 Reviewer: Laura Thomas I was captivated reading the raw, real story of Christian music icon, Steven Curtis Chapman. Like many, I’m familiar with his myriad of songs and was heartbroken to hear of the tragedy that slammed into his family several years ago, but this book takes us deeper into his story—right from childhood. His personality shines through the pages as he courageously bears his soul and opens up with tremendous vulnerability regarding his faith, his “fix-it” mentality, his marriage, family, adoption, and the part music has played through it all. I found this book to be a nostalgic read filled with success, heartache, challenges, grief, and most all an over-arching theme of hope! Always hope. I thoroughly recommend reading Between Heaven and the Real World. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Edwina Cowgill "Oh taste and SEE that the Lord is good!" (Ps. 34:8) This is the theme verse of Between Heaven and the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman. In all my years of reading, whether for pleasure, for school, or for work, I've never read a book written with such raw vulnerability, painful hurts, deep faith, total surrender and intense trust. That is, until I read this book. Between Heaven and the Real World begins when Steven was a young boy and brings the reader through his life up until 2013. He shares of the struggles he had as a young boy, a teenager. He writes of meeting his bride, Mary Beth, of the struggles she experienced, and the struggles they experienced together. He tells the reader of the unwavering commitment he and Mary Beth had to one another and how, through the darkest, bleakest times, that commitment held them together. He shares stories of all of his children - biological and adopted. Maria, adopted from China, brought an effervescent joy to the Chapman home. Her happiness, her love of life brightened up the lives of everyone around her. Steven is at his most vulnerable as he writes of life after Maria. All of the family suffered greatly, and yet, through their suffering, the roots of their faith grew deeper and today, around the world, Maria's legacy can be found everywhere. "Oh, taste and SEE that the Lord is good!" One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the many times Steven shared how he got the inspiration for the various hit singles he's had through the years, many of them becoming part of the "48 career number one radio singles." After reading this book, you will hear one of those songs and remember just where Steven was, who he was with, and how God revealed to him the lyrics to the song. Knowing the background of the song gives the song a deeper meaning and makes the song even more special than when you heard it before. This is a book that will minister to everyone who reads it. But for those who are in the midst of a crisis of faith, it is a "must" read. Your faith will grow stronger, your heart will be encouraged and your life changed. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Kelly Potts
Mr. Chapman grabbed me with his first chapter about roller coasters and I held on tight for his roller coaster ride for the ups and downs of his life. He is a wonderful example of someone who maintains his relationship with the Lord through not just the ups but as well as the downs. Time and again he shows us how his relationship with the Lord helped through the dark times. His songs are beautifully written and sung – he didn’t disappoint with his biography. Thank you for inviting me into your story and sharing the word of the Lord and the wonderful family pictures. Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. |
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4/19/2017
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