Publisher: Picador USA (2007)

Pages: Paperback, 245 pages

Price: £10.02

Buy on Amazon UK

Reviewer rating: 

5

Pros: 

Wickedly funny, moving, revealing look at our culture and the state of our collective spirituality

Cons: 

Skewers self-righteous religion. Ooops, that's also a "Pro"

If my son-in-law didn't work at an FDNY firehouse near Morris Avenue, I probably would not have bothered to read this book.  It would have been a terrible loss.  The writing is rollicking, humorous, character-driven, but works mysteriously into full-blown biblical cross-references through a spiritual journey set in the near future.  Those of you who have spent some time in the New Testament will find this book really engaging, but if you don't like your religion taken with a grain of salt, read elsewhere.

We always seem to need someone or something to save our poor sad souls.  The author contends that there is no shortage of miraculous spiritual guides abounding, just a shortage of those who can actually see them for what they are.

The author is a past editor of the National Lampoon, so if off-kilter, sarcastic humor is your idea of a good time, dive in.  Especially if you don't mind skewering religiousity and self-righteousness in the process. If you've never been to the Mid-Bronx, this will transport you into a community that is an engine of regeneration and redemption.

Highly recommended, for anyone who needs a break from their stress doseage.