Archive for July, 2009
I just read Between Wyomings by Ken Mansfield, and I thought it was pretty good despite the fact that sometimes I had to force my way through.
Recounting his three month tour with his wife in their van (affectionately named Moses), Mansfield recounts, reflects, and relives his years in the music industry.
Describing his writing style as a ‘christian on acid’, his statements are wildly imaginative pegging the mindset of the entertainment industry as we all imagine it to be, somewhat disorganized but wondrously creative at the same time.
He does write with a certain flare at describing things. I could vividly see the scenes he was recounting and I always enjoy a book that I feel like I am in.
Mansfield recalls his life and moments with many of the entertainment industries most famous icons, those who have shaped history, such as: Beach Boys, the Beatles, Dolly Parton (who my wife loves), Waylon Jennings, Glen Campbell, Roy Orbison, Andy Williams, Don Ho, and Willie Nelson.
Especially interesting to me were his discussions with God as he searched to make sense of his life. This is the essence of his testimony as it is for all of us. Describing God, Mansfield writes:
“Oddly enough, I think the big reason I love Him so much is because He doesn’t always knock before He enters. He loves to just storm into my deepest parts and start turning over tables, clearing spaces, and setting things free.”
Just like He did in the temple….and our bodies….
This is a very interesting and illuminating book, written with great honesty and humor. As you finish this book, you may find yourself grabbing your iPod, loading it up with a history of your life in ‘music’ and beginning a reflective story of your own.
