I’ve been on a biography jag lately…finished up “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson (definitely recommend) and now I’m nearly done with “Open” by Andre Agassi. Even if you’re not a tennis lover, not into Wimbledon right now (really?!), I think you’d enjoy it. It’s a fascinating, well-written read.

Agassi’s father was very abusive and controlling–off the charts. Most of his life, it seems, is spent untangling his father’s influence over him. There’s a moment when Agassi seeks out a pastor. I’d love to know your thoughts on this conversation:

I talk about my father. I tell J.P. about the yelling the pressure, the rage, the abandonment. J.P. gets a funny look on his face. You do realize, don’t you, that God isn’t anything like your father? You know that–don’t you?

I almost drive the Corvette onto the shoulder.

God, he says, is the opposite of your father. God isn’t mad at you all the time. God isn’t yelling in your ear, harping on your imperfections. That voice you hear all the time, that angry voice? That’s not God. That’s still your father.

I turn to him: Do me a favor? Say that again.

He does. Word for word.

Say it once more.

He does.

I thank him.