Blue Like Jazz
December 3rd, 2007
In my first year seminar class, we had to read the book, Blue Like Jazz. I had heard a lot about the book from my sister and I knew that since it had such a confusing title that it really must be good! The book basically is an autobiography of Donald Miller, telling his life story, and his thoughts on Christianity, ethics, drugs, girls, church and much more.
He asks questions and imparts little bits of wisdom to his reader’s like:
“Is Jesus the Son of God, are we being held captive in a world run by Satan, a world filled with brokenness, and do I believe Jesus can rescue me from this condition?”
And…
“I started to sin about the time I turned ten…Girls begin to sin when they are twenty three or something…”
And…
“I think that if you like somebody you should tell them….however, you should not keep telling a girl that you like her after she tells you she isn’t into it. You should not keep riding your bike past her house either.”
And…
“I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn’t resolve. But sometimes you have to watch somebody love something because before you can love it yourself…I used to not like God because God didn’t resolve.”
And…
“Racism is a minor problem.”
Now, after reading the thought provoking and entertaining book, I get to go see a live production based on the book. The best thing is that it is here on campus and free for EMU students! Of course, I don’t agree with everything that Donald Miller says or questions, but he often provides me with new ways of looking at Christianity, and is able to bring a different perspective to the table because of his personal experiences and struggles.
As an added bonus, to book is entertaining because Miller is very adept at inserting dry humor into his writing. Some of my favorite chapter titles include, Faith: Penguin Sex, Community: Living with Freaks, and Magic: The Problem with Romeo.