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God, Improv, and the Art of Living
The famous improvisational principle of “yes, and . . .” has produced a lot of great comedy. But it also offers an invigorating approach to life in general, and the spiritual life in particular. From Moses to Ruth to Jesus, Scripture is full of people boldly saying “yes, and . . .” as they accept what life throws their way and build upon it. In this book, pastor, speaker, and improv aficionado MaryAnn McKibben Dana blends Scripture, psychology, theology, and pop culture in a wise, funny, down-to-earth guide to God, improv, and the art of living . Offering concrete spiritual wisdom in the form of seven improvisational principles, this book will help readers become more awake, creative, resilient, and ready to play—even (and perhaps especially) when life doesn’t go according to plan. “We are all improvisers,” says McKibben Dana, “often without realizing it. We improvise in order to get through the day. We improvise when life surprises us. We do it without even thinking about it. This book will help you do it better.”
230 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2020
38 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 8, 2018
I have been waiting for this book ever since I took an improv and theology workshop at Columbia Seminary last year with the author. MaryAnn McKibbon Dana is able to write so it feels like you are right there with her, working on your improvisation at life skills. She tells wonderful stories to accent her points, drawing from her own life as a wife, mother, marathon runner, and even as the daughter of an alcoholic. And she complements those sharings with stories from as diverse a repertoire as you can find: ancient Greece, 9/11, NPR and The Hunger Games to name a few. This is an accessible book that is well organized for group study, but equally appropriate for individual devotions. I hope to use it in an upcoming book group. I love that it is challenging and fun, with great humility in the face of not really knowing what comes next. A great book to help any person of faith explore what it means to work creatively with God at this journey of life.
September 8, 2022
This book was a wonderful addition to my personal growth and outlook on life's situations that each of us encounters from time to time. In the chapter entitled, "Serve on Another," MaryAnn McKibben Dana points to a study that involved sales pitches and narratives of every program on every channel that was broadcast in a 24-hour time frame. The residual theme was that each of us is the center of the universe. The question that drives our consumer-oriented culture is,"What is in it for me"? Singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer reminds us in her songs that the things that have always saved us and are still here to save us: kindness, generosity, and community.
In Galatians 5:13 we are reminded that we are called through love to serve on another. What a difference we can make if we practice this daily as our art of living.
In Galatians 5:13 we are reminded that we are called through love to serve on another. What a difference we can make if we practice this daily as our art of living.
May 8, 2018
Life really is mostly improvised, and MaryAnn McKibben Dana illustrates that with wide-ranging examples that are both light-hearted and also deep-thinking. The chapter "See Defeats Differently," in particular, really resonated with me. The author skillfully demonstrates how principles from improv can help us to navigate problems and setbacks by remaining open to meaning and opportunities--looking for the Yes-And. "An improviser learns to see defeats with new eyes, to be attentive to unexpected opportunities even when things go terribly wrong." This book is an easy and thought-provoking read, with plenty of actionable ideas to help the reader learn to improvise life more gracefully.
March 4, 2018
God, Improv, and the Art of Living is a playful, insightful book written by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. Finding the connection between her hobby of Improv and her Christian faith, the author has some fresh ways of looking at life. The book is written in a light and chatty style, with some thoughtful stories and illustrations. It is wrapped around the principle of “Yes, and …” a hopeful way of looking at the world. At times the connection between Christianity and improv can feel a little tenuous, but overall this book is an enjoyable and grace filled read.
March 24, 2019
I didn’t think a book about improv would be For Me, but after hearing her speak I changed my mind. Her approach to theology and communication and life - from a posture of flexibility and embracing what’s thrown at us - is really helpful for me to think about.
May 9, 2018
I really appreciated the fresh perspective that this book offered. Upon finishing it, you sort of think--"Faith and improv--OF COURSE!"
Her writing took me back to drama classes that I did in my teens and made me miss the collaborative creativity unique to this practice. As someone who has used drama in a Christian education context, I got a lot of ideas (I often use improv games with children and youth), and I think her ideas around bringning the tenents of improv to the conversations of faith will stay with me for a long time.
"Yes, and" has already crept into my language, and will surely help reframe committee meetings where we sometimes get stuck on the BUT.
I have had the good fortune of interacting with MaryAnn professionally and both in her writing and IRL, I enjoy her accessible writing style (disclaimer: I received a free preview copy of this book from the publisher).
This book is for sure is a good addition to my professional library, and I would recommend it to other church professionals--especially those whose work intersects with theatrical interpretation of scripture or drama in worship.
Her writing took me back to drama classes that I did in my teens and made me miss the collaborative creativity unique to this practice. As someone who has used drama in a Christian education context, I got a lot of ideas (I often use improv games with children and youth), and I think her ideas around bringning the tenents of improv to the conversations of faith will stay with me for a long time.
"Yes, and" has already crept into my language, and will surely help reframe committee meetings where we sometimes get stuck on the BUT.
I have had the good fortune of interacting with MaryAnn professionally and both in her writing and IRL, I enjoy her accessible writing style (disclaimer: I received a free preview copy of this book from the publisher).
This book is for sure is a good addition to my professional library, and I would recommend it to other church professionals--especially those whose work intersects with theatrical interpretation of scripture or drama in worship.
May 30, 2018
I love, love, love this book. It is practical, deeply theological, not “preachy”, and wise. I believe it has application for every reader, for individuals and for groups. I will be returning to this book often in my work as a mid-Council church leader with responsibilities for visioning and connecting with pastors and congregations.
May 8, 2018
Before reading MaryAnn McKibben Dana’s book, I was pretty sure I knew what improv was. It was the comedic skill of all the actors on SNL and later Drew Carey and his cohorts on Whose Line Is It Anyway? To do it correctly, you had to be fast and most of all funny. And surely this skill was reserved for a precious few wacky individuals with immense talent.
But after just a few pages, Ms. Dana exposes the fallacy of my belief. Improv is way more that my preconceived belief. It’s a life skill, to be honed and developed. But before you get the idea it’s just another “self help” book, of which I swore off of on my 60th birthday a few years ago (as I was pretty sure I’d read “it” all, whatever it was) don’t go there as you’d be making a rash and wrong interpretation.
Dana’s book confirms what we already know…that life is what happens when we are making plans, but those plans don’t always go the way of the plan. And with the tools used in improv which Dana shares with us, the book offers us a new way to act and react to life’s challenges and adventures.
Finally, before you ask, but “what about the God part,” I can say as a “rogue Unitarian” the book hits just the right spiritual tone. It’s neither preachy nor moralistic, but instead seeks to offer real-world application to some of the best wisdom text from way back. For that reason alone, it’s a valuable book.
But after just a few pages, Ms. Dana exposes the fallacy of my belief. Improv is way more that my preconceived belief. It’s a life skill, to be honed and developed. But before you get the idea it’s just another “self help” book, of which I swore off of on my 60th birthday a few years ago (as I was pretty sure I’d read “it” all, whatever it was) don’t go there as you’d be making a rash and wrong interpretation.
Dana’s book confirms what we already know…that life is what happens when we are making plans, but those plans don’t always go the way of the plan. And with the tools used in improv which Dana shares with us, the book offers us a new way to act and react to life’s challenges and adventures.
Finally, before you ask, but “what about the God part,” I can say as a “rogue Unitarian” the book hits just the right spiritual tone. It’s neither preachy nor moralistic, but instead seeks to offer real-world application to some of the best wisdom text from way back. For that reason alone, it’s a valuable book.
May 8, 2018
I absolutely love MaryAnn McKibben Dana's writing. It's so much fun to read! And yet, like she says about improv theater itself, being funny isn't nearly as important as being honest, and she is deeply honest.
Whether it's owning up to her tendencies to micromanage or grieving the death of children, McKibben Dana shares with us ways to navigate Life's most difficult challenges with resilience, humor, and grace. What I particularly appreciate is that this is far more than just a series of inspirational stories. McKibben Dana backs her writing with numerous sources, and she provides actionable exercises for both individuals and groups: things that we can do to help strengthen our ability to see opportunity in every challenge.
While, as a pastor, McKibben Dana naturally refers to Christian theology, I found that many of her ideas transcend any specific religion.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is ready to let go of worrying about "doing it wrong" in favor of living their life more fully and deeply, regardless of the cards we are dealt.
Whether it's owning up to her tendencies to micromanage or grieving the death of children, McKibben Dana shares with us ways to navigate Life's most difficult challenges with resilience, humor, and grace. What I particularly appreciate is that this is far more than just a series of inspirational stories. McKibben Dana backs her writing with numerous sources, and she provides actionable exercises for both individuals and groups: things that we can do to help strengthen our ability to see opportunity in every challenge.
While, as a pastor, McKibben Dana naturally refers to Christian theology, I found that many of her ideas transcend any specific religion.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is ready to let go of worrying about "doing it wrong" in favor of living their life more fully and deeply, regardless of the cards we are dealt.
May 7, 2018
In this book, "Planner" Me and and "The Next Right Thing Me" made all sorts of connections with my faith tradition (Reformed, Presbyterian),its Scriptures and theology, my lived experience and work by others including Wayne Mueller (A Life of Having, Being and Doing Enough), Kate Bowler (Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved),and Dana's earlier book, Sabbath in The Suburbs: A Family's Experiement with Holy Time.
I encourage you to read this book, whether you are a person who ascribes to a faith tradition or not, if you seek to foster ethical ways of being in the world. In chapter 8, "Using And to Create Possibilities," author MaryAnn McKibben Dana concludes with a story illustrating how an organization was "willing to improvise a greater And." Later, in chapter 24, "Meet the Mystery," she explores "living in mystery" as being in relationship with "A love-oriented, collaboratve relational, improvising God." These two, among many other nuggets, give me a framework for going forward, finding ways to "yes-and" into the future. May they do so for you as well.
I encourage you to read this book, whether you are a person who ascribes to a faith tradition or not, if you seek to foster ethical ways of being in the world. In chapter 8, "Using And to Create Possibilities," author MaryAnn McKibben Dana concludes with a story illustrating how an organization was "willing to improvise a greater And." Later, in chapter 24, "Meet the Mystery," she explores "living in mystery" as being in relationship with "A love-oriented, collaboratve relational, improvising God." These two, among many other nuggets, give me a framework for going forward, finding ways to "yes-and" into the future. May they do so for you as well.
March 3, 2018
This was more of an impulse read for me. I don't usually read books with religious passages and I don't have the faintest idea about improv.
I liked the book. The stories around improv were more interesting to me than the religious bits. I liked the principles. In fact, this book has excited me a little towards the art of improv and I plan on reading more about it.
I think this book could have used some better editing.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley.
I liked the book. The stories around improv were more interesting to me than the religious bits. I liked the principles. In fact, this book has excited me a little towards the art of improv and I plan on reading more about it.
I think this book could have used some better editing.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley.
July 1, 2018
Let me start by saying that Improv terrifies me. Even as an audience member, I clench, more focused on what might go wrong than on what is actually unfolding. When compelled to improv in acting classes, both as a student and later as an adult, I felt like someone who just could not speak the language.
I do, however, approach every book I open with the belief it may have something important to say to me, whether an idea that sparks new understandings or a disagreement in perspective that challenges me. I’m open to possibility. My friend, author MaryAnn McKibben Dana, would have to tell you for sure, but after reading her excellent new book God, Improv, and the Art of Living (Eerdmans, 2018), I think I may just be taking a “Yes, And” approach to reading, if not to improv itself.
Many of the principles developed in the book resonated for this reader.
First, about God:
“Rather than being remote and impersonal, God’s nature is to collaborate – to improvise – with God’s people. And when that improvisation occurs, it moves in the direction of inclusion and mercy and grace.” (p. 49)
On the value of listening and how improv can deepen it:
Getting the gist is now our default practice, to the exclusion of deep understanding and shared wisdom…
“True listening trusts there is enough time to consider, absorb, and be changed. Onstage, a good improviser trusts that a little bit of awkward silence isn’t nearly as bad as making a hasty move that doesn’t honor what their partner has offered.” (p. 64)
On the role of the self-critical internal Voice that limits our risk-taking:
“The Voice, also called the censor, is guided by two over-arching sentiments: “You’re not good enough” and “Who do you think you are?” These sentiments stop us mid-risk and keep us safe on the beaten path rather than in the improvisational mystery, which is scarier, but ultimately more interesting and satisfying.” (p. 134)
And on getting to work:
“Good ideas don’t have much shelf life. It’s much better to use them as quickly as possible, before they turn to ashes.” (p. 142)
These and many other passages are underlined in my copy of the book, which is useful for looking at one’s life, but also a great tool for churches that might hesitate to take a risk in a changing world. To encourage exploring the principles of improv, the book includes a set of exercises for individuals and groups. Stories from scripture and contemporary life illustrate the principles. MaryAnn is a gifted aggregator, bringing together her experiences in class and on stage with the wisdom of teachers and scholars in a way that elevates her thesis. Being open to say “Yes, and” widens our sense of what is possible, makes our lives richer, and is faithful to the God who invites us to collaborate. Will we take the risk? I hope so.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review. I cannot guarantee that the page numbers indicated above are the same in the final version.
I do, however, approach every book I open with the belief it may have something important to say to me, whether an idea that sparks new understandings or a disagreement in perspective that challenges me. I’m open to possibility. My friend, author MaryAnn McKibben Dana, would have to tell you for sure, but after reading her excellent new book God, Improv, and the Art of Living (Eerdmans, 2018), I think I may just be taking a “Yes, And” approach to reading, if not to improv itself.
Many of the principles developed in the book resonated for this reader.
First, about God:
“Rather than being remote and impersonal, God’s nature is to collaborate – to improvise – with God’s people. And when that improvisation occurs, it moves in the direction of inclusion and mercy and grace.” (p. 49)
On the value of listening and how improv can deepen it:
Getting the gist is now our default practice, to the exclusion of deep understanding and shared wisdom…
“True listening trusts there is enough time to consider, absorb, and be changed. Onstage, a good improviser trusts that a little bit of awkward silence isn’t nearly as bad as making a hasty move that doesn’t honor what their partner has offered.” (p. 64)
On the role of the self-critical internal Voice that limits our risk-taking:
“The Voice, also called the censor, is guided by two over-arching sentiments: “You’re not good enough” and “Who do you think you are?” These sentiments stop us mid-risk and keep us safe on the beaten path rather than in the improvisational mystery, which is scarier, but ultimately more interesting and satisfying.” (p. 134)
And on getting to work:
“Good ideas don’t have much shelf life. It’s much better to use them as quickly as possible, before they turn to ashes.” (p. 142)
These and many other passages are underlined in my copy of the book, which is useful for looking at one’s life, but also a great tool for churches that might hesitate to take a risk in a changing world. To encourage exploring the principles of improv, the book includes a set of exercises for individuals and groups. Stories from scripture and contemporary life illustrate the principles. MaryAnn is a gifted aggregator, bringing together her experiences in class and on stage with the wisdom of teachers and scholars in a way that elevates her thesis. Being open to say “Yes, and” widens our sense of what is possible, makes our lives richer, and is faithful to the God who invites us to collaborate. Will we take the risk? I hope so.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review. I cannot guarantee that the page numbers indicated above are the same in the final version.
November 1, 2020
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I am a planner. When I enter a situation, I've determined exactly how things should progress. If an encounter differs from my expectations, I get nervous and agitated. If this goes on for too long, stress and anger will manifest in my thoughts and actions. I'm also a Christian, and I know the Holy Spirit is going to lead me into plenty of unpredictable situations throughout my life. This is why God, Improv, and the Art of Living was so appealing to me. MaryAnn McKibben Dana makes the case that Christians should embrace improvisation in their everyday lives. God uses improvisation throughout the Scriptures, so it's only fitting that His followers follow in His steps. Dana makes some strong arguments, and she includes plenty of ways to apply the advice to everyday life.
MaryAnn McKibben Dana is a writer, speaker and author. She's attended various sessions at an improvisation class, and her experiences lay the groundwork for this book. She discusses the numerous exercises that she's undergone, and then she applies those encounters to her life. She argues that life is full of unpredictable situations that demand improvisation. She states that God Himself is an improvising Father, and she uses Scripture to support these claims. If our Creator improvises, isn't it fitting to believe that we should learn to use improvisation in our lives? She shares various ways that improvisation can improve one's outlook on life and benefit overall well-being. She uses various personal examples that add credibility to the narrative. Her arguments are fascinating and compelling, and she dictates intriguing ways that her readers can apply improvisation to their own lives.
Amy McFadden provides the narration for this work. She speaks clearly and provides clear pronunciation throughout. She also maintains a smooth flow, and she never catches on words or phrases. She provides enough emotion to keep up with the narrative while still maintaining believably. Her voice never grows grating or tiresome; she's enjoyable to hear throughout the five hour and 15 minute duration.
God, Improv, and the Art of Living is inspiring and informative. Dana makes a strong point that this world is unpredictable; nothing ever goes exactly as planned. But by embracing improvisation, we can learn to go with the flow while growing both spiritually and mentally. This is a great resource for an unpredictable life, and it's expertly narrated by Amy McFadden. It's easy to recommend for Christians and self-help aficionados.
I am a planner. When I enter a situation, I've determined exactly how things should progress. If an encounter differs from my expectations, I get nervous and agitated. If this goes on for too long, stress and anger will manifest in my thoughts and actions. I'm also a Christian, and I know the Holy Spirit is going to lead me into plenty of unpredictable situations throughout my life. This is why God, Improv, and the Art of Living was so appealing to me. MaryAnn McKibben Dana makes the case that Christians should embrace improvisation in their everyday lives. God uses improvisation throughout the Scriptures, so it's only fitting that His followers follow in His steps. Dana makes some strong arguments, and she includes plenty of ways to apply the advice to everyday life.
MaryAnn McKibben Dana is a writer, speaker and author. She's attended various sessions at an improvisation class, and her experiences lay the groundwork for this book. She discusses the numerous exercises that she's undergone, and then she applies those encounters to her life. She argues that life is full of unpredictable situations that demand improvisation. She states that God Himself is an improvising Father, and she uses Scripture to support these claims. If our Creator improvises, isn't it fitting to believe that we should learn to use improvisation in our lives? She shares various ways that improvisation can improve one's outlook on life and benefit overall well-being. She uses various personal examples that add credibility to the narrative. Her arguments are fascinating and compelling, and she dictates intriguing ways that her readers can apply improvisation to their own lives.
Amy McFadden provides the narration for this work. She speaks clearly and provides clear pronunciation throughout. She also maintains a smooth flow, and she never catches on words or phrases. She provides enough emotion to keep up with the narrative while still maintaining believably. Her voice never grows grating or tiresome; she's enjoyable to hear throughout the five hour and 15 minute duration.
God, Improv, and the Art of Living is inspiring and informative. Dana makes a strong point that this world is unpredictable; nothing ever goes exactly as planned. But by embracing improvisation, we can learn to go with the flow while growing both spiritually and mentally. This is a great resource for an unpredictable life, and it's expertly narrated by Amy McFadden. It's easy to recommend for Christians and self-help aficionados.
November 5, 2020
Every now and again I come across a book that fits a unique genre in religious/spiritual literature. This genre is one that I have come to simply called spirituality for those in ministry. God, Improv, and the Art of Living certainly has universal appeal for readers in any life context. However, I truly believe this is essential reading for anyone currently practicing ministry in any way.
MaryAnn McKibben Dana clearly identifies 7 improv principles that are helpful to incorporate in your spiritual life. While each principle carries a lot of worth for those in the vocation of ministry, I also appreciated the way Dana packages these principles in concise short chapters. This is what I found most helpful about the book! Chaplains, pastors, counselors, religious leaders, or non-profit activists all have extremely busy lives, so the short chapters of this book provide the sustenance of spirituality without the huge time investment.
I also found the brevity and focus of the chapters helpful in my ability to live out the spirit of improv, as my head was only in the book for a short period of time before going back to the spontaneous nature of living life in the now.
The one weakness of this book is that it can come off theological pithy and shallow at points. The author clearly has a beautiful well though out theological grounding but the ways theology showed up in many of the chapters was so brief that it left more questions than answers and the theological examples didn't really serve to flesh out the chapter much further. The only exception of this rule came in the last few chapters where I felt the author really lingered in a space of theological reflection.
All in all, this is a great book that I now place in the canon of essential reading for those who actually practice ministry!
MaryAnn McKibben Dana clearly identifies 7 improv principles that are helpful to incorporate in your spiritual life. While each principle carries a lot of worth for those in the vocation of ministry, I also appreciated the way Dana packages these principles in concise short chapters. This is what I found most helpful about the book! Chaplains, pastors, counselors, religious leaders, or non-profit activists all have extremely busy lives, so the short chapters of this book provide the sustenance of spirituality without the huge time investment.
I also found the brevity and focus of the chapters helpful in my ability to live out the spirit of improv, as my head was only in the book for a short period of time before going back to the spontaneous nature of living life in the now.
The one weakness of this book is that it can come off theological pithy and shallow at points. The author clearly has a beautiful well though out theological grounding but the ways theology showed up in many of the chapters was so brief that it left more questions than answers and the theological examples didn't really serve to flesh out the chapter much further. The only exception of this rule came in the last few chapters where I felt the author really lingered in a space of theological reflection.
All in all, this is a great book that I now place in the canon of essential reading for those who actually practice ministry!
May 16, 2018
Basically the only thing I knew about Improv going into this book was that it is based on “Yes, And.” And that I questioned what to do when confronted with something that deserves nothing but a no.
MaryAnn answers my question with this book. She confronts a world that is seemingly bent toward the chaotic and finds God coming alongside us making beauty in the mess we find ourselves in.
Maybe an actual 4.8 stars... I can think of a couple people who would be too conservative to enjoy her theology, but I think both my mother in law and my husband’s best atheist friend would find it worth reading.
MaryAnn answers my question with this book. She confronts a world that is seemingly bent toward the chaotic and finds God coming alongside us making beauty in the mess we find ourselves in.
Maybe an actual 4.8 stars... I can think of a couple people who would be too conservative to enjoy her theology, but I think both my mother in law and my husband’s best atheist friend would find it worth reading.
September 5, 2019
I loved this book. I loved how it gave me a chance to look at my faith in a new and exciting way. I understand that the author MaryAnn McKibben Dana also gives classes oh that would be so fun. But the book is a good chance to see how Improv can be applied to life. If you are on the side lines and trying to decide if this is a book for you, I would say give it a chance it will change the way you see everything. I would love to see some of the games at the end of this book used in counselling. Amy McFadden is a wonderful narrator of this audio book. Her voice keeps you riveted to what is being said. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review and I have.
August 21, 2018
This book is for anyone who has experienced life not going according to plan. I think that’s all of us. Through principles learned through improv, MaryAnn McKibben Dana takes us on a journey to unearthing the reality that we can thrive even with the unpredictability of life. While the frame of improv may spark ideas of humor and lightheartedness (and all this was definitely there), McKibben Dana doesn’t shy away from the challenges and difficulties that happen when life doesn’t go the way we hoped or planned. Her wisdom can help anyone embrace a fuller life.
December 10, 2019
I actually listened to this in audiobook format. Narrator Amy McFadden is fantastic! She truly captured the heart of author MaryAnn McKibben Dana. There are personally stories shared by the author throughout, and the result is inspirational. I kept stopping the recording to repeat little phrases that warmed my heart. I finally decided I needed the ebook so that I could mark it up and place tons of bookmarks throughout! This book is one to keep on the nightstand.
I have also designated that as an awesome gift book for members of my family and friends
I have also designated that as an awesome gift book for members of my family and friends
January 17, 2020
I am a trained actor but am terrified at auditions. I took improv to help with this fear, and was blown away by the life applications. This lovely book covers them all in an anecdotal way, along with biblical parallels. The biblical stories did not connect with me as much but did not detract from my enjoyment of this book.
June 26, 2020
A fantastic read! This book hit the spot for me: short-ish chapters, meaningful content, and improv exercises to try out, too. This book showed up at an important time in my life and career -- right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Talk about a need for flexibility and a "yes, and" mentality!
Highly recommended for individual readers or for church groups.
Highly recommended for individual readers or for church groups.
May 17, 2021
Improv throughout your life
It was interesting to me that it states we use improv in our everyday lives as comedians do in their jobs. Things come up everyday that are unexpected and we have to handle them on the fly. Never thought of that as improv before but this books gives advise and games to help us thru such problems.enjoy
It was interesting to me that it states we use improv in our everyday lives as comedians do in their jobs. Things come up everyday that are unexpected and we have to handle them on the fly. Never thought of that as improv before but this books gives advise and games to help us thru such problems.enjoy
January 1, 2020
Once in a while you read a book that lives up to the author. And once in a while you meet an author who loves up to their writing. This book is both. It is delightful, witty, theologically robust without being dull, and gives you plenty of real world ideas to put it into practice.
December 19, 2020
This gem of a book feels so timely for 2020 and I've gleaned much wisdom from these pages as I discern how to lead in the church through this season. A second edition of the book could include the subtitle: How to Navigate a Pandemic With Intelligence, Imagination, Energy, and Love.
May 15, 2018
A book you need to read.
Here is my full review-
http://teaandtheology.com/god-improv-...
Here is my full review-
http://teaandtheology.com/god-improv-...
June 6, 2018
As a recovering perfectionist too, this book resonated at so many levels. It's inspiring my spirituality and living in fresh ways.
November 1, 2018
Read with a small book group and it was a terrific experience.
May 21, 2019
A great way to tie Improv to other life things. I like it a lot. I think I hoped for more, but not sure what the more was I was looking for.
June 4, 2020
The fact that this book is so relevant right now in this moment is the best improv of all.
November 24, 2020
This book is brilliant! As a minister and lover of improv it was life giving. Every minister should read this book!
April 5, 2024
4.5 - interesting connection between improvisation, Faith and life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews