Drops Like Stars (Book Review)

In order to understand others and culture in general, I believe it is important to be well-rounded in what I choose to read.  I had this thought in mind when selecting a book to review, and I chose Rob Bell's Drops Like Stars.  The byline of this book:  A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering.  While I do not agree with Rob Bell's theology, I was intrigued to read what he would have to say in this book.  I was also curious to find out how creativity and suffering were associated.

I received the book and eagerly began reading.  My husband questioned my laughter after five minutes of reading, and I told him "I am already finished with one fourth of this book".  I timed the remainder of my reading and was amazed that the entire book took a total of 27 minutes to read.  Bell's post-modern thinking is evidenced by even the layout and writing of his book.  The book is full of photographs and sentence fragments.  As for content, he did not delve into the topic in a way that was beneficial.

If you are searching for a book that is filled with nice pictures and stories that assure you are not alone in your suffering, perhaps this is the book for you.  It is available in a hardback coffee table edition, which could make an artistic addition to your living room.  However, if you are seeking a book that digs deep into the issues underlying suffering, this book will leave you disappointed.  I will note that Bell does not claim to answer the "why"s associated with suffering.  His claim is to answer the "what now"s.  However, I feel he fails to do even that.

*This book was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the book to the publisher. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.