Authors Books

Nate Liederbach's "Doing a Bit of Bleeding" is fearlessly direct, beautifully crafted, and an incredible example of storytelling at its finest. His stories take us on journeys seldom explored with such brutal honesty; rare is the talent that artfully and bravely addresses the whispered taboos of the human condition. His characters are flawed, truthful, and free. The settings flood with a history that defines each piece. Liederbach's envelope-testing style is everything but delicate; he wraps each piece together with barbed wire and squeezes. The stories in "Doing a Bit of Bleeding" comprise an uncommon sort of masterpiece, the details of which must not be overlooked in a swift read; rather, each piece should be savored individually, and revisited as part of an outstanding whole.

The power of this collection is in its details. The thought-provoking, shiver-inducing wounds of life are mined for all their humanity. Each character lives pain through the ink of every day language. It's the echo of a voice we all know, that emotional stutter of reflecting on our mistakes, of realizing our own weaknesses. Liederbrach accomplishes the difficult task of creating characters that are both fascinating and brutally real. In the end, you may not love them all, but you'll appreciate their vulnerability. Definitely a writer with great stories to come.

This is definately a collection worth owning, and I can only echo the praise already written about this book with two thumbs up. The characters draw you into their lives and you will run with them. The humor is subtle, dark at times. This book is filled with tender moments, realizations and people worth knowing. As I understand, this is Mr. Liederbach's first collection, but I definately hope to see more work from him in the future.

Reading Liederbach's work and you'll come face to face with fishermen and chicks who say one thing but mean another, Jesus-freaks and men freaked out by all the ways a heart can break. "Not Exactly a Parable" and "Moonbeams" are the collection's highlights.

Ugliness beneath the surface is brought wiggling to light in Nate Liederbach's short-story collection, "Doing a Bit of Bleeding," to be reconciled as something beautiful. Releasing the reel, Liederbach allows his audience freedom to jerk, swim, and rush head first into his subconscious pools, breathing natural dialogues of unsaid truths about life at the risk of being pulled under. In the same instance, he bleeds from the same hook, showing the world how Rainbows and dark German Browns exist in the same waters. After witnessing a child's wisdom, a sister's pain, a lover's anguish, a brother's mission, a husband's grief, and a fisherman's quest for answers, Liederbach releases his readers for the excitement of another catch and leaves his audience wondering whether he is the fish or the fisherman.

No two ways about it--I just loved this book. Every story is a gem, but best of all was the last and longest tale, Sing Fat and the Imperial Duchess of Woo. While the previous several stories all enchanted me, Sing Fat was really a tour de force of writing, with exotic characters and language specific to a time period. The words are evocative of powerful emotions and the characters just come right off the page into your reading room.

Steinbeck has mastered the literary genre of the short story, just as have two of his contemporaries, Annie Proulx and Jhumpa Lahiri. With the right screenwriter, the story of Sing Fat could be as successful a movie as Brokeback Mountain, adapted from Proulx's short story, or The Namesake, the movie adapted from Lahiri's brief novel by the same name. It's remarkable how easy it is to visualize Steinbeck's characters as his words and writing are that good. For anyone who likes short stories, or for anyone else for that matter, this is a great selection.

Ballantine isn't a small publishing house, but few would have bothered with a book of short stories.

Down To A Soundless Sea by Thomas Steinbeck, son of the California literary legend, John. A collection of seven (which must be a magic number) short stories, all of which takes place in Big Sur. A limited geography with unlimited stories to tell. Steinbeck is every bit the writer that his father was, and it was better that the son waited until he was absolutely ready before he tossed his fate upon the fickle tastes of the reading public. This book is a gem and like all good things, was worth the wait.

Being a life-long John Steinbeck fan, I began reading this book with the clear objective of "being gracious" and trying not to expect too much, since it might fall short of his father's talents. I was so pleasantly proven wrong! Thomas Steinbeck has NOT had to fall back on his family name to be successful. His writing can stand alone on its own merit. I love this book, and while I have already recommended it to friends and associates, I will not be getting rid of it by passing it on, as I often do. It's a "keeper" and I will read it again. Thomas Steinbeck can clearly turn a phrase, and it appears that he can do so naturally. He clearly possesses acute observational skills, and knows human personalities. His characters are full of life and are fully three-dimensional. One does not walk away from this book wondering "Why was this guy or that girl in the plot?" They all hold intrinsic and valuable places in the whole. Not only are these stories interesting and often entertaining, they hold social redeeming values. Thomas Steinbeck, with one book, has shown serious readers that a new kid is on the block, and is a force to be reckoned with. This book is a must read.

Just finished Thomas Steinbeck's book and did enjoy it very much. The characters are odd and varied and all seem perfectly real....I expect most are based on real people. Most of these stories, for this is a collection of (not too) short stories, are stories that were repeated around the Steinbeck dinner table when Thomas's dad, John, was still alive.
The writing style of some of these stories is quite formal, stiff almost at times, and yet they still seem to work. Although the writing is formalized it does have a beauty to it often, a lyrical quality, great selection of words.
In many ways this writing of the son of Steinbeck does remind me of the writing of the father, and certainly that's a good thing. I live on the Central Coast of California where most of these stories take place, and the history in these episodes is right on the money.
If I had one complaint, it would be the same one I've always had for John Steinbeck's writing too: both authors are perhaps overly fond of the tragic ending...which I find odd. I myself am a writer (Birthday Boy, Happy Hour, Safe Sex in the Garden, Allergy-Free Gardening, etc.) and I don't prentend to been even in the same league as John Steinbeck, but still: Every writer I ever met was first of all, dying to get published; then they were dying to make some good sales, to get good reviews, to make some money, to savor some fame. Few writers quite pull this off, but John Steinbeck did so and then some. He was a smash success at an early age and sold books like mad for most of his adult life. I would think his view of the world would be strongly positive, but the opposite seems to be the case. The red pony dies, the huge pearl ruins everything, the big guy accidentally kills the girl, the funny guy trips on a board and breaks his neck. Thomas Steinbeck gets into this tragedy groove too, certainly in the last story in the book, which is the best one too, the strongest,,,,but not to give away the ending.
I think, bottom line is this: it is a really good book, very interesting and well worth reading. The son writes darn well. Must be in his blood.

I thoroughly enjoyed Thomas Steinbeck's storytelling. Vivid images, superb words, lots of nice surprises. I plan to read several of these stories to my 12 year old son -- who I know will also enjoy. Should be recommended high school reading.

Bobby Salton knows she can't take her sadistic husband's abuse for another day. So at the beginning of the story, she takes her little daughter Penny when the monster isn't home and runs. Driving away in her half-working car, she finds refuge in a rambling house on the Connecticuit shore.

Hired as a live-in companion to Alma Ogilvie, Bobby helps the retired headmistress regain her independence.But Bobby's battered appearance also has a startling effect, especially on Eva Rule, Alma's niece, a successful author.

Three very different women grapple with dreams of haunted pasts, and yet form a tenuous bond. Just as they begin to look to to the future, the past catches up with them. Bobby's husband, for one thing, is still on the run looking everywhere for Bobby.

A very absorbing book and hard to put it down.

3 women...3 pasts...3 futures...what will happen to Bobby when Joe finds her? Or will Joe find her? Bobby and her daughter are being abused by Joe, Bobby's husband, they ran away to get away from the abuse. Bobby found a job as a "care-taker" and she nurses an old lady named Alma...who loves children. Alma's niece, Eva, is a writer and quite good...until she stopped writing about things she love...so in the end...will Bobby and Penny be able to stay away from Joe? Find out for yourself and read the book!

There's nothing superficial about the female characters in this book. Starting with the little girl, Penny, and moving to the eldest woman in the story, each unique character is described with increasing depth and detail. The same cannot be said for the depth of the male characters, but at least the good guys outnumber the bad. Be prepared for some VERY realistic perspectives on domestic abuse from every possible angle: the victims, the abuser, the children, and the friends.

I read this book in two days. It was well-written with execellent character development. I highly recommend it, but don't start it unless you have plenty of time to read, you won't want to put it down!

I really enjoyed reading this book from the first page to the last. Not only did it capture my attention immediately,but I connected with the characters as though they were my friends. I couldn't put it down!
I'm really tired of reading trivia. I don't feel justified in taking the time to read a book if I don't learn something. Charlotte Vale Allen set the stage in "Dreaming in Color" so we could identify the atrocities of abuse from the perspective of each character (including the child, Penny).
Kudos to the author. Not only did I learn something, but I will be more understanding of abused women in the future.

This book grabs you and sucks you in from the first page. By page 10, I couldn't put it down. Well written and entertaining, uniquely insightful about growing up male and Southern. I'd recommend this for anyone - my girlfriends loved it, my brother tried to steal it from me.

I never dreamed that I would grow to care for the redneck crew that inhabit the pages of Drive Like Hell. What captured me was Dallas Hudgens' ability to take me inside the heart and mind of an adolescent boy and to show me the humor and sensitivity that reside there. What had me rereading many of the pages was the sheer beauty of the author's words. He describes scenes with such richness and precision that he has you breathing the same air as the characters in his novel. And, as with all great reads, he has you lusting for a sequel!

All of the music references made this book so enjoyable. I picked up my son's copy, and I'm not sure which one of us liked it more. Anyone who's ever been a teenager living in the South (or anywhere for that matter) will identify with Luke Fulmer. Drive Like Hell is funny, suspenseful, and moving, and I can tell that Hudgens is one heck of a Southerner. He's the real thing--and he even manages to work Jack Nicklaus into the story.

Hudgens has spun a compelling tale about Luke, a 16-year-old Southern boy in the late 1970's who is about to have a series of life-shaping experiences. The reader gets to see Luke deal with scrapes with the law, his first girlfriend, his first experiences driving cars legally (and illegally), the minor and major-league drug deals, and coming to terms with his alcoholic mother and absent father. All of this is told with true Southern charm and a fantastic cast of characters--a likeable but gruff sheriff out for political gain, a zany foreign chef who made salad dressing with Paul Newman, a breezy petty thief who happens to be a charming girl, AA teetotalers, and my favorite off all, an unbalanced former professional football player who lives in the moment and has tons of cash to thrown at his mistakes.

I'm not a Southerner, but I was charmed by these just-to-the-side-of-the-law rednecks and car lovers. Let's hope Hudgens treats us to a second story about Luke's career as a bail bondsman.

This novel had me in laughing fits before the end of the first page. I am not an English professor, but I love to read the likes of Christopher Moore, Bill Fitzhugh, etc. Dallas Hudgens fits well with this group, the difference being that he uses the South as a backdrop instead of a punchline. I lived in Georgia for eight years, and this book has jarred loose a lot of memories for me. The comedy is nicely contrasted with raw aggression around every turn, and it is hard to put this book down. Even if you have nothing to do with the South, this is an interesting story with many suprises. The charachters are distinct and vivid, and not hard to remember. If you are from Atlanta or the surrounding area, you'll be able to smell some of the scenes from this book. I can't wait to see what this guy writes next.

You don't need to be of Italian descent or from Michigan to enjoy this delightful collection of short stories from new author Joe Borri. While Joe's a very talented graphic designer, he's even more adept with the written word, bringing to life a variety of entertaining characters and situations we all can identify with. Joe's easy, humorous style and straight-forward storytelling skill makes this book a very enjoyable read. If you like the crazy South Florida stories of Carl Hiaasen or the Margaritaville-inspired stories of Jimmy Buffett, as I do, give Joe's book a shot. You'll be glad you did!

I thought this book might be interesting because it was written by a Detroit Native and is about this city we live in and around. Little did I know that I would pick it up one night figuring I'd thumb through it and read the entire thing in one sitting!!
Eight Dogs Named Jack and 14 Other Stories from the Detroit Streets and Michigan Wilderness marks the writing debut of Michigan artist Joe Borri, who is employed at Skidmore Inc., a studio in Royal Oak, Mich. This collection of short stories is inspired by the East Side Detroit neighborhood where he grew up and its predominantly Italian denizens. It's very easy to read, and keeps you flipping the pages till you're done.
Some books I pick up, read a few chapters and put down, only to never finish them again. The coolest thing about this book is each chapter is its own story. Some of the chapters I really wanted to hear more about, maybe delve into them a little deeper, so I would keep reading the next chapter thinking it would lead into the story deeper, but it would just start another one and get me hooked into that new character.
Joe Borri has a great way of describing the scene. You can picture the street, you can feel the warm breeze blowing on your face, you neck tightens up when he talks about a certain fight, and you need to make another drink when he describes the beautiful ladies the Wiseguys try to work over.
Many of the stories are set in the gritty streets of Detroit, where wiseguys and wannabes walk a thin line between good and evil. Some of these characters work their way "up north," where their street smarts are tested against the immutable forces of nature and the country folk who try and do things a little differently.
The stories are blended together perfectly and this book would be great to bring along on that next flight. You can pick it up anywhere and start fresh. Or you can read it from cover to cover like I did, and finish off a bottle of Scotch while enjoying some of the best writing I've read in years!!

Pat Bonish
www.everymilesamemory.com

Expect the wonderfully unexpected when Goodfellas wannabes meet the Michigan Great Outdoors. With Eight Dogs Named Jack Borri demonstrates that he is a writer who possesses a rare combination of original vision, keen insight and an ability to combine humor and tragedy in striking ways. Many of the stories feature tough characters engaged in battles, physical and psychological, but Borri is not a one-trick pony. Several of my favorite stories in the collection feature characters who are wholly vulnerable and wholly real, and I found myself so engrossed in their struggles that I yearned for their salvation. Borri does not disappoint. Keep your eye on this writer.

This is a collection of short stories written by a native of East Detroit. The stories all take place in Michigan and are outstanding.

I loved this book! The short story format was perfect for this collection of stories from Detroit's east side and "Up North" Michigan. The hunting stories reminded me of tales my dad would tell from his hunting cabin, "The Hot Dog Lodge", and the stories of growing up on Detroit's east side took me back to a time when you could pick up a Vernors at the corner party store and walk into the hardware store and get any tool you needed to finish a job--on credit, no less.
Joe Borri paints a vivid picture with his words and I don't believe I have read a better debut. I cannot wait for more stories from this fresh, new writer.

G-Town's Finest is absolutely the greatest gangster book that i have ever read. It has a story line and a plot that will knock you off your feet. The ending is unreal and unexpected. It kept me interested and wanting to read more. I couldn't put this book down for nothing. It only took me 9 hours to finish it and I cried at the end. I recommend this book to all readers!
Keep up the wonderful work CeDee and I will support all that you do.
Thank you for the wonderful entertainment that I received from reading G-Town's Finest!

THIS BOOK INDEED WAS THE FIRST BOOK THAT MADE ME SHEAD A TEAR OF 2 OR 3..... BUT MY POINT IS THAT THIS BOOK WAS OFF THE WALL. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN AT ALL..... I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE IN THE URBAN FICTIONS GENRE.... PLEASE GO GET IT G-TOWN'S FINEST BOY I TELL YOU

...... PLEASE GO GET IT

... GOT ME ALL SPEECHLESS AND SH*T

G TOWN'S FINEST IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS YOU COULD EVER READ. I RECOMMEND IT TO ALL. IT WILL DEFINTALY CAPUTURE YOUR ATTENTION FROM BEGINING TO THE END FLAT OUT.THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! ANYONE FROM THE HOOD OR OTHERS WILL FEEL THIS BOOK TILL THE VERY END.IF U LIKED COLDEST WINTER EVER,B MORE CAREFUL,TRU TO THE GAME,AND ALL THE OTHER FAST PACE BOOKS THEN YOU WILL LOVE G TOWN'S FINEST.

I really enjoyed the book. I couldn't put the book down.
I want to know where is G-Town Finest's money at???. MAYBE
this could be the next part II.

I have never been the type of person to read, but a friend of mine convinced me to read this book, and I did, and I loved it! Put it this way, I started the book on my lunch break from work. I took the rest of the day off just so I could go home and finish reading it. I needed to know what was going to happen next. The thing I liked the most was everything that I expected to happen, DIDN'T happen. It's not one of those books where you can predict the ending just by reading a few chapters. I don't want to go into any detail because I don't want to tell you too much, so I'll just end this by saying that the book is excellent, and you will enjoy it! I hope this review is helpful.

I had HICKSON do an open mic/book signing on May 22 and we sold out all his books! I love this guy! He is funny, great to work with and I look forward to bringing him back to do all twelve of our stores in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia!!! If you don't know what HEAT is then you need to get burned by this F I R E!!! HICKSON keep doing what you do best...BURN THE LITERARY WORLD!!!

You got to have this book in your collection! Funny, but realistic.

BOLD AND COLORFUL. rhythmic and musical, HARD, HARSH, chill, easy, reflective, reverent, whatever the mood's intent, every word delivers an IMPACT, an impact that can be seen, heard, felt, tasted, smelled...but its bigger than that. Hickson is taking on illiteracy among inner-city youth. he's providing a platform for self-expression across media. I definitely recommend reading Ghettoheat!

I just finished reading Ghettoheat and I loved it! My favorite is "Niggativity", it's hot and it has a message. I'm also fond of "BabyWoman" and the series of events she encounters. Buy the book.

GhettoHeat is the most honest, graphic and realistic piece of literature that I have read in a while. I would like to first applaude Hickson for having the courage to step forward and be heard. Second, I want to thank him for his colorful words that were so inspiring. I look forward to reading more. {YES brothers do read}.

A truly awesome book for Catholics who would like to grow in their faith as an adult. It's easy to read, down to earth, and very practical and applicable to our everyday lives.

The book did help, as I just lost my wife of thirity one years and although I beleive in God I had a few questions about why. I agree with a lot of what the book says, but there are some parts that open the door to more questions.In the end I don't care what your religion is its all about FAITH!

The Gift of Faith was recommended to me by some friends in the Families of Nazareth movement. This book presents most of the core essentials of my faith. I believe that acceptance of the world as God made the world, acceptance of myself as God made me, and surrender to the will of the Lord are vital to living the way of Christ. Consistent with Christ's model, Dajczer provides not only very wise statements about faith, he also gives us wonderful illustrative examples from both scripture and the saints.

The Gift of Faith has three sections: the virtue of faith; the dynamism of faith; and the actualisation of faith. In virtue of faith we learn that God invites us to love Him, and faith leads to self-abandonment and reliance upon God. In dynamism we are invited to deepen our faith. We are told we can accept ourselves and consider our "happy faults". We learn to focus upon humor as a remedy to our self centeredness. In actualization we discover that the Holy Spirit wants to lead us in our journey of faith, and that the Blessed Mother teaches us the way to be open and adhere to the word of God.

What follows are several of the nuggets of wisdom in the book.

The fullness of faith is in love. Focus upon "now" as there is no past or future, only this moment, and the present brings love. Our "fear" of God hurts Him and hurts us. Fear prevents trust. I must know that God is love, that God loves me. Then I can trust Him. Be like a child, trust in God. When praying do not limit or judge the Lord, but believe in the wisdom and love of God and expect miracles.

We have a choice, attachment to things of this earth or to God. Dajczer talks of "inconceivable" faith, one which accepts death and trusts God enough to surrender to His will. This "inconceivable" faith is the faith that makes saints. The only way to true love and peace is "abandonment" of myself to God. When I believe I am strong, I lose focus upon God. It is through my weakness that I grow in trust and love of God. When I know I am weak and cannot control my life, I can abandon myself to the Lord. The key is not winning, but losing, not strength but weakness, not victory but surrender.

Knowing I am human, my mistakes can become "happy faults" if they help me believe in the mercy of God. I cannot know Christ until I know myself. I must know my sins, admit my faults, and realize that God accepts me as I am. I must learn to accept myself as Christ does, then I can learn to synchronize my thought with His thought.

The Gift of Faith is a great book. I recommend it for anyone wishing to grow in their faith.

I have been transformed by reading this book. It has helped me to see that grace comes in everything in life...that all things are from God, even the difficulties. It has helped me to rely only on God, and to see His grace through my daily struggles, failings and weaknesses.

Someone told me about this book when I was going through a hard time with believing. I'm not the kind to read cover-to-cover. Usually, I flip through the book, and see what catches my eye.
This book answered so many questions for me that I did not even know how to ask.

An excellect book for anyone. It was a great Christmas stocking stuffer and will make a great birthday gift when you want to give more than a card.

This is quintessential O. Henry. If you want a gift for a friend or a way to introduce someone to the joys of the short story, this is a great pick.

This book begins with the one of the lesser-known Christmas stories that illustrates how we should give to the utmost during this season of giving. O. Henry is able to use wit to show wisdom, and the ridiculous to show the sublime.

The poor married couple is forced to scrounge for Christmas. The husband hocks his watch to buy hair combs for his wife, and his wife sell her hair to a wig-maker to buy a fob-chain. Bit this story isn't about a couple's holiday folly, but the desire to love and serve other people to the utmost.

One of the classics is "The Last Leaf," about a boy who in inspired by a last leaf, which is really a painting. Another story is "The Cop And the Anthem," about the bum who tries to get arrested, then has a turn of heart second before he is booked for vagrancy. It also has the immortal "The Ransom Of Red Chief," the story about the kidnappers who get the redheaded brat, and try their darndest to get rid of the kid.

O. Henry has the a gift of the twist, like Rod Serling of "Twilight Zone" fame, or M. Night Shyamalan, the director of "The Sixth Sense," and "Signs." As you read, it keeps your eyes on their toes, since at any minute the whole story will twist upside-down. This roller-coaster writing is like a well-told joke.

When I was a teenager, I listened to the Gift of the Magi, the Last Leaf, After Twenty Years etc on public radio stations (Guess where?). I was so moved then. I think these among other great works had played a role in my decision to pursue an English Literature major.
Now life had challenged me into a somewhat different world where often times we forget about the literature, the philosophy and the simpliest pleasures of life.
I bought this book again so that I could read it to my children someday. My first born is only 3. But I think he is starting to show some appreciation.

"The Gift of the Magi and Other Short Stories" brings together 16 pieces by O. Henry. The stories in this collection are taken from 8 of O. Henry's books; the original volumes have publication dates ranging from 1906 to 1911. This book includes a short introductory note on the colorful life and career of the author, who lived from 1862 to 1910.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. O. Henry writes about criminals, dreamers, artists, lovers, and lost souls. Many of these stories have a New York City setting--he really captures the energy and color of the city. There are also a Western story ("The Pimienta Pancakes"), a Southern Gothic tale ("A Municipal Report"), a story set primarily in a small town in Arkansas ("A Retrieved Reformation"), and a story set in rural Alabama ("The Ransom of Red Chief").

If you like stories with "twist" endings, you will probably like this collection. The book as a whole is a lot of fun--full of life and charm. Some of the stories may strike contemporary readers as corny, but I found each tale to be an enjoyable gem of storytelling. The book is rich in irony, with some really funny scenes.

O. Henry tells stories of love, justice, deception, sacrifice, and heroism. He makes some intriguing creative choices; this is clearly the work of a master in total command of the short story genre. His prose style is very readable and engaging, with touches of baroque elegance.

An excellent concept of finding a link between the world today and God. The "non-believer" can relate to this newly discovered God in his/her life who is not a threat, but is rather a source of comfort and intellect.Witty and entertaining, Dr. Adamse makes us rethink our relationship with a higher power.

Great title which delivers a thought-provoking, spiritually challenging glimpse into a dialogue between God & his shrink! This book has broad, interfaith appeal - whether you're a person of faith or simply an observer of human nature - this book will nudge you to question the existence of God's plan. Beautifully written - the author succeeds in testing the reader's willing suspension of disbelief - an essential requirement for good fiction.

God Shrink is a well-written, thought provoking book. The dialogue between God and Richard explores an array of issues from politics to humanity that will leave you questioning your own role in the world. The message of hope and peace shines through and Adamse does a great job in expressing how each person you cross paths with is an opportunity to grow and make a difference - especially when it is God himself. This is a must read!

God's Shrink has an intriguing title and is an absorbing and fascinating book; the unlikely scenario of a patient with possible psychotic tendency who claims to be God, can only stimulate our imagination and curiosity. We are drawn in by the superior intellect of the individual...regardless if he is God or not. His words are empowering and comforting. According to this God we are expected to solve our own problems; after all we have been given brains, and not collective ones, and we should be ready to use them without his help. We are not puppets, and he will not be pulling the strings. This God is very much like loving parents, who comfort us with their support and care but cannot live our life for us.

Particularly moving is Richard's return to his roots; the visit to his grandparents Oma and Opa's house and cemetery plot. I found this passage of the book very emotionally charged, because it brought me back to my own childhood, reconnecting me to family members that have since passed on. I was overwhelmed by emotions, and a flood of cleansing tears streamed down my face. I remembered how much their wisdom and love was instrumental in shaping my character, and helped me in the darkest moments of my life.

God's Shrink is a wonderful book that takes its reader on an emotional journey, based on individual beliefs in God. I found the experience beneficial, and will encourage family and friends to read the book.

Does God need to vent? Does he get stressed? Does he ever take a moment to just stop and pull himself together and decompress? God's Shrink is a book about the possibility of what could happen if The Supreme Being ever thought he needed to talk about his feelings to a mental health professional. The man he picks is Dr. Richard Johnson.

As extraordinary as it would seem to have God walk into a psychiatrist's office and state he has to `vent', Dr. Adamse handles the situation convincingly. Even after several displays of unexplainable feats (speaking foreign languages on demand, reading thoughts, describing the Doctor's morning routine) Richard is still struggling with figuring out exactly how Gabriel's psychosis is structured. It may seem clichéd to us as readers, knowing (or more accurately, assuming) that he actually is talking to God, but in a realistic setting the good Doctor just can't seem to wrap his mind around the possibility. The dichotomy of actually believing in God but not being able to believe you may be in his presence despite the evidence is a tricky subject to traverse. Adamse delves into his own knowledge of psychology, describing to us many technical details of the process and letting us know just how complex the therapy of dealing with a psychosis can be. There is a possibility of one being lost in the subject matter at these points but they don't last long and they are not germane to understanding the story.

As for the plot, Gabriel seems well adjusted and baffles Richard with many of his thoughts and feelings. The things he discusses can easily be coming from a very sane, very concerned person who just wants people to use their free will more than anything else to make the world a better place. The genius in the patient's motives is that he doesn't say it straight forward. Gabriel simply states the obvious in how the world works; things are in motion. He doesn't have control. We are not puppets. As God, he has set things on course and is somewhat disappointed in how they are progressing. Schlepping through this subject matter could easily be full of landmines to controversial damnation, but Adamse seems to have found graceful ways to get this across without (at least as far as I can tell) being insulting to anyone's religion. Of course with Gabriel saying things like `Who says I'm the only God' and making a point of every religion having a different name for him is most likely going to offend SOMEBODY.

There is a saying that the greatest tragedy of Religion is that there are too many names for God. But a simple notation to the fact that God represents himself to Richard as `God' and not Allah, or Buddha or Jehovah can be chalked up to the fact that the Doctor grew up with and has faith in Christianity. Just like many people, Gabriel wants to make himself as available as possible to the person he has chosen to open up to. If the Doctor was of another religion, he might very well have used a different name.

In the end, Dr Adamse makes a great ploy to ask yourself...did this really happen? Was this a real patient? If so, was he God? Or is this just the fictional fantasy depiction of what Dr Adamse would consider his dream patient? Either case, it's a brilliant plant of a seed in the reader's mind. Many questions are asked and many could be discussed in different ways with no clear cut answer simply due to everyone's varied beliefs in God. But the message is clear for the most part...we need to be better humans.