Review of ...on your way home...Do This

[Authentic Voice]

[Following is a volunteer review of "...on your way home...Do This" by George Six.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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George Six is a good storyteller. With great observation, he narrates the stories of himself and his extended family. We can trace George from his childhood ‘Eden’ and the way he lost the ‘Eden’. He tells of his brother Bill, his mother, and the death of his father. One could see the pain the author had when his son Allan was involved in an accident. His wife Irene, did not see herself married to a priest. Later on, he is at peace with his husband being “my only priest” to her. The author acknowledges that the stories of different people had a great influence on whom he was and had revealed his true self. However, George Six life took a different turn into seminary. It’s amazing how is participated in politics and maintained his ground as a priest. His first assignment as a priest bore fruit and he set out to build bonds with Lutherans and Roman Catholics even though he was an Episcopalian. His second call to Trinity Church at Muscatine came with both thorns and roses. The struggle with “little trust”, personal doubts, and growth of the congregation.

He touches on the social justice issues in his ministry. His experience with abortion issues among women, gay and lesbianism, and women preachers in his dispensation. The church had struggled to come up with a stand on these issues. It almost seems to be a foreshadow of what the church is grappling with today. George and Irene participated actively in the elderly, the poor, and addicts. Their contribution to the life of the community was a great achievement. Finally, he retired after a crash that made him leave California and its seductive and beautiful nature. These reflections are a display of a life of an activist in the cathedral.

What I love about this book is the humor and poetic nature that George Six employs. From the title …on your way home… Do This, to the allegory word used “Eden”, the reader’s attention and curiosity are sustained throughout the book. I found myself smiling and enjoying my read.

The detailed nature of events and stories in these reflections is so commendable. With informative content, a reader will have a test of how the Episcopal church conducted its activities. The gap in church leadership and decision-making can be seen from these reflections. The reader can have a mental image of the activities and the incidents that Mr. Six describe.

Even though the author is detailed in events, he seems not detailed in his explanation, perspective, and opinion about the social justice issues addressed. He gives little view of why the bishops were against abortion and gay priests. Though this was not the main aim of his writing I felt he was so biased only to paint his side of activism. Nevertheless, we see a change in opinion among the clergy.

The author kept on switching events and stories. This was so confusing and I needed to recheck again and again to be sure that I was on track. The sudden changes and alternating of events did not work best for me. Though this may be enjoyed by some other readers.

With all consideration, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I deducted the one point because of the dislike. The book is exceptionally edited. I recommend this book to pastors and Christian activists. Though everyone can enjoy the humor and poetic form of this book.

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...on your way home...Do This
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[Kaushiki Parihar]

I appreciate the humor and poetic form of the book, but I don't think this book is for me. Thanks for the great review.

[Authentic Voice]

I appreciate the humor and poetic form of the book, but I don't think this book is for me. Thanks for the great review.

It's true that humor and poetic form is used. Thanks for your comment