Book Review

Drops Like Stars
by Rob Bell
2009, Zondervan

This is a very unique book--as is the author. There really is no need for the book to be so large (and so expensive I may add) except for creativity, uniqueness and its ability to stand out among all other books that are not this large.

It is a quick read, but a very good read on suffering, mostly. It also includes thoughts on the meaning of life along with exhortations to live and enjoy each day to the fullest.

Anyone who has suffered loss (isn't that most of us) will relate to the comments on suffering from someone who has "been there", who understands, who empathizes. And we (even Christians) need to admit that we don't have all the answers.

Suffering unites--all humanity relates--even Jesus suffered. Is the cross God's way of saying, "I know how you feel"?

Suffering also simplifies: "it compels us to eliminate the unnecessary, the trivial, the superficial".

Bell encourages us not to ask the "why" questions, but to ask "what now"? We can use our times of suffering to begin a journey to deeper communion with God.

Reviewed by Diane Busch