My friend Susan Isaacs has written a book that will hit shelves shortly. And this week she got a raving review from Publishers Weekly. If you’re looking for a good winter read, you’ll like this one. Susan is an actress in Los Angeles who has been in and out of show business and in and out of faith, too. She approaches spirituality with a comedians depth, and her book is as honest as a diary.
From Publishers Weekly:
Angry Conversations with God: A Snarky but Authentic Spiritual Memoir
God in couples counseling? Sounds sacrilegious, but in the adept hands of comedian, writer and actress Isaacs, it’s a success. Isaacs reached bottom at age 40: no job, no boyfriend, no home. Of course, she blamed God. So off they went to counseling with the ever-patient therapist Rudy. Isaacs moves easily between recounting her life story and her counseling sessions. She describes encounters with the Nice Jesus of her Lutheran upbringing; the “Oakie” Pentecostal church and the militant counselor; the “Rock-n-Roll” church and the “Orthopraxy, Dude” church, plus her rocky acting career and her love life, including guilt-ridden sex and Mostly Mister Right. Isaacs readily admits to being snarky, but she’s honest about her quest and its conclusion: “I saw now all too clearly why I had married God: for the power and the glory. For the money.” Isaacs goes on a Job-like search for explanations from God, but instead finds the problem to be her. She’s funny, biting, earthy and brilliant. (Mar. 12)
An intro to Susan:
I’m excited about this!I put it on my wishlist last month but was a little skeptical. Its good to hear a positive review.
[...] New book ‘approaches spirituality from a comedian’s depth’ January 31, 2009 Donald Miller introduces Susan E. Isaac’s Angry Conversations With God [...]
I’m waiting impatiently for my copy in the mail! I’m writing a review for Susan on my blog and my copy should be here any day now! Susan is amazing!
Did you hear that she’s going to be on Fox this coming Tuesday morning?! (And it’s not to discuss her views on Groundhog Day.)
I imagine it’s really tough to be in show business and adhere to any kind of doctrinal religious belief. For instance, what happens when a show you’re on is making fun of Christians? If you laugh with them you’re kind of selling out your faith. But if you don’t laugh they’ll think you’re one of those upright Christian a**holes and you probably won’t get hired again. Or you can go into that tiresome, tiresome thing we always have to do when we say “Well, I’m a Christian, but I’m not like those other Christians.” Tough spot.
Thanks for the book review. I’ve got it ordered!
Don -
I am sad to see the cool picture of you and the ciggy gone… dont tell me you gave into any pressure to conform! Yeah I loved the parody on rebel without a cause puffing a loosy.
Best non-reoccuring character Seinfeld scene ever.
Looking foward to the book Susan!
At fusion 08, you talked about a book you read that was about how the brain reacts chemically to relationships and such… what was that called? I’ve been wanting to check it out
Hey Don, I was wondering why I had a spike in web views on Jan 30. Thanks, man! Suz
She got to work with Scott Bakula. She’s got my vote! (Is it bad to still have a crush on him 15 years later?)
I’ll keep my eyes peeled for L.A. book signings!
Um – are you going to blog about Susan’s book this week? We (the bloggers who are reviewing) got an email that she wants us to blog this week and give away books. I wasn’t sure if you were counted in that? Your name is on the list. Have fun trying to give away ONLY 4 copies of the book (if you are doing the contest).
I’m just about to sit down and write my blog. I don’t think I will be able to give away 4 copies of the book considering that my mom and my sister are the only people who read my blog. SO, if you ARE doing the contest and you NEED to give away more than 4 copies – I can hook a brotha up.
My Principal says I never cut to the chase. I have no idea what he’s talking about.