Customer Reviews

Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

Before getting this book I was really surprised by many of the comments and reviews I had read about it. It seemed like people were completely surprised by what this book was, what it contained and what it was about. It seemed like people didn't research or read the product description of the book before purchasing it, or that they expected something completely normal from Rob Bell.

For me, this book met my expectations and really presented some ideas that made me think. First, this is not a small little hardback book like Rob's previous works (Velvet Elvis, Sex God, and Jesus Wants to Save Christians). This is a larger hardback, 12 inch by 10 inch; basically the size of a good coffee table book. True to what others have said the book does not contain a ton of writing but rather is full of colored pages and photos/portraits of objects and scenes. The writing is interspersed in the same parsed style of short sentences and fragments that are Rob Bell's style. As far as the book and artwork go they are quite nice and do a good job of helping Rob make his points, but everything is in a matte finish, I feel the book could have benefitted from glossy sheets, but I can only guess that would have raised the price of the book significantly. Oh and no, you can't read through this book in 10 minutes as I have read some people say. If you work your way through this book in ten minutes you miss the point and I recommend you return the book, because you will get nothing more out of it.

As far as content goes, I think Rob came up with the idea of this being an "Art Book" hence the chapter's titles: "The Art of Disruption", "The Art of Honesty", "The Art of the Ache", "The Art of Solidarity", "The Art of Elimination" and "The Art of Failure". And I think by reading those chapter titles you can get an idea of where Rob is taking the reader. And an interesting note the table of contents is at the rear of the book rather than the front, an interesting idea that gets the reader right into the book without any presuppositions.

Overall I found the book to be thought provoking and it made me think about subjects like disruption, ache, and failure in ways I had not before. This book doesn't delve into deep theology, hermeneutics, or psychology but rather it explores what it means to be human and what we all experience. I benefited from reading this book and I pray you may too.

Confession: Love Rob Bell's improv teaching style, love the cadence of his voice and the way he is able to so frequently make a person THINK creatively.

Confession: Never have cared much for the NOOMA DVDs because they feel so contrived in their design to capture their target audience (however, I believe he actually does a great job at capturing that audience and growing their faith).

With those confessions out of the way I can say that I love/hate this book. I love the feel of the paper (good quality), love the artwork, love the free-flowing prose, love that it isn't heavy, love that for me the "white spaces" (the blank pages) easily lead me to reflect on what I've read. I hate that the paper that I love is so incredibly wasteful (especially in the book of a man who is so supportive of good stewardship of the earth's resources), hate that ths book on suffering would probably be thrown in the trash by a street-weary, worn-out, addicted homeless person (and they should be considered the experts, the ultimate target audience on suffering). I hate that this book feels even more contrived than the NOOMA videos and most contemporary worship services at the churches made up of this target audience. I hate the waste of the blank pages. Lastly, I REALLY hate the price!

This wasn't a life-changing book. I happen to be in the midst of loss and suffering and this is not even on the top 20 list of books I'd turn to for comfort, enlightenment, or spiritual direction.

Still love Bell, still think he's a man with a mission and message.

When I first picked up this book I was very disappointed. I thought that Rob Bell had let fame go to his head, that he was trying to be uberhip. It appeared that he had spread a 12-page book over about 150 pages. The format was as simple as a child's picture book. I skimmed through it and thought it was an over-priced waste of paper. So I set the book aside.

Then, a couple days ago, I had an evening with no urgent priorities, so I sat down with the book and started going through it page by page. I found that the fact that Rob spread things out caused me to slow down and take time with the concepts, letting the words evoke thoughts, feelings, and memories from my own life. I began to read it experientially rather than intellectually. Of course my staunch Calvinist friends would immediately decry this approach as a total waste of time, but I found myself immersed in a time of serious reflection before God. As one who almost turned his back on his faith because of the pain of addiction, a brain tumor, cancer, unemployment, injustice, and death in my immediate world, this book touched me. In the book, Rob says that suffering makes us bitter or better. I've spent time on both paths. When I was on the former path I would have merely sneered at this book. Now I rejoice that God brought this reminder of His presence and His character into my life at this point. God can redeem our pain. The description of God in the book is perfectly apropos: "The God who wastes nothing."

Others may or may not find this book to be of value. From my perspective, it's a matter of expectations. It all depends on how you approach it. It is certainly very different from his previous books. The reason I give it four stars is because I believe the appeal of this book is very narrow. I suspect it might have been designed to be a catalyst for a meaningful spiritual experience, hence the unusual pace of delivery. When I approached it with an open, contemplative spirit, I found this this book to be a thoughtful, heartfelt gift from a sensitive writer. If I had insisted on another book with Rob's brand of theology, or even some sort of quasi-missional manifesto, it would have remained a mere overpriced, uberhip piece of crap.

As any good artist knows, it's also in the negative space that allows the work to sing, and certainly this book carries that song. This is 132 pages of text and stunning visuals [Jay Irwin is brilliant] that dance you through themes of what it means to suffer as humans. Reading it, I thought how it would make a beautiful gift for someone close to you going through difficult times.

Rob Bell's latest book is definitely a new approach for the author/pastor than his past 3 books. This book is more of an art coffee table book, the kind of thing someone might casually start and then realize they have to finish before putting it down. I read my copy aloud as you might read a poem or spoken word piece, and I could certainly imagine that is how the author intended. But it's still surprising that critics might feel that just because it's artistic and more poetic that means it lacks "content" or reads as "pithy." Especially when we live in a world where we say, "less is more."

Someone once said, "Times like these call for deep and meaningful conversation on suffering and faith..." and this book certainly begins that conversation in a way that is authentic and beautiful. As a avid listener to his podcast, I could hear Pastor Bell's voice and his heart for all who suffer and experience hard times - and most certainly in THESE times - we need a book like this.

I'm not trying to be snarky here. Rob Bell's target seems to be a culture of "haves" who have never known hunger or physical need, but still long for Eden or heaven. The problem is that their lives are so nearly perfectly safe that they don't recognize their longing for what it is - suffering.
In this book that is part poetry, part sermon, with stunning photography he leads people through identifying their suffering and then goes on to draw you to face your personal griefs with courage and strength.
This is not theology or even religion, really, it is stories and reflection. It takes maybe 30 minutes to read.
It would be great on your coffee table or in your waiting room.
I was surprised how much I liked it.

Last week I was at the book store looking to see what would catch my attention and I picked up this book... not ever having heard about it or any of it's reviews.

As I open it up and begin to read the first few pages I am overwhelmed with emotion and my eyes filled with tears. You see I had my own "hallway" incident less than three months ago when I lost my Father at the age of 52 and yet my family rejoiced for the strength my Great Grandmother (92) was gaining after shoulder surgery and having just lost her Grandson who was like a son to her... and yes, they were both on the same floor down the same hallway.

So as I stood reading this book I felt a blessing and a peace. And I cannot wait to purchase this book. Though many may be irritated by the lack of words on the pages you have to understand that it's not even about less is more. It's about getting the message through. I have only seen a handful of Rob's short films but I really felt as if this book reflected what he's done with the Nooma videos. Putting into print the depth and through provoking message needed to get the true message across...

Yes it may be larger than anticipated and you may think that the blank pages and space are a waste but I'm certain Rob and everyone involved with this book considered every aspect of it.

Well done Rob... I look forward getting a copy of my own and reading this and some of your other books too.

Rob Bell has written a book about creativity and suffering. And it is probably one of the most creative books on the market. Those familiar with Bell's writing style won't be surprised much by Drops Like Stars. It's the same streaming thought, minimalistic writing that one has come to expect from the Mars Hill pastor. But the new twist is photography. This book is filled with amazing photographs and has a very original design.

The message of the book isn't bad, either. The book centers on suffering. Why do we suffer? Why does God allow it? How do we heal? In his usual manner, Bell sets about answering these questions, using short, pointed prose and clever anecdotes.

Those who aren't fans of Rob Bell will have their same complaints about this book. But the truth is, Bell doesn't write theological books. He writes books that illuminate the gospel in our daily lives, and that is exactly what Drops Like Stars does. If you're expecting deep, theological insight, then skip this book. But if you want a quick read that will touch your heart, then buy this today.

And as for the title.....you have to read the book to find out the meaning.

Don't shoot the messenger, but reflecting on the text and pictures I just don't see how he really accomplishes what he sets out to do. I don't object to the cost of the book or the poetic form of the writing, but having experienced the great wealth of Christian artwork and contemplation on mysticism and suffering all I can think of is how shallow this book is when I read it. Other reviewers are right that it is not theological, but what it does offer is simply theologically incorrect and does injustice to what is otherwise a really great idea. It does not get at the heart of suffering or redemption. Some of the photography is very well done and moves the reader, other parts of the text are almost nonsensical. Unless you are a fan of this author, I would take a look at the book before you commit to a purchase.

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church..." Col 1:24

If you want to really reflect on human suffering I have a few other recommendations:
The Human Experience (Film): [...]
The Suffering of Love: http://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Love-Christs-Descent-Hopelessness/dp/1586171054/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252201008&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/John-Paul-Meaning-Suffering-Spiritual/dp/1592763146/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252201031&sr=8-9

I have a collection of Rob Bell books, all hardbound, all with nice paper, all with creative writing and comfortable margins. Individually they stand out in my bookcase, hardly in synch with the sizes, compositions, and content of the books near them. But side by side they begin to form their own section on the shelf, one that I looked forward to adding to with "Drops Like Stars." I was surprised then by the size of the package that the UPS delivered to my door with his new book.

Bell has taken a few thoughts on the relationship between suffering and creativity and put them down in a coffee table book that doesn't fit on my shelf at all. It is nearly twice the size of his other writing yet has half the written content. He can keep his words to a minimum here because the readers' own stories flows into the wide margins of these pages as they read. The photography and illustrations are a welcome addition to Bell's picturesque writing style.

Suffering is not an uncommon theme in art, and certainly in Christianity it is one of the questions that we always try to reconcile. But Bell says his book is not about "Why this?" but "What now?"

I found it to be a very contemplative read and was moved to tears at one point as I connected to the message in "The Art of Elimination." Other readers will relate to the sections on "The Art of Disruption," "The Art of Honesty," "The Art of the Ache," "The Art of Solidarity," and "The Art of Failure."

It is worth finding an uninterrupted hour or two in your favorite reading chair after the busyness of your day has been put to rest. You will find comfort in these pages that you are not alone in your suffering and glimpse hope that there is still something to come from your pain that is significant, beautiful and real.

A collection of anecdotes, personal stories, and film illustrations with a dash of Scripture, Drops Like Stars is the fourth publication by the rock-star preacher Rob Bell of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The large, full-color book has very few words for its 140 pages that can be read in under 30 minutes and at $35 that comes very close to a dollar a minute. Bell's stories represent a wide breadth of backgrounds and cultures. He tells stories featuring Native Americans, the pope, music legends, actors, and at least one story about how some people believed in ancient times.

The stated thesis of the book is an exploration of art and suffering. Through its course it becomes less about art and suffering and much more about the art of suffering. Bell begins by sharing the story of a father whose two sons had wives who were pregnant; one miscarried and one gave birth to a healthy baby. In exploring the ambivalence generated in this sort of polarizing experience, he builds momentum through story after story.


THE ART OF SUFFERING

Bell does an excellent job of painting a picture (to use artful language) of human depravity and the broken and damaged state of the world. He vividly describes the pain, suffering, and loss that is so typical as part of the human experience. With story after story he builds to make a serious point, and then allows Catherine of Aragon to make it for him, "None get to God but through trouble."

At first glance one would think, "Ah! that makes sense." It does. Trouble drives us to God. Life with all its disappointment and pain can engage our longing for something more. It is the function of the Law of Moses and the Ten Commandments to point out where we have fallen short. But Bell's point also implies something subtle that runs through the rest of the book: if we "get it" then we can find God.

Here is where we get the one and only glimpse of the cross. He talked about the belief of early Christians in their resurrected Lord and he emphasizes the suffering. "A god who is not somewhere else -- remote, detached, distant -- but among us, feeling what we feel, aching how we ache." What an amazing thought! However, the conclusion for the meaning of the suffering of Jesus is not atonement, but instead it is this:

is the cross God's way of saying, "I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL"?

Except for a mention at the beginning of the book as the narrator of the story of the Prodigal Son, this is the only time we hear about Jesus in the entire book.

THE ART OF ACHE

From the book "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" (2008) by Haruki Murakami comes Bell's next point:

It's precisely because of the pain, precisely because we want to overcome that pain, that we can get a feeling, through this process, of really being alive.

So for Rob Bell, pain is the source of life. He is saying in essence that it is in pain and suffering that we begin to find what it means to be alive. He goes on to describe the art of suffering by first talking about the "art of ache." He says that ache is universal and that when we experience ache we recognize our limits and begin to understand the limits of others. "Suffering unites."

Is this not true? In fact it is arguably biblical. Jesus admonishes people for their hopes of an earthly kingdom and he counters there hopes by promising that they will have trouble and that following him will likely elicit even more problems. Jesus challenges his followers to take up their crosses and follow in his footsteps of self-sacrifice. Not the vacation that most of us would sign up for. Yet once again Bell is challenging us to see that our salvation is in the suffering and ache itself. Subtle, but he is still building his case.

Suffering and ache, explains Bell, are the raw materials with which we build our lives. He uses the examples of a block of stone from which Michelangelo fashioned David and a friend of his who can take bars of soap and carve sculptures, changing the block into something beautiful. The lesson: "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." The Apostle Paul is his example and he used 2 Corinthians chapter 6 as his proof text. It is not until you back up to chapter 5 that you see the way that Paul is able to fashion his suffering into something beautiful. Unfortunately Mr. Bell conveniently leaves out Paul's answer: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17)! In essence, Bell again is subtly making his case that suffering, in and of itself fosters new life, contrary to Paul's assertion that his new life comes from being in Christ.

Native Americans, when weaving, intentionally create a blemish in their work. They say that it is through this blemish that the spirit enters the work. Rob Bell uses this as an illustration of how suffering invites the Spirit into our lives. Again, this is indeed a biblical notion which Paul talks about extensively in Romans. Paul shares how where sin abounds grace also abounds, yet he warns against sinning in order to receive more grace. Surely we do not want to continue in our suffering to receive grace. Bell's argument is again a beautiful description of the power of the Law to convict us of sin and to bring to light our need for God. Yet, he still does not offer a viable solution.

THE ART OF FAILURE

Bell finally states the solution: the art of failure. He says that each of our mistakes, sins, and wrongs are "an opportunity." They are opportunities to do better and to work harder to get it right the next time. If we get it wrong the next time, well, we are in luck because that is just another failure (opportunity) to just keep going. "We are going to suffer and it is going to shape us." What will it shape us into? Is the solution just to keep spinning on the same merry-go-round until we die? Is there nothing else to offer?

Ah, here comes the title of the book. A small boy watching the rain cries out, "Stars, stars, stars." The rain "drops like stars" just as each drop hits the pavement. So in our suffering, pain, and failures we can know that there is beauty if we really strain to see it. That's it. That is the best that Rob Bell has to offer.

THERE IS MORE

Drops Like Stars would have us believe that if we work hard enough we can please God. In Bell's economy we work harder and harder and life gets worse and worse (after all each is an opportunity, right?) so we can learn more and more and then, we die.

Fortunately Rob Bell's story is not the story of the Bible. As Christians we believe that Christ, the Word of God in human flesh, took on our sin and gave his life for us while we were yet sinners. We know that he paid the debt that we could never pay, however many times we took our mistakes, sin, and wrongs and tried again. We know that we have been justified by that sacrifice and that we are clothed in Christ's righteousness. It is this historic event that gave Paul the ability to face his pain and humiliation with rejoicing. It is this true story that gives us hope, that all is not in vain.