Life Is Mostly Edges

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Part of the reason for that is that like Dr Miller I too am reaching toward my final years but not ready to give up. The best line in the book for me is 'Getting old is not an option, seeming old is!' Every Pastor, young and old, should read this book. Young Pastor - believe me this book is true. It will tell you what is in store for your future. But it will also keep you in the ministry when you want out of the ministry. And in the end you will agree with Calvin Miller that it is worth it. Older Pastor like me - this book will make you laugh out loud and things only Pastors could understand and shed a tear of thankfulness that God has called you to such a hard time. This book is especially good for those who are married and have chosen to love their wives for a lifetime. Actually I can't think of anyone who would not find this book wonderful to read. I have read The Singer and enjoyed it. But after reading this book I am more hopeful, more positive, and becoming more understanding of those who don't understand me. I also came away with very good advice on what it means to be really spiritual. Falling in love with Jesus is the highest priority - but that does not exclude watching the Superbowl or the Tour De France (doesn't everybody). And it certainly doesn't exclude lots of contact with the many things the world offers in art and poetry, novels and museums, vacations and friendships. Dr Miller models a Christian commitment that is profound but not one dimensional. You will be very glad you read this book.

This book was extremely well written, poetic, charming, funny, sad, informative, and freeing to many of the burdensome thoughts I've had about the church and its people. This book is an autobiographical account of Calvin Millers life from his youngest days in the onset of the depression until recent. I found many things to laugh about, a few things to tear up about and many things to think about. He had a very hard life in many ways, and a very satisfying life in many other ways but most important he is real, he doesn't come accross as holier than thou but rather a man on a path toward truly knowing Jesus. I don't recall a time in my life that I have read an almost 400 page book in 3 days, but this one was hard to put down, he was a Pastor, A Writer, and a Seminary Professor so you get a first hand look at his life through thoses lenses and it is gripping to say the least.

This is a wonderful book on one man's journey from a humble childhood to becoming one of the creative talents of our time. Calvin lays it all out, the ups and the downs...the successes and failures. There is also a companion DVD available with Calvin Miller and his wife Barbara revisiting the important places in the book and talking about his life. www.calvinmillerauthor.com

Memoir... Life Is Mostly Edges is the beautiful memoir of Calvin Miller, author and professor. I was struck by his poignant look at a postage stamp......"For life is mostly edges. It is small--like a postage stamp...and I liked the middle of my stamp more than the edges...the middle is safe. Only the edges are dangerous, but it's also where we learn life's greatest truth: joy rarely erupts in the safe centers of our lives...Joy lies only along the edges." There is deep wisdom lying in that statement. Life Is Mostly Edges is divided into three sections. Each section deals with a different aspect of his life. I loved the story about the headstone. I had to wipe the tears from my eyes. Calvin Miller has led a remarkable life. You might ask me what was remarkable...He can look back on his life and remember the good parts. He can share the tales with others. He does not dwell on bad memories. The Lord was always first in his life. My favorite part of the book was the last section. He shares his thoughts on growing older. "Being Old Is An Option!" Like you, Mr. Miller, I refuse to grow old. Miller writes with a lot of insight and humor. He demonstrates his love for his family and for the Lord. His life is an inspiration. This is a must read!

My wife got to the book first. She would not let me read it until she finished it. She finally gave way to sleep at 1:42 Am and dropped the book beside her chair. As she slept, I started the read. What a read. Dr. Calvin is such a great word smith (is this one or two words?) and I had to look up several of them as I read. His love for family is extraordinary. His love for his mother is godly. His love for Barbara was above reproach. But GOD was his all and all. After reading this book, I have no doubt that Jesus is the center of his life and Barbara is the reason for this. His desire to succeed is told when he made a "F" in speech and returned for an advanced course. After prayer, and help from a friend, he was able to succeed. I cried so much in this book that at 4:17 AM, my wife was awaken. "What's wrong with you and why are you awake?" "Why are you crying?" I then read the next six chapters to her and we cried together. We had breakfast and headed to KCMO to see our newly born granddaughter. I finished with my wife in Carthage, Missouri at the Super 8 Motel at 9:22 PM.. That morning on the way to KCMO I re-read the last several chapters that referred to the seminary at Ft. Worth. I cried again. I have ordered more copies for my friends and the church library. I warn you - it's extraordinary.