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cailynw's review
4.0
While I don't consider myself much of a creator or artist, this book, written by a musician/songwriter/writer that I respect, had me curious enough to get the audiobook with my Audible membership, and I definitely don't regret it. The production of the audiobook was phenomenal--read by the author, he added humor and anecdote that would have been lost in the printed word alone. Additionally, the audiobook was scored with Gungor instrumentals, which also added depth to the words. The book is more of a collection of essays, anecdotes, and musings, that combine philosophy, theology, and sociology, and make for a very interesting read. While I was listening, my husband asked me, "So what is this book actually about?" That is tough to actually pin down, but I think the book is about encouragement to create--why we create, and why we must not stop creating.
a9f's review
3.0
It was interesting to read Michael's perspective on art, music, and how the interact with our faith. I was left wanting, though, for some practical "where do we go from here" wisdom.
Love Michael's music (going to his concert in a week), but I'm glad he doesn't need to rely on book revenues for his livelihood. :)
Love Michael's music (going to his concert in a week), but I'm glad he doesn't need to rely on book revenues for his livelihood. :)
hem's review
3.0
Thanks, Linds! This one had me laughing out loud at some points, and bookmarking quotes at others. It's great for what it is -- an artist's reflection on art. Interesting, kept me engaged, not life-changing.
bickleyhouse's review
4.0
I've been a fan of Michael Gungor's music for a while, now. He is a pretty amazing guitar player, and the songs he composes are beautiful and unique. My first exposure to him was when the church I was going to introduced us to a couple of his songs. I began listening to everything I could get my hands on. I would consider him to be somewhat of a genius.
This book is his take on not just the music industry, but art in general. It is a book, as it says, for creators. Especially for creators who seem to have hit a roadblock and who might feel that they have "sold out." Michael writes about the different "voices" that we can listen to, as creators, and pinpoints which ones should NOT be listened to.
He talks a lot about pop culture and capitalism. However, he neither condemns nor glorifies either one, keeping a level view of the usefulness of both. My favorite part of the book turned out to be Appendix 2, in which he discusses genres, especially the one we refer to as "Christian" music. Michael is very uncomfortable with that genre label, and with good reason. He also talks a lot about "Becky," the target audience for all successful "Christian" radio stations. I knew about "Becky," I just didn't know she had a name!
Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves a serious creator of any kind of art. I will share two of my favorite quotes from the book.
"I am convinced that most people do not really believe what they say they believe. Or perhaps I should say that it seems that most people's professed belief is not the same as their felt belief or their lived belief." (pg. 145)
"And since when was Christianity a safe, positive alternative for the family anyway?" (pg 204)
This book is his take on not just the music industry, but art in general. It is a book, as it says, for creators. Especially for creators who seem to have hit a roadblock and who might feel that they have "sold out." Michael writes about the different "voices" that we can listen to, as creators, and pinpoints which ones should NOT be listened to.
He talks a lot about pop culture and capitalism. However, he neither condemns nor glorifies either one, keeping a level view of the usefulness of both. My favorite part of the book turned out to be Appendix 2, in which he discusses genres, especially the one we refer to as "Christian" music. Michael is very uncomfortable with that genre label, and with good reason. He also talks a lot about "Becky," the target audience for all successful "Christian" radio stations. I knew about "Becky," I just didn't know she had a name!
Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves a serious creator of any kind of art. I will share two of my favorite quotes from the book.
"I am convinced that most people do not really believe what they say they believe. Or perhaps I should say that it seems that most people's professed belief is not the same as their felt belief or their lived belief." (pg. 145)
"And since when was Christianity a safe, positive alternative for the family anyway?" (pg 204)
kksorrell's review
5.0
This is a wonderful book for anyone who creates - and really, in some ways, that's all of us. Michael Gungor talks a lot about faith, art, and the things that shape us (particularly in America). He looks at how to balance all the voices that clamor at an artist, and he intelligently and gracefully cautions against getting swallowed up in cultural factors like technology, capitalism, and celebrity. He then holds out landlines that help keep all artists connected to their true passions and ideas - doubt and love, for example. This book is as beautiful, challenging, and true as Gungor's music. This is one I'm going to read again and again!
mega_mojo's review
3.0
I went into this book thinking it would be focused more on art and the creative process (which it was), but a lot of it was more a comment on society and the way it influences creators. It talked about the soil we should create from VS the soil that we find ourselves in. All in all an interesting read, got some stuff out of it. Made me think about the dangers of thinking of yourself as a “Christian artist”, which I found insightful.
joyfilledwander's review
5.0
A GREAT read for the artist, the creative, the musician, or the human. It's funny, and profound, spiritual, and clever all at the same time. I was challenged to examine the art that I create about me, and the inspiration from my Creator. Read it now! It's a quick read, but one that will stay with you for time to come!
jananne's review
4.0
For everyone who is a creator, which we basically all are: READ THIS! It's brilliant. Amazing thoughts on creating, culture, personal life. I think this is one of those books you can take as the fundament of your life. The only reason not to give it five stars is 'I don't know', my guts says four stars so yo, here we go. (4,5 stars)
benbowers's review
5.0
This is an excellent book for people who are struggling with creating art that is real and meaningful. Gungor shares a lot of his personal struggles when it comes to the art that he creates, and give a great perspective on where our art should come from and what it should be about.
beth_larter's review
4.0
Michael Gungor is a man who embraces ambiguity with humility and wit, who refuses to be defined by what others want him or his music to be- a rarity in the Christian music world (a genre he would reject as a senseless classification used by marketers). I would highly recommend this book to creators who are seeking to create art with soul and meaning.
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