I’ll go ahead and admit it. I am a huge Don Miller fan. I love EVERYTHING I’ve read that he has written. And I love EVERYTHING I’ve heard him say. His words simply resonate.
I read Blue Like Jazz when I was in my late twenties and pretty skeptical of the religious rigamarole. Don’s candor and sense of humor made me want to reexamine my religion, and more importantly my faith. A few years later I devoured A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Again, Don challenged my thinking and encouraged me to explore what it means to live a great story.
Always warm and engaging, Don feels like a kindred spirit, walking just a few steps ahead, talking me through the path he has taken, and subtly warning me of its pitfalls.
That is why I can’t wait to read the rerelease of Searching for God Knows What. (I know, I can’t believe I haven’t read it yet, either.)
I’m also jazzed because my buddy, and Thomas Nelson editor extraordinaire, Bryan Norman crafted this amazing game that I can play (and potentially win prizes) while I read. So for the next several weeks I’m going to read, play-along, and possibly blog about the journey.
Would you like to join me? Details about the game are below.
Twelve games played over eight weeks are built into the book Searching for God Knows What. Each game requires you to sleuth, decode, think, and find…well…God knows what. Be one of the first to decipher the clue and claim your reward: Incredible prizes exclusively for those who play the game. Plus, you’ll find new opportunities to connect with Don directly, meet other fans, and earn points with every action you take. It’s fun, easy, and addicting. So take just two minutes, and let’s start searching!
Starting the week of July 19, 2010—for eight weeks—you will receive clues.* Each clue will lead you to a game hidden in Searching for God Knows What. To play the game, here’s what you need to do:
Step One: Go to www.DonaldMillerFan.com and sign up for an account or use your Facebook account to sign in.
Step Two: Take actions, create groups, and get new clues each week.
Step Three: Decode the correct answers and enter them at www.SearchingForGodKnowsWhat.com to solve the puzzles and be eligible for prizes.
Step Four: Win!*If you’re joining the game late, no worries. All clues will be available at SearchingForGodKnowsWhat.com until the end of time so you can play whenever you want.
I’m also very excited to be giving away 20 copies of Searching for God Knows What.
If you’d like to win a copy, leave a comment below sharing a few words about an author that has impacted your life.
Winners will be selected on Monday at 12 PM.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Update: Winners Selected and Notified on July 19th. Thanks everyone for your comments. I loved hearing what authors have impacted you.
I have not yet read any of Don Miller’s books but have read about him. I would love to win a copy of the book.
I'm also a big fan of Donald Miller (who isn't?). Very challenged by A MILLION MILES especially. I also heard him speak at STORY last year and, even though he was terribly ill, he was generous with the strength he had. That's admirable.
My recent post Join the Song
Is it cheating to say Pete Wilson? 🙂
Andy Stanley's had a good impact on me with his Principle of the Path book. I'm dying to read "Million Miles in a Thousand Years." I won the book in a contest and then sometime around Christmas it just disappeared. 🙂 I'm sure it's around here somewhere!!
My recent post Two weeks of the Pete Wilson Challenge
You need to find your copy of A Million Miles…GREAT book!
George MacDonald and Cormac McCarthy have both impacted my thought-life and my writing. Both are mysterious, bold and willing to say what needs to be said, in beautiful words.
Thanks for this contest! So fun!
Forgot to mention an author that has impacted my life. I’d have to say Dan Allender is one of my favorite. Many of his books have been of help to me. Favorites : Intimate Allies with Tremper Longman and Leading with a Limp. Great help in my mariage and ministry.
Donald Miller is great. I can't get enough of John Ortberg's books/teaching. He speaks to my soul like no other.
Me too on John Ortberg!
Okay so this is my second attempt at this comment. I had it all written out and then it got deleted.
I have really learned a lot from reading Don Miller’s books, blogs and even when he came and spoke at my University last fall in Abilene TX. Don Miller’s words have spoke to me and had me relook at everything that has happened in my life. He helped me focus more to God. I really appreciate Miller’s hard work. I look forward to see what comes from it in the future.
Sorry you had to do that twice 😉
Donald Miller's books have most impacted me by the way they have given me the opportunity to discuss the intersection of faith and life with those around me. Maybe it's because of Donald's ability to write so simply yet in an enlightening way – but however it is, the books he writes are engaging. Most recently, I love how his recent book, "A million miles…" set fire to really engaging conversation with my friends who I shared this book with about really living a life worth telling.
Don Miller has impacted me not only through his books but his blogs and his speakings. He came to my school last fall (ACU) and talked about A Million Miles in a Thousand years and it really just opened my eyes to my own life. I have struggled with why a lot of things have happened in my life and with the help of God through Don Miller's words I have been able to piece together a lot of the issues and continue to grow in my life. I really look up and respect how Don Miller lives his life for God in all that he does.
Charles Spurgeon has had increasing influence on me. His words are always stirring and gorgeous.
My recent post Hot
A colleague read an excerpt from Spurgeon this morning. It was fantastic. Stirring is a great word to describe him.
Two author’s I credit with impacting my life are Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Because of reading their Left Behind series, I came to Christ. I had gone to church when I was young (stopped going when I was 12), but I don’t think I was ever a “real” Christian, though I did believe in God, and Jesus (that He is God’s son, born of a virgin, died and was raised three days later, and is the only way to receive salvation). Anyway, because of these book, I accepted Jesus as my saviour a little over ten years ago.
I've been a HUGE fan of Donald Miller for years and am stoked about the re-release of Searching For God Knows What (I already have the original). His writing is poignant and encouraging while managing to cut through the haze to the heart of a matter.
Another author that has impacted me is John Eldredge. Specifically his book, Wild At Heart. As a man raised in today's world my perspective of masculinity was skewed. Eldredge has helped me better understand my heart and how I can have a last impact on my family and sphere of influence by allowing myself to be the man God created me to be – wild at heart and adventurous!
My recent post Free Books No Joke
I have heard good stuff about Donald Miller, but I haven’t read any of his stuff. A freebie would help remedy that! 🙂
An author who has impacted me…hmm. Recently, I would say Jerry Bridges. His writing is thoughtful and Bible-saturated, and he doesn’t shy from or oversimplify tough issues like suffering and doubt. I’m also currently being blown away by Doctrine by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears, and I think that book will be up there with the most transformative and most useful.
I am a new fan of Don Miller, having read A Million Miles and the original or first edition Searching for God Knows What. Impact authors – John MacArthur (Hard to Believe – my favorite of his) and Andy Stanley (The Best Question Ever). Looking forward to reading Don’s re-release and playing the game.
Love Donald's stuff.
One author that has really had a massive impact on my life was Jason Boyett's "O Me of Little Faith." It just really resonated with me in a way that touched me. He gave me space to have faith in the midst of my doubt and that was just incredibly important to me at that time.
My recent post Social Experiments
I've heard great things about that book.
I’m a huge fan of Donald Miller. His last book – A Million Miles inspired me to start my current adventure & blog. His memoir – through painted deserts was absolutely amazing and continually makes me want to keep traveling.
He’s not only challenging but also seems to take my thought and present them clearly much better than I could ever do myself!
Rob Bell has really impacted me, both from the pulpit and in his book "Velvet Elvis." Something about his approach makes Christianity seem real and vital and not the dry, stale abstraction that my time in the CRC turned it into.
Like everyone else has mentioned, I too am a huge fan of Don Miller and his work. Being raised in a Christian home (with a father as a missionary) I struggled to find my own definition of God and who he was to me and not to my parents. Blue Like Jazz definitely helped me define who I thought and think Jesus is. I would love to win a copy of the re-release of Searching for God Knows What because I’m constantly seeking new prospective about religion and Christianity.
Donald Miller came into my life during a very pivotal time. I was depressed, addicted, and having huge faith struggles during my freshmen year of college. Somebody, I don't remember who, suggested that I read Blue Like Jazz. The book helped me get out of the hole of doubt that I was stuck in. Don's honest storytelling that didn't pull any punches opened new doors for me of a Christianity that was ok with not being a guilt-ridden fundamentalist. He remains one of my favorite authors and Blue Like Jazz is one of my top two books of all time.
I'm a big fan of CS Lewis. I read a book about his broadcasts during WWII, and I felt really challenged by it, and I loved reading the Narnia books as a kid, and then re-reading them when the movies came out. I always feel challenged by his words.
C.S. Lewis. Perelandra. In reading the description of the struggle for the choice of obedience or disobedience, God's desire for our good and relationship became vivid. Lewis has often done that for me, put flesh (often imaginary) on abstractions, allowing me to understand.
My recent post Sometimes you are along for the ride
I have been impacted quite a bit by Mark Batterson. For those who don’t know him, he’s the pastor of National Community Church in DC. He has a great way of taking stories that are hidden and applying them to everyday situations. He’s also prompted me to dream God sized dreams.
I love Don too. 🙂
I would answer Don Miller too (who wouldn't really? =) ). But in the interest of a fresh answer, I would say Francis Chan through his book "Crazy Love".
Some say he wears his heart on his sleeve a lot, BUT he gives me a very foundational perspective on how we are to love our Creator and His creations. It allows me to take a step back from the many bits of theology to see the MUCH BIGGER picture of who GOD was, is and always be in our lives. Much heart and Scripture-based is this approach that I can very much appreciate.
Hope to win this book and play the fun game! =)
I loved Crazy Love. Francis Chan is the real deal.
I'm definitely a Donald Miller fan. I'm in the process of reading Father Fiction…heard Donald Miller on NPR in DC and went out and bought the book. Having grown up without my dad, I'm praying this book will significantly impact me. For a non-Donald Miller answer…I'd say Gary Thomas. Recently read Sacred Parenting (I have a 20 month old son) and it has both reassured me and challenged me to be a better parent, which I consider to be one of the most important jobs I will ever have. Can't wait to read Searching for God Knows What!!
I've read all of Don's books, but A Million Miles had the most profound impact. I tell people it changed my life, and I mean it. It's fair to say I was somewhat depressed when I read A Million Miles, and I came away with a completely different life perspective. As soon as I finished I started over and read it again. I challenged myself to start taking risks and live a better story. I started by learning to jump off things. I'm re-reading Blue Like Jazz, and can't wait to start on the re-release of Searching For God Knows What.
I read A Million Miles twice too. Think it's one that I'll need to pick up every year or two.
I can only be honest. One of the mist impactful authors in my life was Franklin W. Dixon. I know that’s a pen name but I was shaped by the author(s) of the Hardy Boys series. From those books I learned wonder, adventure, justice, sleuthing and that it was possible to start living a life of great story. In sure some Christian Authors were influential on me too and I like Dons stuff a ton but for me it all started when the bookmobile showed up and I could get my fix of adventure.
Definitely Andy Stanley: His books have had such an impact on my life and ministry. My favorites are Visioneering, It Came from Within, and Preaching for a Change.
Don Miller is great. Blue Like Jazz was a fun read. I find his sense of humor very disarming.
John and Stasi Eldredge. Captivating really ministered to me at a time when I was doing myself in by believing the lies Satan was telling me, lies I learned growing up while being inhibited by my parents. I was telling myself I couldn't handle life, couldn't make it in life, couldn't be anything special. When I read that book I realized that half the enemy in my life was my own tendency to tear myself down. Captivating helped me see that I had value, and helped me to learn to think positively about myself and my abilities. It literally saved me emotionally during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Wild at Heart, also, even though I'm a girl, taught me a lot and I highly value both books as well as the authors.
rachel, meeee toooo! 'captivating' is my favorite book for women and i read it *at least* once a year. i wanted to read 'wild at heart' for a long time but just felt like the lord wouldn't allow me -or something like that. but then when i felt released to read it, it changed my life! i've read all of their other books and want to read 'love and war' now even though i'm not married. 🙂
xo
My recent post people
Rachel/Mary Kathryn, I LOVED Captivating!
Donald Miller's Million Miles challenged me to change my story, so in August, I'm starting a private counseling practice for kids: something I've been wanting to do for the past 18 years!
That is amazing! Congratulations.
Jerry Bridges is one of my favorite authors and has impacted my live over many decades. I began with his Pursuit of Holiness and Practice of Godliness, and then later loved his Trusting God. He spoke to our Immanuel Baptist Church men’s retreats twice, but his Transforming Grace most recently helped me depend on grace for everything.
Hey Lindsay,
So yes – I’m commenting because I want the free book. I might as well get that out right now and not try to slyly slip that fact in somewhere.
But in all honesty, if I don’t win it, it’s OK. I don’t normally get a chance to thank an author of a book, or books, that have impacted my life.
You wanted to know why I love Don’s books? They bring hope. Hope that life isn’t all that we’re initially presented with. Hope that we can do something crazy, like hop into a van and drive across the country without planning anything, and that we’ll be OK. Hope that our futures aren’t defined by our fathers (or lack there of). Hope that this story we are living can be beautiful, if only we take the risk, step out, and make it so.
Hope – that I was never as alone as I once felt.
So yes – I’d love the free book. But beyond that….
Thank you, Don.
My first Miller book was Million Miles! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of his other books.
A Million Miles had me unexpectantly exploring all emotions. I laughed, I cried and best of all I discovered the mundane story I was living. I am truly thank that Don shares his stories with us all.
For me–like you, I gather–Donald Miller has lately rocked my world and truly shattered my religious complacency. He truly challenges me to dig deeper and live not just a better life, but a more meaningful one.
I'm a huge fan of Anne Lamott. Her candor about faith and life is at times challenging, frustrating, and laugh-out-loud funny, always retaining a sense of beauty. A good representation of life, I'd say. Fans of Don should check her out. Also – Jon Acuff, another very funny man who pokes gently at "Christian culture" and says, "hey, this is weird" in a way that neither offends those of faith nor waters down the craziness of it all.
She is hilarious. I'd love to be her when I grow-up. 🙂
I truly enjoy Donald Miller and his books have inspired me to write a better story for my life. However, an author that has inspired me through the ages is Dr. Seuss. Simple, poetic and deeper than you realize. How can we not be inspired to make the world a better place when we listen to The Lorax or to set aside our pride when we read about the Star Bellied Sneetches. Dr. Seuss stories are more than just a party when Mom isn't home, they are instructions to take the world and look at it differently, to care about more than just ourselves and to enjoy the journey.
SZMommasan
Donald Miller and Francis Chan have been the most influential authors I have read, tho only Miller has encouraged me to be proud of my purple horses! Ha!
Don tells things how he sees them and I love that! Can't wait for the new re-release!
Donald Miller? Yes, of course. Miller definitely gave me a novel lens through which to examine, reexamine, and examine again my faith, religion, yadda yadda. And I couldn't be more grateful. On another plane however, Kurt Vonnegut has always inspired me. While I may not necessarily agree with his outlook, beliefs, etc., I can't help but wonder at his genius presentation. Vonnegut manages to convey heavy ideas with such brevity- and always, always, always- a great sense of humor. I think that's what I look for in an author. Vonnegut and Miller both have an enviable, easy sense of humor (while they may occupy different ends of the religious spectrum). And for this, they are two of my favorite authors.
John Steinbeck’s simple prose and epic works take me on beautiful journeys. Donald Miller shares some of the same simple yet beautiful prose…. both authors are able to hide elegant truth’s in their works. Travels with Charlie is a great corollary read to Miller’s Through Painted Deserts. Anyhow, I hope new people get introduced to Miller–he’s a gem.
I enjoy that Don Miller is a little irreverent, and doesn’t take himself too seriously, unlike a lot of Christian authors I have read. I like that he gives himself grace & doesn’t expect perfection! I would love to win a copy of the book 😉 Thanks for the chance!
Don Miller is of course, one of my favorites. I actually discovered another writer I admire from investigating authors who provided quotes for his books — Anne Lamott. I have copied copious parts of both A Million Miles and Traveling Mercies into my reading journal so I can refer back to them and reflect. So good!
Right now Parker Palmer’s books, specifically “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation” is hitting me right where I’m at. But always DM is worthwhile and one of the few I recommend without any hesitation at all.
I love Don Miller’s books. Blue like Jazz was my first taste of his writing, and I devoured a million miles.
His writing reminds me of CSLewis. While Miller isn’t as logically intellectual as Lewis, they both have a truthful introspective quality that resonates deeply with me.
Like yourself, I love everything that Don Miller has ever written. When I read Blue Like Jazz as a teen struggling with the reality of her faith, I felt as though someone had taken everything inside my heart that I couldn’t explain and put it on paper. Blue Like Jazz helped me redefine the complicated term “Christian” and instead introduced me to the idea of following Jesus instead of battling with semantics.
I believe books change lives; I’ve experienced it many times and in many ways. I know that God has given Don the gift of being able to spin simple prose into the poetic rhythm of people’s hearts.
I have read “Blue Like Jazz” and “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” I have to say that since reading “Million Miles” it has truly changed the way that I live. I strive now to make every second of my life count as I strive to live the best stories I can in order to worship Christ through my life.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. A heart wrenching read that is ultimately about the triumph of the human spirit.
I loved it so much.
I've wanted to read that one. I need to pick it up!
I think an author that changed my life was Randy Pausch. The Last Lecture really changed me and made me more aware of the people in my life that I truly cared about, and more aware of telling them how I felt.
I am a church secretary and one year our Pastor asked me to order 500 copies of Searching for God Knows What for all the men of the church as a Father’s Day gift. I read it before my husband did and could not put it down. I have read it twice. I would like to keep a copy long enough to read from it every day but I end up giving my copy away to young people. It has changed their lives! Especially my nephews. I would love to win a copy just for me but I’ll probably still keep getting more to share. I praise the Lord for Donald Miller and am also blessed by his blogs. Such revelation into the Heart of God. Such nuggets for life.