Customer Reviews

Life Goes on (Christian Softcover Originals)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Each time I read one of Philip Gulley's books, I take a deep breath before I start--certainly this one can't possibly be as funny, rich, and satisfying as the one before. I can tell you that I've never been disappointed in any of Gulley's books. While reading this latest title my long-suffering husband banished me from my comfortable prone reading position in bed and sent me downstairs because I was giggling too loudly and keeping him awake. Truly, I don't think that Mr. Gulley could write a bad book if he tried. If you have worked in a church in any capacity whatsoever, you will recognize the marvelous personalities that he's created. I'm a librarian and a voracious reader and his books are a true banquet for this reading gourmet.
Sue-Ellen Jones
Fort Collins, Colorado

This book is another excellent addition to the series. I loved that Gulley is making Sam more human, and fleshing out his character by showing the things he struggles with inside.

The usual vignettes about small town life and pastoring are here, and religion is dealt with so lightly that I think people of any religion would enjoy the book. Gulley has a light touch when talking about God and religious beliefs, and his beliefs are inclusive and inspiring to even non-believers in ways that Jan Karon and other churchy small town writers can't always pull off.

Philip Gulley is not only a great story teller, he is a resource for spiritual enlightenment. There is a "lesson(s)" in every chapter! Readers will see themselves in the characters because all of Gulley's "people" are human--open/closed minded, loving/hateful, confused/focused, assertive/passive; Pastor Sam realizes that he has not been honest with himself--haven't we all been there at one time or another? The fourth novel about the little imaginary town in Indiana called Harmony and its parade of characters is a wonderful read. .The book lifts up the "human condition" and helps us understand that our pains, sorrows, joys, frustrations, and loves all have value in shaping who we are and what we are becoming. Every page is spiced with Gulley's humor that warms one's heart and brings laughter and chuckles to the reader. The last two pages of the book is full of love. . .God's love.

Each of Philip Gulley's works paint a picture. Deep convictions, typical small town frustrations, heart-warming tales and strong midwestern attitudes are exhibited with each chapter. Once again a great escape for folks who enjoy reading wholesome stories with moral messages. Raised in small, midwestern town, I can say I wish my town was like Harmony, even though mine wasn't close! Philip Gulley has provided us another snapshot of escapism in a truly sentimental novel.

... seriously. I laughed so hard reading this novel, my husband repeatedly kept coming in the room to check on me and make sure I was OK.

Philip Gulley manages to capture the inner struggle of many Christians who occupy a pew alongside the Dale Hinshaws of this world. It would be easy to dismiss Dale as a shallow stereotype -- except for the fact that I've known several men who were just like him. And their antics make you embarrassed to admit you're a Christian at times.

Far from painting conservatives as idiots (I actually know some fairly bright ones!) I think Dale's character ultimately illustrates the humanity behind some of the bothersome people we "love to hate" in our congregations.

Plus, as another reviewer stated -- and I'm paraphrasing here a bit -- we've *all* been Dale at one point or another ... perhaps out of self-righteousness, or even simple misguidance. In the end, many of us have probably at times worked at cross-purposes with the religion we supposedly embrace.

To the folks who got their hackles raised ... lighten up. You're only perpetuating the "narrow-minded" label by threatening never to buy/read another of Gulley's novels again. Might as well throw in a book-burning party while you're at it. (That'll show 'em!)

I bought this book because I felt that the story was good and I liked reading about this pastor and his church of hard to get along with parishioners. I have worked at a church before and know what goes on in the day to day world of churches. I felt that the politicizing that went on and equalling a true Christian with being a liberal thinker, and that conservatives were narrow minded and like Dale Hinshaw was a slap in the face. There are those of us who are conservative and believe in the Grace of our Lord and do not judge everyone they meet. We all sin and in the Lord's eyes our sins our equal. I would like to say I won't share this book, but then I would be considered just like the characters in the book who read the book but were narrow minded. I want everyone to read this and see how this writer has made this more a political book cutting down Conservative Christians.

I for one love this book and Harmony is a wonderful place to escape. Full of all kinds of characters but with a message or two and lots of laughs. I think it must be difficult being a servant of the Lord and having so many people depend on you for so many things.

I enjoyed this book that goes from season to season along with it's inhabitants and all their trials and triumphs.You won't want to miss out on this book. Maybe more people will read this and realize what can they do for their minister and fellow man versus what is everyone doing for them!

Philip Gulley is well-known for his amusing look at the quirks of small town life and the ministry within a struggling Quaker congregation. While his earlier efforts in the Harmony series are full of humorous anecdotes and eccentric but lovable residents, Life Goes On turns sullen and bitter more often than not. Gulley is at his best when writing about the de-throned Sausage Queen, the observations of local farmers about the weather, and the travails of the local waitress/sweetheart. But the main characters, such as Sam, the long suffering preacher, and Dale, the overbearing elder, have become increasingly one-dimensional and sour. Where once these characters were flawed yet endearing, they are merely flawed in this book. The Harmony series remains one of my favorites, but I for one am hoping that Gulley regains his stride in future efforts.

Phillip Gulley's serial novels from "Harmony" give any reader insight in lives of others clarifying their values and incorporating loving and living in the moment while combining memories of the past and traveling into the future with clearer eyes from each character. A must for those who realize that fiction is just another way of entering into the real life of today!

Phil Gulley is a Quaker minister who is known for his humor. The book, Life Goes On, really portrays that humor. It is always so fun to read about the eccentric characters from Harmony, Indiana and their adventures. In this book, we read about Dale catching his car on fire, Dale's wife oversalting Dale's food, and the Sausage Queen getting impeached. The book was balanced by serious moments, such as Dale's wife leaving him (and Sam cooking and doing Dale's laundry), about Sam questioning the Virgin Birth and the fallout from that, and Sam just wishing that his congregation would be more like Jesus among all the pettiness and nit-picking.

This was a very fun book to read. I can't wait to read more of Dale's books.