Rating: 
Summary: Stunned and dismayed
Review: After reading several of Mr. Gulley's books about the funny and all-too-true to life town of Harmony, I was stunned. I have always enjoyed his masterful story telling and the very quirky but realistic people of his church and town. Laughing at our collective foibles is a unifying thing... a collective teehee! However, as this book progressed I became uncomfortable with his sudden use of labels. People and their actions were now conservative versus liberal, fundamentalist versus free thinking and alas and alack Rebulican versus Democrat. When lable are attached and the author attempts to categorize people and behavior it is as if he draws a line in the sand and we are a divided people. There is enough of that in our world and media today. The messages of grace to those around us, especially to those different from us have been reversed to tidy formulas and labels. I was truly disappointed with the direction he took with these devices. Suddenly, the author has an agenda. As an avid reader, I do not have to agree with the theology or politics of every author I read. However, it is something different when something that portrayed itself as one thing, becomes another. I once was a fan, however,I will never read his books again.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed with Gulley's Change in Writing
Review: As a summer diversion, I recently read all of Philip Gulley's Harmony books. While somewhat enjoyable, I wouldn't rate them as highly as Jan Karon's Midford Series or Katherine Valentine's Dorsetville Series. However, prior to this book, "Life Goes On," Gulley's previous Harmony stories were more harmless and politically-neutral.
Gulley's continuous digs at other religions (while attempting to be done humorously), and his new inclusion of political commentary, became annoying. In contrast, Jan Karon's and Katherine Valentine's inclusion of other religions' beliefs and followers have always been ecumenical and kind.Another negative change evident Gulley's writing is the shallowness of the residents of Harmony. Along with very few others in Harmony, the main character, Sam Gardner, is portrayed as rational-thinking, progressive, reasonable, and open-minded. Most everyone else now fits one or several of the following categories: kooky, ultra-conservative, fundamentalist, Republican, non-progressive, old, eccentric, unattractive, boring, untalented, etc. Also disappointing is Gulley's lack of development of his main character, Quaker minister Sam Gardner. After reading five Harmony books, a reader isn't given much to know or like about him other than: he isn't a very good husband, he routinely questions his choice of profession, he doesn't like most of his congregation, he would rather flee conflict than confront it, and he isn't helpful in getting people to change for the better or getting people to work with each other. I found "Life Goes On" a mostly depressing book. Harmony isn't very harmonious, and it's not a place I'd want to visit.
Rating: 
Summary: Small-town ideals, quirky townfolk on display here!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: At home in Harmony
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: Let It Work It's Magic
Review: Here I am, a busy mother of three wee ones, taking the time to comment on this charming little book, "Life Goes On" while I balance a squirmy toddler on my lap. This valiant effort alone speaks volumes of praise for Philip Gulley's latest book. If you have a pulse, I guarantee an endorphin-surging, belly-bursting laugh just when you need it. I even telephoned my mother and read aloud the "salting" scenes in Chapter 7. What a riot. That's the thing about this book...it's hilarious but not ridiculous. Harmony life is your life and my life, magnified by the "master storyteller" so that we can see ourselves better by the end. Or at least, that's what happens when I read "Life Goes On." I laugh at Dale Hinshaw and the rest of the "troublesome trio" as they make an "elaborate show of placing plugs in their ears" when battle-weary pastor Sam rises to preach. I think, "I know someone like Dale!" You know him too, the annoying legalist ever "requiring the fires of division be regularly stoked." And then I pause and I remember that I can't see in another what I don't own in myself. And I realize that I am Dale Hinshaw. I am unappreciative and opinionated and, ughh, no more spiritual than the "Big Dissapointment" reviewer who anonymously posted his one star rating of this very same book. (Thanks, Mom, for teaching me that if I can't sign my name to something, I'd best not write it.) We're all of the same stuff. We all live in Harmony. We're all even "narrow-minded kooks" at one time or another. Some of us just handle that realization better than others. Indeed, this book is more than just a fun read. You'll finish a better person, if you will let it work it's magic. You'll be "stretched," never to return to your "original size" and not even realize it's happening. One day you're just an ordinary person, trying to love and be loved, not even knowing "your keester for a hole in the ground." Then you read this book, or any of Gulley's fine works, and somewhere between "despising the Dale's of the world who don't march to my tune" and speculating who in Harmony bought the bikini at Ned's Five and Dime, you figure yourself out just a little more. And, just like Fern, you'll experience grace. And learn about Love. Read it. You'll see.
Rating:
Summary: Let It Work It's Magic
Review: Here I am, a busy mother of three wee ones, taking the time to comment on this charming little book, "Life Goes On" while I balance a squirmy toddler on my lap. This valiant effort alone speaks volumes of praise for Philip Gulley's latest book. If you have a pulse, I guarantee an endorphin-surging, belly-bursting laugh just when you need it. I even telephoned my mother and read aloud the "salting" scenes in Chapter 7. What a riot. That's the thing about this book...it's hilarious but not ridiculous. Harmony life is your life and my life, magnified by the "master storyteller" so that we can see ourselves better by the end. Or at least, that's what happens when I read "Life Goes On." I laugh at Dale Hinshaw and the rest of the "troublesome trio" as they make an "elaborate show of placing plugs in their ears" when battle-weary pastor Sam rises to preach. I think, "I know someone like Dale!" You know him too, the annoying legalist ever "requiring the fires of division be regularly stoked." And then I pause and I remember that I can't see in another what I don't own in myself. And I realize that I am Dale Hinshaw. I am unappreciative and opinionated and, ughh, no more spiritual than the "Big Dissapointment" reviewer who anonymously posted his one star rating of this very same book. (Thanks, Mom, for teaching me that if I can't sign my name to something, I'd best not write it.) We're all of the same stuff. We all live in Harmony. We're all even "narrow-minded kooks" at one time or another. Some of us just handle that realization better than others. Indeed, this book is more than just a fun read. You'll finish a better person, if you will let it work it's magic. You'll be "stretched," never to return to your "original size" and not even realize it's happening. One day you're just an ordinary person, trying to love and be loved, not even knowing "your keester for a hole in the ground." Then you read this book, or any of Gulley's fine works, and somewhere between "despising the Dale's of the world who don't march to my tune" and speculating who in Harmony bought the bikini at Ned's Five and Dime, you figure yourself out just a little more. And, just like Fern, you'll experience grace. And learn about Love. Read it. You'll see.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed with Gulley's Change in Writing
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Is This Good Reading or a Political Novel?
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Life does indeed go on!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Big Disappointment
Review: I have really enjoyed most of Philip Gulley's books about life in Harmony (except a few parts of his last one), but this one was awful! He used to be funny and touching at the same time. I used to laugh and cry along with the characters, but not this time. His previous books about Harmony were great read alouds with my family, but I won't be reading this one to them. This book was apparently a tool for Mr. Gulley to preach his liberal politics. He resorted to name calling for anyone who is a Bible believing Christian, ie. "fundamentalist lunacy," "narrow ideology," "stricken with this cancer of intolerance," "narrow-minded kook," just to name a few of his choice words about those who believe the Bible to be the word of God. Almost every chapter dealt with how the liberals are the progressive, enlightened thinkers and the conservatives are narrow-minded kooks. He gives the impression that there is no such thing as sin or hell. Or at the least, sin shouldn't be confronted, because if it's right for them, then it's okay. The only sin is "narrow mindedness," or believing what the Bible says is true. I was very offended. To top it off, this book wasn't funny, or even sad; it was just liberal politics. I'm glad I read a library copy, because I would not want to spend money on this.
|
