Berry, who recently started going to church after a long absence, attempts in this book to make finding a church easier for those who don't know where to begin. Whether this attempt is successful is an open question, but any failure to give truly helpful information to church-seekers is more than compensated for in her fascinating and accessible account of church history. Without getting bogged down in jargon or details, Berry (girlfriends; Daddies and Daughters) helps readers understand how Christendom began as one church and became what it is today. Her stories of the political intrigue behind the various schisms, and her candid descriptions of the lives of important Christians, actually make church history fun to read. Regrettably, though, in an era in which different branches of the faith regularly borrow practices and traditions from each other, the book offers little of substantive value for those wondering if the church down the street is their cup of tea. While her generalizations will provide some basic help for the uninitiated, Berry does not provide enough concrete information about how a given congregation will dress, behave or worship, preferring instead to emphasize the need for readers to call ahead if they have questions. Despite this problem and other minor foibles—such as distracting, overly long sidebars—this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a lucid, comprehensive primer on the history of the Christian church and faith. (Apr.)
