failure use a lot of pages to preach about trusting God when going through tough times and not expecting everything you dream to work out the way you want. There is some really bad advice (and bad theology) about "God-given dreams" (saying "God is the author of our dreams and wants us to succeed") until he hits bottom. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, he says that after he wandered from God he realized "God is not in the career-building or dream-fulfilling business. God is in the kingdom-building business." Huh? So he is flip-flopping on p. 124 of a 190 page book? "I know what I said (before). Hear me out..." Well, at least he's aware that he flips. But he does a poor job explaining why after using two-thirds of the book to preach that God gives us whatever dream we have in our hearts. And if God now isn't in the career-building business, why has he wasted half the book to use scripture to give advice about careers? Twenty pages later it gets even more confusing when he again claims God gives us our dreams, but warns that the real problem is that we worship our dreams and not God. Buddy, get your theology straight and make up your mind.
The last third of the book becomes about him being involved in the fledgling Christian film business. Again, lots of failure and few details. It ends very quickly with a very brief mention of God's Not Dead. Why write a book and only include a few pages about the only thing you are known for???
There's way too much hollow preaching in the book, ranging from the pop inspiration anyone could have written to some odd advice that others shouldn't follow but that he's mostly telling himself due to his long list of failures. The section in chapter six where he details how to determine if your dream is from God is most frustrating--he claims true dreams from God have to be "bigger than you," "have a hold on you," "outlive you," "glorify God," and "serve others." This might work for someone wanting to become a Hollywood star (like he wanted to be) but it holds very little practical value for the average Christian that will be in a menial job or less than exciting career. Read Brother Lawrence to see that washing dishes can bring as much glory to God as preaching from the pulpit to the masses (or making movies!)--dreams don't have to be big at all, can be just average tasks that few notice, and that God uses simply because you are doing what He wants you to do in the little things.
While the author has a humble attitude throughout the book it takes a pretty big ego to publish this kind of book when over 90% of his life has been about failure, and he refuses to give details about all the "sinful" things he was caught up in. (He also only mentions his family in two sentences I believe.) He avoids talking about his time wandering from God in Hollywood--but every other celebrity memoir spills details on the bad times and the good ones explain how they learned lessons from them. White doesn't do that--he just suddenly changes as if it were as easy as just deciding to stop the sex and drugs (neither of which he specifically admits to here) to turn back into super-Christian the next day. I'm not asking for lurid details, but virtually every Hollywood autobiography of the hundreds I've read include more specifics, and Christian readers need to read of his temptations in order to understand his story. It doesn't have to be overly detailed, but anyone who reads this book and heads to Hollywood based on the author's summary will have no idea of the temptations they will face.
The funny part is that when he is at his lowest, where he has wandered away from God, he decides to turn his life around by going into the ministry and starting a Bible study with his acting buddies! Yet he's completely ill-equipped to do that. Maybe if he would have taken the time to spend a few years in college, sit under spiritual leadership in a local congregation, and taken more time to study scripture he could have become a more mature believer to better understand what it means to become a success. Instead he thinks that finally having a hit movie means it was God's dream and a confirmation of him finally doing God's will. Sadly he reflects the way modern Christianity misunderstands what God's definition of success is.
While I'm very happy for him and the movies he is doing, in the end he doesn't reveal enough to make me feel like he is any different today than that 19-year-old who auditioned to be a Madonna dancer despite growing up in a church that banned dancing. He is just kind of living his life and stumbling into things hoping that something will work. While that is one way God can lead you, the book's disappointing underlying message is really that you don't need education and don't even have to use your brain to think ahead about decisions you make in order to ultimately become a Hollywood success. You just have to dream.
This book was given to me when I popped into our church office. Our pastor had just read it and asked if I'd like to read it. I said sure. It was in my bag for a week or so while I finished my other book. From page one through the last, I enjoyed every word. Inspiring and I will be honest, surprisingly insightful. I will probably obtain my own copy to read again in the future, or pass along to someone still searching for the dream that God has placed in their heart. Its worth a read and it's a quick read as well.
I had the privilege of being on the launch team for David A.R. White's book Between Heaven and Hollywood which means I was one of a group of individuals who were able to gain access to this book before anyone else. We were to read this book and then submit reviews for it. So here goes. This book is interesting in that it is like a combination of a biography and a self help book rolled into one and that's probably why it's so good. David uses past life experiences to help get his point across while giving you important guides for how to achieve your God given dream that being the dream that God himself placed on your heart to help you achieve His plans for you. It not done in a way that is David telling you this is how I did it and you should to he does not hide his screw ups from you he fully embraces them to show you where he went wrong and how you can avoid his missteps. He shares knowledge from friends and family that have helped him along the way and scripture that helped him persevere. I would personally recommend this book to everyone who feels like they are lost or stuck in a rut and their life is going nowhere because I really and truly believe that they will find some answers and help in this book. I most definitely did and can't wait to start applying some of these lessons to my own life.
I had seen David A. White in movies and was excited to be selected to receive an early copy of his book, Between Heaven and Hollywood. However, I had no idea whether or not the author really had a story to tell or how well he could convey it if he did. Well, I need not have worried! Between Heaven and Hollywood is a masterfully written, compelling story that touches every emotion. One minute I was laughing as David shared a funny story from his life, but the next moment I was shedding a tear and contemplating my own walk with God. This book is one of those rare gems you don’t want to put down as it is a sheer joy to read. It is a wonderful reminder that, although our dreams may differ greatly, we all have a God-given plan for our life, and we need to listen prayerfully for his guidance as we seek it. I highly recommend Between Heaven and Hollywood for personal reading and also as a wonderful gift to bless someone with this holiday season – or for no occasion at all!
As part of the launch team, I was given the opportunity to read this book before release. Not only has this book already started making a difference in my thinking and my life, but while reading, God was placing the names of people (some of whom I only have a brief acquaintance with) in my heart, that I need to give this book to (not just recommend it to them). Other than the Bible, there has never been a book I have wanted to buy and put into the hands of everyone who can read ... Until now. Just like Brother White's movies, God is going to use this book to reach and change many!
As part of the launch team, I was given the opportunity to read this book before release. Not only has this book already started making a difference in my thinking and my life, but while reading, God was placing the names of people (some of whom I only have a brief acquaintance with) in my heart, that I need to give this book to (not just recommend it to them). Other than the Bible, there has never been a book I have wanted to buy and put into the hands of everyone who can read ... Until now. Just like Brother White's movies, God is going to use this book to reach and change many!
A list of every movie mentioned by David A.R. White in this book:
Dead Poets Society The Wizard of Oz Star Wars Grease (first movie White saw in a theater, at age 8) Rocky III ("would change my life forever") Rocky Across the Line (production assistant) Geronimo (grip/speaking extra) Dumb and Dumber The Doors (extra) Second Glance (White's first leading role) Wyatt Earp The Moment After (actor/producer) Mercy Streets (actor/producer, "opened to critical acclaim," has a Rotton Tomatoes score of 13%) The Omega Code Jerry Maguire 10 Six: The Mark Unleashed (actor/writer/producer) The Moment After II (actor/producer) Hidden Secrets (story/actor/producer) The Wager (actor/producer) The Visitation (actor/co-producer) Rocky Balboa In the Blink of an Eye (writer/actor/producer) Flywheel Courageous Fireproof Facing the Giants What If God's Not Dead (actor/producer, cast Shane Harper because he "loved apologetics and the Lord and had a quality in his performance we thought drove message of the movie home.") Jerusalem Countdown (written for the screen/actor/producer) Divergent, Muppets Most Wanted, Mr. Peabody & Sherman (mentioned as opening the same weekend and grossing more than God's Not Dead) Jaws, It's a Wonderful Life, Beauty and the Beast (mentioned as having a lower ROI than God's Not Dead, according to TheNumbers.com) Marriage Retreat (actor/producer)
How will Christian ever make good movies when they barely watch them?
I was a little bit nervous about reading Between Heaven & Hollywood. I’ve enjoyed David A.R. White as an actor for years. What if the book was disappointing? What if was nothing but fluff with no more depth than a cute Facebook meme? I knew by the time I’d finished the first chapter that I had nothing to be nervous about.
The book begins by telling the reader exactly what the book is and isn’t. It isn’t another self-help or how to book. It is an honest look at a long, complicated, difficult journey that Mr. White believes each of us is called to embark on. As he shares personal stories, he looks at where our dreams come from, how to identify them, and how to set goals that lead to the fulfillment of them. In case you think that sounds simple, don’t worry, it’s not. He also looks at the detours, obstacles, fear, disappointments, and failures that come with it. One of my favorite portions of the book is when he digs into the reality that even though the dream you are meant to pursue comes from God, don’t expect the fulfillment of that dream to look anything like you think it will. God’s plans are far more creative and incredible than ours ever could be, and they will ultimately bless you and many others in ways you couldn’t possibly anticipate.
As a believer in the Lord Jesus, I also was concerned the book would be full of platitudes and nice thoughts but fall short of sharing the life-changing Truth found in the Bible. Without being preachy, Mr. White wove the lessons God has taught him and related Scripture throughout his story. His love for God, and his struggle to be the man God created him to be, came through naturally and powerfully.
Fans of Mr. White’s will enjoy the behind-the-scenes glimpses in Between Heaven and Hollywood of what life as David A.R. White looks like and be encouraged that becoming the you God created you to be is not only worth the effort but leads to a more incredible life than you have ever imagined.
I received a physical copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Pure Flix is one of the best things to happen to Christian media in the last couple of decades. And the man we have to thank (along with his partners and supporters) is David. It was fun reading his story and bits of common-sense wisdom sprinkled throughout the book on what it is like to chase a dream while realizing your purpose in life from God. Great stories along with practical applications of scripture on how to determine what God has in store for you because you are worth it, and your dream is worthy of you (his final point in the book). God's Not Dead certainly put them on the map and exceeded their wildest expectations yet he gives the credit to God and His masterful plan after weathering all the ups and downs living in Hollywood. Since this book is 8 years old supposedly his marriage has ended in divorce to his wife of their three children Andrea Logan. Just goes to show that nobody is perfect, we all struggle to find His peace in a fallen world while relating with one another. It does not take away from his story and what God has done through his life in the film industry. One final note, per the Hoopla copy you were supposed to be able to go to David.ARWhite.com to get photos but that doesn't appear to be online anymore.
"Christian movies" used to be 45 min. 16 mm films shot on miniscule budgets featuring amateur actors and screened on "movie night" at churches. But by the 80s video had killed church movies, and for a decade or so teaching videos were the only game in town (i.e. church). Then, early in the 21st century, some earnest filmmakers began shooting full-length "faith-based" films. David A.R. White was there from the start. More than anyone else, he, along with Alex Kendrick (Facing the Giants, Fireproof), proved that there is a mainstream movieplex audience for such films. "Between Heaven and Hollywood" is an amalgam of memoir ("how I got there") and message ("what 'there' should look like"). Essential for anyone interested in pursuing faith-based movie making, and worth the read for believers following other arts and entertainment paths.
I decided to read this book after watching God's Not Dead 2 and hearing David talk a little bit about his story and his ministry. I also have a nephew who is interested in the film industry and reaching people for Christ through it. I thought that David's story might be something that my nephew could relate to. I think I would have liked this book better if it had been more just about David's Journey and experiences and less of him expanding on the lessons he learned from his experiences. I prefer to read more of an autobiographical type of book. then I can draw my own conclusions about what I could learn reading from this person's experience. Not that David should have expanded at least some on what he learned but there was just too much of that in the book.
An inspiring expose of David's journey of faith and trust in the Lord who gave him a dream and the strength to honor that dream by turning it over to the Lord to fulfill.
He encourages us to let God's Word become our dreams' map to its fulfillment. By giving up our own agenda, we are free to allow God's agenda guide the way to success. I would recommend this book to anyone who has given up on their dream as a possible figment of their imagination since it has seemingly come to a standstill or not met someone else's idea of success. Instead I encourage you to "Let go and let God" be your mantra in determining to continue the dream God has placed in your heart.
I have been privileged to be on the launch team for this Incredible Book written by one of my favorite actors/producers of excellent Christian movies. David wrote this book as if he was sitting across from you having coffee and providing exactly what I needed to hear.
I have taken to heart all that I have read and now have a renewed interest in following my dreams. I also have learned how to recognize if those dreams are truly from God. I trust in God to use me to serve others and glorify His name.
This was a great book, albeit quite different from what what I expected. It was part-autobiography (what I was expecting) and part-Christian living (what I wasn't expecting). I think everybody could benefit from reading this in some way and my respect for David A R White as a Christian actor has grown. I was very surprised (in a good way) at the high preeminence that is given to seeking God's will and how that may often not be what we first think or expect. It was very practical and down to earth. Definitely recommended.
I've watched plenty of films with David A.R. White in them but didn't know much about his actual story. This book was part biography and part lesson, really. It was a really good and interesting read. David started out in the most unlikely of places, having grown up among the wheat fields of a Mennonite town. We follow David's story through the years of dreaming and then chasing that dream, and in the process, he lays out truly encouraging advice for chasing our own God-Given Dreams.
I was excited to read this book because I do love his movies so much, but I was fairly disappointed. Interestingly enough, in the front matter he writes a part called, "Save your Receipt", but it is really more about if you think it is a self help book you will be disappointed.
So, it wasn't a self help book, but there was not as much biography part as I thought there would be. A lot of it did include "pep talks" and places where it seemed scripture was inserted because it made sense, not like that was the jumping off point.
Fantastic first-hand account of actor, producer and comedian David A. R. White's rise and resulting success in the film industry. He attributes his success to God and his story will bless and inspire you! David's advice will surely benefit you as you chase your own God-given dream! Highly recommend this lighthearted (and fun read) by Pure Flix Entertainment's David A. R. White!
This was a very practical book. David skillfully uses his life experiences as practical examples of each point he makes. He shows us that God is the key to achieving our dreams without being preachy. It's an easy book to read and you will learn some valuable dream-chasing lessons along the way.
I really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read. I like his 'God's Not Dead' movies and appreciated learning about David A.R. White's journey from the midwest to Hollywood. He never gave up on his God-given dream in the midst of many set backs. I also enjoyed reading about his relationship with Burt Reynolds and other tales about his friendships in Hollywood.
Some lovely insights into how to go about turning your dreams into goals and working them; into how to make films in Hollywood; and into how to stay a Christian while working in an unbelieving field of work.
Humorous and practical, an entertaining read.
Main takeout: having an overall purpose brings meaning to your everyday life.
I really enjoyed reading Mr. White’s book. He gave great advice, spiritual insight, encouragement, and enjoyed reading his story that was intertwined within the pages. I highly recommend this book to everyone!