Mosaic

Pieces of my Life So Far

Non-Fiction - Autobiography
256 Pages
Reviewed on 03/10/2009
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Amy Grant-- who is she? Songwriter, singer, daughter, wife, mother, author and most importantly a child of God… She is all of these and more. She has lived in the public eye for many years. However, few know the real Amy Grant. Mosaic is an appropriate title for her book for like all of us she is multidimensional.

Her poetry is strewn throughout her book like wild flowers in a country field. (That line is as poetic as I am capable of.) Many of the poems included in Mosaic are songs I cherish. Heirlooms is a particular favorite of mine. “Time never changes the memory the moment His love first pierced through me.”

Amy Grant won the heart of many with her voice and songs that spoke of her deep and abiding faith, a faith that she held on to through the trials of life. She later crossed over into pop music. She begins her narrative with memories of vacations with sand, surf, and sunsets. She describes it all so vividly that in my mind’s eye I could see her nieces as they shouted with joy from their first view of an ocean sunset. Her stories stirred my emotions. Many brought smiles, some tears. She has included photographs of her family and friends. Amy has opened her heart and memories to fans in Mosaic. Beautifully written, Mosaic proves to readers that Amy Grant is more than a performer. Fans of Amy Grant will cherish Mosaic.

ROBERT OHEARNE

Humility and authenticity are the hallmark of a truly spiritual person. Amy Grant is the Israelite in whom there is no guile. Her gentle spirit permeates this memoir. Her love for her parents, her sisters, her children, her friends, and her husband is visible, tangible and real. I read this book at one sitting, and by the time I finished, I felt she was a good friend.

The title and subtitle are apt. This is an unusual book, in that it does not attempt a narrative. Instead it is a collection of memories, interspersed with poems and lyrics. We learn a lot about Grant's interactions with her family and friends. We hear interesting moments she shared with people famous and not-so-famous. Occasionally, like a fawn peeking out amidst dark forest brambles, Grant exposes her deep pain over her first marriage, although she never addresses this directly.

If you believe in Jesus Christ, this book will provide you a vivid, welcome example of a person of faith. If you are uncertain about the reality of God, this book is well worth reading, because Grant is thoroughly human, approachable, non-dogmatic, and non-judgmental. She could provide non-believers a hint about how believers can believe, and why.

Julie H. Missroon

As a "Grant Head" myself (That's what Amy calls her fans), I of course was going to buy this book. Hearing that there was going to be an audio book too, I had to have this also. I love to her her talk! It took me one day to read the book and I knew that I would read it again! This is a wonderful book for anyone who has been through a divorce, a major disaster in their life, trying to decide about their faith or their walk with God. Though it's not too preachy..it's just enough to get one to think. That there is something alot bigger than us. She did a wonderful job and there will be a few of these under my tree this Christmas as presents.

B. Wilson

I have followed Amy every since her "Fathers Eyes" days. I have even had the honor to meet her a few times and found her to be very sincere. This book gives an insight to her music and life from early to now. It is not a tell all which I admire it is rather a book of her thoughts and how her music and life shaped her into the woman of God she is. Thanks Amy for sharing with us.

M> CUNNINGHAM

Amy Grant's "Mosaic" is a very warm and enjoyable look at some of her life experiences. A few choice selections are: the story behind Amy Grant's wonderful Christmas song, "Breath of Heaven;" the recounting of the day she and husband Vince Gill got baptized together, and her first overtures into developing a relationship with her step-daughter, Jenny Gill.
To those who say that Amy Grant tries to blot out Gary Chapman in this book: that is not true. For the sake of comparison, if you have read any of Sandi Patty's books, Amy mentions her ex's name a lot more than Sandi mentions hers. But if you are looking for gossip about why Grant and Chapman divorced, you won't find it in "Mosaic."
If you enjoy sincere and heart-felt reads, you'll like this book.

K. L. Johnson

After reading all of the reviews (24 as I write this one), Kelly Klepfer's is the one that most echoes my own thoughts. Amy Grant's book gives you glimpses and pieces of her life - which explains the title of the book. I must say, this is the first "celebrity" memoir that digs deep to give you a real, fully human portrait of the woman behind the music. To those who wish she would have mentioned her first husband more, I think she respects his privacy and the book wasn't about him - or even their marriage. It's about a talented singer/songwriter sharing her faith, her ups and downs and the life that she builds every day.

Side note: I've begun saying a similar morning prayer....and it has made all the difference.

This book isn't just for a "rabid fan". I'd recommend this book to anyone! There is reflection, wisdom and compassion tucked into the pages. I am completely impressed...and I wasn't even expecting it to be more than the usual autobiographical material. What an unexpected gem!

June Sinclair

"Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far", is such an apt title for this book by Amy Grant. Being a less than average, yet respectful fan, I went to see Amy Grant at the Bass Hall in Ft Worth upon release of this book. She read many parts of the book and performed songs from the book as well. As she talked about her life, as written in the book, her children, and her faith, it's obviously written from the heart. Her simple words and stories speak volumes and it is a joy to share.

Bubbles

I received this book for Christmas and read it in one night. I couldn't put it down. Amy's talent for writing songs is reflected just as well in writing this book. She is truthful, insightful, funny and candid about her life and her career. I have been a fan of Amy for many years and I was really interested in reading about how she got to this place in her life. I was moved by the emotion that was involved in telling her story and I found myself laughing and/or crying at various points throughout the book. I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend this book to all (even some older teenagers). Amy proves the point that "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven".

Austin L. Watts

I found this book very touching and moving. I admire Amy Grant. My wife recommend this book to me. I thought this must be a chick book. Vince Gill and all their children are lucky people to have their lives touched by such a thoughtful and wonderful woman. The book was very honest and open. I also purchased her greats hits CD after listening to this audio book. Very Enjoyable.

N. Crestani

I have followed Amy's career since I first starting to go to a youth group at age 16. Her Unguarded album was big at the time and was the first album I bought that wasn't mainstream. 'Wise Up" was the first song I sung in public with a band. So I feel like I know Amy, even though I've never met her! She's always had a remarkable way of writing. You only have to look at the lyrics of her songs to understand that. Mosaic is not just some biography of her life. In true Amy style, she's created a book of musings if you like. She has a clever way of looking at life. very reflective. She uses stories about her children and families and nature and career to help her (and us) remember the important things in life. yes, I too, was expecting some insight into why her and Gary divorced. And of course, this book doesn;t give the answers. But you know what? By the end of the book, I didn't care any more. i didn't want to know. I appreciated how honest Amy was about herself and she doesn't "owe" us, the public some pet answers on why she decided to end her marriage. By the end of the book, I closed it feeling satisfied and alittle more in tune with my own life. Thanks again Amy! PS I so get the song "Hats"!

Maureen L. Carney

After you read this book you will truly want to write Amy a Thank you Letter. Through touching stories of her own life she is able to remind you what life is truly about...connecting with people, allowing yourself to feel both the good and the bad and learn from it all. She continues to truly inspire. I felt like I could breath easier after I read her book.

So...Thank you Amy.

Maureen