Jazz Notes: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality

by Donald Miller

Jazz Notes is the literary equivalent of a remix CD -cool sound-bytes strategically crafted from Don Miller's classic Blue Like Jazz, combined with brand new material that offers the author's fans an inside look at some of the unforgettable-and outrageous-characters and stories from the original best seller. Jazz Notes captures the essential Don Miller with non-religious reflections on how Don's incredible spiritual odyssey got started; what happened to Don at one of the most liberal colleges in the world to help him experience faith and grace for the first time in his life; a recasting of Don's marvelous "confession booth" story; and how Don discovered the secret to really loving other people-and himself. Jazz Notes includes a bonus audio CD with Don Miller interview. BLUE LIKE JAZZ Highlight

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christian Living, Religion, Christianity

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Don Miller is an American author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known for his New York Times bestseller Blue Like Jazz. He is the CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their messaging. Miller’s writing often explores faith, identity, and personal growth. His other books include Searching for God Knows What, Through Painted Deserts, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. He founded The Mentoring Project to support fatherless youth and has advised both nonprofit and government initiatives. His later work, including Scary Close and Building a StoryBrand, reflects a shift toward personal development and business communication. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Betsy.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nice additions to the original manuscript… but this is the publishing equivalent of a “very special episode” of Survivor where they recap the season so far & add in a couple of clips you haven’t seen. It’s a gift book. Go plunk down your hard-earned pesos on Blue Like Jazz instead.

[Bill]

just started it. can't believe i bought it. i think this qualifies me as a donald miller groupie...

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love finding bargain books! Thanks DAV thrift store. Enjoyed the book well enough to buy Blue Like Jazz on my Nook.

[Matthew Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian, it's easy to forget sometimes how other Christians may seem to non-believers: like preachy, uptight, holier-than-thou bores looking to ruin everybody else's fun. Miller seems to understand this obstacle in relating to secular circles and comes off as a down-to-earth, likable person, which every Christian should try to do.

[Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book sucks balls. Donald Miller doesn't understand Christianity and has probably never opened his Bible.

[AlmieMeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from a person who glanced at the title and the cool vibe of the book cover, noted that it had an accompanying cd, and assumed it to be a book about the jazz genre of music. Having no knowledge of the author or the original book from which this book is derived, I thought the same until I began reading it. I like this book but there's no denying that it has a misleading title and cover. Although he makes a theoretically weak connection to jazz music, the book is really a collection of notes, thoughts, memoirs, and stories about the author's view of Christianity. I guess I was meant to read this book because I appreciate his view that Christianity is very different from religion and that one can be a devout Christian, understand a Bible, have a strong belief in Jesus and a relationship with God without believing in a religion or having a religious, ritualistic affiliation. I appreciate that the author acknowledges that some questions are simply unanswerable and that there doesn't have to be logic and rationalization when trying to explain wonders of creation and spiritual feelings from within. Kudos to you Donald Miller for your bravery and willingness to share your spiritual journey.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved, enjoyed, and appreciated this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Just like Blue Like Jazz - it's insightful - relevant - and just what I needed. GREAT read.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great companion to Blue Like Jazz. Jazz Notes left me with the same feeling of awe that BLJ did, and the same remembrance that I am not alone in this struggle. Wonderful book. I needed it