|
Raves and Reviews
Many people have already given raves for "Growing up Pentecostal." Here are just a few of them.
"Wow! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.... As I read through this, I was awash with emotions. I wanted to laugh and to cry at the same time" --Darrell Garrett, Pastor, Galesburg, IL
"Thank you for sharing a wonderful treasure. As a Church of God ordained bishop, and one who grew up Pentecostal, I highly appreciate your efforts of presenting us Pentecostals as normal human beings, with the good and bad sides...." -- Jose Cedillo, Hospital Chaplain, Houston, TX
"... a real "eye-opener" to the power of religion, especially on children.... Your vivid memories swept me away to another time, another place." --Dee Johnson, Retired Teacher, Libertyville, IL
"I only had about 20 minutes to read this morning - but I left howling with laughter! I will read anything you write from now on." --Even More Grace, Blogger
"You have a simply amazing gift for storytelling! I was totally immersed in your world . . . that's awesome. It's like reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' but with lots of religion added in." --Waxing Strange, Blogger
"What a truly marvelous book Growing Up Pentecostal is!
Not only did I laugh and cry and rejoice while reading your truly amazing story, I have decided to order a couple of copies for friends of mine." --Phil Hoover, University Administrator, Chicago, IL
"I finished your book and I can say I completely enjoyed every minute of it. It is a definant recommend for everyone who 'Grew Up Pentecostal.'" Brannon Bradford, Moulton, AL
From MidWest Book Review:
J Stephen Conn has written a work that will capture your heart and keep you turning the pages from beginning to end. The story? that of his life told in a down to earth storytelling manner that will win you over; I promise.
Taking us from his childhood in a house packed full of brothers and sisters, Conn relates his growing up years with honesty and humor. He openly shares the doubts that troubled him concerning his faith, and his day of finally becoming a true believer is a real winner. That certainly was one of my favorite stories. To me, the tales of his childhood days are priceless and you will savor each one like a delicious morsel.
Things become a little more serious for our author as he grows and experiences life and all this world throws at us, but even in this Mr.Conn is frank and honest about his emotions and what he experienced and that I found to be refreshing.
Take it from one who has read countless stories of many lives; this one is not the norm, but is one that has been told from the heart with an easy down-home flow that will keep your interest, teach you a few things and bring you reading pleasure.
Recommended.
Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review
The following review is by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views, Austin, Texas, April 2006
In this charming book, the author reminisces about growing up in a large,
religious family. J. Stephen Conn reminds us of the simpler times during
the mid-twentieth century. It made me long for those days when children
could roam their neighborhoods all day and no parents worried. In
addition, as a Pentecostal preacher's kid, Stephen shares an insider’s view
of growing up within a religion often ridiculed by members of other faiths.
“It has never been cool to be Pentecostal. Even as a very young child I
was well aware that we were different from other people.” Not only will
you learn about a religion you may not be familiar with, but you will also
be exposed to the antics involved in a family with twelve children. After
reading about some of the misadventures, I had to wonder if they all lived
to adulthood! As an explanation, the author offers “It is said the angels
watch over children and fools.” You must read it to find out about the
Blind People’s Club. And yes, more than once one of the kids was left
behind and not noticed for hours.
Early on, Stephen began preaching to his friends anytime he found an
opportunity. One scene finds him still in elementary school preaching to
his brothers, sisters and the neighborhood kids beneath the weeping
willow in the backyard. Serious about his religion and witnessing to
others, Conn notes “As far as I was concerned, it was now or never – do
or die – turn or burn – Heaven or Hell.” Whether or not you appreciate
the Pentecostal faith, you can’t help but admire the author’s passion for
his faith.
In a refreshing presentation, he shares the moment he was born again and
how he felt as the Holy Spirit took over at one camp meeting. He even
admitted to bullying his friend about going to Hell because of his behavior.
As a youngster, he hadn’t yet learned when to back off before the tears
welled up. Stephen grew up to be a preacher like his father and served in
ministry for forty years, visiting every state, and traveling on five
continents.
This easygoing read had me chuckling from time to time and there was
even an Aha moment when he introduced his family’s version of the
Frisbee before its actual invention. I enjoyed reading about the prices in
“the old days” and how hard kids worked to make their own pocket
money, even college tuition.
The author’s goal was for the book to “… serve as a record of the
Classical Pentecostal church as I once knew it….” I recommend this read
for everyone who enjoys memoirs, as well as anyone curious about large
families or other faiths. There’s something here for everyone!
|
 |
