cover image Breaking Old Rhythms: Answering the Call of a Creative God

Breaking Old Rhythms: Answering the Call of a Creative God

Amena Brown. InterVarsity Press, $15 trade paper (176p) ISBN 978-0-8308-4301-5

Few books about following Jesus suggest that God is a deejay, but spoken word artist Brown is just taking a cue from pop singer Pink, in a brief inspirational memoir and guidebook that charts the author’s relationship with music as a metaphor for how everyone can find their own new God-centered creative rhythm. Brown, who is also a freelance journalist, tells the story of being stuck in a job she didn’t like and in relationships that didn’t serve her as a way to help readers understand how breaking old habits, or rhythms, allows room for deeper faith in the divine. The extended metaphors work well for the most part, though some related to baggage and dancing nearly veer into trite territory. Otherwise, Brown’s book is a refreshing read from a voice that is rarely included in faith and motivational circles, complete with a soundtrack that includes OutKast, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Fred Hammond. (Mar.)