Book Review: "Angry Conversations with God" by Susan E. Isaacs, The Susan E. Isaacs!

Paperback Version:

Kindle Edition:

Not counting school assignments, this may be my first official book review:

It's good.

Maybe that's too vague, so let me elaborate:

It's really good.

Still too short?

It's really, really good.

I suppose I could quote the front cover and say:

It's "A Snarky But Authentic Spiritual Memoir".

I heard Susan Isaacs speak at the Polk Theater in Lakeland on July 1, 2011. I enjoyed her humor and talk so much, that I bought her book. I also got her autograph. I already had so many books; and I got tired of reading at some point. But I finally started reading her book last Wednesday; and I'm so glad I did. What a treasure! It's good. It's really good. It's really, really good.

The premise of the book is: Since the author and God are supposed to be married; and the author's not happy about how their relationship is working out, she takes Him to couples counselling. So she reveals moments from her life; and the she, her therapist, and God (the Father) and sometimes Jesus too work through the issues involved.

I enjoyed the author's sense of humor and her openness about her life, her mistakes, her struggles with faith and God. I found the book engaging, intriguing, entertaining, and uplifting.

Too bad we didn't know each other growing up, because we sound perfect for each other: Lutheran, love comedy, love to write, love the Beatles, and more. The Lutheranism alone should've sealed the deal.

Besides being funny and heart-wrenching, this book offers some of the most profound theological statements I've encountered:

From page 209:

"The body thirsts because it needs water and water exists. The soul longs for purpose because it needs it, and because it exists. And I wouldn't long for God if he didn't exist. I am taking this personally because I am personal. And I don't think that an impersonal God could create humans to be personal. So I'm taking this personally from a personal God."

From page 215:

"I got this strange sensation that God was with me. And he was angry. He was very angry—not at me and not at Jack. God was angry at the pain I was going through. I wondered if that was why God hated sin, because of the destruction it caused. For a moment I felt awe for a God who loved me enough to hate the things that hurt me without hating me for causing them."

I enjoyed watching her dealings with, and understanding of, God change and grow into a mature relationship.

Don't let the title scare you away, this book relates the author's spiritual journey with humor, truth, turmoil, and insights. And at times, she's sarcastic, but like she points out several times throughout the book:

"Sarcasm is a viable form of communication."

If you read, or have read, "Angry Conversations with God" by Susan E. Isaacs, please comment to share your thoughts too.

Blessings & Joy,

Dean Burkey