Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road

I've enjoyed Donald Miller's books in the past. In fact, Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road is the third book that I've read of Miller's. In this case though, I found my thoughts on the book much more mixed than I did with either Blue Like Jazz or A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.Through Painted Deserts is a book about Miller's road trip with a friend in an old Volkswagen van. The story is about Miller leaving his hometown in Texas and seeing more of the world. The book contains stories of hiking the Grand Canyon, how they dealt with various issues that came up with the old van, and the interactions with some of the people they met on the way.There isn't much of a connecting theme to the whole trip. If I would try to present one it would be the idea of trying to find what is really important. When we're surrounded by systems be they religious or consumer we can easily be led to believe that simply obeying the rules or getting stuff is what is the most important. However this trip leaves both of those systems behind and while Miller doesn't speak too much to this, this theme does pop up more than any other, at least that I noticed.I said that this book wound up being a bit more mixed in my mind than in others. The good of the book is that it tells a pretty engaging story. Miller has a way with words, and he makes his stories interesting and you want to stay with the journey. Reading the story of Don and Paul's trip makes you want to go on a road trip of your own, to just go where you'd like and not have to worry about time or being on some kind of schedule.These were the biggest positives in my mind. The writing style of Miller and the stirring of a desire for adventure. Of course it's rather hard to act on such stirrings when you have two young kids and the responsibilities with that, but I still view it as a plus to the book.On the other hand I found it hard to get a point out of the book. Maybe the journey was what was really important, but I don't know. The reflections of Miller on faith or life just weren't always as strong as they were in some of his other books. Now I also understand that this was originally Miller's first book, I'm not sure how much was changed in the republish, but maybe that's why.It's a fun journey of two unlikely friends, but I just didn't know if there was something I was missing by the end of it. The story, like many in real life, just kinds of drops. Don leaves Paul at the end to go somewhere else by himself for a job and that's it. Life goes on and you're left wondering what happened to Paul. This isn't a terrible thing, I understand that the story isn't finished yet. The stories are connected to real life and real people. However, you're still left wondering about if Don and Paul stayed connected like they said they would and things like that.So overall, if you're looking for a story about two young guys going on a road trip with a sprinkling of spiritual reflection throughout then you're in luck. If you're looking for something that is primarily a book on spirituality and filled with spiritual reflections or thoughts this isn't really that book. You may still enjoy it like I did. You may just not enjoy it as much as other books, not even others written by Miller himself.

Honestly, it's a wonderful book. I had read it a few years ago, but purchased it just recently because I thought a friend would enjoy it. Purchased one for her and one for myself; currently re-reading it. It's a thought provoking book that yes, talks about God. But in more of a relational way as opposed to a religious tone.I would recommend this to ANYone. Whether you enjoy reading or not, give this book a chance. It'll open your eyes to some of the deeper parts of life :)

Donald Miller intertwines his own personal reflections on spirituality and intentional living with a story of a road trip that he had taken many years before. He easily goes from telling a story of the open road to relating it to some deep, insightful thought that he has about his relationship with God and others. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was the first of Miller's writings that I had read. I have since read nearly all his other books and would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a spiritual read without any heavy theology.

Read it and feel alive. Warm, funny, and inspiring. Spirituality, friendship, nature and life. 20 words is a lot, Amazon; get over yourself.

Don Miller can really write. I'm convinced that his conversational and beautifully descriptive style could make any topic interesting; however, the story was interesting enough. It takes us along the author's journey across the U.S.A. with his friend Paul. They have some cool adventures, some detours, and some great conversations about love, GOD, and the mystery of this series of events we call life. I read it in a matter of days because the humor and smooth narrative style make it a quick and easy read. I appreciate Miller's insights on the metaphor that GOD intended nature to be. I think the road trip was taken when he was very young and you can tell in his conversations and philosophical narration (it can be a bit immature at times) but its still some great food for thought in there.In three words, the book is: Hilarious, Inspirational, and Thought Provoking. Well, four words technically.

Poetic, deep and thoughtful, evokes your past and the possible future at the same time. Miller's genius is in his writing and depth of insight into the human condition. This book makes you want to really live.

Everyone who thinks about God and the Universe and the "how and why" of it all, should read this book.... light easy reading.... not so heavy as Zen Motorcyling...or Kerouac

Excellent audio book. I have enjoyed Donald Miller's other books; Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Know's What, very much and this was no disappointment. This work foreshadows his later writing, but is more of a story about a particular roadtrip. It took me a while to finish listening to the 8+ hours. I like to wait until I can listen for at least an hour or two. I had to start it from the beginning several times so others could listen. Several of my friends and family are at various stages of the book right now and I have just finished it. It brings back memories of my own trips and conversations with good fiends. It also inspired me to plan a little roadtrip of my own later this year.

I liked this book. I'd already read why Miller threw up his church job and went "on the road" (in Blue Like Jazz I think) which added to my interest. Maybe it's just another road book, but entertainingly written and much enjoyed. Yes, I bought the CD by the band he recommended and yes I did enjoy that too. Maybe I'm too easy to please...

This is an interesting take on life as seen through the eyes of a young Christian, insightful, encouraging, and at times funny, definitely worth the read.

Good read