This isn't going to be an objective review. I tried writing that, but I just can't do it. To write a critique of Donald Miller's writing would sort of be like critiquing myself, my life and my generation. Not that I, or anyone else in my generation for that matter, can write as well as Donald Miller. We can't. But Miller is doing more than simply writing books or collections of essays. In many ways Miller is writing the story of my generation, and every time I read a new book of his I'm reminded just how much he's writing about me.
There are a few artists who come along every decade or so who do more than make pretty pictures, entertaining blockbusters or top 40 hits. They are artists compelled to create work that will tell the world something about who we are as human beings, that will explain for future generations what it was like to be alive and engaged in this unique moment in time. They are the voices of their generation. John Mayer is one such artist. Donal Miller is another.
One of the greatest gifts we can give each other is complete vulnerability and a willingness to share our journey. Over the years Miller's journey has so closely paralleled my own that it felt a bit like reading about myself. A few a the events in "A Million Miles" mirror thing happening in my own life so closely that it's difficult to believe it wasn't written just for me. How to you 'review' something like that?
Many of you may know Miller as a gifted public speaker (he gave the invocation at Obama's inauguration in Denver), and so the first few chapters may be things you've heard before. They're worth hearing again, and it's easy to overlook the retelling of stories you want to make sure everyone else hears too. Once he firmly establishes the concept of life-narrative as the foundation for the book he proceeds to weave the multiple threads of his own narrative into the powerful whole great than it's sum fans of Miller's work will be familiar with.
Right before reading the book I read an article in which Miller stated that "A Million Miles" was the first book he's written that he's really satisfied with. Ironically, this statement had me a little concerned. If he didn't feel good about "Searching for God Knows What", then maybe some creative angst was a price worth paying. It's a relief to be able to share that Miller is right; "A Million Miles" is his best yet. It's an extraordinary work. I hadn't realized how much I missed the narrative climax and resolution of "Through Painted Deserts" until finishing this new book.
As most of you who read this blog already know, I read, watch and listen to a lot of art that I don't take time to write about. I'm writing about this one because I hope you'll go out and buy it. Then take it home and read it, soon. And when you're reading it I hope you'll discover a new viewfinder for your life. And even if you don't, the chapter on tragedy is so beautiful and poignant that you'll be glad you came along for the ride.
Anyone else out the read "A Million Miles" (or are reading it now) and want to have a virtual book club? Write a comment and we'll get this started . . .
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