Mr. Blue

Mr. Blue by Myles Connolly is that rare treasure of a book and story whose description triggers a need to obtain it. This 115 page, Loyola Press edition, novella got a mention in Fr. James T. O'Connor's wonderful book on the theology of the Eucharist, The Hidden Manna. What Fr. O'Connor said about this book intrigued me and I purchased it. It is a wonderful read. Originally published in 1928 the book was written by screen writer and producer Myles Connolly. He is most famous for his connection with the classic films It Happened One Night and State Of The Union. He was also a devout Catholic and that shows in his story telling. The main character, J. Blue, is the anti-Gatsby. He is a Jazz Age St. Francis seeking to divest himself of all things material and a saint of the streets who seeks out poverty to glorify God. Blue, who for part of the story lives in a packing crate on the roof of a skyscraper, sees the image of God in every man, especially the poor, and is in tune with creation. Where Gatsby sought to rid himself of his past and invested his life in social climbing, Blue seeks to lessen himself so that the glory of God will increase. Of note and interest is the author's describing Eugenics and the State in its most evil incarnation and eerily predicting Nazi religious persecuation and racial law. Remember, this book was published in 1928. Myles Connolly apparently had his finger on what was going on in the world. Sadly, some of what the main character J. Blue sees in his dream has come to pass. This is a book every Catholic should read. It would make a wonderful book for parish discussion. Finally, it would make a great full-length movie. I say full-length because even though it is a novella Blue's dream, which he thought would make a great film, would take a full production to do it justice. Buy this book and pass it along to your friends, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

I first read Blue when I was a young teenager, and the short novel's simplicity, purity, expression, and color all formed how I viewed the world for the rest of my teenage years. Like Christ, Blue.... who I believe manifests modern-day real-world Christianity, or perhaps even a contemporary St. Francis of Assisi imagery..... found God's colorful inspiration in the good and bad in the world that surrounded him. Its a shame that Mr. Blue has gone out of print, and over the years I've taken pleasure in hunting down, buying and gifting copies of this wonderful book. If only today's youth could be be inspired to love, laughter and service through a book as wonderful as Mr. Blue. If only today's adults could revel in making the wonderful dreams found in this book come alive....

I don't know how I got a hold of this book when I was between 8 and 10 years old, but I'm glad that I did. I lost this book many years ago (20+) but have never forgotten it's message, LOVE LIFE, because it's beautiful, not in spite of the bad, but sometimes because of the bad. If you can get your hands on this book, do so, you'll be glad you did.

I was given this outstanding work as a gift by one of the most precious people that has ever touched my life. She told me that whenever we were together, Jay Blue kept popping into her head so she gave me my treasured copy. I've probably read the book 100 times and continually find peace, encouragement and delight. No author has ever had such a profound effect upon my life and those I love. Whatever the price - read it!

This book was given to me by William Stringfellow, unquestionably the outstanding 20th century American theologian. Karl Barth called him that. Stringfellow was a laymen, a lawyer, and a prophet. His admiration for Jay Blue was exceeded only by his fidelity to Jesus Christ. Mr. Blue blew my mind. One of three best books I have read. I have no idea how my copy every left me. It's an incredible story about a sinful saint.