A Burning in My Bones

The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message

By: Winn Collier

Narrated by: Richard Poe

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

Critic reviews

“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)

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.

Third in a Trilogy I Would Venture

A perfect complement to The Pastor and As Kingfishers Catch Fire.
Mr Collier’s biography of Eugene Peterson was respectful of the man and his love of people, place, and poetry. What a tribute to God’s gentle prominence in all of life.
Mr Poe’s narration was especially pleasing to the ear.
Thank you for such excellence!

a beautiful biography

An exceptionallly stirring and thought provoking biography. Peterson was a great role model. An encouragement towards steady and quiet ministry that eschews the loud and business influenced models of pastoring. If you would like more of this in his own words his memoir The Pastor is a an impactful read.

Fantastic.

Just fantastic. A heartwarming account of a close friend’s real, faith filled life to the end.

Immensely Human ~ Profoundly Holy

As the audiobook was ending I yearned to write to this man, Eugene H. Peterson, to sit by him and experience the wisdom and silence. I do not like biographies, normally, this one I loved. I will be buying this book to mark it up and reread it. So worth the time! A life lived. A life well lived. A life truthfully told.

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.

Amazing!

Great insight into the life of this influential man. We need more Christian leaders like Eugene Peterson!

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.

As much about God, as Peterson. As much spiritual devotional, as captivating biography.

Collier has captured and displayed the essence of faithfulness, prayer, and a humble walk with God in his excellent retelling of Peterson’s life of faith.
You will not only learn the facts of a luminary’s life, but be instructed in payer and the ways of God and spiritual leadership.
Listen.
And listen closely.
Because God is still speaking through the life and words of Eugene H. Peterson.

A must read / listen

A wonderful listen! Interesting, encouraging, inspiring. I was encouraged to “meet” a pastor like this. From a distance, I felt like I glimpsed what it actually meant to walk with God in a long obedience and to pastor others.