This was the fastest I’d completed a book in a long time! I enjoyed it that much. I just finished reading (well listening to) the book I ran across at the library called “The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr comes of age” by Patrick Parr. It was published by Lawrence Hill Books of Chicago Review Press and found here. Apparently, Lawrence Hill is “dedicated to publishing nonfiction that centers, focuses on, highlights, and uplifts Black voices and experiences” and more of their titles can be found here (click on Lawrence Hill Books).

I initially shared about this book immediately in the library when I saw it. You might have seen my post about it on Instagram / FB @ sejanashines below:

I checked out the book from the library but when I got home to prepare to read it, I wondered if it was on Audible – and it was! So I purchased a copy and then began listening right away. In record time I finished the book as it kept my interest and was easy to follow. Here’s the review I posted for “The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr comes of age” by Patrick Parr on Audible once I finished. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book as well!

As a current seminarian, I could relate to the shaping that takes place in a person who has a hope for making a difference in our everyday life.

First of all, excellent topic and thorough research from many different sources who have been in proximity and relationship to the young ML. I also appreciated hearing how the events of the day that impacted his life personally but also events that were happening in his school and world also affected ML (and the other students/staff). Details about every aspect of his life in seminary helped me to imagine what it might have been like and some of the tensions he faced in that time.

I should maybe add that I am a mixed race older student at my seminary which is primarily white (in Central Texas). I did very much appreciate that the reader of this audiobook sounds like an African/Black American although the author is Caucasian. The reader read with gusto as well. The writing kept me engaged, although I wondered if some of the topics (deep dive into aspects of study or preaching) will be as appreciated by those who have not attended seminary or Bible school. I could relate to those topics and especially the pulpit supply preaching opportunities as well as the question of how to develop oneself as a person (and as a minister)- do you keep your traditional culture (of preaching or Biblical hermeneutics) or do you embrace the exposure of ideas and new ways that are offered from attending a school in a totally different community/ beliefs than what you are accustomed? The answer for myself and for ML as affirmed to me through this book was that our shaping is a personal and unique journey for each one of us. This book unfolds semester by semester after a setting the stage with the introduction and sharing a bit of what happened after.

I loved this book and glad I initially ran across it posted up in my local library for the upcoming Rev Dr MLK Jr holiday.