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“You desire truth in the inward being; teach me wisdom in my secret heart.” This cry of the psalmist [Psalm 51:6] echoes throughout this “unconventional” biography, Clayton’s Chronicles. Clayton’s life has held profound joys, and profound griefs—recounted here with courage and vulnerability. Again and again, we hear the invitation not to flee from our fears and our deepest wounds, but to share them, to consider what they might teach, and to bring them into the light.
It’s been said that our final decades bring us “face to face with our last chance to experience our lives more fully and more freely, to experience it so much more able to love and give and forgive.” [Kathleen Dowling Singh] The Steiners have shared a glimpse of one such life. I hope that many readers will be coaxed along a similar path of self-discovery, coming to see their lives “more fully and more freely”.
A Mennonite Spiritual Director
Indiana
It’s been said that our final decades bring us “face to face with our last chance to experience our lives more fully and more freely, to experience it so much more able to love and give and forgive.” [Kathleen Dowling Singh] The Steiners have shared a glimpse of one such life. I hope that many readers will be coaxed along a similar path of self-discovery, coming to see their lives “more fully and more freely”.
A Mennonite Spiritual Director
Indiana
This is a great story and product and I’m excited to see it go to print. Jere (Clayton's nephew) provides a unique telling of Clayton's story by including a heavenly being to chronicle Clayton’s life. The story is written with integrity and vulnerability, not shying away from the struggles and toxicity experienced throughout his life.
An important story about how negative childhood environments greatly affect us AND how overcoming those difficulties is possible.
This is a must-read book, especially for those who have hidden their thoughts and emotions within themselves for far too long.
Ben Bouman
Pastor of Walnut Hill Mennonite Church
An important story about how negative childhood environments greatly affect us AND how overcoming those difficulties is possible.
This is a must-read book, especially for those who have hidden their thoughts and emotions within themselves for far too long.
Ben Bouman
Pastor of Walnut Hill Mennonite Church
The “chronicler” aspect sure added a different dimension. Through it the reader is invited to enter into all the elements of not just Clayton’s life, but also Beemer’s, the chronicler. We get two for the price of one...
It is a historical account but much more. It is also a journey of psychological and spiritual dimensions. All throughout the book the struggle through the issues of loss, grief, control, despair, and hope were thought-provoking. The questions and insights raised, along with the extensive vocabulary used in its stead, was quite remarkable.
To see this “three generational” creativity at work speaks highly of all three of them! Thank you, Jere, Becca and Clayton. It is especially a testament to the love Clayton has for family, his attention to family, appreciation of their gifts, and the way he is passing that on to the upcoming generations!
Curt Kuhns
Retired Pastor
It is a historical account but much more. It is also a journey of psychological and spiritual dimensions. All throughout the book the struggle through the issues of loss, grief, control, despair, and hope were thought-provoking. The questions and insights raised, along with the extensive vocabulary used in its stead, was quite remarkable.
To see this “three generational” creativity at work speaks highly of all three of them! Thank you, Jere, Becca and Clayton. It is especially a testament to the love Clayton has for family, his attention to family, appreciation of their gifts, and the way he is passing that on to the upcoming generations!
Curt Kuhns
Retired Pastor
Honestly, I approached this book with low expectations. Something about the way the book was originally described to me conjured unappealing images of a fairly dry personal history with an imagined heavenly observer to provide a weird, probably unnecessary, twist. So I dragged my feet a while before even opening the book -- only to find myself pleasantly surprised as I read. It is so much better than I expected!
The stories of Clayton's life run the gamut from sweet to tragic, awkward to hopeful, and funny to mundane. A handful of the stories were at least vaguely familiar, bits of broader family lore that had been shared with me at some point, but the vast majority was completely new information to me. I learned a lot about Clayton and was impressed with the vulnerable way that stories of all kinds were included; Clayton's mistakes and low points are shared right alongside his strengths and triumphs. This is a humble and reflective retelling, and one I definitely enjoyed reading.
Biography is blended with speculative fiction in a unique way in this book; the invention of heavenly chroniclers who keep detailed records of the lives of each and every one of God's beloved children is a creative idea that actually is a useful tool for bringing the various parts of Clayton's life together. Are some things clearer in hindsight? Beemer's questions and observations allow those lessons learned to be presented right alongside each incident. Are the styles and content in some sections notably different from others? Beemer's progression as a newbie chronicler also lends some logic to those differences. It's not a perfect tool, and at times, it feels excessive or repetitive, but overall, Beemer and his editors play a valuable and creative role in the book.
I'm genuinely glad I read this book. It's not perfect but lovely, thought-provoking, and moved me to tears several times. 4.5 out of 5 stars, well worth reading.
Rachel Miller
The stories of Clayton's life run the gamut from sweet to tragic, awkward to hopeful, and funny to mundane. A handful of the stories were at least vaguely familiar, bits of broader family lore that had been shared with me at some point, but the vast majority was completely new information to me. I learned a lot about Clayton and was impressed with the vulnerable way that stories of all kinds were included; Clayton's mistakes and low points are shared right alongside his strengths and triumphs. This is a humble and reflective retelling, and one I definitely enjoyed reading.
Biography is blended with speculative fiction in a unique way in this book; the invention of heavenly chroniclers who keep detailed records of the lives of each and every one of God's beloved children is a creative idea that actually is a useful tool for bringing the various parts of Clayton's life together. Are some things clearer in hindsight? Beemer's questions and observations allow those lessons learned to be presented right alongside each incident. Are the styles and content in some sections notably different from others? Beemer's progression as a newbie chronicler also lends some logic to those differences. It's not a perfect tool, and at times, it feels excessive or repetitive, but overall, Beemer and his editors play a valuable and creative role in the book.
I'm genuinely glad I read this book. It's not perfect but lovely, thought-provoking, and moved me to tears several times. 4.5 out of 5 stars, well worth reading.
Rachel Miller
Clayton’s Chronicles by Jere Steiner and Clayton Steiner is a heartwarming memoir in story form that is hopeful and engaging. There is a grace to this story that holds and never shies away from, the hard things that life brings. It is a story of an evolution of faith that I think many readers will identify with. Clayton’s story will stay with me for a long time to come.
Lynn Diener
Writer and Mennonite by Choice
Lynn Diener
Writer and Mennonite by Choice
It was an enjoyable read. I learned a lot, especially about Clayton's childhood, the many places he's been, and the many things he's done. He has been through a lot, and I greatly admire his tenacity. I'm guessing that many people who read this will have had similar situations (hopefully to a lesser degree) in their home, and realize that, with God's healing and hope, they, too, can overcome.”
LeAnna Dunn
A Fellow Christian
LeAnna Dunn
A Fellow Christian
I have always seen Clayton as a lifelong learner who was interested in passing what he learned on to others. This book is an affirmation of that. Both his humbleness and bravery in reaching out to Jere to tell this story is a gift to all who read this book.
It is amazing how influential childhood experiences can affect the rest of one’s life. Yet, sometimes because of the struggles, with effort one can have a wonderful, productive, fulfilled life. Clayton’s story is a good uplifting example of this.
Ray Nussbaum
It is amazing how influential childhood experiences can affect the rest of one’s life. Yet, sometimes because of the struggles, with effort one can have a wonderful, productive, fulfilled life. Clayton’s story is a good uplifting example of this.
Ray Nussbaum
The book is well written and a page-turner. It invoked emotions in me often to tears. It encouraged me to do a self-check on my family of origin issues including my mental, physical, and spiritual health.
-Anonymous
-Anonymous
The strong extended family bond is evidenced by the ease with which Clayton ( uncle) and Jere ( nephew) write this unique form of a truly insightful and touching chronicle/memoir. I found myself weeping and smiling as I navigated through the innermost parts of Clayton's life. Relating to portions of the book and at other times find myself unable to fathom the despair of the young Clayton. A true picture of how all parts of life are woven together to make the person whom he or she was created to be. Most outstanding is that, save the names, this detailed account is true and accurate.
Barbara (Unternahrer) Yoder
Retired Schoolteacher
Former adjunct university professor
Barbara (Unternahrer) Yoder
Retired Schoolteacher
Former adjunct university professor
In this memoir plus, the low points in Clayton’s life are carefully documented as well as the high points. There will be people who complain that we shouldn’t “drag up the past” but it is important to tell the whole story, as much as possible, including the father's sins which affect the children's lives into adulthood. One must at times look back before moving forward. Beemer has done a swell job of following Clayton around in life, accurately detailing Clayton’s Chronicles, and getting below the surface of just facts, to share emotions. This book is a first-rate example of how excellent storytelling can turn ordinary life into fascinating reading.
Pearl
Ex-Mennonite by choice
In this memoir plus, the low points in Clayton’s life are carefully documented as well as the high points. There will be people who complain that we shouldn’t “drag up the past” but it is important to tell the whole story, as much as possible, including the father's sins which affect the children's lives into adulthood. One must at times look back before moving forward. Beemer has done a swell job of following Clayton around in life, accurately detailing Clayton’s Chronicles, and getting below the surface of just facts, to share emotions. This book is a first-rate example of how excellent storytelling can turn ordinary life into fascinating reading.
Pearl
Ex-Mennonite by choice
I found it interesting and intriguing to read from the point of view of Beemer chronicling Clayton's story, but this has also caused me to think deeper as to what my own story would look like if I had a Chronicler as well. There are sections I have gone back and read over due to it causing me to be reminded of how God "The Boss" does care about every tiny detail in my life and most of all how it ALL matters to him. That I am his precious child despite the number of times I sin against him.
Cynthia Burt
Avid Reader
Cynthia Burt
Avid Reader
I found it fascinating to travel the journey of Clayton's growth alongside him through the book. I felt like Clayton has tried to be intentional towards growth and love in different ways at different points in his life.
I think the younger generations would benefit from this as we become parents. Parenting is so hard, and it can feel impossible and lonely at times. To know that the people we look up to also struggled and learned gives permission for us to struggle and learn.
Kelsey
I think the younger generations would benefit from this as we become parents. Parenting is so hard, and it can feel impossible and lonely at times. To know that the people we look up to also struggled and learned gives permission for us to struggle and learn.
Kelsey
The book was a long but vulnerable courageous gutsy feel-good psychological religious book. Jere did an amazing job of looking at the psychology of why certain events and choices occurred and why people did what they did. He has a great understanding of human nature and probably no other person I know well has the depth to have been able to pull off what he did in piecing it all together. -- He needs to keep writing.
Kimberly
Kimberly
I have thoroughly enjoyed Clayton’s Chronicles. I was encouraged to read Clayton’s life story and his ability to persevere through the battering of his faith and various life events. I was encouraged (and I think others will be too) to learn of his tender heart for his family/wife/fellow humans and his encouragement to stay the course while dealing with some pretty heavy stuff.
I’ll happily recommend Clayton’s Chronicles to others as it was a compelling read...
Cindy
I’ll happily recommend Clayton’s Chronicles to others as it was a compelling read...
Cindy
Clayton's Chronicles by Jere Steiner is a couple of genres wrapped up into one great story! First and foremost, It is a biography of the author's Uncle Clayton. Secondly, there is a fiction note. The fictional Heavenly Chronicler, Beemer, has been assigned by God (THE BOSS) to follow Clayton throughout his life and write his story for the Heavenly Anals.
The entwinement of these two genres is a clever way to tell the story of a man who loved his family and served God generously. When given the assignment to chronicle the life of a Mennonite farm boy from the sleepy town of Kidron, Oh, Beemer was less than impressed. He wanted to record the story of someone famous, a hero of sorts. Beemer gets his wish as the story unfolds about Clayton's hardships and the genuineness and grace with which he handles them. He witnessed and wrote the story of a real-life hero.
The eye-opener for Beemer was an essay Clayton's granddaughter, Kristin, wrote of him for a college assignment. The essay, in itself, gave an accurate and heartfelt account of the life of her humble grandfather. It proved him to be a man after God's heart, as he lived his life serving Him and His people.
Clayton's Chronicles is a story many could resonate with; real people, doing real life, impacting lives in humble ways, all through the grace of God.
Kim Ray Mishler
Author - A Life Rescued
The entwinement of these two genres is a clever way to tell the story of a man who loved his family and served God generously. When given the assignment to chronicle the life of a Mennonite farm boy from the sleepy town of Kidron, Oh, Beemer was less than impressed. He wanted to record the story of someone famous, a hero of sorts. Beemer gets his wish as the story unfolds about Clayton's hardships and the genuineness and grace with which he handles them. He witnessed and wrote the story of a real-life hero.
The eye-opener for Beemer was an essay Clayton's granddaughter, Kristin, wrote of him for a college assignment. The essay, in itself, gave an accurate and heartfelt account of the life of her humble grandfather. It proved him to be a man after God's heart, as he lived his life serving Him and His people.
Clayton's Chronicles is a story many could resonate with; real people, doing real life, impacting lives in humble ways, all through the grace of God.
Kim Ray Mishler
Author - A Life Rescued
Raw and gut-wrenching
Open heart and soul
Love overflowing
Love wanting
Head-turning
Hands over eyes
Unexpected details
Brutally honest
Creative writing style
Understanding the world of publishing helpful
Psychology pseudo textbook
Robust spiritual undercurrents
Steiner family historical gem
Unexpected difficult revelations
Laugh-out-loud incidents
Sad tears requiring tissues
Bitter moments
Sweeter times overcome
Sarcastic views
Reality overrides
Empty heart
Abundant love
Blissful joy and happiness
Unimaginable sorrow
Dark places
Overcomer
Festering wounds
Healthy scars
Where are you, God?
Thank you, God, for life and your grace!
-Anonymous
Open heart and soul
Love overflowing
Love wanting
Head-turning
Hands over eyes
Unexpected details
Brutally honest
Creative writing style
Understanding the world of publishing helpful
Psychology pseudo textbook
Robust spiritual undercurrents
Steiner family historical gem
Unexpected difficult revelations
Laugh-out-loud incidents
Sad tears requiring tissues
Bitter moments
Sweeter times overcome
Sarcastic views
Reality overrides
Empty heart
Abundant love
Blissful joy and happiness
Unimaginable sorrow
Dark places
Overcomer
Festering wounds
Healthy scars
Where are you, God?
Thank you, God, for life and your grace!
-Anonymous