The Mural Writer: The unlikely story of an outcast who fulfilled an extraordinary purpose

This book came highly recommended to me, so I read it with a very positive attitude. The first couple of pages were well written, but the rest of the book was a mixture of writer perspectives. Sometimes it was first person, then second, and then third. Quotes were abundant, trite, and questionable, given the years passed. The writer often inserted personal opinion about certain events in the main character's life. I believe she was writing his life story as dictated and told by him to her - many years after the various happenings. The detail of description, conversations, and downright trivia was overwhelming and incredibly tiresome. It seemed like very contrived fiction, not a non-fiction story about a man's life and purpose. My other comment is that although he was supposed to be a victim of terrible life challenges, much of it was the result of his anger, outbursts, lack of responsibility, etc. His constant turning to God for guidance and acceptance struck me as strange, to put it mildly, since he never seemed to find the right path or find forgiveness for others. I was immensely disappointed in it - could barely drag myself to the end. Sorry I couldn't find any redeeming value.

I knew Ed while he was in the warehouse in Kalkaska. His son John asked me to see if I could help clean up some of his scrap wood for my wood furnace. I spent a lot of time with Ed. I also visited him when he was in the nursing home. Jean's brother is my best friend and I know her family well. I will be 77 this year(2014). I am a strong believer and this book really brought some tears. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks so much LaShelle for being there for him.

This book was recommended to me because of the similarities of a gift God has given me. Although Mr. Lantzer and I have very different backgrounds and craftsmanship I related to his story. I particularly connected with the hidden things of his murals. LaShelle has done a wonderful job retelling this amazing story in a way that honors God and also leaves a wonderful legacy behind for Mr. Lantzer.

Recommended read. Saw the murals myself and thoroughly enjoyed. Can't wait to dig into the book to read about the artist himself.

An amazing and wonderful account of a man that you would want to know.

I just LOVED the story and the book. Very easy to follow...I thought the writer did an OUTSTANDING job writing the story of Ed's life. What a GREAT read. I truly enjoyed this book. I had given this to four of my friends to read and they all felt the same they really liked the book.Lee & Linda Gore

God does give everyone a gift we are to use to help those around us. Ed's gift was incredible and has and will bless many people forever. One of LaShelle's gift was to write Ed's story so we could read it, and so it would encourage all of us to look at ourselves to see what our gift might be. What should we be doing to encourage those around us to see themselves as God see them. This is a true story of a very gifted man who in never lost his FAITH. He always knew that God would provide what ever the need God would provide. You owe it to yourself to read this book and grow stronger in your faith and KNOW that God will provide ALWAYS.Thank you LaShelle for having the courage to tell Ed's story and tell it so well!!!

Wonderfully told story about what faith did for one man. Maybe, just maybe, that kind of faith can work for others too. Well done thou good and faithful servant!