Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Subtitled 'Celebrity Reflections on True Life Experiences With God', the American writer Amy Hammond Hagberg's third book looks at the faith experiences of 34 Christians in the public eye. A good proportion of the book is given over to musicians of various popular genres from both the mainstream and Christian msuic sectors. The former include the still surviving soul/disco diva Gloria Gaynor, the country star Ricky Skaggs and Kerry Livgren of the '70s super group Kansas. CCM artists include the rapper T-Bone and Leon Patillo who once was the vocalist for the Latin rock band Santana. One of the few Brits to get a mention is Ken Hensley who was member of the heavy metal band Uriah Heep - though infuriatingly we aren't told what he actually did apart from write songs. A large proportion of the musicians tended to make their mark in the entertainment world well over 25 years ago. Surely there are plenty of Christian musicians who are far better known today. The book includes few artists for whom retirement remains a long way off. As such I wonder if this will hinder its appeal to those below the age of 50. Happily these deficiencies are significantly outweighed by a number of positive features. These include a well set out contents page that neatly summarises each celebrity's claims to fame. Even more helpful is the book's Quick Topic Finder, which enables the reader to discover which artist has something to say about particular topics - such as abortion, forgiveness or creation. A section described by the author as God's Road Map completes each testimony. This highlights relevant Bible verses connected with issues that the celebrities have referred to. This tool makes the book highly attractive to home groups who are looking for something rather different to the usual notes that their minister may dish up. This is undeniably an uplifting book and one which enables the normal believer to realise that those in the public arena struggle in much the same way as he does.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.