Still Laughing, Still Learning (Still Looking for a Good Title): Mostly True Stories of Family, Friends, Faith & Foibles

by Bill Chadwick

In the style of works by Robert Fulghum and Anne Lamott, the stories in Still Laughing, Still Learning (Still Looking for a Good Title) touch on a plenitude of topics, from the warm fuzzies and terrors of parenting to the joys and conundrums of pastoring. But you don't need to be a church person to appreciate Chadwick's insights into the human condition. You may snort milk out your nose at his take on one heck of a biking mishap and then be deeply moved by his interpretations of emotional hot buttons like anger, inclusivity, and death. And while the last thing the world may need is another book, this collection proves there can never be too many stories.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Cheri Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely story-telling--sweet and clever and very funny. (You won't be surprised after reading this book that Chadwick also does stand-up--his comedic timing on stage is matched by the rhythm of his prose in the book). Chadwick's tales of childhood and adolescence, parenting, and weathering the criticisms of his parishioners feel universal and true, and he's not afraid to go dark, either (in "Checking Corn," Chadwick remembers listening on the radio to the listing of draft numbers as his options--killing young soldiers he didn't know; escaping to Canada; going to jail--ran through his head). And I will remember the book's prelude essay--the hilarious and also breathtakingly emotional "The Christmas Eve Sermon"--as long as I remember anything. Recommended particularly for fans of Robert Fulghum.

[Betsy Marvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Gentle but poignant stories from years of sharing life, love, laughter and lessons with fellow followers of Jesus. This book, for me anyway, ignited Hope, where I couldn't feel it sometimes. In fact I keep it on my little table beside my morning meditation reading. Picking it up and opening just about any chapter will offer several minutes of time well spent because you'll have good writing and authentic messages to read. You'll want a few copies so you have a gift copy handy!

[John Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some terrific stories and practical applications - it’s a nice little book and certainly not the kind of thing I usually read. I know and like Bill and Lord knows I couldn’t write a book if my life depended on it so I really admire him for having done this (and so many other things.) That said - it’s a nice little book, I enjoyed it, and a couple of sections were particularly meaningful for me and I suspect that’s the way most people will feel.

[Roberta Smith-Milan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pastor's journey which tickles the ribs and warms the heart.

Bill offers up honesty as he shares his walks with Jesus. He allows us to see the world a little differently through his experiences which helps us to appreciate the myriad of ways Christ guides us, protects us, leads us and loves us. His stories truly show how Jesus is with us always, especially when we are being our most human selves. Great read. Enlightening. Entertaining. Down to Earth.

[Jolene Roehlkepartain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hilarious book is packed with honest stories about the funny, everyday happenings of being human. Bill Chadwick is a master storyteller, and these essays either had me laughing or warmed my heart.

[Zach Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful reading experience. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll think about life in a different way after reading. Short stories that are easy to read and reflect on. Buy this book. Buy this book. Buy this book.

[Bev Bihler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will touch your heart, soul, mind, AND (the frosting on the cake) funnybone! The format is great too - short segments that you can read within spurts of spare time and not lose the thought midway. I absolutely loved it!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Insightful, wise, touching and often funny stories.

[Hannah Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill is a wonderful writer! This book was full of entertaining stories with important and meaningful messages about life and love. I truly enjoyed every page!

[Shannon Christmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this era of bigger than life figures, how wonderful to read truly inspiring tales from a grounded yet perceptive person. So many gems of true wisdom.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast read and I was kind of sorry when I got to the end. This is a variety of subjects based on true stories. Laugh and enjoy this book; it's worth it.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! Bill is such a talented storyteller and I loved every page!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and humorous stories gleaned from a life as a pastor and as a thoughtful human being.