I first discovered Julie Lyons through her "Bible Girl" blog for the Dallas Observer, and when I came upon this book at the library, I had to read it. It's the story of how she joined a Black Pentecostal ("holy roller") church in South Dallas and the changes wrought in her life. Although what I liked best about the book was that it isn't all about her. It's about God, and about what Julie believes God the Holy Spirit has done in the lives of the people she loves at The Body of Christ Assembly. She is at her best when telling those stories.

The parts I enjoyed less were her occasional remarks about non-Pentecostals, which I often found all too sweeping and simplistic.

Reading this book reaffirmed that I am not cut from a Wesleyan/Holiness mold. There was a lot that didn't sit right with me theologically, and it didn't primarily have to do with the chapters on supernatural healing. But I'm glad for the chance to have learned something about it from an insider's perspective. In fact, I'd say that any Christian churchgoer for whom healing, demons, spiritual warfare, even sin and repentance, are not frequent sermon topics (whether you're "conservative" or "liberal") could find this a worthwhile read. I think the majority of the worldwide church deals with these realities a lot more readily than many in the American church do. Much fodder for thought and prayer, even (or especially) if you find yourself disturbed. ( )

This book was a struggle for me to get started. I am a Christian, but have never experienced many of the things that the author talks about in her story. I was a little skeptical of the "laying of hands" and "speaking in tongues" part of the book, and because of that I was a little leary about what I would find in her tale. I was pleasantly surprised by how the book pulls you in and makes you really think about your own life, your own spirituality, your own belief system, and the way you live your life. I found that once I gave the story a chance to get started, I didn't put it down. I don't agree with or disagree with everything in her story, but I do appreciate the opportunity to read her account and the fact that doing so gave me the ability to do a little "soul searching" of my own. I find Julie Lyons' courage and faith to be inspiring and her book well written. ( )

I had a really hard time reading this book and never made it all the way through. The only reason I made it 1/4 of the way through was because I won it through the Early Reviews program and felt it deserved that much. The author just rambled on and on about her background, which should have been interesting, but I believe her presentation was off. Unless you are really into the Pentecostal Religion, I would not recommend this book. ( )

This book surprised me. I was expecting fiction, but got a touching story of one woman's life within a black pentecostal church. I don't believe exactly as she does, but it didn't matter reading her story. She believes, and is so sincere and honest that it doesn't matter. I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would have. It prompts introspection and made me think of my own spirituality. ( )

Although I was very excited to receive this book, it didn't catch my interest. I read through the first 5 chapters or so before deciding to give up. The subject matter was interesting, but the writing style didn't appeal to me. Even as the author was revealing her own, very personal issues and doubts with Christianity, it felt very impersonal. Others might disagree, but this book was just not for me. ( )