Jim Palmer Reviews

Added December 9, 2007

Wide Open Spaces

Beyond Paint-by-Number Christianity

Author: Jim Palmer
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: December 4, 2007
Genre: Nonfictin: Christian Living
Format: Trade paper
Price: $13.99
ISBN-10: 0849913993
ISBN-13: 978-0-8499-1399-0
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Wide Open Spaces is an exhilarating and inspiring run through hallowed ground. Jim Palmer's sparkling honesty brings a genuine and gutsy voice to these pages as he blazes a trail of vibrant Christianity outside of the bounds of a stationary religion. The author 'kicks up his heels' as leaps and jumps alongside his God who is as exciting as He is eternal.

When an author's motivation for writing a book is to captivate readers with the astounding love of God, get ready for an adventure! In a delightfully meandering, yet meaningful way, the heart of God is shown in all its glorious splendor As the subtitle suggests, these thoughts are "beyond paint-by-number Christianity". Jim Palmer isn't afraid to think outside the lines, but it must be noted that at no time is he out of line. His reflections and reminiscences all add to a more thorough understanding of God's great love and mercy to His children.

A hearty dose of humor and a generous outpouring of heartfelt concern endears the author to readers. Don't be surprised if those tears of laughter suddenly turn to tears of gratitude as the awesome love of God comes into clearer focus. Jim Palmer's unmistakable style of writing what many of us merely think, causes this book to be refreshingly real. As his encounters and experiences draw him closer to the heart of God, he shares these stories with a sacred innocence. It's impossible to read these pages and not be emotionally affected.

These Wide Open Spaces may be slightly off the beaten path, but traveling through them definitely brings a fresh vitality to every Christian's journey.

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Added November 26, 2006

Divine Nobodies

Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you)

Author: Jim Palmer
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: October 17, 2006
Genre: Nonfiction: Christian Living
Format: Trade paper
Price: $13.99
ISBN: 0-8499-1398-5
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Everybody should read Divine Nobodies! Jim Palmer's casual, yet compelling writing style cuts through the religious rhetoric and gets to the real issues. As he recounts his wandering spiritual journey, readers will be taken directly to the center of Christianity, the very heart of God.

The author immediately captures the interest of his audience with his unconventional beginning, (he has an introduction to the introduction!). His words vividly describe his world and his ways, inviting readers to share his unique experiences that offer universal meaning. As he encounters a variety of ordinary people, he carefully considers the extraordinary work God was doing in his life. Conversations and incidents were faithfully recorded to show the lessons he learned from this group of 'nobodies'. In a thought-provoking arrangement of words, God's divine design was stitched with sensitivity, allowing these pages to show forth a brilliant tapestry of intentional living.

Readers will love this author! His sense of humor is alternately mixed with shocking sentences and poignant moments. Laced throughout this book is a refreshing honesty that ties his ideas together with a ribbon of reality. Jim Palmer's search for answers leads him on a quest, which doesn't include lightning bolts of wisdom, but offers whispers of truth. The people he meets, like Wanda, Doug and Jill, are unforgettable and will cause readers to view those around them with renewed appreciation. Each turn of the page strips away a little more of the contrived mystery of Christianity until the simplicity and sincerity of it stands in realistic splendor.

Divine Nobodies joyfully captures the essence of God's heart in everyday people and events.

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