Between Heaven & the Real World: My Story

I don't read a lot of non-fiction but this is one I wouldn't have wanted to miss. So grateful I moved out of my comfort zone and picked up Steven Curtis Chapman's biography. And once I started reading I couldn't stop. Amazing. Moving. Inspiring. I ran through a gamut of emotions as I worked my way through the pages of Between Heaven and the Real World : My Story.

Chapman bears a powerful testimony as he candidly shares the experiences that shaped his life, his music and his faith. His brutal honesty really touched me. He offers encouragement and hope in the midst of darkness and pain.

One of the many amazing things about our God is how He can take even the broken parts of our stories and bring about something beautiful as we trust Him with them. (p 30)

The kind of book that has the power to make a profound impact on readers. A definite must read for fans of this Christian music icon.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

I commend Steven Curtis Chapman for his honest and vulnerability as he tells the story of his and Mary Beth's journey. We can idolize those who are on stage thinking their lives perfect. And yet in God's equation we all experience trials, He promised we would. The Chapmans are overcoming, but remain in that process, used by God for His purposes. Would they rewrite the story? Parts...absolutely. But they are trusting God in their weaknesses, using the talents and abilities for His glory. A great read!

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to read Steven Curtis Chapman's autobiography, Between Heaven and The Real World. Steven's professional career started in the late 1980's, which was a few years before I became a Christian. When I think of the music that influenced me as young Christian and throughout the years, Steven's music is at the top of that list. That's why I wanted to read this book.

I loved and enjoyed Between Heaven and the Real World and want to read it again and share it with others. I wept as Steven shared in a very humble, open and transparent way the pains and trials he and his wife Mary Beth and their family endured over the years, most notable was the death for their precious daughter Maria Sue.

When you connect with an artist's work and feel like he expresses in words some of the thoughts and emotions you've experienced, it's interesting to learn the genesis of the songs and what was going on in his life when they were written. It was heartening to see the providential hand of God in Steven's life. How He had gifted him from a young age to love and write songs that gave a voice to what he was feeling, his faith and capture his reflections about God.

I appreciated the honesty in which Steven writes. It's real, but also reverent towards God. He so obviously loves, honors and respects God, his parents, brother, wife and children. Somehow, he manages to do so while being open and real about circumstances, choices and events. Kind of like his music. I appreciate Steven and Mary Beth's deep and abiding faith that they cling to in the face tribulation, never more so than in tragedy. It was heartening to read about the support of family, friends and professionals that came alongside them when needed most. I applaud their commitment to their marriage and efforts to recognize that their spouse is not their enemy and that they fought for each other, not against.

While the hearts of a mother and father longs to see, their child healed and alive, the Chapman's have allowed God to redeem their losses and impact others for good and for eternity.

If you've listened to Steven's music, you can't help but come away encouraged, strengthened and your faith built up as he drives a stake in the truth of Scripture. It's almost like reading one of David's psalms. He may start out low and in the depths of despair, but as he focuses on God, hope is restored and a light is found to illumine the next step.

I highly recommend Between Heaven and the Real World, especially if you are a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music. It's encouraging to see someone's faith proven genuine and real. Even if you aren't familiar with his music, I think you will benefit from reading this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Revell/Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read Between Heaven and the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

An absolutely wonderful book! l love SCC's music and am a big fan. This book is written in his voice - I mean, I can literally hear him speaking as I read (accent and all)! I love the honesty and straight forward insight into his struggles, successes and family. It's a wonderful story about a guy with a dream, his guitar and his God. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read about how God can shape a life through the good and bad times we all face.

Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story by Steven Curtis Chapman and Ken Abraham is exactly what the title describesa look at this Christian musicians life story. Longtime fans of Steven Curtis Chapman will love this book as it is a sincere and completely honest retelling of his lifes journey. Through it all, Steven is honest about his imperfections and how God used him in his willingness to share Gods love with others. I do not often read autobiographies but I was glad that I took the time to read this book. It truly ministered to me of Gods grace and His ability to use us for His glory. I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.