Between Wyomings, My God and an iPod on the Open Road, written by Ken Mansfield and published by Thomas Nelson, is a very interesting read – to say the least. Particularly if the reader grew up in the sixties and seventies, or is merely interested in the culture (music in particular) of that time in history. Mansfield was a record producer and record-label executive from the 60’s through the 90’s. He is also an ordained minister and public speaker.
The book is both a journey Mansfield is taking with his wife – each with their iPods – and a journey backward he is taking in his mind. At least in the trip with his wife, we get travel directions and points of interest. For the journey in his mind (his years in the music industry), the reader has no map or directional compass. Somewhat chronological from his beginning in the music industry, Mansfield is prone to jump to any moment of the entire journey.
Thrown in the mix are “God moments.” Theological vignettes, as it were, that seemingly come out of the blue. While I would be the first to agree that God moments tend to come out of nowhere, in the context of a book there needs to be some type of cause and effect. These vignettes appear as if he inserted them during the editing stage – thinking it had been a while since he had added a God moment.
It took me longer to read Between Wyomings than usual when reviewing a book, partly because of the happenings of life with three teenagers, but mostly because the book lacks continuity. A connection from one short chapter to another. It just seems to be a collection of stories and essays. He writes, as he says in the introduction, like a “Christian on acid.” But the stories are interesting and fairly readable within themselves.
One thing struck me when reading the book, having lived through a lot of those times myself. Which was that if he as an ordained minister can look back on that kind of life with a certain fondness, I can certainly consider myself forgiven for my sins. He does not dwell on the wild side of the music business, yet also does not act as if it did not happen. Anyone who is interested in the music business and culture in those decades and personal journeys with God should read this book. It just might be a while before they finish it.
Peace be with you.
Thinkonthesethings Blog 