Customer Reviews

Life Goes On: A Harmony Novel - LGPRT

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a summer diversion, I recently read all of Philip Gulley's Harmony books. While somewhat enjoyable, I wouldn't rate them as highly as Jan Karon's Midford Series or Katherine Valentine's Dorsetville Series. However, prior to this book, "Life Goes On," Gulley's previous Harmony stories were more harmless and politically-neutral.

Gulley's continuous digs at other religions (while attempting to be done humorously), and his new inclusion of political commentary, became annoying. In contrast, Jan Karon's and Katherine Valentine's inclusion of other religions' beliefs and followers have always been ecumenical and kind.

Another negative change evident Gulley's writing is the shallowness of the residents of Harmony. Along with very few others in Harmony, the main character, Sam Gardner, is portrayed as rational-thinking, progressive, reasonable, and open-minded. Most everyone else now fits one or several of the following categories: kooky, ultra-conservative, fundamentalist, Republican, non-progressive, old, eccentric, unattractive, boring, untalented, etc.

Also disappointing is Gulley's lack of development of his main character, Quaker minister Sam Gardner. After reading five Harmony books, a reader isn't given much to know or like about him other than: he isn't a very good husband, he routinely questions his choice of profession, he doesn't like most of his congregation, he would rather flee conflict than confront it, and he isn't helpful in getting people to change for the better or getting people to work with each other. I found "Life Goes On" a mostly depressing book.

Harmony isn't very harmonious, and it's not a place I'd want to visit.

I bought this book because I felt that the story was good and I liked reading about this pastor and his church of hard to get along with parishioners. I have worked at a church before and know what goes on in the day to day world of churches. I felt that the politicizing that went on and equalling a true Christian with being a liberal thinker, and that conservatives were narrow minded and like Dale Hinshaw was a slap in the face. There are those of us who are conservative and believe in the Grace of our Lord and do not judge everyone they meet. We all sin and in the Lord's eyes our sins our equal. I would like to say I won't share this book, but then I would be considered just like the characters in the book who read the book but were narrow minded. I want everyone to read this and see how this writer has made this more a political book cutting down Conservative Christians.

Philip Gulley is well-known for his amusing look at the quirks of small town life and the ministry within a struggling Quaker congregation. While his earlier efforts in the Harmony series are full of humorous anecdotes and eccentric but lovable residents, Life Goes On turns sullen and bitter more often than not. Gulley is at his best when writing about the de-throned Sausage Queen, the observations of local farmers about the weather, and the travails of the local waitress/sweetheart. But the main characters, such as Sam, the long suffering preacher, and Dale, the overbearing elder, have become increasingly one-dimensional and sour. Where once these characters were flawed yet endearing, they are merely flawed in this book. The Harmony series remains one of my favorites, but I for one am hoping that Gulley regains his stride in future efforts.

Here I am, a busy mother of three wee ones, taking the time to comment on this charming little book, "Life Goes On" while I balance a squirmy toddler on my lap. This valiant effort alone speaks volumes of praise for Philip Gulley's latest book. If you have a pulse, I guarantee an endorphin-surging, belly-bursting laugh just when you need it. I even telephoned my mother and read aloud the "salting" scenes in Chapter 7. What a riot.

That's the thing about this book...it's hilarious but not ridiculous. Harmony life is your life and my life, magnified by the "master storyteller" so that we can see ourselves better by the end. Or at least, that's what happens when I read "Life Goes On."

I laugh at Dale Hinshaw and the rest of the "troublesome trio" as they make an "elaborate show of placing plugs in their ears" when battle-weary pastor Sam rises to preach. I think, "I know someone like Dale!" You know him too, the annoying legalist ever "requiring the fires of division be regularly stoked."

And then I pause and I remember that I can't see in another what I don't own in myself. And I realize that I am Dale Hinshaw. I am unappreciative and opinionated and, ughh, no more spiritual than the "Big Dissapointment" reviewer who anonymously posted his one star rating of this very same book. (Thanks, Mom, for teaching me that if I can't sign my name to something, I'd best not write it.) We're all of the same stuff. We all live in Harmony. We're all even "narrow-minded kooks" at one time or another. Some of us just handle that realization better than others.

Indeed, this book is more than just a fun read. You'll finish a better person, if you will let it work it's magic. You'll be "stretched," never to return to your "original size" and not even realize it's happening. One day you're just an ordinary person, trying to love and be loved, not even knowing "your keester for a hole in the ground." Then you read this book, or any of Gulley's fine works, and somewhere between "despising the Dale's of the world who don't march to my tune" and speculating who in Harmony bought the bikini at Ned's Five and Dime, you figure yourself out just a little more. And, just like Fern, you'll experience grace. And learn about Love.

Read it. You'll see.

I have really enjoyed most of Philip Gulley's books about life in Harmony (except a few parts of his last one), but this one was awful! He used to be funny and touching at the same time. I used to laugh and cry along with the characters, but not this time. His previous books about Harmony were great read alouds with my family, but I won't be reading this one to them. This book was apparently a tool for Mr. Gulley to preach his liberal politics. He resorted to name calling for anyone who is a Bible believing Christian, ie. "fundamentalist lunacy," "narrow ideology," "stricken with this cancer of intolerance," "narrow-minded kook," just to name a few of his choice words about those who believe the Bible to be the word of God. Almost every chapter dealt with how the liberals are the progressive, enlightened thinkers and the conservatives are narrow-minded kooks. He gives the impression that there is no such thing as sin or hell. Or at the least, sin shouldn't be confronted, because if it's right for them, then it's okay. The only sin is "narrow mindedness," or believing what the Bible says is true. I was very offended. To top it off, this book wasn't funny, or even sad; it was just liberal politics. I'm glad I read a library copy, because I would not want to spend money on this.

Phil Gulley is a Quaker minister who is known for his humor. The book, Life Goes On, really portrays that humor. It is always so fun to read about the eccentric characters from Harmony, Indiana and their adventures. In this book, we read about Dale catching his car on fire, Dale's wife oversalting Dale's food, and the Sausage Queen getting impeached. The book was balanced by serious moments, such as Dale's wife leaving him (and Sam cooking and doing Dale's laundry), about Sam questioning the Virgin Birth and the fallout from that, and Sam just wishing that his congregation would be more like Jesus among all the pettiness and nit-picking.

This was a very fun book to read. I can't wait to read more of Dale's books.

Philip Gulley is not only a great story teller, he is a resource for spiritual enlightenment. There is a "lesson(s)" in every chapter! Readers will see themselves in the characters because all of Gulley's "people" are human--open/closed minded, loving/hateful, confused/focused, assertive/passive; Pastor Sam realizes that he has not been honest with himself--haven't we all been there at one time or another? The fourth novel about the little imaginary town in Indiana called Harmony and its parade of characters is a wonderful read. .The book lifts up the "human condition" and helps us understand that our pains, sorrows, joys, frustrations, and loves all have value in shaping who we are and what we are becoming. Every page is spiced with Gulley's humor that warms one's heart and brings laughter and chuckles to the reader. The last two pages of the book is full of love. . .God's love.