Just about a year ago, I got Blue Like Jazz for my birthday. I am ashamed to say that tonight I finally finished it. I am feeling kind of behind the cutting edge on this one. I mean seriously how long has this book been out, and I am just finishing it now? That’s like just discovering that they sell loaves of bread pre sliced and neatly bagged in that thing we call the super market. Seriously, where have I been. Anyhow, I finished the book tonight.
A lot can be said about a book to me in the way that I read it. Some books I can’t put down. Some, need to be put down. Here’s the progression of Blue Like Jazz for me.
I started reading with great enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm wore off…
Book was grabbed to read during toilet time.
Book remained next to bedside table for many months.
Book was grabbed to read during toilet time.
Book remained within arms reach of the porcelain.
Book was redeemed from the clutches of the bathroom and moved back to the illustrious bedside table where it was picked up and read with great enthusiasm again.
So, if that didn’t make sense to you, let me help you out with how I felt about Blue Like Jazz. I began reading this book with great anticipation. I was expecting to have my mind be really opened up to new ways of thinking. I was expecting a second great enlightenment. I was disappointed. My friend Tim loved this book. I highly respect Tim and his literary knowledge. I was ready for this to be an awesome book. The beginning and the end where indeed that for me. Donald Miller is an excellent story teller. However all in all, I give the book maybe a B. (Sorry Tim…)
Here is the number one thing that I drew out of the book. Miller did an excellent job of helping me understand what Hell could be like. He has this whole cartoon imagery helping describe what Hell could be like. He describes hell as floating around the earth in a self contained space suit. Watching the earth and seeing life, and seeing connection, seeing relationships, yet also watching as your hair slowly creeps in and clouds out your vision. Your beard growing all over making it so that you can’t even see earth anymore. All the while still floating through space orbiting this planet earth. I thought this really put flesh on what hell could be like. What I mean by that is I now have a better feeling of what hell could feel like. I can imagine what hair clouding out my vision would be like. Sometimes it’s hard to understand what fire and brimstone would be like. Job well done Miller.
All in all, I am glad I read it. I wish it didn’t take me 11 months, 29 bathroom visits, and 1 long car trip.
What books are you reading right now?
~Peter