Donald Miller's A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

After reading the first few pages of Donald Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, I was skeptical.  It was the first book by Miller that I had read, and I was expecting great things.  But a few pages in, well, it wasn’t catching my attention.

But.  The more I read of this book, the more I loved it.  The book says it is about how Donald Miller used the lessons he learned, while editing his life into a movie, to move himself from a meaningless, boring existence to one of wonder.  And yes, it is about that.  But even more, this book is about story.  What makes a great story.  Why we love a great story.  And most importantly, how to live a great story.

There are only a few books I would call life-changing: A Severe Mercy, The Four Loves, Making Room for Life… and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  I have seriously been thinking about this book and its message for weeks and I think I need to go re-read it.

I must say, I don’t like the writing style (seems to me like Miller is trying too hard to maintain his tone – and I don’t really like his tone!).  In places, it is simplistic (not simple, which to me is positive, but like he's trying to be a cute kid when he's a grown man), and in places, it is too... modern, perhaps? for my taste.  But I hear that all his books are like this, and so if you like his writing style, you'll really love this book.

Be the writing as it may, the content of the book is solidly good.  I especially liked the stories about Bob and his family, and about the man who changed his daughter's story.  The message of this book is important - too important to miss.

Now for some fun news: When I agreed to read and review this book for Thomas Nelson, they sent me an extra copy - so I get to do a blog giveaway!  If you would like to win this book, leave a comment telling me a great story that you've lived.  Be creative - make it an everyday story (no wedding day or child's birth stories!).  

(I won't pick the winner based on the best story - so no pressure!  It'll be a random drawing.)