a TeMPLe of WoRDS

I picked up this book because I am a storyteller and wanted to learn how to be a better one.  The full title of the book is The Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable Story.  Had I just gone off of the cover alone, I would have been highly disappointed in this book (note: that is how I choose some of my books).  The description does not mention all of the talk of religion that happens throughout this book (there's my warning: this book is religion based and the author talks about scriptures and ministry throughout).  It does speak about him fulfilling his calling to be a preacher and that it is "especially relevant to those who teach through the stories of the Bible or who would like to do so."  This statement is not until the end of the description, though.  I assumed that this would be used as an example because the Bible is told through a lot of storytelling, that is how Jesus spread his word.  It is not until you check the genre at the bottom of the Amazon page (which, in this case, I forgot to do, that you see "ministry," "Christianity," "clergy," etc.

I'm sure you're wondering, if I took issue with this, why I have given it a 4 star rating instead of something lower.  My "warning" is followed by a "BUT": he makes very good points for public speaking and communication in general and a lot of these points could be very helpful for authors.  He also includes exercises to help make you a better storyteller, a better presenter.  I am a religious person so him speaking of religion is not what bothered me - it's the fact that there are some people who are not religious that will be offended and miss the good things that he had to say because of it.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.