It’s been several years since I’ve released a new book. And add to that this is my first hardback. I told an audience on the book tour that, perhaps, this is the first book I’ve ever actually been proud of. Not sure if that is because I’ve grown up or if the other books just seemed flat to me. Regardless, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years hits stores today.
I waited until today to thank you, the people who read this blog. The truth is you had remarkably influential input in the editing of this book. At least twice I posted sections of the book I wasn’t sure about, and your feedback shaped those chapters. In fact, chapter two of the book was taken out, simply because several of you spoke out and said the book was dragging. The rough draft of the book was 110k words, and the final is 54k. Much of that cutting and editing happened because you guys gave me proper feedback. I’ll never write a book without you again, I assure you.
The book is getting favorable reviews. And though only a handful of people have read it, the “thanks” that has been coming in has sounded very different than the thanks for “Blue Like Jazz.” These thank you’s feel more as though people are thankful for something I wasn’t responsible for, as a writer. Rather I was just a messenger of sorts. I am glad, because that is how I feel about this book. Somehow it’s my story, but has nothing to do with me. It’s a hard thing to explain.
We are out on a 65-city book tour, and we have fifty more cities to go. We think it may be the longest book tour in history. Nobody can think of one longer, that’s for sure. We are in Arizona tonight, and it looks like we will have a great crowd in Denver on October, 2nd. Then we will be heading to the midwest and southeast, before hitting Manhattan on October 22nd. The crowds have been terrific so far, and we are having fun. I’d love to meet you in person, if we happen to be coming near you. You can find out more at www.amillionmiles.com.
Soon, I’ll provide links for tickets for the next few shows. Until then, simply check the website. And thanks again for your support over these last several years. Many of you ordered this book from Amazon three years ago, and just got it this week. Incredible. I hope it’s worth the wait. It was for me.
Grateful,
Don Miller
*Pictured is my friend Marley, who reads the book in bed and then subsequently eats the pages as she finishes reading them.
Don,
Thanks for your book and your inspiring writing! Just wanted to check on that Denver date in your post. December 2? or October 2?
Peace! <
So thankful you guys are doing a book tour that is accessible to large crowds–and yet remains to be personal.
How do you escape the comparisons to Anne Lamott? Is Christian memoirist what you want to be known as? Personally, as much as I enjoy Anne Lamott’s books and look forward to hearing you tonight in LA, I want to be known as a writer, intelligent and funny, with a good story to tell. Is that true for you too, or are you just glad to have found a niche, an easy ‘platform’ for the publishers to understand?
My husband and I were visiting Imago a couple years ago when you spoke on the topic of “Story.” I was excited to get to read your book because I felt I’d heard the preview. It lived up to my expectations, I’ve been referring to it as “classic Donald Miller,” and recommending it to my friends. Thank you for sharing the message God gave you.
I was lucky enough to read a manuscript copy of this book, and it completely floored me. I received five copies of the actual book a couple of weeks ago (thanks, Amazon!) and have since given them all out. Each person who has read A Million Miles in A Thousand Years has come back to me speaking to the transformational effect your story has had on theirs. Today, alone, I have been in conversation with two different people whose thoughts about their lives are now honestly changed because of your book.
They have trouble speaking of what the book is about, but it moves them and shakes them, nevertheless! One reader compared your book to the Rothko Chapel in Houston….
I can’t wait to see you in Tyler, TX! Thank you for your story, and for helping me with my own.
i won’t be able to start reading it for another week or two, but i picked it up at imago on sunday and made a comic about the experience: http://mylifeinscribbles.com/2009/09/27/a-million-miles-in-a-thousand-years/
Just wondering why the book came out in both hardcover and paperback in Canada? Are you some how implying that Canadians are cheap? Or is it so to make it easier for us to sell bootleg versions of the book on Ebay?
Almost halfway through the book and love it so far.
Brian.
heya. wanted to say thanks for being at NYWC this past weekend. i was going to grab a copy of the book but they were all sold out by the time I finished what I was doing. that’s great for you, a bit of a bummer for me. however, I’ll try again in Cincinnati.
anyway – i’m glad you were able to talk about story to a room full of youthworkers. it’s an important message for them/us to hear.. so much of our work with young people is crucially placed at the stage in life when they first pick up the pen for themselves. when they are beginning to understand what it means to write their own stories. so thanks, for sharing that.
we talk in ministry a lot about narrative these days, but understanding our role as protagonists, as well our role as ‘directors’, was something encouraging and challenging to dwell on. also, thanks for pointing out the relevancy to youthworkers. book talk & some.
hopefully see you in Cincy & Atlanta. Good luck for the days in between.
I’m in the middle of it right now, and I love it! It makes me think about my life, and whether or not I’m telling a good story.
This book was truly a pleasure to read. It made me more confident that the scary bits of life (like the times we start planning a move from one corner of the country to another, or a canoe trip in the dark) are what makes our story good to tell, and even better to live. Always trained in the ‘safe’ mindset, A Million Miles made me want to get into the untapped reserves of adventure I have, surely, somewhere in my spirit. Thank YOU, Don. Hope to see you in Portland someday.
I’m planning to get the book this week. Currently reading Blue Like Jazz and it’s really speaking to me. Looking forward to this one.
Aaron, loved the comic. And I hadn’t realized Imago was carrying it, but that is cool! Tell Rick and Luke I say hello. Miss those guys out here.
Brian,
I think Canada has their own distribution. I noticed it in paperback up there and hadn’t realized that was happening. Kind of cool to see it a year before it will come out here in the states. I don’t think it’s because you guys are cheap, though!
Lou, I consider the comparisons to Annie an honor. She’s a remarkable writer and certainly more talented than I will ever be. In respect to being “known” as a kind of writer, thinking about that stuff while writing is the enemy of good work. I just try to write.
Thanks you guys.
Don
Don,
You are one of the authors that kept me holding on through the long and ridiculously painful process of recovering from an abusive church. I wish I could articulate how much your writing has helped me, but I am so not a writer, so all I’m left with is a thank YOU!
I think that dog is cute and the owner must be great. I can’t believe she or he taught a dog to read.
Don,
I’ve read the book twice. Once to follow the story and a second time to learn from the writing.
Thank you.
Larry
My husband and I came to see you in Bothell and got a copy of the book there. We had been discussing many of the ideas and thoughts you posited that night, so your talk gave us fodder for further discussion and the book is continuing in that vein. Any review I have isn’t going to be that critical (read = smart or intellectual-sounding), but it’s hitting us in a deeply personal way as we intentionally live out the story we believe God has us in.
Blessings to you and safe travels!!
-Kirsten
I’m confused. I Thought this book was already out. My roommate has had it for a couple weeks now. Pre-release maybe? And btw, I think you inspired him to cycle, hehe. He just bought a bike and I will be getting one soon too.
Dear Don,
I’m not sure where else to do this; but I request you drive your bus over to Honolulu, Hawaii also.
What’s one more to the longest book tour in history? You could also make it the only one to have driven a bus over the Pacific. The latter being something optional.
Thank you for writing.. and for “just trying to write.” Through Painted Deserts is one of “those” I would take with me to a desert island. Your pilgrimage to God through roads and relationships is a story I will remember.
I have a copy of Millions of Miles on my shelf at home.. but I have not yet gotten a chance to read it because I have not been home since I put it there.
I will soon be there.. and I look forward to journeying through Millions of Miles.
“Aloha,” (I actually never say that and I am super not Hawaiian. But I put that because I am proud of my island)
- Alex
I just finished the book two days ago (B&N decided to give it to me a week early). As I read the last pages felt like I was waving goodbye to a friend with whom I’d just experienced an adventure… it was bittersweet.
Thank you.
I just got it today. Found it on my doorstep, thanks to Amazon overnight. (I’m too lazy to drive down to the store, I mean, it’s like two blocks away). I’m only four chapters in so far, but it’s been four chapters of awesomeness. I became a fan of yours when my bible study decided to read Blue Like Jazz. I think I’ve read it 13 times over. I’m a nerd about that book. I give it to everyone. Quite a few stories from that. One person threw it at a wall. That was pretty funny. But other than that, no other harsh reactions.
Thank you for writing such great, insightful, humorous, books. My English professor and I discuss Blue Like Jazz at his Philosophy Group. “Heavy discussions, light refreshments”. That’s what I always think of when I think of a Donald Miller book.
So once again, thank you. Stay awesome,
Will
don – okay, i’m gonna order the book. proud of you. way to follow your Muse
Don,
I was going to write you a note right after I heard you and Susan speak in Bothell. Then I started reading your book and was too immersed to write. Got it on Sunday and finished it on Monday. I do think it’s your best book yet.
I’m buying copies for a ton of my friends. I blogged about your book, (http://everymondaymatters.com/the-write-stuff/) so my mother now wants to order the book since she’s the only person who reads my blog. She won’t get the humor, but I’ll try to warn her that not everything is literal.
I’ll get the web person to hyperlink the mention of your books to Amazon!
And thank you for what you’re doing with World Vision as well.
Shelly
Donald, any idea when the book will be released in Australia? I’ve been checking with my Christian bookstore and no word yet…
NYC! whoot!
Don,
Bought “A Million Miles…” at 5PM tonight. Started it at 7; finished it before 12. I feel like I just had a cathartic heart-to-heart with a friend over a long since cold cup of coffee: elated and hopeful about the journey ‘further up and further in’ to the realization of God’s joy in writing our stories.
Fantastic. Thank YOU for your honesty and for offering such real, beautiful stories from people who share life with you. And, as the owner of a beloved pooch, I was delighted to see Lucy made it into the book!
Some great author once said, “How brightly a better story shines.” I couldn’t agree more.
How brightly YOUR better story shines the love of Christ for this world…in the funny times, in the exhilarating moments of beauty, and in the suffocating agony.
Reading BLJ was a game changer for me. Along with a couple other timely-placed sources, God has used you to challenge my understanding that political beliefs are secondary to injustice; to bring me to a forum where I met some of the closest friends I have ever had; and to introduce me to a plethora of fascinating issues and organizations. It is through this deeper knowledge that God has written into my story a deep and passionate love for the children of this world, especially in South Africa. My joy just increased when you then introduced me to Justin and TNHF and all they are doing in Gugulethu.
“A Million Miles” is proving to be another game changer. Graciously, God gave me a glimpse of an amazing adventure, and now He is compelling me to more. I don’t want to stop paddling or pedaling or whatever motion it takes to get through the crossing. And I want to wait on the still and soft urging of the Writer as He points to the better opportunities.
Praying for the grace and peace of Christ to be with you as you tackle this book tour–and hoping to catch the Toledo engagement,
Melissa
Hey Don,
I have been a fan of yours since I read “To Own A Dragon”. I still haven’t read Blue Like Jazz even though I have owned it for a few years now. I am excited about this new one though. Wish I could see you in Denver but I am starting my Young Life internship on the first so not sure if I’ll make it. Hopefully you will have a good crowd.
i don’t really talk to rick or luke… ever. but i could tell karen rogers you said hi if you want.
Don-
I had a hard time putting your book down last week. I was reading it while at work and thankfully my patients’ weren’t too needy that night.
I’m waiting to re-read it because I want to savor it the next time through and really ponder my character development in my story. I love the pictures that come to mind as I read your words. And I am thoroughly excited to see you in Denver this week! Hopefully you are signing books after the event, it would be great to put a name with a face. I can’t wait to hear Susan as well. Safe travels as you head to Colorado!
Hey,
But A Million Miles helped me remember that God writes my story and that I need to continue live that out. Everyday I have to make the choice whether or not I’m going to allow God to write my story or if I’m going to do my own thing.
i would definitely say this is your best book so far. I understand what you mean about getting a different response from A Million Miles than from Blue Like Jazz. Blue Like Jazz was refreshing inthe sense that it helped me realize I’m not alone in my thinking. Im not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Anyway, all that to say thanks. God uses you and that’s pretty great.
The book is amazing! I read it twice and struggled to pass it on to my best friend because there were parts I still wasn’t done processing. (In fact I’m still not done!) Well done Don – See you in Evansville, IN!
Thanks so much for uploading the power of story to our hearts and minds. I met you last night in Mesa when you signed my book. As someone who enjoys storying the Good News with Muslims, I told you that I wanted to introduce you to a guy after your own heart. His name is Carl Medearis (carlmedearis.com). His approach to sharing Jesus has resulted in many Arab Muslms who have come to faith. Maybe a great interview for your “Convergence” series! Here is a sample: http://www.carlmedearis.com/blog/2009/09/i%e2%80%99m-a-muslim/. And Don….any other way to reach you besides writing a comment on your blog?
Melissa: Well said.
Don, if I come to see you when you come to my town, will you autograph my book? I can’t be the only one curious about this.
thanks
James
Hi Don!
I heard you and Susan speak last night in AZ. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this book tour; what you said was so refreshing and inspiring and I can’t wait to read the book! (I also loved Susan!) I saw you speak a few years ago on your last tour and I still think about your ‘life boat’ analogy sometimes!
During the question and answer time last night you briefly mentioned your ideas on sin as well as your belief that there will be conflict in heaven, one you said C.S. Lewis also held. You really sparked my interest and curiosity. Do you have any books or other resources you could recommend that would explain or expound on your ideas? Or maybe you could just write me a book about it
Praying for you guys as you head into the center of your tour!
Heather
Hi Don,
I attending your tour stop in Mesa last night. So entertaining!The first question asked of you was “Is writing worth it?” You said you might need some eternal or heavenly perspective on that. Well, I’d like to answer it for you. YES! Your writing is well worth it.
Blue Like Jazz actually witnessed to an agnostic friend of mine in ways that lead him to Grace (I had tried for years). Through Painted Deserts made me go back to the Grand Canyon just so that I could know the humble joy that comes from eating a PB&J sandwich after the long hike. To Own a Dragon gave me the courage and confidence to date a single mom with two very young boys. (You’re not the only one who grew up chubby, fatherless and insecure) So thank you. Sincerely. Eternally.
I wanted to ask a question…now that you have sought out and forgiven your father and start the process of developing a relationship, is that an addendum/final chapter for Dragon or the opening chapter for a new, unwritten book?
Don,
Can’t wait to see you when you come to Chattanooga again! I know it’s like your next to last show but please don’t be too worn out for us.
Oh, Denver. What a wonderful town. If you get a chance, make sure you check out Golden, CO just West of Denver. It is my favorite city in the WHOLE U.S.! There is a beautiful creek, awesome pizza place, cozy coffee shops, some breweries, and awesome views of the foothills and table mountains.
Love the book Don! We loved having you here in Victoria and I appreciate how patient you were with my father when he grilled you about an episode you wrote about in “Through Painted Deserts”! Thanks again for coming and for writing such an inspiring book!
Don, I’ve been a huge fan of yours since my small group read Blue Like Jazz together several years ago when I was living in Atlanta. We all drove down to Decatur, GA to hear you speak maybe a year later. You won’t remember, but you signed my copy of BLJ “to my future wife” at my request, which has been a source of great amusement for my friends and family. I tell them I’m just waiting for you to make good on it. Anyway, thank you for A Million Miles. It is your best yet, and that’s saying something. Thank you for the humor and vulnerability with which you write, in this latest offering more than ever! I’m so looking forward to your reading in Nashville. Looking forward to Susan Isaacs also; I’m reading hers now.
I can’t wait to read the book! When I first heard that Million Miles is less “Christian-y” and more about Miller’s own process of editing his life, I was a little wary. But I’ve realized that just because someone is Christian doesn’t mean everything they write must be overtly about their faith. So, I’m excited to read Million Miles; I’ve heard that it’s good!
Don,
You are in the top 100 on Amazon. Go Don go.
Cheers.
I’m in the middle of the book and it has exceeded my expectations so far. You really do have me thinking about my life story, and I’ve also started looking into Robert McKee, since I’m a writer myself. It’s so crazy how often we escape real life to enter fictional lives because our real life stories are so drab and boring. Makes you really think about stuff…
I’ve been reading A Million Miles when I get the chance (I’m in college. My life consists of reading abnormal psychology during pretty much all my free time). I got very excited while reading just now because you started talking about the Jervis inlet, and I knew exactly what that was. I worked at the YoungLife camp there 2 summers ago and it was definitely one of the best times of my life. It is just unbelievably beautiful there. I’m loving the book so far, and like so many have said, it just feels like a nice conversation with a friend
I always look forward to finishing my text book reading for the day so I can read your book!
Is it a coincidence that your book and Douglas Coupland’s were both released in September?? I’m not sure which one I should read first….should I read them side by side?
You stole my words again with this book. Well, they’re your words, but I say they’re mine since I think about a lot of the same ones. However, you actually have the courage to write about it. For that, I and all the other writers who can’t get the words on the paper, thank you. Can’t wait to finally meet you in person next Tuesday in Little Rock. Thanks Don.
Don- I drove a long way to hear you speak in Irvine/Newport CA and it was so worth it. I feel like I know you (I know you hear that a lot) partly because I’ve identified with parts of each of your books. In the “meet and greet” I tried to convey how appreciative I am that you’re so transparent in your books. But I feel as though I came off as one of the “creepy girls.” haha There aren’t words to express what I wanted to say. There have been dark dark places of “religion” and shame I lived in coming out of a legalistic abusive church background. Reading your books pointed me towards Jesus and Hope every time. Thank you thank you thank you.
I’m nearing the end of a million miles and have already cried numerous times at the stories you’ve shared/lived. Thanks for the challenge you’ve given and dared to live yourself.
Don, your book is really, really good. I’m just through chapter 18 where the “Inca Trail” incident takes flight. Oh my gosh, looking forward to seeing how THAT turns out. I heard you speak a few weeks ago, so I know it turns out just fine, but I will enjoy reading about it.
The whole concept of writing ourselves into better stories is soooo true. I can see now why I have always *enjoyed* inciting incidents… they make me move. I’ve never worried about the big things in life; losing a job; losing my home; going bankrupt; dying even… I knew they were door slams and that just meant I had to go another direction. It’s the really stupid stuff I’ve tended to be anxious about… finishing a job project on time; running late for an appt.; packing enough clothes for traveling so that I can have “options” — stupid.
It’s such an interesting, upside-down thing. I trust God more with the big things than the little things… goofy.
So far, the best paragraph that has spoken to me is on pages 99-100: “It’s going to sound like a great idea [a new story], you are going to get excited about it, and then when it comes time to do the work, you’re not going to want to do it.” YUP! AMEN!
I have created some of my own inciting incidents, but I must admit I tend to wait until they are forced upon me. That’s probably why I like the big changes in life; they get me moving, which is what I want to be doing in the first place.
Now that I think about it, my biggest incident in the work world (so far) is when I was working at a law firm (in Portland, no less) and had enough. I’d been doing the same legal work since I was 17 (and by then it had been 17 years… I just now realized it was 17 and 17 — weird). Anyhow, I decided to start my own consulting business in the same field, BUT, working where I wanted and with who I wanted to work with. That was 13 years ago and I’ve never had to look for work — God has blessed my business big-time. I love the flexibility and constant change (suits my personality). However, I have known for some time that there needs to be another inciting incident around my work… and into something else. I have an inkling, but don’t have all the pieces yet. God’s preparing me though… and my hope is that I will know whether I’m to start that new story or whether God will do that for me (my first choice). Ha! I’m excited either way.
On the lighter side… I’ve been replaying a story of taking dance lessons (yes, love Dancing with the Stars) and I’m sooooo NOT suited for that… but it would be fun to try (I think) and would make a great story to tell. But, alas, it is the discomfort and fear (and actual physical pain) that so far is keeping me from making it happen. However, your book inspires me to think otherwise.
Have fun on your tour!
Blessings!
Cheryl
I just picked up the book today (yesterday actually, but I’ve been up all night in a coffee shop) and I have not been able to put it down. BLJ was my favorite book and I can honestly say this one has already deeply impacted me on so many levels, that I may have to officially dethrone it to be replaced by a Million Miles. Because things like that are necessary.
There is brilliant clarity in this writing. I have laughed, I have cried, I have experienced. This is what only being told a meaningful story can do aside from living one. Considering I am an aspiring filmmaker, the content is of extra personal interest to me, but certainly applies to all.
I can’t say enough how much this book has caused me to fall back in love with you Don, even though you have censored me on your blogs at times. Haha. Kidding. But, seriously. Was that you? Okay, I’m done gushing. All I can say is wow… wow, dude. Someone needs to slip a copy to Oprah. Only half kidding.
This just keeps getting better! The Goffs are such amazing generous people. Every session at camp, they invite the volunteer workers there (high school and college-aged) for a great dinner at their home in BC. It’s something people talk about for months afterwards. I loved the way they sent you off- it’s the classic YoungLife way of saying goodbye at Malibu Club. All the interns and some of the full-time staff wave to the ferry as kids leave, then they all jump into the inlet. That section of the book has brought back some really great memories for me.
I read the whole thing in two sittings over the span of 10 hours yesterday. Part of me wishes I hadn’t read it so fast because it feels like I just gulped down a good glass of Cabernet Sauvignon without taking the time to savor the flavors. I couldn’t help it. It was too good and I was quite thirsty. I’ll probably read it again but the second glass is just never quite like the first.
Now for the cliches: Thank you for writing this, Don. My reading of your story in this book has already become one of many profoundly instrumental events in my life that have inspired me to truly start pursuing my dream to be, I’m not just saying it, a writer.
Keep up the good work.
I have to apologize for mean things said during the election – emotions got the best of me (us). I enjoyed seeing you speak in Irvine, CA. It was so nice to see you in person – to see your heart for the church. You are a strong man. I appreciate your roll in the body of Christ and pray God opens hearts (yours and others) as you talk to many different people on this tour. I like the idea you put forth in Million Miles. I am applying it to my life as we speak. If not beforehand, I would love to tell you all about it in heaven one day. God bless your efforts.