Kneeling in Jerusalem

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for some but ...
Review: Kneeling in Jerusalem is a book which would interest and alienate a wide audience. The book is printed as if it were all poetry - there are some poetic gems but there is also simply "verse" for which the only apparent reason for the verse format is to remind you to read in a meditative spirit. There is also verse that is better than average "devotional" reading - some readers will enjoy it, others will consider it pablum.

The content of the poems is equally diverse - some (e.g. the children's sermon) are excellent stories that carry religious truth ... they would stand up well in the works of Anthony deMello ... some are moral mediations (e.g. numbers) that make a deliberate point. Some would serve well in guided meditations. But some readers, including myself, will tire of the assumption that the reader/listener leads an overhectic life - leaving no time for prayer and contemplation.

I recommend the book ... but keep your perspective one of recognition that in this case in order to appeal to a broad audience there is something for you and something not for you.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for some but ...
Review: Kneeling in Jerusalem is a book which would interest and alienate a wide audience. The book is printed as if it were all poetry - there are some poetic gems but there is also simply "verse" for which the only apparent reason for the verse format is to remind you to read in a meditative spirit. There is also verse that is better than average "devotional" reading - some readers will enjoy it, others will consider it pablum.

The content of the poems is equally diverse - some (e.g. the children's sermon) are excellent stories that carry religious truth ... they would stand up well in the works of Anthony deMello ... some are moral mediations (e.g. numbers) that make a deliberate point. Some would serve well in guided meditations. But some readers, including myself, will tire of the assumption that the reader/listener leads an overhectic life - leaving no time for prayer and contemplation.

I recommend the book ... but keep your perspective one of recognition that in this case in order to appeal to a broad audience there is something for you and something not for you.