Children of God Go Bowling

I was initially drawn to this book because the author lives in the same metro area as I do. In the beginning, I was amused when the author mentioned a place in the cities that I frequent. By the end, I was so drawn into the story and the characters that I was in tears. This book is so real and honest that it almost seems like you're finding out too much. By getting close to the characters, you're almost drawn into their world and are in on the action. While it is a light, summer read, it's also very serious and dark, but still optimistic and positive. It really has quite a range as far as the emotions that it envokes in the reader, but it's not jumpy or convoluted. Now, I must read Shannon Olson's first novel and will await many more of her books!

Shannon is the Kathleen Norris, Anne Lamott and Julia Cameron of her generation! Her writing is inspired for creating a link between Christianity and the young adult of today. The emancipation battle between her and her mother as well as her transformational experience of a Catholic woman struggling to find her authentic, God-given voice while living in the land of Lutherans, is strikingly human. Her seemingly endless and often times futile therapy sessions act as a comforting reminder that life is not easy and at times even resigns to "just showing up". Shannon takes us on a bumpy, unflattering journey toward wholeness and leaves us with hope and joy as she circles deeper within herself. This is a must read for all clergy who are truly dedicated to listening for the longing for God in contemporary society.

This book came highly recommeded by several of my English collegues, and I completely understand why. Olson effectively captures single life as a working woman in the Midwest. It was witty and accurate. Although some people may see Olson as whining and being egocentric, I believe Olson is simply relating her humorous truth and perception thereof in a manner to which many can relate. I have seldom enjoyed a piece of literature as thoroughly as Children of God Go Bowling.

I went to high school with the author and although I didn't know her well, my mother- like hers- tries to "help" My mother sent me her two books. I don't live in Minnesota, but I am very grateful to Shannon for the memories and accurate portrayal of life in Chaska. Right down to Dairy Queen and the off kilter high school french teacher. Please keep books like this coming.

I finished this book in two days (and that was only because I had to go to work!). The book is funny, but yet thought-provoking and insightful. Olson writes with a very original voice. I'm on my way out to pick up book # 1, Welcome to My World, which somehow I missed the first time around! Perfect late winter blahs reading!