Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir [Hardcover]

Dr. Calvin Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2008

 One man's backward glance at unexpected lessons, the beauty of relationship, and God's mysterious guiding hand.

Bestselling author and poet Calvin Miller turns his hand to the most moving story of all - his own. The reader is taken through a myriad of experiences of a young man coming of age in mid-20th century America. Following his life into college, seminary, a small local church and eventually to a new life as an author and professor, the memoir touches on those points that make all of us uniquely human and intensely vulnerable.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849920574
• ISBN-13: 978-0849920578
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #596,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Calvin Miller has written over 40 books of popular theology and inspiration. A former pastor, he is professor of preaching and pastoral ministry at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Joyce, have two grown children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I cried when I read Dr. Millers Memoirs?, August 21, 2008

By 

Floyd Hickerson (Dardanelle, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir (Hardcover)

My wife got to the book first. She would not let me read it until she finished it. She finally gave way to sleep at 1:42 Am and dropped the book beside her chair. As she slept, I started the read. What a read.

Dr. Calvin is such a great word smith (is this one or two words?) and I had to look up several of them as I read. His love for family is extraordinary. His love for his mother is godly. His love for Barbara was above reproach. But GOD was his all and all.

After reading this book, I have no doubt that Jesus is the center of his life and Barbara is the reason for this. His desire to succeed is told when he made a "F" in speech and returned for an advanced course. After prayer, and help from a friend, he was able to succeed.

I cried so much in this book that at 4:17 AM, my wife was awaken. "What's wrong with you and why are you awake?" "Why are you crying?"

I then read the next six chapters to her and we cried together. We had breakfast and headed to KCMO to see our newly born granddaughter.

I finished with my wife in Carthage, Missouri at the Super 8 Motel at 9:22 PM.. That morning on the way to KCMO I re-read the last several chapters that referred to the seminary at Ft. Worth. I cried again.

I have ordered more copies for my friends and the church library. I warn you - it's extraordinary.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Memoir!, February 2, 2009

By 

Carl A. Dixon (Bradenton, Fl United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Part of the reason for that is that like Dr Miller I too am reaching toward my final years but not ready to give up. The best line in the book for me is 'Getting old is not an option, seeming old is!' Every Pastor, young and old, should read this book. Young Pastor - believe me this book is true. It will tell you what is in store for your future. But it will also keep you in the ministry when you want out of the ministry. And in the end you will agree with Calvin Miller that it is worth it. Older Pastor like me - this book will make you laugh out loud and things only Pastors could understand and shed a tear of thankfulness that God has called you to such a hard time. This book is especially good for those who are married and have chosen to love their wives for a lifetime. Actually I can't think of anyone who would not find this book wonderful to read. I have read The Singer and enjoyed it. But after reading this book I am more hopeful, more positive, and becoming more understanding of those who don't understand me. I also came away with very good advice on what it means to be really spiritual. Falling in love with Jesus is the highest priority - but that does not exclude watching the Superbowl or the Tour De France (doesn't everybody). And it certainly doesn't exclude lots of contact with the many things the world offers in art and poetry, novels and museums, vacations and friendships. Dr Miller models a Christian commitment that is profound but not one dimensional. You will be very glad you read this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Caution: Truth-telling In Progress!, August 30, 2011

By 

Fun Lover & Truth Seeker (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir (Paperback)

Calvin Miller simply tells the truth. I grew up the preacher's boy in and around the Southern Baptists and I can tell you that not everything that happens in the church or the parsonage is holy. Calvin admits to some of it. I laughed, I cried and, in a couple places, I gritted my teeth. I gave copies of "Edges" to two of my pastors, hoping to encourage them. Calvin is a wonderful story-teller who puts words together in ways that surprise and delight those who hear or read them. For example, he says, "Saint Francis probably lusted. A sackcloth robe covers a multitude of sins." He described one person as "the ugliest man you could see for free." And he said a lot when he wrote, "People who lose their minds never mind it much, but they put a whole lot of stress on those who still have theirs." The pain of his early upbringing gave Calvin a heart for others. He is a strong, courageous man of grace and mercy. He was my pastor in Omaha for a time and he is a lifelong, long distance friend. Thank you, Calvin, for telling your story.