Poet Priest - Vol 1

by Andy Squyres

Genres: Poetry, Theology, Memoir

108 pages, Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you Andy Squyres. If you struggle with doubt or legalism his writings are a balm for the heart. He’s a funny guy but in the best way. The rare kind of writer, someone you want to actually know personally but who you kind of feel you do know just by how he writes.

[Dennis Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the genuineness of the essays. A really good read especially if you can discuss it with other believers who are willing to think and discuss without just criticizing and tearing it down.

[Amyanne Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a love which can only be experienced, which is only possible in the crucible of suffering, in a situation impossible to bear, that you would of your own volition never choose. It’s the place where “love endures all things” moves from romantic theory to love inducing reality. And in that place of weakness and desolation you eventually see and feel that there is a pleasure beyond pleasure. There is a “sink your teeth into the bread of Life” kind of satisfaction that overwhelms you. Your curated life and your curated belief system begin to buckle under the crushing weight of whatever reality has been thrust upon you and it’s disconcerting as hell. But you begin to feel a strange strength within you that hardly anyone can understand when you try to explain it to them. You start doing the math differently. You rightly assess that this is unbearably hard but you see yourself in the future someday realizing that in all the difficulty, you really wouldn’t have it any other way. There is a pleasure beyond pleasure.”

I have yet to figure out how to summarize my life from March of 2023 to now but I think Andy just did it for me.

[McKenzie Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy is one of my favorite writers in general, but probably my favorite writer in the faith space these days. He makes me laugh and wonder and cry. His Instagram essays always cause me to stop the scroll and actually take something in and for that I am grateful.

[Corrie Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Part of growing in faith means simply trusting the fact that God is pleased with your little life.”

I am deeply, utterly encouraged by this collection of poems and essays. Squyres calls out the foolishness of God and following him, while accepting that there is really no other viable option. There is so much freedom in living a quiet life, accepting the troubles that will come, and knowing that somehow there is “a pleasure beyond pleasure.”

10 stars. Will be rereading often and recommending to all.

[Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy's insights are humble and thought provoking. Throughout this work he challenges modern grind with patience, legalism with grace, and greed with self-sacrifice.

[Madison Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But I think it’s a mistake to presume that a perfect world would be better than a free world. Love needs a place to live and grow and prove itself and that can only happen where tragedy is possible.”

No one gets it like Andy Squyres gets it. You would be hard pressed to find another writer who can express the ruining love of knowing the man of Christ, the tragedy of life, and all the joy left to be found in between these things like he can. It also just looks real cool on your coffee table too. You should read it.

[Sheryl Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this 10 stars I would. Beautifully written thought provoking, challenging, enlightening essays framed with incredible photographs. It's a book where I leave to flip through and read at random - each time an essay hits me differently. Grateful to own this limited edition publication.
I just pre-ordered Volume 2 and cannot wait for it.

[Olivia Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just for kicks, I wanna give this a 2 star review and see Andy’s reaction. But I’m not a liar—at least, not a good one. This compilation of essays is important. Every last one of ‘em. They had me laughing out loud in coffee shops and crying in the quiet privacy of my car. All timely and received like salve on wounds I couldn’t see in a mirror. Read them.

[Ashley Clubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

words to keep you resolute towards Christ

"Christ is hard to follow because we desire pleasure and power, and he is not offering us any. We hoped God was a god. But he is not. He is God. What he offers is himself, and for many of us, that is the greatest disappointment of all"

[Courtney Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the way Andy thinks about and processes his faith and relationships. We may not always line up on every belief, but I enjoy reading every single line of everything he writes. The photography is also beautiful.

[Aliyah Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

andy’s not for everyone but his writing resonates so much with me. it was so special to be able to buy one of the last prints of this book which is limited edition

[Amy Cuneo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life light after tough times

[nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and stirring collection from Squyres, who has become one of my favorite songwriters.

[Rahaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly remarkable piece of art, grateful that it was shared with the world.