Sometimes, you see a title and you just KNOW you have to read the book! This is the case with this book!
Synopsis: Night of the Living Dead Christian is the author's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Imaginary Jesus. Join Matt on his not-quite-true adventure, as he helps Luther, a werewolf on the run, desperate to conquer his inner beast before it's too late. On the way, you'll be introduced to zombies, vampires, and mad scientists, discover how they reflect your own spiritual journey, and learn how you can become fully human—the way Christ intended.
What turns hilarious and heartbreaking, the comedy theology novel is called, "startling, contemporary, meaningful” by Publishers Weekly. Relevant Magazine describes the book as "Monty Python meets C.S. Lewis.” This transformational allegory boldly explores the monstrous underpinnings for our sin nature and guides us along the quest for Christlikeness.
Review: This is an odd book. Course you KNEW that from the title, right? But what you probably would not guess, is how much you CAN learn about the Christian faith in a book that concentrates on werewolves and zombies! Sometimes the humor comes out of left field and leaves you shaking your head and saying 'really? you went there?', and other times you will be rolling on the floor laughing so hard. You have to let go of preconceived notions, and go with the flow of the book. If you do, you will be well rewarded!
Mikalatos does an excellent job is skewing churches whose followers act like the proverbial sheep being lead to slaughter (aka the zombies), as well as how human tendencies can be in opposition to biblical wishes. In fact, there is so much satire in the book, that you may find yourself turning back pages to reread them, looking for more nuances to see who is on the skewer in each chapter.
I took my time reading this book, as it goes back and forth between the 'human', Matt, and the werewolf, Luther, telling their sides of the tale. Luther's narratives over a more studied theological slant, whereas Matt's are more non-traditional- the more touchy-feely faith. "Monty Python meets CS Lewis" REALLY describes this book's overall feel, but it is the dialogue and satire, that showcases the elements of Christianity that Mikalatos is teaching his readers. I also liked how he included extras at the end of the book, like rejected book titles- really gives you an idea of his mindset!
If you are looking for something funny, different and theologically sound, especially something to keep your teens interested in the bible, give this book a read. You'll find yourself wanting to get Mikalatos other books I'm sure!
Mikalatos does an excellent job is skewing churches whose followers act like the proverbial sheep being lead to slaughter (aka the zombies), as well as how human tendencies can be in opposition to biblical wishes. In fact, there is so much satire in the book, that you may find yourself turning back pages to reread them, looking for more nuances to see who is on the skewer in each chapter.
I took my time reading this book, as it goes back and forth between the 'human', Matt, and the werewolf, Luther, telling their sides of the tale. Luther's narratives over a more studied theological slant, whereas Matt's are more non-traditional- the more touchy-feely faith. "Monty Python meets CS Lewis" REALLY describes this book's overall feel, but it is the dialogue and satire, that showcases the elements of Christianity that Mikalatos is teaching his readers. I also liked how he included extras at the end of the book, like rejected book titles- really gives you an idea of his mindset!
If you are looking for something funny, different and theologically sound, especially something to keep your teens interested in the bible, give this book a read. You'll find yourself wanting to get Mikalatos other books I'm sure!
About the Author: Matt Mikalatos received his BA in writing from the University of California Riverside (go Riverside!). Like many future world leaders, he began his career as a clerk at a comic book store. Having discovered that such work caused women to shun him, Matt took control of a high school classroom and taught American literature and drama (although he was best known for his riotous “study halls”). Then Matt, in an unexpected move, joined Campus Crusade for Christ. In a moment of weakness, his best friend, Krista, agreed to marry him. He and Krista were briefly expatriated by Crusade to East Asia, where they ministered for three years. Now back in the States, Matt provides leadership to the international ministries of Crusade’s northwest region. Matt and his wife live near Portland, Oregon. They have three beautiful daughters. Check out his website and blog too!
**
**
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from Tyndale Publishing, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.
**
**
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from Tyndale Publishing, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.
Nicole, thanks for the great review. I'm glad you liked the book!
ReplyDelete