Just finished To Own a Dragon by Donald Miller. Interesting book, much in the same kind of writing that made Blue Like Jazz such a pleasure to read. I’m always leery of books where the authors name is bigger on the cover than the title of the book; but To Own a Dragon was excellent. Reading Donald Miller is comforting, and reminds me of having lunch with an old college friend.

To Own a Dragon is about Miller growing up without a father in his life, and how it affects the various aspects of life. From education to spirituality to authority. Even though I did have a father growing up, reading Miller’s perspective was fascinating. The book is clearly written to the fatherless boy. It could be read by any persuasion, but Miller makes no apologies in the forward; when he says the book is written from his perspective of growing up without a father for those of the same perspective.

It’s not a sad commentary on missing fathers, but rather the journey of one fatherless boy to find his place in the company of men. Miller really challenges the idea of ‘Manhood’, and even states with great confidence the only thing needed to be a man is, well, you’ll have to read it to figure it out.

If you aren’t a fatherless man, though, I’d recommend Blue Like Jazz as your introduction to Miller’s work – read this one second.