Customer Reviews

The Prodigal Comes Home: My Story of Failure and God's Story of Redemption

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was surprised and disappointed when I heard the news about Michael English's indescretion and how it affected his own life, family, career and those of several others. For years I wondered what was happening to him and where he was spiritually. I saw this book and ordered it for my husband. We sort of read it together.It was brutally honest and very discriptive. I appreciated that aspect so much because it gave the reader a glimpse into how dangerous and far-reaching sinful decisions can be. He went about as low as a person can go...from the top of a career to the slimey bottom. Thankfully there is a wonderful ending which clearly shows the never-ending love of Christ and that He never gives up on us. I'm thankful he decided to write his story.

Michael English's autobiography follows his rise in contemporary Christian music, then his spectacular downfall after an affair with a married Christian musician. It's a story of redemption and healing, and is quite a riveting read. However, at 220 pages, the story winds up feeling a bit brief. Certain periods in Michael's life seemed to be glossed over, and even his recording career gets short shrift. If you're looking as to why he chose certain songs or for any insight on the making of his albums, you won't get much information here. Still, it's a compelling story, and he confronts his demons (drug addiction, the affair) with a admirable honesty.

I was compelled to read this book as someone who has shared my own falls from grace. I have to say that the writing in this book left something to be desired. If you are looking for a spiritual view into the mind of Michael English and why he made choices that he did, I don't think you'll find it here. It is definitely a "factual" look into what happened, but even at the end of the book, there was only a skimmed over narrative of what was spiritually happening in the mind and life of this man. I still have no clear view of his relationship with Jesus and how he is relating to Him today. It felt stoic. It was interesting to hear about his life, but it didn't compel me in any way to turn to Jesus. Maybe that wasn't his intention though. Maybe he just wanted to set the record straight, and if that is the case, it would be okay.

I think there was a deep potential to truly relate and identify with people in similiar circumstances as himself. Unfortunately, I saw only the "actions" of this man, instead of what He feels Jesus Himself was using to draw and push him closer to his prodigal return. I just didn't see much of Jesus in this book, and the population that will relate to this story the most (ME INCLUDED) need to see that spiritual journey, not just what it was like being in rehab. I wanted to hear more about Jesus, and less about his drama.

If you need encouragement or stories of redemption and true grace, I recommend a book like "The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out" by Brennan Manning. Save your money on this one. Not that I am not truly happy for the changes in Michael English's life, I was just left wanting more in regards to his spiritual journey.

I read this book in almost a night. It was an honest account of how Christian music "stars" can fall into the same temptations as secular "stars" do. It was well written and painfully honest. This is a sad yet wonderful account of God's love , patience and forgiveness.

Once again Lynn Vincent ("Same Kinda Different as Me") makes me lose sleep on work nights with her fast paced, seamless story telling -- this time about a guy who isn't all that convincingly redeemed.

Behind the scenes in the Christian music world, with fascinating "you are there" detail. Fun cliff-hanging chapter ends that made me stay up too late. I don't think he intended this (maybe Lynn did), but it made me feel better about myself knowing someone so talented, could mess up so bad. Grace is for everyone.

I am so grateful to hear the story of Michael English told... and best of all by him. I remember the "scandal"... I remember thinking "wow, what about grace?" And I always remember thinking what about the other person involved (Marabeth Jordan)? But no one told her story. She is still (evidently) hidden away. I hope it is by her choice and that she is as well and as loved as Michael! Love covers all!

I think Michael English is a very talented writer and person. I loved seeing his sense of humor come out through the book. It is so evident ("can I get an Amen here?") I think Michael English has more guts than anyone I know! He talked extensively about his past childhood and was very honest about the life of a Christian artist. At one point, he said that many leaders in the church don't question the spirituality (and even if they are Christians) if an artist is on stage singing about the Lord. The fact that he brings this up is so unbelievable in that it is way too often that we idolize the one on stage while we forget they are human. This book definitely needed to be written! I only wish that I had information like this 20 yrs ago when I idolized Christian artists more and thought they were oh, so perfect. It doesn't make me think less of them but it brings to reality that whether it is an artist, a preacher, or missionary, we are all human. What happened to Michael could have happened to anyone of us. While he admits that he may not have been very close to God when all this happened, he did pray for help and I have to think he may be not giving himself enough credit. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy and GOD allowed Michael to go through this because HE knew the ending. God knew that Michael would allow his story to be written and to help others.

What was really awesome was that he spent considerable time with his upbringing. It really gave light to so much on how he thought and his decisions. There was a real shocker in there for a mom like me who has children.

The only thing I had an issue with and really, it is just a small part and really wish I could have scored this book a 4.7 was the divorce thing. Michael cannot praise his former wife enough and he admits his wrongdoing over and over and is obviously very sorry. However, it didn't work out too bad for him. He winds up marrying a woman who is said to be beautiful and 17 yrs younger than him. What middle aged man wouldn't want that? I know he didn't want that message to come across but I would have liked to see how hard the divorce was. If what happened to him happened to a regular person, I cannot say that it would have worked out so good. God definitely showed Michael English lots of favor and grace in the long run and for that I am grateful. It does give hope. Michael is a good man and I would recommend his book and go to his concerts. I give him credit in being gutsy and bring to light how we idolize the Christian artists. Michael should be commended for this book!

I am almost finished with this book, & I thoroughly enjoyed it. Michael's story is a perfect example of "there but for the grace of God go I." We as Christians are still sinners, & this story shows that none of us are immune to Satan's attempt to derail our lives, but God's forgiveness and redemption are real, folks! Amen!

I could not put the book down and considering I can't remember the last time I actually read a book cover to cover that is saying alot.

This is a story about an individual that could have been any one of us. He had some thing happen to him in his childhood and when he was exposed to a prescription pain killer he was able to escape for a period of time only to find out that it would soon control his life.

If you have never been touched by addiction in your family you can not relate but if you read his story you will fully understand what happens to someone who's life is controlled by a drug. Thank God that he did find help and now is able to give hope to others that there is life after drugs. It took courage to reveal what happened and fully expose himself to help others.

Thanks Michael for sharing your story. You made a difference in my life.

This book shares the story of a man who went from the top of the mountain to the deepest pit but was desperate and humble enough to accept God's help. He survived and is now living a wonderful life and telling his story.

The book is easy to read but touches the heart in a profound way. Even those who have no experience at all with drug addictions will be able to relate.
My only wish is that I would have bought it sooner ... it is an amazing book.