Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story - Softcover

For decades, Steven Curtis Chapman's music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions around the world. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, and his music in a life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows. Readers will be captivated by this exclusive look into Steven's childhood and challenging family dynamic growing up, how that led to music and early days on the road, his wild ride to the top of the charts, his relationship with wife Mary Beth, and the growth of their family through births and adoptions. In addition to inside stories from his days of youth to his notable career, including the background to some of his best-loved songs, readers will walk with Steven down the devastating road of loss after the tragic death of five-year-old daughter Maria. And they'll experience his return to the stage after doubting he could ever sing again. Poignant, gut-wrenchingly honest, yet always hopeful, Steven offers no sugary solutions to life's toughest questions. Yet out of the brokenness, he continues to trust God to one day fix what is unfixable in this life. This backstage look at the down-to-earth superstar they've come to love will touch fans' lives and fill their hearts with hope. Includes black-and-white photos throughout.

"The way Steven lives, the honest, real stories he has shared, and the encouragement he has given me has had a profound impact on my life. I know that will be how everyone who reads this book will feel too."--Hillary Scott, lead singer of Lady Antebellum

"My heart resonates whenever I connect with someone who understands suffering--not in theory but in the gut and heart. Through decades of quadriplegia, I've learned that when you are hemorrhaging human strength, sometimes answers--even though good, right, and true--can sting like salt in a wound. It's what I love about Steven Curtis Chapman. He doesn't give pat, one-size-fits-all answers to the big questions about life."--Joni Eareckson Tada

"No doubt Steven is a phenomenal songwriter, musician, and artist. However, as I have gotten to know him more, I have come to realize that the power and impact of his music comes from a place of deep humility. I am honored to call Steven a friend, and so happy to recommend his story to you in Between Heaven and the Real World."--Chris Tomlin

"Millions have been inspired by the music of my friend Steven Curtis Chapman--his words and melodies have found their way into countless hearts, ushering in the life-giving truth of Jesus. I believe this book will do the very same thing--for the 'up close' Steven is just as inspiring as the one we find on stage. As he tells his personal story of faith through this book, many will find hope, strength, and inspiration for their own journey."--Matt Redman

"While no one can anticipate the highest highs and the lowest lows of their journey, Steven has invited us to experience all of it with him through his honest music and storytelling. We are all changed for the better as a result of it."--Amy Grant

"We all have a story. But few of us have a story as dramatic and redemptive as the one of Steven Curtis Chapman. His music has touched millions of hearts. May his story touch even more."--Max Lucado

"I have had the great honor of knowing, sharing the stage with, and making music with my good friend Steven Curtis Chapman. This book is an amazing insight into the heart and spirit of a living legend in Christian music."--Mac Powell

"By any measure, Steven Curtis Chapman has left his mark on the music industry. How amazing that with all his success, his legacy will be bigger and longer-lasting than any of the trophies. What Steven and Mary Beth have accomplished in the world of adoption is unparalleled. Caring for the widows and the orphans is a great command, and I don't know anyone who has answered that call with greater passion than my friend Steven Curtis Chapman."
--Michael W. Smith

"You know how when you hear a song and it immediately takes you back to a specific moment in your life? Well . . . Steven was there when I came to know Christ. He was there when my father passed away. He was there when I surrendered to ministry. He was there when I got married. He was there when my first child was born."--Bart Millard

"Steven Curtis Chapman is one of those men who raise the bar for all of us. He has always been a role model of humility and gentleness to me. At the same time a man in the trenches, putting action to his heart for the orphan--building Show Hope--forever expanding the hearts of thousands of families who have welcomed a child into their lives. Steven truly inspires me as a husband, father, songwriter, and artist."--Toby McKeehan

"It's been my privilege over the last eighteen years to call Steven Curtis Chapman a friend. But you don't have to know him personally to know his heart or know his story. His music and lyrics have spoken to millions. When you read Between Heaven and the Real World you will come to know a man who has walked the walk with an incredible grace and a rock-solid faith. If you like his songs, wait till you read this book!"--Ernie Johnson Jr., studio host, Inside the NBA on TNT