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The Way Back to Mayberry: Lessons from a Simpler Time
“The Andy Griffith Show” continues to have a huge worldwide following. While many factors contribute to the show's ongoing popularity, many fans continue to point to the basic moral principles upheld by each and every episode. The Way Back to Mayberry takes an irresistible look at these moral themes and values promoted by the show and examines them in light of biblical truth. Each episode is described, and then the message of each show is looked at in detail, along with a biblical example of the theme, and an application for our lives today.
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 8, 2019
One of the more creative devotional-style books that I've ever read. Based on the Andy Griffith Show, there are 30 brief devotionals (enough for a month's worth of daily reads), each detailing a memorable episode of the classic small-town TV show. Each chapter starts with a verse or passage that is relevant to the particular episode featured, followed by a synopsis of the main events that take place in the episode, and then the chapter concludes with a real-life application of the episode's lesson in the life of the author.
Very relatable, practical layout that will keep your interest from cover to cover.
Very relatable, practical layout that will keep your interest from cover to cover.
April 6, 2019
The Andy Griffith Show should be required viewing for all parents. This book should be required reading.
August 4, 2025
Despite having tried many, I just never really cared for devotionals. Maybe because the anecdotes seemed contrived, or were about strangers. Or, let's face it, sometimes they're just too cloying or pious.
"The Way Back to Mayberry," though, for fans of The Andy Griffith Show, is like doing a community Bible Study with old friends. As the blurb in the cover states, the book "takes an irresistible look at these moral themes and values ands examines them in light of Biblical truth."
Most daily devotionals are read and almost immediately forgotten, regardless of their import or relevance. But Fann's readers will be so intimately familiar with the episodes he cites to illustrate his points, that their lessons will undoubtedly pop into our consciousness when we need them the most.
"The Way Back to Mayberry," though, for fans of The Andy Griffith Show, is like doing a community Bible Study with old friends. As the blurb in the cover states, the book "takes an irresistible look at these moral themes and values ands examines them in light of Biblical truth."
Most daily devotionals are read and almost immediately forgotten, regardless of their import or relevance. But Fann's readers will be so intimately familiar with the episodes he cites to illustrate his points, that their lessons will undoubtedly pop into our consciousness when we need them the most.
January 29, 2018
Any true #TAGS fan will enjoy this book. It is lucid and practical, and full of heartwarming truths about the characters, actors, story lines and plots, and background of the show. 30 chapters plus a forward and introduction. In June 2006, my husband gave this to me as a spontaneous gift and I don't think I made it to July. I consumed this book. It was truly my pleasure to read.
Well done Mr. Fann, well done. And, thank you. :)
Well done Mr. Fann, well done. And, thank you. :)
December 18, 2019
I dearly love watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show, so I was thrilled to find this little gem of a book. Divided into 30 chapters, each pairs an episode of the show with a scripture relating to a theme exemplified in that episode. Reading this book gave me some of those same small town, life is good feelings that I get from watching those old black and white reruns.
January 21, 2019
We read this book in Sunday school around 15 years ago. But I always wanted to read it again. It was even more enjoyable the second time around.
March 28, 2020
Takes you back in time to a more relaxed and Christian way of life.
March 16, 2021
Good book. It brings back fond memories of watching Andy Griffith and helps drive home some lessons we should all know. The book is moderately based in biblical principles, but I appreciated this.
February 17, 2024
If you liked/like The Andy Griffin Show, this is a nice little devotional. Some of the devotions are a little long and the author talks a lot about himself.
December 21, 2011
Most of us have grown up at some point in time watching The Andy Griffith Show or have at least heard about it. Some of us, like myself, are still searching for their version of Mayberry, a town where people truly care about one another, family values are more important than the gossip, and where life just seems a whole lot more simple.
Joey Fann, is the author of a new book entitled, The Way Back To Mayberry: Lessons from A Simpler Time, a unique look into the episodes of the classic Andy Griffith show that when mirrored with scripture from the Bible, gives us a modern day look at just how to apply those to our lives. Here are just a few of the tidbit's I gleaned much wisdom from:
"I've learned that bad things will happen to us in this life, but the issue is not the tragedy itself; it's how we respond. To some extent, we do have a choice. We can choose to get bitter or to get better. This is from an episode "Andy Forecloses", and relates to an episode in which Lester Scobey has fallen on hard times and Andy is asked by the rental manager to evict the family. Seems like a life lesson we can all learn from even today. The scripture reference to this particular chapter is from Matthew 17:20 "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Each chapter is dedicated to a specific episode that opens first with Biblical Scripture. Perhaps it's one you've read for quite some time, but when placed next to an episode from the Andy Griffith Show, you can see how it can be taken quite literally. Along with the chapter comes the authors own personal experience in how this has worked in his own life and what he has taken away from it.
These episodes can still be found on YouTube for free but the book is now used in Bible Study's in churches all over to teach the valuable lessons we can all learn from. Even reading this last night, I found myself watching the show and seeing how the author ties it all together so well. Even my husband and I laughed watching the simplicity of the characters on the show, from fun-loving Barney Fiff, to the compassionate sheriff Andy who always had the love for his fellow man close at hand, something we can all learn from even today.
I received this book compliments of B & H Publishing Group courtesy of Net Galley for my honest review and really loved the wholesome message that is contained in each chapter along with pictures of the characters we've have come to love and adore from the show. This really would make a great Bible Study for small groups and even teens who are getting an opportunity to see these episodes with new eyes in this generation. I rate this book a family-filled 5 out of 5 stars! For those of you that love television with a great message, this book is the perfect companion.
Joey Fann, is the author of a new book entitled, The Way Back To Mayberry: Lessons from A Simpler Time, a unique look into the episodes of the classic Andy Griffith show that when mirrored with scripture from the Bible, gives us a modern day look at just how to apply those to our lives. Here are just a few of the tidbit's I gleaned much wisdom from:
"I've learned that bad things will happen to us in this life, but the issue is not the tragedy itself; it's how we respond. To some extent, we do have a choice. We can choose to get bitter or to get better. This is from an episode "Andy Forecloses", and relates to an episode in which Lester Scobey has fallen on hard times and Andy is asked by the rental manager to evict the family. Seems like a life lesson we can all learn from even today. The scripture reference to this particular chapter is from Matthew 17:20 "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Each chapter is dedicated to a specific episode that opens first with Biblical Scripture. Perhaps it's one you've read for quite some time, but when placed next to an episode from the Andy Griffith Show, you can see how it can be taken quite literally. Along with the chapter comes the authors own personal experience in how this has worked in his own life and what he has taken away from it.
These episodes can still be found on YouTube for free but the book is now used in Bible Study's in churches all over to teach the valuable lessons we can all learn from. Even reading this last night, I found myself watching the show and seeing how the author ties it all together so well. Even my husband and I laughed watching the simplicity of the characters on the show, from fun-loving Barney Fiff, to the compassionate sheriff Andy who always had the love for his fellow man close at hand, something we can all learn from even today.
I received this book compliments of B & H Publishing Group courtesy of Net Galley for my honest review and really loved the wholesome message that is contained in each chapter along with pictures of the characters we've have come to love and adore from the show. This really would make a great Bible Study for small groups and even teens who are getting an opportunity to see these episodes with new eyes in this generation. I rate this book a family-filled 5 out of 5 stars! For those of you that love television with a great message, this book is the perfect companion.
January 7, 2011
The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time by Joey Fann is a nostalgic trip back to the “Andy Griffith Show” from the 60s, but with lessons we can learn from 30 different episodes to apply to our life today. The author, Joey Fann, uses specific episodes to illustrate a point and take it further to reflect on how God can be at work in similar situations in our lives today by sharing from his own experiences. Each episode is connected to some scripture which the author has included to give each lesson a spiritual application. Some churches throughout the country have used Finding The Way Back To Mayberry as material for informal Bible classes. For those unfamiliar with the show, Mayberry is a small, quiet town and Andy is the Sheriff. The show was just about everyday life and experiences that happened in the small town and in the lives of the different characters. Andy’s son, Opie, is often the one to learn the lessons, but also is the one who is first to “get” it.
I don’t know about you, but this sure sounds a lot like our life. The chapters are short so this could easily be used as a family devotional book. This was a fun read for me because I used to watch the show. Goober, the auto mechanic in the show, wrote the foreword. I think anyone who enjoyed the “Andy Griffith Show” would like The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time and those who haven’t seen the show would find this book wholesome and inspirational.
I don’t know about you, but this sure sounds a lot like our life. The chapters are short so this could easily be used as a family devotional book. This was a fun read for me because I used to watch the show. Goober, the auto mechanic in the show, wrote the foreword. I think anyone who enjoyed the “Andy Griffith Show” would like The Way Back To Mayberry—Lessons From A Simpler Time and those who haven’t seen the show would find this book wholesome and inspirational.
September 20, 2010
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Lessons from a Simpler Time. How often during a normal day do you wish that life could just be so much more simple? I know I do often. Author Joey Fann brings together 30 episodes and real meaningful scriptures. I love how throughout the chapters appropriate character photographs are inserted. If someone knows and loves the Andy Griffith Show they will love this devotional guide. Even if a reader is unfamiliar with the life of Mayberry residents one can find humor and inspiration within the pages. I know I do.
*Thanks to B&H for providing a copy for review.*
Lessons from a Simpler Time. How often during a normal day do you wish that life could just be so much more simple? I know I do often. Author Joey Fann brings together 30 episodes and real meaningful scriptures. I love how throughout the chapters appropriate character photographs are inserted. If someone knows and loves the Andy Griffith Show they will love this devotional guide. Even if a reader is unfamiliar with the life of Mayberry residents one can find humor and inspiration within the pages. I know I do.
*Thanks to B&H for providing a copy for review.*
March 24, 2012
The Andy Griffith Show is my all time favorite default show. I have seen (probably) every episode, and know many of the scripts by heart! My husband bought this book as a gift for me YEARS ago, and I think I devoured it in a couple of days - because of my love for Scripture and my love for the show.
It's a very nice, simple, easy read, laid back book. No hardness, no negativity, etc. - much like the show. :)
It's a very nice, simple, easy read, laid back book. No hardness, no negativity, etc. - much like the show. :)
October 25, 2016
When I picked this book up, i knew it was a combination nostalgic book and bible study. This was an incredible easy-read, renlightening, entertaining and heartwarming read. It taught me and took my on a fun nostalgic walk. I have not enjoyed radig a book like this too many times in my life.
January 2, 2016
A nice walk back through Mayberry. Each chapter is a re-telling of one of the black and white episodes of the Andy Griffith Show along with a personal view from the author Joey Fann. I think many Andy and Barney fans would enjoy this walk down memory lane.
October 10, 2011
A good book, with life lessons from some of the episodes of The Andy Griffith Show.
August 8, 2011
A nice little book of moral lessons, each drawn from an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show" from the 1960's.
January 12, 2015
Wonderful book
January 17, 2016
Excellent book. Highly recommend. Each chapter starts off with Bible readings and describes Mayberry stories which relate to those readings. I will want to read this again.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews