Hold On, the Light Will Come: And Other Lessons My Songs Have Taught Me

by Michael McLean

Includes a full-length CD with the 25 songs that Michael spotlights in this book. The song that is receiving the most attention is "From God's Arms to My Arms to Yours." This song is about adoption and is beginning to receive heavy attention in adoption agencies. Michael's songs connect with listeners in a very emotional way, since they are written to respond to needs that he has either struggled with, such as depression, or met someone struggling with a specific situation, such as the adoption song, finding hope in life, building relationships, homelessness, etc.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Motivational

168 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of inspiration from the wonderful things Michael McLean's music & writings have taught him.

[Saralyn]

I've listened to the title song hundreds of times on my darkest days. This is a delightful collection of stories behind some of his songs. Very enjoyable to pick up when I need a lift.

[Stacey Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I loved the short, manageable chapters. I loved the messages. I was moved a number of times.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago to get a better understanding of Michael McClean. I have attended the Forgotten Carols, have the CD, and somewhere have the music to this production. This book gives one an idea of where the author comes from and what happened in his personal life to spark the creation of his music. He is a member of the LDS Church. Through his journal entries, it is evident that things haven't been all that easy for him. He has experienced failures, frustrations, and relief through the writing of the songs that he has written. A particular song that really meant something to me was the one entitled: From God's Arms. Even as I type this I am overcome with goose bumps!

There was a woman who was pregnant, not married, and after great deal of soul searching, decided to give her child up for adoption. She wanted McLean to help her write a special composition on this topic. He was hesitant to commit because he didn't feel that he could ever know her true feelings and that he might look foolish. After some thought, he decided to give it a try.

She shared with him that she knew a great couple who could give her baby a home--Someone that could get him back to God--Home. She didn't want the baby to grow up thinking he wasn't worth much because his birth mother gave him up. In the words of the song: "And I'm trusting that you can give this baby both his mothers' love. And maybe you can tell your baby when you love him so, that he was loved before by someone who delivered your precious one; from God's arms, to my arms, to yours."

This is exactly how I feel about the mother of my first child, Heather. How we were so lucky to adopt and have her in our family. It takes a bigger person than me to be concerned about someone else that much, to make the decision to let someone else raise your child. All I know is that I am so grateful for that opportunity because it made motherhood begin for me......

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister and I heard Michael McLean speak last year and decided to read his book together. Very short chapters with personal stories and his music to help uplift when times are rough.

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few months ago, I’d heard Michael McLean speak (and sing) at Time Out for Women, a conference sponsored by Deseret Book. I was familiar with some of his songs, and while they’re not really my favorite (I don’t find them terribly catchy or anything), I did find them moving — especially after hearing the stories behind those songs. He was a wonderful speaker, able to connect with the audience and make them laugh and cry and leave feeling uplifted.

Reading this book was like getting those Time Out performances over and over again. I liked the insights he included and really enjoyed his humor (it was one of those laugh-out-loud, read-aloud-to-whoever-will-listen kind of books — and Nathan liked what I read to him, too, and even wanted to hear more). This one was definitely worth my time!

[Laura Craner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read a memoir by a prominent and openly depressed LDS artist. This book was so heavily edited, though, my first inclination was to cry foul (or, more appropriately, "Desert Book!") but I think that it was more likely McLean's choice to gloss over his difficulties. His music meant a lot to me when I was twelve but it doesn't work for me now. I think his book probably works the same way. I just craved some real insight into how his creativity worked with his spirituality and his emotions and how the three helped and harmed each other. That's not what this book was. Bummer. It did have some nice moments and was mildly touching.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of mixed feelings about this guy. He's just human i guess. Not a book for everyone, but I enjoyed most of it. His book is written in his voice and at times it seems he's being purposefully insensitive and cocky. Almost mean at times. But I cried about 10 times while reading the stories he shares and where his songs came from. Neat stories! I grew up with his music, so it was fun to learn their origins. I felt the spirit testify of some of the truths of the gospel and the power of music is amazing! Even when it's not the tab choir. :) I love it!

[John Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael McLean's music meant a lot to me when I was maturing in the gospel. Now that I'm on the road back after being absent for 11 years, I find his music still touches me. But... this book touched me even more as I read the stories behind much of the music. I'm listening with a different ear, one that has struggled, trying to find my way back home...

[Marion Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Michael McLean's music, but reading about the history of each song or his motivation to write it was even better. I appreciate his honesty with his personal struggles of depression and the drive that he has for writing. I think there's something for everyone in this book, and the accompanying CD is great, too.

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I laughed and cried multiple times. I love Michael McLean's music. It touches my heart every time I listen to it. Some songs speak right to me. It's fun and interesting to read about how some songs came about and what he learned from them. It's fun to listen to those songs now knowing more about reasons behind them. A quick uplifting read.

[Mommywest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing the stories behind some of Michael McLean's most beloved songs. As somewhat of a songwriter myself, it was fascinating to read how his songs were written and how they helped him through difficulty and even depression in his life, or helped him realize where changes needed to be made. An uplifting read.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I loved it. But I'm also a big Micheal Mclean fan. I think his music touches your heart so deeply. In his book you read his most personal journal entries. You get to go behind the scenes and learn all about his songs.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite is the song he wrote (but has never sung publicly) about his depression and deciding to try medication. It cracked me up. Ironic, of course, that something about depression could be funny. But so it is.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autobiographical account of the meaning behind and within some of the author's songs. Lessons hard won from his own personal challenges and hardships. Excellent exploration of filled with eternal truths, and the accompanying CD of the songs he discusses is a real bonus.

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cool book if you like Michael McLean music. It expains some of the history behind the songs that he wrote. Much of his music has been inspiring to me and helped me through some hard times.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Michael explains the reasoning and thought processes for many of his songs. One, in particular, was so important to me and I still shed a tear when I listen to the CD included at the back of the book. Thank you Michael - I wish I could say this to you in person.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael McLean's music has touched my soul for years. He totally "gets it". This book has some wonderful behind the sceens insights to the songs that have come to mean sooo much to me. I highly recommend this book.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I think sitting down in a room with him is better, this book is a close second.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've listened to Michal McLean music since I was a very young teenager, so this book was really interesting to me as he explains all the stories behind some of his songs.

[Ann Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Michael McLean's music and this book was fun to read because he tells the stories behind a lot of his songs! I love that kind of stuff.

[Cindy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was so inspiring. The stories behind the songs, later on made a big impact on my life.

[Randmpalmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super book by someone I really admire in his service.

[Stephanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has a great sense of humor, this is a memoir.

[Kimberly Van De Graaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read parts of this book to my daughter while driving home from Sierra Vista to Gilbert, AZ. There were amazing parts in it that made us laugh and cry!

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

His music speaks to me. I get it. I really appreciate the way he shares his talents. He truly allows God to speak through him to help others.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book full of humor and touching stories. Very inspirational - - one I would definitely recommend.

[Becky Littlefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love his songs! Loved the insight into his songs in this book. Very uplifting.