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  • A Burning in My Bones

  • The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message
  • Written by: Winn Collier
  • Narrated by: Richard Poe
  • Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)

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A Burning in My Bones

Written by: Winn Collier
Narrated by: Richard Poe
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Publisher's Summary

This essential authorized biography of Eugene Peterson offers unique insights into the experiences and spiritual convictions of the iconic American pastor and beloved translator of The Message. 

“In the time of a generation-wide breakdown in trust with leaders in every sphere of society, Eugene’s quiet life of deep integrity and gospel purpose is a bright light against a dark backdrop.” (John Mark Comer, author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry)

“This hunger for something radical - something so true that it burned in his bones - was a constant in Eugene’s life. His longing for God ignited a ferocity in his soul.” 

Encounter the multifaceted life of one of the most influential and creative pastors of the past half century with unforgettable stories of Eugene’s lifelong devotion to his craft and love of language, the influences and experiences that shaped his unquenchable faith, the inspiration for his decision to translate The Message, and his success and struggles as a pastor, husband, and father.

Author Winn Collier was given exclusive access to Eugene and his materials for the production of this landmark work. Drawing from his friendship and expansive view of Peterson’s life, Collier offers an intimate, beautiful, and earthy look into a remarkable life.

For Eugene, the gifts of life were inexhaustible: the glint of fading light over the lake; a kiss from Jan; a good joke; a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. As you enter into his story, you’ll find yourself doing the same - noticing how the most ordinary things shimmer with a new and unexpected beauty.

©2020 Winn Collier (P)2020 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“Winn Collier captures Eugene Peterson’s sense of wonder over the presence of God and the radiance of Scripture. Through A Burning in My Bones, you’ll learn to experience life through Eugene’s eyes: dig deep, look for what is real, find the sacred in the rough and ordinary, and live like God is real.” (Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker and lead pastor of National Community Church)

“How do you reduce into words the vital reality of this man, scholar, searcher, teacher, and faithful friend? Eugene was a man who brought Scripture to fresh life for me and millions of others—who else would invite the phrase Holy Luck into a retelling of the Beatitudes? Winn Collier’s skilled storytelling weaves the threads of Eugene’s life into something fitting, like the prayer shawl he wore in his study every day.” (Luci Shaw, Regent College writer in residence and author of The Generosity poems) 

“I knew Eugene Peterson for thirty years, or at least I thought I did. He didn’t talk much, especially about himself. I knew nothing about his mouse tattoo, his Pentecostal mother’s radio program, the abysmal failure of his first church plant attempt, his friendship with a young Pat Robertson, or his square dancing prowess. Somehow Winn Collier ferreted out the little known facts about Eugene that, taken together, complete the picture of a humble, gentle giant who brought the Bible to new life for millions and became an inspirational model for beleaguered pastors everywhere.” (Philip Yancey, author of What’s So Amazing About Grace) 

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What listeners say about A Burning in My Bones

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Spirit filled

Deeply moving. The review requires more words than that but I believe any elaboration is ill required on my part.

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Best book of the year

Loved this so much. Reading was good for my soul. radical reintroduction to Peterson! Highly recommend for folks struggling with church stuff.

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  • Beth Spafford
  • 2021-04-02

Thank you

Though I didn't know Eugene Peterson personally, I have long considered him to be a sort of pastor, mentor and father to me. I have devoured many of his books and listened to several of his classes from Regent College on audio. Thank you to Winn Collier, to Eugene Peterson and to the Peterson family for sharing a life that encourages me in this long obedience. It is a well-written book that doesn't shy away from the ups and downs of his life, that in turn encourages me to continue in prayer, reading and living out the Scriptures and focusing on love and charity.

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  • Shawn Beaty
  • 2021-07-23

Now I know him...

I cried at the end.... a brilliant telling of a complicated, controversial and brilliant man. You will be blessed to finsh this book.

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  • Mike Vantine
  • 2022-04-01

A joy!

This is a man that I have loved learning about, and whom I want to share time with.

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  • Tyrone Rinta
  • 2021-08-02

Inspiring, Moving & Thought Provoking

it started a little slow but that was all very important for the entirety of the story. I had a hard time putting it down. Crazy how much influence he ended up having in our world. A great read for everyone, especially those in pastoral ministry.

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  • Amazon Customer Bob
  • 2021-07-09

Powerful story about a gifted man.

This is a unique story about a man who has many talents but chooses to focus on one of his gifts moving forward. He disciplines himself to try and become a writer and also a man of God. He succeeded but life also became challenging towards the end. Good people he surrounded himself with were helpful.

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  • John D.
  • 2022-10-12

In a Word “amazing”

I started by reading a book written by Eugene Peterson - run with the horses. I had to know more about this man. What a faithful servant. I would have loved to sit in Montana at his “Monastery “ our generation can learn so much by hearing about the life of this Saint.

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  • Sara Cedillo McLeod
  • 2022-06-07

Truly blessed by this man’s life

Speaker was good. I love the journey through Eugene’s life. I am looking forward to reading the books of his life’s work and definitely the translation of the Bible

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  • Chris
  • 2023-02-28

Amazing man, greatly told, masterfully read

This is the second book I’ve listened to by this reader (The first being “East of Eden”). His voice is SO GOOD it makes me want to pick up other Audible books based solely on his reading.

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  • Julie Yoder
  • 2023-02-16

Outstanding!!

Well written and beautifully told. I laughed. I cried. Thank you for this incredible story!

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  • Josh Marion
  • 2023-02-03

Incredible honor of a saint and elder

A beautiful account of a man’s life devoted and faithful to God to the very last. Thank you, Eugene, for not growing weary, for laying your life down wholeheartedly and honoring the cadence and character of God. You were a gift to the Church and this generation, and I’m so grateful.