Emily P. (mizparker) reviewed on 4/20/2009 + 87 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Wonderful story! Novels with religious overtones don't typically appeal to me, but this one is lighthearted and imaginative, and appeals to the secular humanist as well as the Christian. It is closer to "edgier" religious fiction - that is, downplaying the importance of organized religion and church in favor of the importance of a personal relationship with God.

Mack Phillips, a man who has lost his small daughter to a brutal murder, has lost his faith; a concept with which he has struggled his entire life. He finds a note in his mailbox from God inviting him to come visit with Him over the weekend. Mack can't resist the invitation (who could?) and is greeted by human personifications of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, with whom he spends several days working through his pain and coming to understand the true nature of God. In Mack's vision, God is "a large black woman with a questionable sense of humor", Jesus is Middle Eastern, and the Holy Ghost is a beautiful Asian woman with a penchant for gardening. His visions make little sense to even him, but as events unfold, all becomes clear. If you liked Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet In Heaven", you will love this story. It is based also on the idea that we all have a unique relationship with God. Quick read, and I would highly recommend it, if only as food for thought.

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