Thanks to everyone who wrote in for a free book, whether you posted here or sent a request through the contact page. It was great to learn that I have readers from Australia to Winnipeg! (Isn’t the Internet amazing?) It did turn out to be a bit tricky because I wanted to send everyone a book. Unfortunately I gave the free ones my publisher gave me to the people I interviewed, plus a few radio producers, so I am now giving away books I bought myself. In terms of discernment, I had to remember that making everyone like me is not necessarily what I’m called to do. (An ongoing discernment lesson for me.) I felt particularly conflicted when people wrote and said they wanted to read the book but couldn’t afford a copy, until I realized that those folks could ask their local librarian to order a copy, which would be a win-win for both of us (A common result when something is rightly ordered). In the end, it seemed right to send books to people who seemed likely to have the broadest combined audience with the most diverse theological range. If you were one of those people, you should have already received a message saying so and asking for your snail mail address.

As for the kind people who want to help me spread the word about the book, I appreciate any help you can give. I’ve yet to receive a review on amazon, which is kind of surprising. I know some progressive folks don’t buy from amazon, preferring to support independent booksellers, though in terms of reaching potential readers, it probably has the broadest possible reach. (You don’t have to purchase there to post a review.) One reader informed me about Powells Books, a cool progressive bookseller, which also has a place for reader reviews. Please post wherever you feel moved. For these kinds of sites, it doesn’t have to be long. And it doesn’t have to be all positive. Though of course writers always hope the reviews will be gushing flattery, I feel compelling to add that I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to offer gushing flattery, even if I sent you a free copy or you are my good friend and I occasionally watch your children. We’re not always called to do what other people want us to do, that tricky discernment lesson again. My spiritual challenge in this whole book publicity process is trusting that I can foster conversation about ideas I care about and bring in some income at the same time.