A Fascinating Vocation

They’ll Never Read That by Tony Collins is a fascinating account of the author’s life in publishing.

The whole book is written in a very personable style enabling the reader to become acquainted with Tony Collins. It feels more like we are hearing from a dear friend rather than reading a book.

The world of publishing is full of ups and down, hits and misses. One has to be able to spot the next best seller. Tony Collins writes about the books that got away – and those that didn’t! – The Heavenly Man, Faith Like Potatoes, Alpha, Freedom In Christ to name but a few best sellers.

It is fascinating to note that some books that were best sellers in America failed to provide similar sales here in the UK. I was most surprised to learn that Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series failed to be a best seller in Britain – I have read all the books and watched all the movies and I love it.

There were some amazing facts about the Bible – America sells 168,000 Bibles every day. The Bible is excluded from best sellers lists as it would always top them. And the Gideons give away 90 million Bibles every year. I was also surprised to learn that the NIV only first appeared in 1973.

As well as hearing about Tony Collins professional life, there are stories from his personal life, including his wife’s battle with depression. “There is an undercurrent in some Christian cultures that Christians should not get depressed… It is amazing how good Christians can be at wounding the wounded.” This is sad to read when we should in fact be supporting each other.

As a lover of good books I really enjoyed Tony Collins book. In fact I noted down several more books that I now want to buy!

They’ll Never Read That was a gripping read that I just could not put down and read it in just one sitting!

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON