Blue Like Jazz

I just finished reading Blue Like Jazz this morning. I realize I’m a late-adopter on this one, but I tend to be a little skeptical on all the post-modern stuff. After about a half-dozen friends recommended over the last number of months that I give it a chance, I decided it was time to read it. If nothing else, I needed to find out what the connection to jazz was since I’m a bit of a smooth jazz fan.

Let me just say that regardless of what you think about the content itself, Miller is a very talented and clever writer. The chapter on penguin sex alone is worth the price of the book. I found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions.

Even beyond that, though, much of his writing really resonated with me. It was somewhat cathartic to read and relate to Miller’s journey through life including his perspective of the Christian faith. Though I don’t share Miller’s obvious disdain for institutions including the church, I think his stories about real life and the pursuit of real faith are very refreshing and challenging. There’s no doubt–there have been times when Christians were the biggest obstacle for me in my faith journey. I wish that wasn’t the case. It’s a good reminder, though, for me to consider whether or not my life is helping or hindering someone from considering the claims of Christ.

Now I know why so many recommended the book. It was well worth the read.