Very pleased to read Paul Valler’s Review of The Sound of Musings in This month’s Premier ‘Christianity Magazine. And yes, I did write the book for fans of the film, rather than those who choose to not watch it!

If you like The Sound of Music, then you will love this book. Bryony Wood connects many aspects of the life of faith to the famous narrative of Maria, the would-be nun who became the governess of the von Trapp children and, eventually, their stepmother, and wife of Georg von Trapp. 

But if, like Christopher Plummer who played Georg in the 1965 film adaptation, you really hate The Sound of Music (he derisively called the film “The Sound of Mucus”), then this book probably isn’t for you.

Part of the genius of The Sound of Musings is that Wood taps into many of the important life transitions that happen in the story. From growing up (“I am 16 going on 17”), to marriage, finding your vocation, stepping out in faith, facing fears and adversity, and escape from oppression. It is life with all its ups and downs. 

Wood springboards from each of these events or conversations into the Bible to explore deeper truths, and brings sound teaching to bear on them all. She explains key biblical principles about identity, guidance, trust, conflict and forgiveness, and does so in a way that is relevant to people at all stages of their faith.  

The short chapter design lends itself to being read in brief periods with a time of devotional reflection. At the end of every chapter there is a “moment for musing” with sensitive life application questions that reassure us about the grace of God and yet challenge us to live with integrity as believers. 

This is a creative, light-hearted and well-crafted devotional. For those who emotionally connect well to the film, it is an easy and fun read with profound truths that apply to us all.

Paul Valler is chair of The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and a mentor, author and speaker

Paul VallerPaul Valler is chair of The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and a mentor, author and speaker

The post 4Star Review of The Sound of Musings in November’s Issue of ‘Christianity’ Magazine first appeared on Bryony Wood.

Since 1965, the Hollywood blockbuster The Sound of Music has, rather like Marmite (or Vegemite as in Mark’s pic) or peanut butter, divided people into two camps: those who love it and those who don’t. For those who love it, the story and its songs have provided a soundtrack of joy across the world for many decades and still offers a feel-good tale today, whether that’s on a screen or a stage…

I remember the first time I watched Maria singing and swirling atop that iconic mountain as the film began. I was utterly transfixed by the sheer scale of the movie; it was my first experience of proper cinema, wedged between my mum, aunty and grandma…

…I now invite you to join me and follow Maria’s story from the opening scene and discover something different about this iconic divine and human love story.

The post The Sound of Musings – The Introduction first appeared on Bryony Wood.