Adam S. McHugh

This is a beautiful and witty story that weaves together elements of memoir, California history, wine industry, and life pilgrimage without being like anything else you've read. Adam Hugh's words are engaging, tender and memorable as he tells the story of vocation transition from hospice care to wine hospitality. But, if you are thinking this is Yet Another Napa Valley Story, you'll be thrilled that the tale and the telling is more complex than what that first impression of a wine memoir might lead you to think.

As a reader who discovered McHugh via his first book and has read, loved and recommended both previous books, I'm impressed with the maturity and growth in his craft and skill. I found myself rereading passages or chapters with a highlighter in hand just because I enjoyed it so much.

Highly recommended.… (más)

This book gives introverts permission to serve God within the context of their God-given personalities.

I did feel that there was a greater emphasis on introverted leaders in the church rather than simply introverts in the church. I'm sure this has to do with the fact that the author is an introverted pastor. I imagine that many of the introverts he has extensive contact with (and subsequently, interviewed) are fellow pastors or leaders of some sort. I guess I think it would be nice if laypeople were appreciated a bit more. Leaders need followers, after all!

Here's a quote I liked:

"Our [introverts'] gift of helping others slow down is important in our witness to the nature of God. Postmodern people are not as persuaded by rational argumentation as much as they are by a lifestyle that substantiates a person's worldview. If we want to be persuasive apologists in this culture, we need to invite people into a lifestyle that is different from the status quo. If we are advertising to a world, which is weighed down with busyness, that becoming a Christian just involves adding more activities to your already-overloaded agenda, what is the appeal of the Christian life? Introverts who lead slower, unhurried, reflective lifestyles are very appealing representatives of the One who said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28). (p. 180)… (más)

Blood From a Stone: A Memoir of how Wine Brought me back from the Dead by Adam McHugh is an interesting tale about a hospital chaplain who decides to change careers and start learning about wine, vineyards and the winemaking process.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in these topics. There are some interesting details and antidotes about wine that enthusiasts are sure to find fascinating. And as a memoir, it is equally interesting to learn about the author’s journey into this field. You. An tell he has a such love for his subject matter. This would be a great gift to any wine enthusiast.… (más)