Angry Funny - Angry Moving

I finally got to read Susan Isaacs’ ANGRY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD: A SNARKY BUT AUTHENTIC SPIRITUAL MEMOIR, a compelling and intimate chronicle of her relationship with the Almighty.

This witty book takes the notion of a “personal relationship with G-d” to its logical conclusion, as Susan takes her Heavenly Partner to couple’s counseling. Makes sense – if you want your relationship to work, you have to work on it.

Her journey through family, career and search for love are all part of her spiritual journey – and in addition to being funny, her story has a way of digging in and becoming emotionally moving as well.

(When she stood on the subway platform telling her beau that she would not be riding with him to his job at the WTC on the morn of September 11, well, I couldn’t sleep until I saw how that chapter turned out. And the next one. And the next one.)

I have to warn you though, if you are a protestant Christian in America, chances are you will see either yourself, or the church you attend in this book. And it will make you cringe a little.

As it should.

Also, if you are the kind of Christian that likes your books neat and tidy, filled with bon mots that prove yet again how good we are (while the world is evil), this isn’t your book.

Susan’s journey is real, honest and oh so very frank. Warts and all are on display – Susan’s, the church’s, and even G-d’s (or at least the G-d we think we know).

If you are like me, you will start out laughing along with Susan; then you will get a wee bit uncomfortable with where this ride seems to be going; and you won’t breathe that sigh of relief again until the very last chapter. (And you will be praying that she doesn’t stop before then – or this book might well be a tragedy!)

And, if you are like me, you will be glad you took the journey, as Susan’s counseling sessions with G-d might just save you some therapy expenses of your own.

ON A TANGENT:

My friend, Cheryl McKay’s book is out: NEVER THE BRIDE.

I haven’t found the time to read it yet, but Catherine has and loved it. Her review will come as soon as she gets a spare moment from the Releve recital.

Just my thoughts,

Sean