Thursday, September 19

Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl by N.D. Wilson - A Review

Last year, I read an amazing series by author N.D. Wilson. It was a youth fiction series that I was previewing for my children. I was instantly hooked and loved every minute of the books.  I was thrilled to see his non-fiction book, Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl, come up as a review opportunity.

Nate Wilson has a way with words. He uses them well, certainly, but his unique perspective combined with his creative wording manage to bring home truth in a tangible way. He somehow simplifies complex concepts while also revealing the untapped depth of mystery in those same concepts.

The book can be read at face value, which yields complete randomness and is entertaining. It can be chewed carefully, which still provides random entertainment, but a whole lot more. Nate can come across as a crazy person, but instead, I think he is one of those unique individuals who managed to make it to adulthood with childlike wonder still intact. His ability to still see the world around him made it to adulthood unscathed. When describing this world in the book, he says,
"Bats really do exist. Caterpillars really turn into butterflies - it's not just a lie for children. Coal squishes into diamonds. Apple trees turn flowers into apples using sunlight and air.  
I've seen a baby born. And, ahem, I know what made it. But I'm not telling. You'd never believe me. 
There are various theories as to how and why this all happened, attempts at explaining the sheer number of creeping things int he world, the stars, the life cycle of frogs, the social behavior of fish, the meaning of love, life and a really good hamburger. But in order to know why this is all here, a simple how is a prerequisite. How did this place happen? I live here, so it shouldn't be too hard to figure it out."
No, it isn't an apologetic book. It is, as the subtitle states, a book about the "Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World." It is a book of philosophy. It is a book of  perspective. Good. Evil. Morality. Creation. Rhythm. Chaos. And the point? "The book attempts to find unity in cacophony." The book engages the mind and the senses, and in the end, harmony and purpose.

I laughed throughout the book, but not because it is comical. I laughed because I couldn't help it. My brain was doing flip-flops and it felt like a ride. It is a wild ride and an amazing read, but rather indescribable. You really just have to try it for yourself.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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