2008 Woodie Awards
Miller's novel changes name but keeps same great story
By: Jon Vick
Issue date: 3/28/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Jon Vick
Staff Writer
Donald Miller is an increasingly popular Christian author, but his first book Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance (published in 2000) did not exactly fly off the store shelves. However, now with some new content and a new title Through Painted Deserts does not disappoint. The new author's note that Miller wrote for this revision is inspiring and earnest. Before the adventure even begins readers are challenged with one word, "Leave." This foreword truly whets the appetite for anyone seeking adventure and change. Not just a change of pace or a change of scenery, but a change of self. Miller wishes that the reader has encountered both "some leaving and coming home" in life because each brings about personal growth and change.
The 27 chapters, ranging in name from "Floating Bodies at Hoover Dam" to "Kindness," bring to life an account of Miller's journey away from his home town in Houston, Texas to Oregon. He and his friend Paul leave Houston in a 1971 Volkswagen camping van early one morning, with nothing but a few hundred dollars, some personal positions and a box of books. Their first destination is the Grand Canyon, and then on to central Oregon. Miller and Paul drive throughout the days and most of the nights. Both sleep in the van.
The two friends reach the Grand Canyon, and make an unforgettable descent and ascent. From the Grand Canyon, both continue through Nevada, California and eventually end their journey together in the mountains of central Oregon. Miller and Paul encountered mechanical problems, made new friends and gained a wealth of memories while on the road.
Miller's engrossing and exciting narrative is peppered with insight into the spiritual. Miller examines the nature of God in, well, nature. He addresses the metaphoric properties of light, and how it can be an example of God's qualities. He relishes all manner of terrain, from the dry deserts, to the cool mountains. He finds the vastness and beauty of God in the stars.
Deserts is a fun and exciting read. The foreword will instantly hook most readers, and then it's the open road from there. The characters are real people, not fictional. By the end of Miller's story one may feel as though they are leaving friends behind. The carefree sense of humor will make you laugh out loud, and Miller's account makes one long for their own adventure on the open roads. Miller shows us God's hand in everyday life. From the "accidental" breakdown, to just happening upon the right person for help. The descriptive writing brings the words off of the page and into the mind painting a vivid picture. When the last page has turned, you may just want to go buy a map, plan a trip and "Leave."
Staff Writer
Donald Miller is an increasingly popular Christian author, but his first book Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance (published in 2000) did not exactly fly off the store shelves. However, now with some new content and a new title Through Painted Deserts does not disappoint. The new author's note that Miller wrote for this revision is inspiring and earnest. Before the adventure even begins readers are challenged with one word, "Leave." This foreword truly whets the appetite for anyone seeking adventure and change. Not just a change of pace or a change of scenery, but a change of self. Miller wishes that the reader has encountered both "some leaving and coming home" in life because each brings about personal growth and change.
The 27 chapters, ranging in name from "Floating Bodies at Hoover Dam" to "Kindness," bring to life an account of Miller's journey away from his home town in Houston, Texas to Oregon. He and his friend Paul leave Houston in a 1971 Volkswagen camping van early one morning, with nothing but a few hundred dollars, some personal positions and a box of books. Their first destination is the Grand Canyon, and then on to central Oregon. Miller and Paul drive throughout the days and most of the nights. Both sleep in the van.
The two friends reach the Grand Canyon, and make an unforgettable descent and ascent. From the Grand Canyon, both continue through Nevada, California and eventually end their journey together in the mountains of central Oregon. Miller and Paul encountered mechanical problems, made new friends and gained a wealth of memories while on the road.
Miller's engrossing and exciting narrative is peppered with insight into the spiritual. Miller examines the nature of God in, well, nature. He addresses the metaphoric properties of light, and how it can be an example of God's qualities. He relishes all manner of terrain, from the dry deserts, to the cool mountains. He finds the vastness and beauty of God in the stars.
Deserts is a fun and exciting read. The foreword will instantly hook most readers, and then it's the open road from there. The characters are real people, not fictional. By the end of Miller's story one may feel as though they are leaving friends behind. The carefree sense of humor will make you laugh out loud, and Miller's account makes one long for their own adventure on the open roads. Miller shows us God's hand in everyday life. From the "accidental" breakdown, to just happening upon the right person for help. The descriptive writing brings the words off of the page and into the mind painting a vivid picture. When the last page has turned, you may just want to go buy a map, plan a trip and "Leave."
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