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Book Review: Road Trip to a Narrow Road

August 15th, 2009 at 11:55am Albert McIlhenny

Between Wyomings: My God and an Ipod on the Open Road – Ken Mansfield Thomas Nelson (June 9, 2009) Topic: Biography Summary: Reflections by a Christian on his career in the music business Rating:

Over the centuries, the Church has been filled with the stories of how those in unique circumstances and facing unique trials came to faith in Christ. Just when you think you have heard every possible variation on the theme, along comes one more. Today’s case in point: Ken Mansfield.

Ken Mansfield was one on innumerable young men in the 1960’s who dreamed of being a rock star. He didn’t quite make the grade there but did manage to find a place in the music world working for Capital Records during perhaps the most exciting period in that company’s history. It is this mixing of his career and his own spiritual longings that is set as the backdrop for Between Wyomings.

The book is set up with the itinerary of a road trip but the details of the plan are all set in retrospect. Mansfield takes us on his odd journey from his home in Idaho to his eventual life in LA and the music biz to his coming to faith in Christ with charm, appreciation, and without judgment. His is a story of the “good news” and not harping on the bad things about everything and everyone he encountered on his way.

And what a trip it has been! Here we get to see insights into the personalities of some of the biggest names in music history given by someone who knew them beyond their stage image. Between these personal anecdotes are sandwiched insightful reflections on life and hints as to how events might lead to his eventful decision to accept Christ.

Between tales of bands both legendary and forgotten, we get glimpses of a spiritual journey that is taking place without the one traveling even aware. What may have seemed a singular moment of his accepting Christianity was the culmination that a thousand events over the years that had paved the way.

Between Wyomings is a reminder that not all of us are called to faith in the same way. God is very creative in calling us home. Sometimes we just don’t understand how creative until much later.

Entry Filed under: Biography, Essential Books, Mansfield, Ken