Last week, Michelle Centers, a Rich Mullins fan who lives in West Virginia, expressed her interest in reviewing Singing from Silence.  Here are her thoughtful and poetic remarks on the book:    

"As I began to read Pamela Richards' new book Singing From Silence I felt as if she was writing the lyrics to music composed by Richard Mullins' life.  The song that comes together through the long friendship of these lonely young kids through adulthood up until his death is inspiring, uplifting, emotional--will make you laugh, and cry.  It reveals how God does have a place for each and every one of us in life. God used one to create music, the other to tell the story. When Pamela finally listened and gave in to the prompting to write, God smiled--and the song that is now finished took flight and is no longer silent."

--Michelle L Centers

Singing from Silence is now available.  To purchase, click on this link.

To see a reiew by Beverly Hall Walker, click here.

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.

Sandra is the first to respond of those I have invited to review Singing from Silence leading up to its publication.   She lives in a part of the world where Rich Mullins is not well-known, and she belongs to the Jewish faith.  I am honored by her candid remarks.   --Pam Richards

"Singing from Silence by Pamela Richards  is one of the most absorbing and meaningful books I have read in years. It is a  compelling read and once started it is impossible to put down."
 
"In the main, Singing from Silence  is a deeply personal narration of the author’s relationship with the religious  song writer and musical performer Rich Mullins.  It is a beautiful, sensitive  and tragic story.  But it is also much more than that.  While it describes the author's spiritual and emotional journey of self-discovery it is also an exploration of the true meaning of love.  She describes their relationship as   "'a lighter-than-air relationship: both  ecstatic and excruciating.'"
 
"Her personal journey has been  both joyful and uplifting at times but it has also been a tragic one. She describes the hills and valleys of the path she has travelled with sensitivity and insight. But what makes it so special is the amazing honesty with which she narrates this unusual love story."
 
"Pamela Richards is a unique  and free spirit and she has written a deeply moving book that is filled with  poetry and her own artistic vision. Her original view of life and personal philosophy are an important part of her narrative which is enriched with poetry,  music, art and her unique form of spirituality."
 
"It is a book completely devoid of materialistic concerns which is so refreshing in these times. Inspired in essence by King Solomon's Song of Songs, it is a book to think about, to savour and remember."
 
--Sandra Fisher

For a review by Timothy Leonard, click here