Book Review: A Burning in My Bones

My earliest introduction to Eugene Peterson was through references to The Message. Admittedly, my initial impressions were mixed; I was both intrigued by the project, but I also absorbed potentially dismissive opinions of the translation. However, I couldn't remain aloof, as friends I respected and admired spoke to the ways The Message caused them to approach the Bible with a new ear, hearing familiar words in a way that challenged and awoke them to see the words as fresh and new, revelatory and radical. I couldn't discredit the impact it was having.

Over the years, I learned more snippets about this man that intrigued me, so when I learned of the forthcoming book A Burning in My Bones, a biography of Eugene Peterson by Winn Collier (another author I admire), I couldn't resist learning more.

Eugene was influenced by nature, by the strong faith of his mother, by the vibrancy of his father's butcher shop. Collier thoroughly and deftly relays the transitions in Peterson's life, from his initial aspirations to teach to what led him to become a pastor, and his writing throughout. 

Collier frankly addresses Peterson's relationship with his father, the strained seasons of his own parenting journey, the hardships of being a pastor, and times he and Jan struggled in their marriage. All serve to create a picture of a flawed but earnest individual, one who worked to be faithful and who intentionally strived to avoid the pitfalls that he saw from others who chased celebrity.

Just as we see lessons in the examples of individuals who have sought the pedestal and have spectacularly failed, so too we can find truths to be gained in Peterson's life. His practice of seeking silence, of being known and accessible to so many, of shirking elitism and preferring the quiet, of modeling a humble, generous, hospitable life can all cause us to reflect on what the life of a modern-day saint can look like. We see steadfast practices, of how our faith and our lives are naturally intertwined.

There is also humor to be found within these pages; I took special enjoyment in reading about the license Peterson took in drafting his monthly reports about his new church, first suspecting and then confirming that nothing beyond the first page was ever reviewed. And it should be no surprise to read about the various authors and poets who impacted Peterson.

Winn Collier first approached Peterson as a fellow pastor seeking advice, and this evolved to become a friendship. Collier was given widespread access to write this extensive biography of Eugene Peterson. His admiration is clear, but he conveys Peterson's whole person, touching on moments in his life where Peterson struggled and had regrets as well as pointing to the notable impacts. The volume is replete with extracts from journals and letters and it inspires me all the more to become more familiar with Peterson's books.

Collier's biography is a gift, and readers will be moved by the humble life of Eugene Peterson.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)