Customer Reviews

Flashbang: How I Got Over Myself

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Flashbang is that rare narrative that seems to be plucked directly from our own experiences. As I read of Mark Steele's facial paralysis, his Mexican hospital diatribe, his Presidential Inauguration fiasco -- it was almost as if those things had happened to me. The pain was my pain, voice was my voice, adverbs were my adverbs, fingers-holding-the-book my fingers. Flashbang is a deeply vicarious experience. Especially if you are the author.

The downside: I already knew all the jokes.

The first thing you need to realize about this book is that it is completely different from anything you've read before. Mark Steele is flat-out funny. Guy can tell a story -- most of which involve personal humiliation (in the first chapter, he hilariously discovers he is a "vomit savant," puking with remarkable distance and accuracy) -- with the same self-deprecation and easy humor as any of today's great comic memoirists, including Eggers, Sedaris, and the like. This isn't the kind of book you want to read in public, simply because its unintentional laugh/snort/cringe potential is so high. I don't know anyone who has had so many weird, painful, debasing things happen to him. (Other than the cast of Jackass, but that was by choice.)

But unlike other members of the pomo memoir brat pack, Steele uses these crazy stories as fodder for bigger spiritual truths, like how the flashy stuff we try to be on the outside (the "flashbang") is usually just a bunch of sound and fury signifying nothing. It gets in the way of real, authentic faith -- the kind of spiritual life that actually DOES make a mark on the world around us. Flashbang, as a memoir, is immensely entertaining, but there's a point to the entertainment. There's a spine to the humor, and what you take away from it is infinitely more meaningful than the few enjoyable hours you'll spend reading it. And I'd much rather learn these truths vicariously through Mark Steele, because experiencing this stuff myself? Sheesh. I'd never leave the house again.

It's been a long time since I read something that made me laugh out loud like this book did. The word choices, writing style and phrases just cracked me up....hilarious. The stories Mark Steele writes just pull you in to these funny experiences he's had. He then amidst these random, wild events creates such meaning and honest points about growing in the Christian life. His style paves the way for insights and truths that make an authentic impact. I read it in just two days, with a very busy schedule of work and family because I couldn't wait to read the next story he would tell and could never quite put it down in the middle of one. I am sharing it with my two sons and a bunch of friends. As a marriage and family therapist I highly recommend this book for the sheer fun of reading it as well as the impact it makes.
Looking forward to the next book Mark Steele writes. Joan Buzzard (California)

When I first read the opening chapter online prior to the release, I stayed up late reading it to my wife as she tried to sleep. We both laughed until we cried and couldn't wait until the real copy came out. It was definitely worth it.

Very few times do you find a book like this!! 1. It is funny. - I laughed out loud numerous times and depending on the place... oh the looks I got. 2. It is poignant. It has opened deep discussions on what it means to be a believer in this generation and how to be a greater pseron. 3. It is real. It addresses real issues with deliberate candor. I appreciate the way Mark takes long hard looks at himself and encourages us to do the same. That's rare in this world, but so is the author. 4. It's an enjoyable read. His writing style is easy and enjoyable to follow. It's like he is just sitting around telling stories.

It's like a conversation with good friends. It makes you think and question what you do and why you do it, but always with a smile on your face because you know they love you.

This book was incredible. I can be quite picky about some of these new Christian auto biographys that are just "this is why Christianity is hard for me...I'm being real and vulnerable...I am lion...hear me roar." This book however, was real in content, lasting in impression, and fully captivating. The way Mark pulls his story lines together to create the point and thought process that he wants to stick with the reader is unlike anything I have ever read. His writing method definitly breaks the mold and maybe I just have an odd sense of humor, but I can honestly say that while reading it on an airplane in between two business men reading the DaVinci code and Business Weekly, I had to physically close the book at page five due to uncontroled bodily sounds as I was shaking violently. I had the church giggles, no doubt about it. Read this book. Be entertained, and be challenged.

This book offers such a fresh perspective. I so appreciated Mark's willingness to tell his story, and in telling that story, to tell the truth -- that life is more than achievments, popularity and success. Life is even more than being a Christian. Life is all about being honest and real before God, and allowing Him to work in and through us.

I'd recomend this book to anybody!

I don't even know what postmodern means, honestly. It just sounded good in this title.

This book is amazing. If you're in the mood to laugh, it will make you wet yourself. If you're in the mood to cry, it will make you wet yourself.

The book's layout initially looked intimidating and confusing, but you quickly learn how to navigate it. The way Steele weaves his stories together is flawless, and always leads to a satisfying payoff. And don't be fooled by the humor; there is a deep spiritual message being conveyed here.

I have recently read both this book and Don Miller's "Blue Like Jazz," and I will probably read them both again soon.

If C.S. Lewis had been a standup comedian, I think he would have written a book like this.

I've heard some people accuse this work as being too simple, but I disagree. It's easy to read, yes, because it's ridiculously funny. I've never laughed out loud so much during a book. But that is no indication of it's depth and rest assured, it gets deep.

Steele writes in a way that reminds me of a good sermon. His anecdotes and musings keep you entertained and interested, but then he brings it all together to show you the point he's making...and it's a wakeup call. One minute you're doubled over in laughter and the next minute you're in deep conviction.

Perhaps the most endearing quality the author possesses is his ability to be real. Steele shares his thoughts with no hint of finger-pointing, high-and-mighty theology. He simply bares his soul and tells his story, and he tells it in such a way that makes it easy for the reader to relate.

If you're looking for literary fluff, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a refreshingly humorous book with true Christian roots, get Flashbang.

If you're looking for a genuine image of Christianity played out in real life, here's one. Steele doesn't try to hide his humanity but offers often hilarious glimpses into his life, inspiring us to make a difference--to leave teeth marks--all over this space and time that we've been given.

I found the book by chance at the local bookstore. It was amazingly funny. The best thing I have read since David Crowder's Praise Habit. I laughed outloud, I cried outloud, I learned some tough lessons about life. It was like one big after school special. Far better than a Three's Company Marathon, just darn good reading! The website is kick butt! Flashbang is a must read for anyone who can breathe!!!!!! I judged a book by its cover and now I am a huge fan! I have encouraged everyone I know to RUN... as fast as they can to the nearest bookstore (or better yet order it HERE..order it NOW..just do it.. all the kids are doing it) and secure their very own copy... just like milk does a body good.. this book will benefit your soul!!