God, Improv, and the Art of Living

By: MaryAnn McKibben Dana

Narrated by: Amy McFadden

Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

We are all improvisers!

The principle of "yes, and..." in improvisational theater has produced a lot of great comedy. But it also offers an invigo­rating approach to life in general, and the spiritual life in particular. From Moses to Ruth, to Jesus, scripture is full of people boldly saying "yes, and..." as they accept what life throws their way and build upon it.

Pastor, speaker, and improv aficionada MaryAnn McKibben Dana here blends scripture, psychology, theology, and pop culture in a wise, funny, down-to-earth guide to improv as a practice for life. Offering concrete spiritual wisdom in the form of seven improvi­sational principles, this audiobook will help readers become more awake, creative, resilient, and ready to play - even (and perhaps especially) when life doesn't go according to plan.

"We are all improvisers", says McKibben Dana, "whether we realize it or not. We improvise in order to get through the day. We improvise when life surprises us. We do it without even thinking about it. This book will help you do it better".

©2018 William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (P)2019 William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Bob's review

Loved it. Every chapter resonated with my joy of using Improv to heal the world.

Breaking Bad Habits

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I am a planner. When I enter a situation, I've determined exactly how things should progress. If an encounter differs from my expectations, I get nervous and agitated. If this goes on for too long, stress and anger will manifest in my thoughts and actions. I'm also a Christian, and I know the Holy Spirit is going to lead me into plenty of unpredictable situations throughout my life. This is why God, Improv, and the Art of Living was so appealing to me. MaryAnn McKibben Dana makes the case that Christians should embrace improvisation in their everyday lives. God uses improvisation throughout the Scriptures, so it's only fitting that His followers follow in His steps. Dana makes some strong arguments, and she includes plenty of ways to apply the advice to every day life.

MaryAnn McKibben Dana is a writer, speaker and author. She's attended various sessions at an improvisation class, and her experiences lay the ground work for this book. She discusses the numerous exercises that she's undergone, and then she applies those encounters to her life. She argues that life is full of unpredictable situations that demand improvisation. She states that God Himself is an improvising Father, and she uses Scripture to support these claims. If our Creator improvises, isn't it fitting to believe that we should learn to use improvisation in our lives? She shares various ways that improvisation can improve one's outlook on life and benefit overall well-being. She uses various personal examples that add credibility to the narrative. Her arguments are fascinating and compelling, and she dictates intriguing ways that her readers can apply improvisation to their own lives.

Amy McFadden provides the narration for this work. She speaks clearly and provides clear pronunciation throughout. She also maintains a smooth flow, and she never catches on words or phrase. She provides enough emotion to keep up with the narrative while still maintaining believably. Her voice never grows grating or tiresome; she's enjoyable to hear throughout the five hour and 15 minute duration.

God, Improv, and the Art of Living is inspiring and informative. Dana makes a strong point that this world is unpredictable; nothing ever goes exactly as planned. But by embracing improvisation, we can learn to go with the flow while growing both spiritually and mentally. This is a great resource for an unpredictable life, and it's expertly narrated by Amy McFadden. It's easy to recommend for Christians and self-help aficionados.

Love this different look at life and religion

I loved this book. I loved how it gave me a chance to look at my faith in a new and exciting way. I understand that the author MaryAnn McKibben Dana also gives classes oh that would be so fun. But the book is a good chance to see how Improv can be applied to life. If you are on the side lines and trying to decide if this is a book for you, I would say give it a chance it will change the way you see everything. I would love to see some of the games at the end of this book used in counselling. Amy McFadden is a wonderful narrator of this audio book. Her voice keeps you riveted to what is being said. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review and I have.

A REPEAT listen for sure

I enjoyed this listen so much! I now need to go buy the book because I found myself taking notes! LOL

The chapters are broken up into perfect bites where I didn't ever feel overwhelmed with the wonderful information shared.

There is so much great advice and words of wisdom offered here. Amy McFadden has captured the essence of author MaryAnn McKibben and her passion for ministry and yes, improv.

I appreciated the group 'try it' exercises too.

I'm going to gift this to some of my friends!

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author/publisher. My review is unbiased and voluntary.

Mature Content: none

Humorously thought-provoking!

Many aha moments throughout.

Amy McFadden did a great job narrating.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.