Book Review: To Own a Dragon (Donald Miller)

It has been some time since a book left me in tears. Real, constant tears that dripped the duration of the last 5 chapters.

The book if for guys. It is a look at lessons that the author has learnt growing up without a father. Initially I was negatively predisposed to the book because this whole ‘fatherless generation’ thing seems to have almost become a fashion subject since John Elderage wrote ‘Wild at Heart’. And I loathe fashionable Christians.

If there is one thing that I have come to appreciate more than anything in a book, indeed in any spoken interaction, it is sincerity. An honest account. I think that is something that sets the Bible apart. The Bible is raw in it’s recollections of failure, sin, holiness and perfection. It is a kaleidoscope of brutal shame mixed with brutal perfection, never lacking in colour. Never short on sincerity.

I have just finished a book by an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites: a man named Donald Miller. As I read about his walk with God and the lessons he has learnt along the way I get the distinct knowing that this guy is for real. He is legit. He talks from knowing. And when he doesn’t know, then he talks with me, as a quester rather than a teacher.

Miller makes me feel like I don’t have to make the mistakes he has made. His lessons are my lessons. I don’t have to sell my character for nine dollars. I don’t have to be lazy first to know that work is a gift. I don’t have to wonder about my manhood ‘cos Don reckons that a penis qualifies you- period. His search has been my find.

The book I have just read is a book full of real wisdom. Knowlege is the information that feeds thoughts. Very different to knowledge, wisdom is the insight that feeds actions.

Sure, the tears dripped. It was an engrossing and powerfully intimate read. But the book was not entertainment. I’m called to difficult action with the 98% chance of failing on my first day. At least I have a friend along for the journey...