[The Book of Bird] “is thoroughly believable and very humorous at times.  It suggests by its format that we can have a moment to moment intimate relationship with our Creator utilizing our ‘God given’ intellect, will, and unique talents to know and glorify Him.”

Lynda Guidry
A Book Review – Guidry News Service

                “While Dan Brown’s blockbuster ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ will continue to stir up controversy worldwide. . . Vance Redden’s ‘The Book of Bird’ offers a different approach that will challenge readers along different lines. . .In addition to narrative passages, Redden uses the literary device of personal conversations with God to tell the tale.  God has the best lines.”

Rick Cousins
The Daily News – Galveston, Texas

“Vance invites you in the Book of Bird to join him as he (and you) challenges the depth of your Christianity to find that your personal relationship with God has been lifted higher.  The scripture in James 2:23 will come alive in you as it did Abraham when God called him “friend.”

Bill Loyd, Field Director
Prison Fellowship Ministries

    "I have reviewed your "Book of Bird" and I find it quite accurate - Yes!  You have been there!!  The Book of Bird is a true reflection of the justice system and effectively relates to the only real answer to achieving Restorative Justice in our country - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Chaplain Allen D. Hanson
Lutheran Prison Ministry

    If you want to laugh one minute and cry the next, read these intimate moments and enjoy the interaction with others.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it to the Bible Study Group.  Vance, God has really blessed you.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jerry Wayne Bernard
Apologist & Director of Biblical Studies
www.jerrybernard.com

    Intriguing!  Wonderful!

Dr.  Karen S. Dorris
Bishop - United Methodist Church

   "The Book of Bird is a marvelous literary and spiritual achievement of our time.  It should be read and studied by all persons who prefer 'inspiration' over 'palliation' in their lives.

John L & Pamela S Indo
co-authors of The Iron Ghetto

    "Why me?  Why not the really bad guys?"  We all go through times of questioning God.  "I'm a Christian now.  Only good stuff can happen to me."  I've heard that time and time again.  How do you explain God's will for our lives when all people do is focus on the negative?  Vance Redden in his book, The Book of Bird, answers some of these questions.  Vance walks you through one man's experience (his personal experience) of coming to understand that God can be loving and caring; and at the same time, allow awful things to happen to His people on earth.  We all go through the process of growing in our faith and Vance provides us an inside look at his own growth process.  I really enjoyed the book.  It provided a perspective that I haven't seen.  I would recommend this book to anyone who has questioned God about why bad things happen to good people.

    Some may feel uncomfortable with the anthropomorphic images of God.  But I feel they are very appropriate and express the feeling of building a relationship and that's what Christianity is all about: building a relationship with God.  For me, God is someone you can sit down and talk to when you've got something to celebrate.

Rev. Robert J Cullen
United Methodist Church

    In reading The Book of Bird, I was intrigued and challenged in thought.  The format was refreshing and thought provoking at the same time.  As I read, coming from a very conservative background, it is easy to see how you would be very much concerned with people refocusing on the love of God.  Too often we can get so caught up in our own Christian struggles that we forget that Jesus came not to judge, but to fulfill the law.  Your book is a very personal look at the spiritual rebirth that someone in prison can come to.  It is graphic in its' presentation so as to truly reflect life inside.  As  a Christian Bookstore manager, it is good news waiting to be sent.

    We send books to various prisoners daily.  I can see how The Book of Bird would be an incredible gift to someone inside.  Please accept our initial order enclosed.  We intend to suggest it to anyone sending books into prisons.  The inmates are quite literally doing time, which gives us, as Christians, an awesome opportunity to get materials in their hands. 
The Book of Bird could be the tool God uses
to open these people's hearts to His calling.

Robb C Stine
General Manager
Lifeway Christian Stores
Baptist Bookstores

    Your story describes a poignant human struggle that we humans have with life and with God.  As you pointed out, we justify our actions until we are forced to look at them with clarity and truth.

    The description of the penal system was graphic and disturbing.  I learned many things about prison life through your first hand account.  You clearly describe the loss of freedom and human dignity in the jail cell.  Prison is a place where I never want to live.

    Your story is humorous in places.  I found myself laughing at some of your jail experiences.  I also felt sad, especially at the end. . .

    Your running dialogue with God was a very personal account of your struggle to understand God's ways and truths for humanity.  You entered the dialogue as a cynic and came through the experience as a believer in the love and mercy of a Divine Creator.  The questions that you asked God are questions of the ages.  It was encouraging to know that you received answers that led to your acceptance of the God who loves you and cares about your every need.

    I appreciate your courage and candor in sharing an intensely personal part of your
 life. . . and as a seeker of divine truth. . .

Rev. Dr. Gail Harrelson
Glenbrook United Methodist Church
Houston, TX

    . . .The Book of Bird is the story of an intense and deeply personal pilgrimage that Vance began in 1996 that will continue throughout the remainder of his life.  His personal narratives reveal the stages men pass through in their Christian lives . . .; the path that leads a man from denial to acceptance.  Of greater significance than the narratives are his "dialogues with God."  The subject matter of these dialogues encompass relational issues between man and God, to complex theological issues on the nature of God.

    Many of his theological reflections are . . .a reflection of the author's personal philosophy/theology and are sure to be considered by many as controversial and/or thought provoking.  My desire for this book is that it shall become a springboard that will cause interest in the prison ministry and the deeper issues of seeing men set free spiritually, while incarcerated physically. . .A person that reads this book will not only be informed, but hopefully changed.

Charles Haig, M.Div.
Supervisor of Chaplaincy Operations
California State Prison San Quentin