GYPSYS, TRAMPS & THIEVES GRAB'N'RUN

Papa would do whatever he could
Preach a little gospel, sell a couple bottles of Doctor Good

Welcome to The Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves Grab'N'Run at the Dirty Shame. It's the first time we've ever done a giveaway or anything and to tell the truth, well, I'm just sorta excited, for more reasons than one. I'd love to give away a used '97 Stratus, but Papa does whatever he can.

Winn Collier has just released his third book, Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus' Provocative Questions, and I want to rejoice with those who rejoice. And I think Winn is rejoicing. And I'd love for you to have a copy. I've done some writing on the topic of questions myself and Winn's book is a wonderful contribution to this exquisite facet of the gem known as Jesus.

Winn sent me a galley to read and this is what I wrote afterwards:
As an editor in Christian publishing, I read a lot of manuscripts every week. Some are handsome, some are plain, as we are. But a few, every once in a while, are good. I’d like to go on public record and say that Holy Curiosity by Winn Collier is good.

E.B. White described that pig-lovin’ spider this way: "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both." One gets that feel when reading Winn’s new book.

I could go on at length about this book, but I won’t. I’m an editor. I’ve got standards to maintain. So, here’s the approach of “where 2 or 3 are gathered” -

Number 1 – What I felt throughout Winn’s book was “spaciousness, room to grow.” In this age and day of books, most of them tell me what to think or not to think, what to feel or not to feel. Winn’s words allowed me room to ponder; such as he practices, he gives to us. There was no rush to get to the point or make sure I “get it” – no, these pages achieved an unforced rhythm. Permission to think/doubt/and wrestle with angels granted.

Number 2 – Winn quotes his wife and sons just as much, if not more, than he quotes Augustine, C.S. Lewis, or Bruner. Let me raise a glass to that modus operandi and declare HERE! HERE! A thread throughout this book is the necessity to keep on going; not a worship of the future, but an awareness of that’s where we’re headed. By paying attention (a form of prayer) to those voices closest to him, Winn demonstrates the ability to be formed by the past but not live there. No, he’s living with Mrs. Collier and their two sons, now, in the present. You may not think much of this point, but I read authors every day who cram quotes from dead folks in their books like teenagers from the 60s in phone booths. It’s kinda impressive at first and then it’s just weird. Thanks, Winn, for resisting that temptation.

Number 3 – A transparency exudes this book. Winn uses words like exude – so hang on. But, it’s a transparency that’s not exhibitionist. Winn doesn’t strip down to the buff, but he does tell us he used to part his hair down the middle and wear pink oxfords. And in the economy of holy curiosity, sometimes that’s enough to satisfy.

O.k. One last word – I was also struck by the belief that this author really loves Jesus. And that is not a slight thing. In fact, it may be the thing.

~~So, here's what we'll do. I'd love to arrange a dart game or something, but this being the onlinusphere, that's a little hard. Between now and Tuesday, Nov. 4th, leave me a short comment about something, I don't care, and on Tuesday, Nov. 4th, I'll download one of those counter-things and draw a random number and well, hell, you know the drill. Some of you know my skills in things like that are sometimes lacking, so I'll get my girlfriend to make sure it all goes down truthful-like. Yes, I know something else is going on Nov. 4th, but since that's essentially a crapshoot, let's rig one up with a beneficial outcome. Deal?

Winn, I'm proud of you, my friend. And I hope you feel honored to be the catalyst for what looks to be the first of many Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves Grab'N'Runs at the Dirty Shame. Your picture goes up on the wall, beside Cher's, and the drinks are on me.