The Wind in the Wheat

by Reed Arvin

Written by a respected producer who has worked with artists and understands the dilemmas they face, The Wind in the Wheat is not just the story of a young Kansas farmer who goes to Nashville to make it big in Christian music. It's about money and ministry. Compromise and conviction. Stars and servants. Most of all, it's about what it means to be important in God's eyes. If you have ever longed to do great things for God's kingdom, you'll find your own heart reflected in Andrew Miracle's journey.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Christian artist, musician, or writer should read this, as it's a story of how an industry takes advantage of a naive visionary, and distances him from his own life's mission. My sister and mom both loved this book and encouraged me to read it. My sis said that this was loosely based on a Christain artist whose music we both enjoy, but as I don't see any conclusive evidence to that, I should probably just leave you guessing whom. "The darkness will never pay for the light." "He must increase; I must decrease." - John 3:30 Would you leave out one crucial word in your message in order to reach more people? How far would you compromise your message to reach others? Actually, a ministry that I love has been faced with these very questions.

[Jeremy Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good novel from an insider's perspective of the Christian Music industry. He illustrates well the struggles of an artist to both maintain personal integrity while trying to work with the industry's attempts to make him a star and maximize profits from him. With all the factors involved, all the stress, all the distractions, all the under-handed dealings and the glamor of stardom, it is easy to see how one can lose his way, and Reed explains, without being preachy, that the road to personal integrity involves maintaining your connection with Him who gave you the gift in the first place.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book for anyone in ministry. Good story. I thought the character development was slow in that Carolin's feelings (her perspective) was not revealed until over half way through the book. I also thought the involvement with Michael and the model was a distraction to the story. Not needed. Gives a clear picture of what sin and the lust for money and power can do to someone, even a Christian. I loved Andrew's final choice for integrity, but hated him for taking so long to "wake up" to the sin around him.

[Rhonda Rae Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this book some years past...it made quite an impression on me. Love of music and family connections! Would read it again...(-:

Actually it was THE novel that started me reading again after college...awe...can't stop reading now. Everyone has a story and this one is a tale you won't want to miss.

[Nina Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this many years ago when I picked it up at a local Christian bookstore. Alas, the 1990s have come and gone, as, unfortunately, have most physical Christian bookstores.

What hasn't changed is the need for purity and integrity of both motive and life, and I feel like every Christian in the west should read this book. Especially those, not only in industries such as Christian publishing, Christian music and so forth, but in the ministry, which unfortunately in the West has become an industry.

This is a timeless tale of discovering God's grace when everything else falls apart.

[Barbara Lynn Seibel]

Being from Kansas and a musician I enjoyed the descriptive writing. The challenges the main character experiences through their process of maturation is something that could happen in any field but especially so in the rapid paced media music industries. Arvin's background in the industries the main character portrays clearly informed his writing.

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book. It’s interesting as a time capsule for what the music industry once looked like in the early 1990’s. Reed Arvin’s insight as a producer as well as his spiritual insight are treasures to be kept close to the heart. Andrew Miracle’s journey is one worth taking.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about going on a journey with God and ending up nowhere that you expected yet exactly where you needed to be.

[Hannah Grace Staton (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot in The Wind in the Wheat, which tells the story of a young man from Kansas named Andrew Miracle who has an incredible music gift that he longs to use for God. After being discovered by an industry insider, he heads to Nashville to begin his ascent to fame. Much of the book describes Andrew's experiences as a rising star.

The Wind in the Wheat offers a detailed behind-the-scenes look into the recording process from someone who obviously has plenty of experience in the contemporary Christian music industry. That alone would have been enough to hold my interest, music lover that I am. The author thoughtfully handles and vividly expresses the perspectives from both sides of the window (the artist and the agent) and captures well the tension between them.

But there's more. The main goal of this book is to explore what it truly means to serve God, and it achieves this goal masterfully. I could deeply relate to Andrew's burning desire to be used by God. This story inspired me to ponder my own pathway in life.

There's a thread of romance, but it isn't the main focus. And there are a few less-than-perfect words, but they aren't prevalent.

All in all, The Wind in the Wheat is an utterly absorbing tale. It's heart-wrenching to witness Andrew Miracle get sucked into the star-making machine, but in the end, this is a story of redemption.

[mykl gysingr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, perhaps for no other reason than it was based very slightly on the life of one of my favorite musicians, Rich Mullins and written by his first producer. Well executed light reading with a moral undertone.

[Kenneth Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel about what happens to a talented Christian singer/songwriter from a small farm who suddenly finds fame and wrestles with who he truly is. It was hard for me to put it down. Great book.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. The last 100 pages or so was better. Before this Andrew was just such a dumb doormat. But a happy ending and a nice simple message - the small acts of service are just as important (usually more so) than the big acts.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The choice before Andrew Miracle is to achieve worldly success with a manufactured persona or to be true to himself.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a huge Christian fiction fan, but I really enjoyed this one.