Book Review: My Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Back in December, we reviewed Matt's book, Night of the Christian Undead

I found it original, funny and inspiring, so when the opportunity came to review his previous book, My Imaginary Jesus, I was very interested in reading it! Read on to see why!

My Imaginary Jesus cover


Synopsis: Matt Mikalatos liked Jesus a lot. In fact, he couldn't believe how much they had in common. They shared the same likes, dislikes, beliefs, and opinions. (Though Jesus did have better hair.) So imagine Matt's astonishment when he finds out that the guy he knows as Jesus . . . isn't. He's an Imaginary Jesus: a comfortable, convenient imitation Matt has created in his own image. The real Jesus is still out there somewhere . . . and Matt is determined to find him.

In this hilarious, fast-paced, sort-of-true story hailed as "Monty Python meets C. S. Lewis,” Matt embarks on an incredible chase to find the real Jesus and ask him the one question that his Imaginary Jesus has never been able to answer. It's a wild spiritual adventure like nothing you've ever read before . . . and it might bring you face-to-face with an imposter in your own life. This new edition now contains a discussion guide, an interview with the author, and other bonus features! (Previously published as Imaginary Jesus.)



Download the first chapter on the author's website!


Review: This is one of those books (which all of Matt's seem to be, hmmm, I'm sure there's a psychological post there), in which you laugh one minute, shake your head the next, are amazed at his insight, then are rolling on the floor from laughing so hard (Magic 8 ball Jesus will DEFINITELY put you there!). Then you go back and forth between them all. When you get done, someone asks you about the book, and you go "well, it was different", and you're hard pressed to EXPLAIN it. Which means it's smart, funny, eclectic and will test what you THINK you know about Jesus and the bible! 


Like Matt's other books, you have to take the proverbial grain of salt, and just plunge into the book. Once you come off the floor from laughing the first time, you'll forget any begrudgings and will enjoy the read! The book will force you to think about how YOU think about Jesus, and what you know/think you know.If you've dealt with a very hard loss of a loved one, then you will understand the dilemma that Matt faces in the book, and how he deals with it, may help you and your grief. Having imaginary Jesus' that alot of us may have had in the past (Legalistic Jesus, Hippie Jesus) too, helps readers relate to the story as well.


Now having said all that, this book is NOT for everyone. If you can laugh at your faith, then you'll find alot of insight and humor in the book. If you can't, then you may find it just too sacrilegious, for you (it's really not, but it may SEEM that way to you). If you do read it, be sure to check out the discussion guide- Matt has some real gems in there! 


Sorry this one is going to pass around and get read, and then may come up to Top Shelf for giveaway! Check out the book trailer, and you'll see what I mean, by you'll love this book, in a weird way! (don't send the Frog of Hate to me Matt- I DO love the book! LOL)


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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 was offered this book, free of charge,from Tyndale, for review on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to review the book.  


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