The Singer: A Classic Retelling of Cosmic Conflict

If you know the story of Jesus this book will feel familiar, like an old friend…. But it’s that friend that continually surprises you.

I think of "The Singer" as a collapsing of the four Gospels in the traditional Christian Bible. Told in allegorical fantasy or science fiction this was one of my favorite books when I was a teenager and it introduced me to Calvin Miller's fiction. It isn't easy to read, things jump around a bit, and are at the same time condensed, but I also remember sharing it with non-Christian friends who thought it was pretty cool too. As an adult now I can see more the Gospel of John is the strongest influence on the work but there is also a strong role for women in it.

I read this book a few years after it was first published. I was a young teen and in search of.... meaning. Throughout the years, I have thought of this book, thought of re-reading it, but didn't want to lose my memory of how gently, how beautifully it tells the story of Christ. I remembered it with such fondness that I didn't dare risk re-reading it. Finally, I've decided it's time to take a drink from the well Calvin Miller created in The Singer once again. I'm sure it will be just as refreshing as it was the first time I read it, and... perhaps I'll enjoy it even more this time!

I read this book several years ago and it still ranks as one of the most relevant books to me as a Christian. It's the first book that I give as a gift to my friends. Read anything by Calvin Miller!

Anyone who wants to learn to love poetry, or wants to understand the power of poetic verse but has never yet been able to...read this. Anyone who wants to really fall in love with Jesus but has never really been able to "feel" the depth of passion they know as a Christian they should come to feel...read this. Anyone who wants...NEEDS the reason for it all to be wrapped up in simple but elegant words and explained to their heart, this time, instead of just thier head.......by all means read THE SINGER! Then go on to explore the other two books in Miller's Trilogy, The Song (about the church age we are in) and The Finale (The soon coming of the Lord...the return of the Singer Himself). This is among some of the best reading I have ever done. I have read it twice and I am starting on it for my third trip through. So far, I have cried each time. For a big, husky man who has been through the trials of a kidney machine...that says a lot!

I received this book as a gift several years ago and finally sat down to read it this past month. This book is poetic with obvious parallels to the story of Jesus. For those who would like to feel uplifted, ...a book you really want to discuss with someone. READ THIS! I loved it so much I have loaned it out several times, but its one I always collect back. It does not take very long to read at all but is certainly worth the effort