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

by Donald Miller

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Product Description

Fueled by the belief that something better exists than the mundane life they've been living, free spirits Don and Paul set off on an adventure-filled road trip in search of deeper meaning, beauty, and an explanation for life. Many young men dream of such a trip, but few are brave enough to actually attempt it. Fewer still have the writing skills of Donald Miller, who records the trip with wide-eyed honesty in achingly beautiful prose. In this completely revised edition, he discusses everything from the nature of friendship, the reason for pain, and the origins of beauty.

As they travel from Texas to Oregon in Paul's cantankerous Volkswagen van, the two friends encounter a variety of fascinating people, witness the fullness of nature's splendor, and learn unexpected lessons about themselves, each other, and even God.

"A record of a classic road trip. Miller's tale is full of serendipitous adventures and thoughtful Christian reflection . . . offering the sort of deep-thought wanderings into meaning and significance that are the meat of college-age existence . . . a reminder that life was meant to be lived, not just gotten through." (Publishers Weekly)

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review: 4 out of 5 stars

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

1 out of 5 stars

Good, but scattered thoughts, 2008-10-12
I appreciated the conclusions drawn by Don and Paul, but got tired listening to the long, overly descriptive narratives about the Volkswagen van. The book seemed a bit scattered and I kept thinking to myself, just get to the point. It would probably be a good read, but the narrator was boring to listen to. There was only just enough adventure to keep my attention to the end.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing, 2008-10-09
I love this book -- not only is it stunningly written, it's a story that resonates with almost everyone. It reassured me that it's okay to doubt, to not know and to question.

But beware -- once you read this book, your restlessness will kick into high gear and you might want to move to Oregon. :)

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars

Great for young people, especially guys, 2008-06-28
I bought this audio CD because I love Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz" and think he's got some profound things to say. It's so centered on a young man's quest/non-quest/quest to find out whether there's anything to quest for that it didn't speak to this 40ish woman the way his other books have. However, I still got something out of it and recommend it highly. I think it would speak loudest to kids in their late teens. Good stuff.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars

Travel Through Your Own Life Too, 2008-05-05
This book is by the popular author Donald Miller. I read his book "Blue Like Jazz" and enjoyed it. I was going to stop with that book, but a fellow blogger noted that this was his favorite of the Miller books. I am not sure I share the same sentiments, but I certainly did enjoy the book. As Donald travels and reflects on his life with God, I seem to join him in reflecting on my own life. I guess there is a part of all of us that desires to travel with the Lord. This is why it seems that people enjoy taking mission trips to various parts of the world and nation. There is an excitement that follows as one journeys with the Lord. I guess I can relate because I traveled a lot with the Lord. Also, I would have enjoyed this book more if I read it in college while I was single. The open road is not the same with two small children crying in the back seat. Nevertheless, the book was good, not so much for the spiritual insight, but for the adventure, the friendships, and the trip. As you travel with Donald, you cannot help but travel through your own life too.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

4 out of 5 stars

A good read, 2008-04-27
This is a good book. The humor between Donald and Paul reminds me of Bill Bryson's in A Walk in the Woods. No super deep spiritual findings here but some familiar questions for anyone who's been a Christian for any length of time. It's good to read honesty written without reservations. I'm currently reading Blue Like Jazz and TPD reads more like a narrative than BLJ. My guess is if you like the thought process of BLJ you will like this book. Great book about a road trip to read on a road trip. Recommended.

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