Donna Yoder contributes regularly and substantially to creative projects in her everyday life.   She shares her perspective on the book, Singing from Silence:

"When I first heard that Pam Richards was writing a book about Rich Mullins, my curiosity was aroused. Since being introduced to Rich Mullins and his music at the age of 16, I had read every scrap of writing and listened to any music I could find that intersected with his work and life.  As it turns out, next to Rich's own articles, written for Release magazine at the height of his career, Pam's book is among my favorite material about Mr. Richard Mullins. Truthfully, it is among my top 10 favorite books, period.

"Singing From Silence is a winning memoir that is one of the warmest stories of friendship and creativity that I have ever read. I believe I treasure it so highly because of how effectively it connects with my real life. It is at points tangled, and does not claim to have all the answers about Rich, or about my human relationships either, but it tells it "real-ly", like it is, knots and all. In the end, Pam's book is a bright tale of the wonder of deep mercy and grace. It is a work of art that celebrates the truth that forgiveness is real for every one of us and that our friendships are made up by a Creator who made us in His image to love and to be loved. "

"Thank you Pam, for taking the time to let this story breathe and flow artistically through you. In the opening pages of your book you said, 'Forgive me, and thank you.' Now it is our turn to thank you."

--Donna Yoder

To see a review by Debbie Blackwell Buckley, click here

Singing from Silence is now available.  Click on the link to purchase.

Rick Troyer knew both Richard Mullins and the author, Pam Richards, back at the Cincinnati Bible College.  Here's his review of  the book, Singing from Silence:

"It is rare that I react to a book like I did to this one."

"From the moment I began, I simply got wrapped up in the book.  I usually can easily fall asleep by 9 pm, even sitting in front of my computer.  Sometimes I wake up, knowing I've been dozing for over 30 minutes. Sitting upright!  Well, the night I read it, I finished the book just past midnight. I had no trouble staying awake. I was too caught up in the book."

"The book itself...the way the story is told...is a blessing.  There is so much substance to it.  Something lacking in so many Evangelical books I read.  (Not that many, to be honest, since I rarely read anything out there that I think is worthwhile.)  That is one of the reasons for which I think it is so good." 

"Pam wrote about events which I knew about firsthand, since she and I attended the same college in Cincinnati, and knew many of the same people. The story is her memoir of what happened from 1974 through about 2009, in which she details her friendship with Rich Mullins, known to millions worldwide for his music, and from my perspective, more importantly, his incredible lyrics. I knew both her and Rich, although I would have defined them more as acquaintances of mine. So her recollections fill in some of the blanks from my CBS years, 1972-78."

"So I'll recommend it highly. For several reasons. It's a truly engaging story. Everybody will be able to identify with the people involved. The author is a terrific story-teller. I felt blessed...literally...simply having read it, which is truly rare! And I think most readers will too.

"A few of you may already know just how good a writer Pam is.  But just in case you don’t, she really did a great job.  The more I think about it, I believe this book deserves a read from all folk, regardless of whether they attended CBS, or knew about Rich, or are Evangelicals, or are pagans. It's simply a very well-written story, having all the ingredients of a best seller."

"I think it's a story that should be told.  And read. And learned from. "

"Anybody who has ever attended or visited CBC (now known as Cincinnati Christian University) will have an even greater appreciation of her stories, since they will be able to visualize the sights on campus to which she refers throughout the book."

"By the way, I am in no way being compensated for this. I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of the book. I said yes, not knowing what to expect. And it turns out, I was very pleasantly surprised."

"So, just trust me: read the book!"

"To Pam and Rich: thanks for the memories!"

--Rick Troyer



To see a review by Ted Yoder, click here

Singing from Silence is now available.  Click on the link to purchase.

Ted Yoder is a National Hammered Dulcimer Champion who has been an admirer of Rich Mullins for years.  He lives out  many of Richard's values:  the boldness to share his live music, the dedication to developing his craft,  and the generosity to share his gift freely.  Here's his take on the book:

"I've had the privilege of getting to know Pam Richards over the last couple months and I've always been a huge fan/admirer of Rich Mullins. Now that I've read Pam's book about her and Rich, I know to call him Richard because that's what you do when you have a term of endearment for someone. "

"I now have more affection and admiration for Richard and what he did here on earth and I'm certain he touched eternity as well--even though he would not be so proud as to say so. I am now a richer person because of this book and I'm even more 'provoked'  by Richard's life and music."

"I hope you take time read this wonderfully written book about two amazing people who wrestled with life, love, God and forgiveness and wrote it down for us to say, 'Hey, I'm not the only one.' Thank you Pam, for your courage and thank you, Richard. I hope to touch the sphere of music and harmony that you did."

To see a review by Donna Yoder, click here

Singing from Silence is now available.  Click on the link to purchase.