Get ready for a week of Johnny Cash, as the book officially launches next Tuesday. If you'd like to help with the launch, share some social media love about the book this week and next on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. It would be most appreciated.
Some endorsements for the book:
For longtime fans and those who know nothing about the Man in Black, this book is a profound and beautiful meditation on the spiritual legacy of Cash, a story of how each of us can find salvation and grace in surprising and unlikely places. Trains, Jesus and Murder will heal your heart, stir your soul, and call you to action.And for advanced reviews:
--Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Road Back to You
Trains, Jesus, and Murder is a moving account of Johnny Cash, which simultaneously teaches us much about the cultural matrix we call Americana and the meaning of the gospel--one that encompasses our deep brokenness and the possibilities of a grace so beautiful that it could only be approached in lyric and song.
--Lee C. Camp, host of Tokens Show (TokensShow.com) and professor, Lipscomb University, Nashville
This is a book for everyone, even if you are new to the music of the Man in Black. I wouldn't have considered myself a Johnny Cash fan, but that changed with Beck's thoughtful storytelling about this beautiful, yet troubled man who somehow found salvation with the damned.
--Luke Norsworthy, pastor; author of God over Good
Beck's book is a fascinating, engaging, and contextualized deep dive into the sacramental gifts Cash gave us through his music, poetry, stories, and worldview, reminding us of the power of being seen and heard. Cash's legacy is one of deep theology, driven by a train-like rhythm, that points us toward redemption--and Beck has captured it perfectly.
--Jayme R. Reaves, public theologian and coordinator for the Centre for Encountering the Bible, Sarum College, Salisbury, England
Beck's voice is perfectly pitched throughout, rooted in his own ministry to the incarcerated, and refracted through his dual expertise as both a psychologist and a theologian, Bravo. What an extraordinary and wonderful book.
--Eve Poole, author of Leadersmithing and Capitalism's Toxic Assumptions
Not only does it hum with the heart and story of the Man in Black, it also clears the dust off of Johnny Cash's deeply held theology. This is a beautiful book.
--David Benjamin Blower, musician, author of Sympathy for Jonah, host of the Nomad Podcast
Richard Beck captures Johnny Cash in ways no one else might, exploring our universal struggles at the intersection of brokenness, healing, and faith. You don't have to love Johnny Cash to be captivated by him and, more importantly, by the Jesus who is reaching out to you the same way he did the Man in Black.
--Sean Isaac Palmer, author of Unarmed Empire: In Search of Beloved Community, speaking coach, and teaching pastor, Ecclesia Houston
Publishers Weekly called the book "beautiful."Get your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Indiebound.
Booklist described it as "haunting" and a "must read."
And the Englewood Review of Books listed it among the Fall 2019 Most Anticipated Books for Christian Readers.
Also, if you're interested me bringing the gospel and Johnny Cash to your church, school or organization, feel free to make an inquiry (my speaking schedule and contact info is here). I've already shared the gospel messages in Trains, Jesus and Murder in class settings and sermons, mixing live Johnny Cash music (and encouraging the audience to sing along!) with theological reflection.
