Buechner 101: Essays and Sermons by Frederick Buechner

by Frederick Buechner, Anne Lamott (Introduction), Barbara Brown Taylor (Contributor)

Buechner 101 introduces critically-acclaimed and widely-admired author Frederick Buechner to a new generation of readers, many of whom already know of him from widely shared quotes on social media. Published by The Frederick Buechner Center, and curated by Anne Lamott, the volume samples his essays, sermons, and excerpts from memoirs and novels. The book also features tributes by admirers such as Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Brian McLaren. One of the most important writer-theologians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Buechner is an ordained Presbyterian minister and a Pulitzer-nominated writers' writer. A prolific writer for six decades, Buecher has published more than thirty books in a variety of genres: fiction, autobiography, theology, essays, and sermons. Among his most beloved works are The Book of Bebb, a tetralogy based on the character Leo Bebb; Godric, a first person narrative of the life of the medieval saint, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1981; Secrets in the Dark, a collection of sermons; four volumes of memoir, The Sacred Journey, Now and Then, Telling Secrets, and The Eyes of the Heart; and his best selling book, Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner. Buechner's work has often been praised for its ability to inspire readers to see the grace in their daily lives. As stated in the London Free Press, "He is one of our great novelists because he is one of our finest religious writers." He has been a finalist for the National Book Award, Presented by the National Book Foundation and the Pulitzer Prize, and has been awarded eight honorary degrees from such institutions as Yale University and the Virginia Theological Seminary. In addition, Buechner has been the recipient of the O. Henry Award, the Rosenthal Award, the Christianity and Literature Belles Lettres Prize, and has been recognized by the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. He is continually listed among the most read authors by Christian audiences.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Theology, Nonfiction, Memoir

170 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2016

About the author

Frederick Buechner is a highly influential writer and theologian who has won awards for his poetry, short stories, novels and theological writings. His work pioneered the genre of spiritual memoir, laying the groundwork for writers such as Anne Lamott, Rob Bell and Lauren Winner.

His first book, A Long Day's Dying, was published to acclaim just two years after he graduated from Princeton. He entered Union Theological Seminary in 1954 where he studied under renowned theologians that included Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and James Muilenberg. In 1955, his short story "The Tiger" which had been published in the New Yorker won the O. Henry Prize.

After seminary he spent nine years at Phillips Exeter Academy, establishing a religion department and teaching courses in both religion and English. Among his students was the future author, John Irving. In 1969 he gave the Noble Lectures at Harvard. He presented a theological autobiography on a day in his life, which was published as The Alphabet of Grace.

In the years that followed he began publishing more novels, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Godric. At the same time, he was also writing a series of spiritual autobiographies. A central theme in his theological writing is looking for God in the everyday, listening and paying attention, to hear God speak to people through their personal lives.

Reviews

[Emily McFarlan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only ever read Buechner in snippets -- a sermon or essay here or there, an excerpt from a novel or memoir. But his words always surprise me with the way they are poetic, never didactic, and the way a single idea or turn of phrase can challenge and encourage me for days.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve written most of two reviews on this book this morning and Goodreads has dumped both. If I have an opportunity to try again, I will.

[Mike Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen Frederick Buechner quoted numerous times in sermons and other writings over the years but had never actually read anything by this revered writer, theologian and minister. Buechner 101 seems to provide an excellent entry point. This book is a collection of speeches, reminisences and essays plus an excerpt from "Godric", his acclaimed novel. I found him profound but completely accessible. Hise principle themes are how we encounter God in our lives and being attentive to those encounters which for many of us, myself included, often, if not usually go unnoticed, and the importance of doubt. His "ABC's of Faith" is one of the best things I have ever read on the topic, the section on forgiveness being the best thing I have read on that specific facet of Christian life.

[Cate Tedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally delved into Buechner, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. RIP king<3

“ ‘Praise, praise!’ I croak. Praise God for all that’s holy, cold, and dark. Praise him for all we lose, for all the river of the years bears off. Praise him for stillness in the wake of pain. Praise him for emptiness. And as you race to spill into the sea, praise him yourself, old Wear. Praise him for dying and the peace of death.”

“What’s lost is nothing to what’s found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup.”

[Beanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried … I really did try but I just couldn’t get into the groove of this book. I was going in with such high expectations. I got through 25% and struggled. I skimmed through a few of the essays but they felt repetitive, self indulgent and far too focused on Jesus for my liking, especially when he proclaims at times in his other book “the remarkable ordinary “ not to really believe. So much for religious edification - I threw in the towel. I am determined to try one more book but not yet… I need a break from him.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspiring voice, a disappointing experience

Buechner is an original and inspiring writer. In an age of fictional antiheroes, his “Godric” is a revelation at once glorious and earthy. But this Kindle book was disappointing—too short, terrible formatting and typography, and overall a cheap introduction to a writer who deserves better.

[T. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was organized in a strange fashion, which made it a bit difficult. But the ideas and thoughts were amazing, even profound. He is a wondrous thinker and communicates in such a variety of ways.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in Frederick Buechner, theologian, fiction and nonfiction author and poet this book will give you examples of some of his best work in each of the genre. A good starting point for those interested in pursuing Buechner more extensively. An enlightening read.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, paid money for this book chosen for a church men's group. Read some, found it self-indulgent and not worth reading much more. Skipped a couple meetings and called it quits on this book. Giving a star rating just for the record. 1.49 is generous.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful read. Reading Buechner is time well spent. My spiritual life is enhanced after reading this book.

[Shirley Barnes Sandridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul food.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introduced by Anne Lamott, this eclectic collection of Buechner’s prose also includes essays about his work by such authors as Barbara Brown Taylor … wide-ranging …

[Lori Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Buechner, and this one did not disappoint. Love his vulnerability, honesty, and voice. He makes Christianity real.

[Brad Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking forward to other writings of Buechner but this introductory volume was rather light.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly is a perfect introduction to Buechner (I've dabbled with his stuff but this is a great overview). I truly respect his mind, his faith and his writing. I always feel better when reading him, he stretches my mind and reminds me of my mustard seed faith. This was most excellent, well done Anne Lamott for putting this collection together.

I highly recommend this to anyone.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frederick Buechner is a prolific theologian, and this recently published book provides a nice sampling of his writing. I personally love his humorous and lyrical style. The tributes written by Anne Lamott, Barbara Brown Taylor, Brian McLaren, and W. Dale Brown are an added bonus.