Drops Like Stars: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering – An Engaging Exploration of Art, Pain, and Enlightenment

I knew that "Drops Like Stars" was on its way. But when the UPS man delivered it, I was surprised to say the least. The box was much bigger and heavier than I anticipated. I opened it up to find Rob Bell's newest book - more like a coffee table book or a yearbook than a typical book. The look, the feel, the brightness of color immediately left an impression on me. Though I hadn't planned on it, I opened the book up and read it cover to cover in about an hour. It is by far the largest book in my library, but probably one of the shortest in terms of written content as well. But make no mistake - much is said here. Between the pictures, the stories, and the thoughts offered by Bell, the reader is left with an amazing experience. The message is clear - out of suffering comes beauty, creativity, and expression. Art simply wouldn't capture us without the shared experience of suffering. I am continually amazed at the creativity that comes out of the Rob Bell camp. From the Nooma videos, the RPG associated with "Jesus Wants to Save Christians", the speaking tours - fans of Bell won't be disappointed with this latest effort.

I almost gave it a 4/5 because I wanted more but other than that, this was a good read. Very easy to read and insightful. I will definitely go back and read 2 or 3 more times. It’s very short. I knew it was a little over a 100 pages but I did not know there were only 4 or 5 sentences on many

I bought this for someone that recently lost their brother. We both read it and it didn't bring either of us a lot of peace. Very short book -- but was hoping for a little more depth. Still love Rob Bell -- could hear him talking while reading it which made it much better. :)

I have to preface this review that I am Rob Bell Junkie. The Jesus that he talks about I would like to get to know. Ive grown up a christian first a mormon and then a southern baptist which are fancy names for a rule/guilt based christianity. They make jesus a judge and that he did the ultimate for you now what are you going to do for him? Feel guilty that I cant be what he wants me to be is what Ill be! Oh yeah back to the book, this book dares to answer the question why do bad things happen to good people. The Answer -Read the book. Great book with lots of artistic qualities and it reads very quickly. There is a urinal carved out of soap on one of the pages, I kid you not! Enjoy, Rob will make you laugh and make you think

Condition was described as 'new' and I thought for the price that seemed far fetched - realized that when it came that it wasn't brand new; there were scratches and dents on the cover (hardcover). Wouldn't have minded if I wasn't under the impression that the book was supposed to be new. Appreciated the low price though. Did ship quickly which was also appreciated.

This was an extremely quick read that left me wanting more. Although it was a small book, it made a huge impact on me. I read this at a time when in my own life I was dealing with the "Why this?" instead of the "What now?" Rob Bell's writing style makes the reader feel as though he or she is having a personal conversation with Mr. Bell. Beautifully written, it provides a deep, compelling message about suffering and how it is a common bond we all share. For anyone going through a tough time, this book offers encouragement, and isn't that something we all need?

'Drops Like Stars' was originally released as a larger, art-project / coffee table book. This fun-sized paperback maintains the artiness while providing an easier to read and enjoy book. Bell mixes stories and (let's call them) lessons, some of which appear in some of his other books, with photos and artwork from collaborators to create a cool and helpful book about life, with a focus on - as the subtitle notes - creativity and suffering. Great book.

Rob Bell's exploration on the relationship between suffering and creativity with Drops Like Stars is rich, challenging and captures the essence of the creative life. It doesn't answer all the questions or give formulaic instructions for "recovery." Instead, it presents the most basic of concepts with a depth available for exploration. I believe everyone is creative, but creativity manifests differently in everyone. So, those who don't understand poetry or are not able to explore and interpret art without reading commentary will not enjoy this book. They are the ones who say it can be read in 10 minutes, or that it isn't worth the money because there are so few words on each page. I have read it, am rereading it, and will continue to read it as I explore the relationship of suffering and creativity in my own life.

I love the way Rob writes; it's so uncomplicated yet so meaningful and insightful. In such a short book I was introduced to a new way of looking a pain and how that shapes our life.

Rob Bell writes beautifully and the themes he examines are certainly there in my own experience. He manages to put into words "thoughts that lie too deep for tears". It is true, from all that has been said and all that has been written about suffering, that the truth lies somewhere between its' horror and the good it can birth in the human soul. God can truly change raindrops into stars as they smack into our reality, if we allow him to. Rob Bell opens our eyes to that truth in a gentle yet powerful way.

> Aufmachung als "Bildband" > zum Thema Leid/Leiden Suffering + sehr schöne und interessante Fotos, gutes Design + Inhalt und Texte in bewährter Rob Bell Qualität - Format riesig, passt schlecht ins Bücherregal - leider nicht gerade billig

Quick delivery and awesome book. I struggle a lot with seeing the silver lining in things and this book was so inspirational for me. Also Rob Bell is just a great writing.

great book