Grace Like a River [Paperback]

I Think that this is an excellent book, but not for everyone!

Between chapters there are fishing stories which are entertaining and very insightful, however, can be a distraction in the later chapters.

My main purpose in obtaining the book was to learn how Mr. Parkening became the world class classical guitarist that he is. It's no surprise as far as I'm concerned that Mr. Parkening like so many other great musicians had the drive to succeed and excellent instructors who helped him achieve his goal.

What is quite obvious to me, given the fact that Mr. Parkening is a devoted follower Christ and promotes Christianity is that his idol as far as his professional life was concerned was Andres Segovia. That said, it is without a doubt that Mr. Parkening is a very disciplined gentleman who took his career and duty to his family very seriously. Unlike so many musicians who have led unfavorable lives, Mr. Parkening is a man you can admire even if you don't agree with his Christian beliefs.

I think that this book is a valuable read because there are so many people who don't realize that to have the ability to play music at such a high level or any level is indeed a gift from almighty God. The great Joe Pass came to this conclusion near the end of his life.

Simply, Mr. Parkening, I think succeeds at pointing the reader past himself to the source who gave him his talent and blessings. Some people will be put off by this. It's understandable though. However, I must add why I find this book so appealing has to do with Michael Dregni's biography of Django Reinhardt. Reinhardt in my opinion was and is the greatest improviser the guitar has ever known. After reading Dregni's book, I could understand Django in ways I could never have imagined. These great musicians are gifted by almighty God! The sooner we understand this, the less put off we'll be when a great musician like Mr. Parkening expresses his faith!

With forewords by highly regarded evangelical author/pastor John MacArthur and internationally known author/speaker Joni Eareckson Tada, a quality read is an expected "given," and throughout the entirety of this autobiographical sketch of classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, there won't be any disappointments. Parkening characterizes his early childhood years as ones strongly influenced by his demanding father. Given to high, some might say unreasonably steep, expectations, Christopher's childhood was very different from most youngsters. His father, also a gifted musician, saw something rare and wonderful in Christopher at a young age and demanded perfectionism and drill sergeant-like discipline from him. Through hours of daily practice, beginning at 5:00 a.m. Christopher honed his skills, filed his nails just so, and practiced, practiced and practiced some more.

At age 12, Christopher's parents gave him the Segovia Golden Jubilee three-record set as his birthday gift. Not too long after, his entire family attended Andres Segovia's concert where he was also able to meet the master in person. Never having forgotten that moment when Segovia patted Christopher's cheek, he was more inspired than ever to succeed. Under the tutelage of Celedonio and Pepe Romeros, Christopher and his father studied Pepe's every move, "from his hand position to his sitting position to his techniques for increasing speed."

Frustrated that Christopher was unable to advance his speed, father and son realized that Christopher's fingernail shape was arched (not flat), so this innovative team developed finger braces to reshape them. Christopher wore these "braces" nightly for five years; finally he realized they would always return to their natural shape once the braces came off. So Christopher concentrated on learning to file his nails (an hourlong process) to make up for their arched natural form.

Fast forward several years, Christopher has now become a recognized artist and his life has changed dramatically. Still, between practicing, performing and cutting records, he somehow managed to develop another love of his life: fly-fishing. Betwixt and between his ever-increasing travel schedule, Christopher and his dad spent hours laboring over the lakebeds and finding blessed reprieve from the stressful world of concert performances. These true escapades are duly sandwiched between each chapter segmenting Christopher's life; though short and concise, they offer some entertaining "fish tales" and poignant life takes as well.

At the top of his game, Christopher finds himself increasingly dissatisfied with his life. Despite marriage, early "retirement" at age 30, and everything he could want materially, Christopher turns to Christ and makes a personal commitment following some difficult life events. The remainder of the text details how faith in God and living for His glory, not for personal gain or recognition, has altered Christopher's life for the good. Consistently honest and transparent, he challenges others to take stock of their souls and includes a hefty question/answer section at the close of the book.

Readers will enjoy this medium-paced storyline that contains an insider's view on the world of performing artists. Especially inviting is Christopher's ability to provide a realistic and unembellished, yet grateful, picture of a life charmed by success but relinquished to Christ.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

Parkening does an excellent job of retelling his life story: classical guitarist virtuoso, champion fly-fisherman, husband, father, and Christian in his new autobiography entitled Grace Like a River. The book describes Parkening's early days of practice and training to be a premier classical guitarist, mid-life filled with successes and emptiness, and finally, conversion to Christ and desire to play the guitar and live for the glory of God. As he recounts the major periods of his life, he weaves in delightful tales of his fly-fishing experiences at the end of each chapter. Finally, the book ends with Bible-saturated words of wisdom from Parkening as he deals with issues of life and theology. He poses a series of life questions one might ask and then answers them aptly from the Bible. The book also includes a music CD with a few selections of Parkening's guitar work.

Grace Like a River is a great read and especially informative for someone who is not familiar with classical music nor fly-fishing. Parkening's God-centered worldview, as well as his casual storytelling manner, is an encouragement throughout the pages of his autobiography. What a life the Lord has graced Parkening with and this work clearly points to the river of grace he has experienced. - Kelly Capranica, Christian Book Previews.com

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