What do you think?
Rate this book
Night with a Perfect Stranger: The Conversation that Changes Everything
Six years ago, businessman Nick Cominsky encountered Jesus the old-fashioned way—in a face-to-face meeting. And the Christian life seemed a breeze . . . for a while. But now, having done everything he knows to grow spiritually, he wonders where his closeness with Jesus has gone. Burned out and hopeless, Nick wails his complaints to God during a late-night interstate trip. Then suddenly he runs out of gas—and finds Jesus along the roadside carrying a gas can.
Jesus hops in the truck and offers answers Nick never heard in church . . . and a nighttime of adventures ensues beyond anything Nick could have imagined.
Jesus hops in the truck and offers answers Nick never heard in church . . . and a nighttime of adventures ensues beyond anything Nick could have imagined.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
41 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
David Gregory
142 books106 followersDavid Gregory's life has come full circle. Despite a love for writing and liberal arts in high school and college, David opted for a “more practical” business degree that launched him into a successful ten-year career in compensation management with three consulting firms and Texas Instruments. After a decade of spreadsheets, however, he was ready to look for a career offering more personal meaning.
David returned to graduate school, earning a master's degree from the University of North Texas with concentrations in communication and sociology. During that time, he began creative writing in the form of two short screenplays, one dramatic and one science fiction. He also started a periodic newsletter before joining a Christian ministry as staff writer and editor. While there, he coauthored two nonfiction books, The Marvelous Exchange and The Rest of the Gospel: When the Partial Gospel Has Worn You Out.
While earning another master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, David entertained a new craft: writing fiction. He decided that in a culture dominated by sound bites, reality TV, and the Internet, communicating through story could reach otherwise untapped audience. Taking some material on worldviews that he had planned to put into nonfiction form, he began writing Dinner with a Perfect Stranger.
David's current study focuses on the postmodern worldview and how it intersects with the Christian conception of God, meaning in life, and the process of knowing (epistemology). He is currently writing his second novel.
David lives in Texas with his wife and two children, where he works for a nonprofit organization.
David returned to graduate school, earning a master's degree from the University of North Texas with concentrations in communication and sociology. During that time, he began creative writing in the form of two short screenplays, one dramatic and one science fiction. He also started a periodic newsletter before joining a Christian ministry as staff writer and editor. While there, he coauthored two nonfiction books, The Marvelous Exchange and The Rest of the Gospel: When the Partial Gospel Has Worn You Out.
While earning another master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, David entertained a new craft: writing fiction. He decided that in a culture dominated by sound bites, reality TV, and the Internet, communicating through story could reach otherwise untapped audience. Taking some material on worldviews that he had planned to put into nonfiction form, he began writing Dinner with a Perfect Stranger.
David's current study focuses on the postmodern worldview and how it intersects with the Christian conception of God, meaning in life, and the process of knowing (epistemology). He is currently writing his second novel.
David lives in Texas with his wife and two children, where he works for a nonprofit organization.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 7, 2018
It's a weird way to put it, but kind of predictable...so much so that the first two thirds of the book were fairly obvious (and I will add realistic...in the sense that have dinner with Jesus might actually happen). But David Gregory did a fantastic job of wrapping it up and making you think about your relationship with Christ.
September 25, 2014
Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers
It’s been six years since Nick Cominsky shared an evening with Jesus eating dinner and having a conversation that would change his life. A few weeks later Nick’s wife, Mattie, also has an encounter with Jesus that changes everything. For two years they focus their energy on living for God, loving each other and raising their two kids. However, like most Christians, Nick’s excitement over God and his sense of purpose begins to fade. Isn’t this one encounter with Jesus supposed to be enough? Why didn’t it last and why is he now frustrated with his own faith after such a profound experience?
One night Nick gets upset with his dad and leaves his parents’ home in an uproar. As he drives home he falls deeper into despair and continues to question himself. When is he going to get this life right and how is he going to be an example of God to his kids when he can’t figure it out? Then he comes across Jesus once more and this time he’s not sitting still in a restaurant skeptical of God’s existence.
Nick is angry and hurting when he recognizes Jesus and he reacts just as any of us would when talking to a parent or mentor. He is happy to see Jesus once again, but he is experiencing inner turmoil that needs healing. Together, they have another profound experience tackling issues such as the struggle with being a Christian today, bitterness/resentment towards other Christians who seem to be more in tune, and pornography. Jesus does not shy away from any of the confusion Nick is struggling with, but instead encourages him to openly state what his thoughts are. There is no one we are safer with than God when it comes to revealing our hurts and disappointments. Even though He already knows our every thought, He welcomes us to trust Him with whatever we’re facing and to freely receive His love in return. Jesus clearly explains to Nick how His love is unconditional, but He doesn’t preach or criticize. He carefully listens and even illustrates by examples they come across to help Nick understand the awe of God’s love and faithfulness.
I absolutely love how Gregory illustrates Christ’s character in a modern day setting and brings to life all the issues that most Christians struggle with today. And to be honest, I cried throughout the story knowing that this depiction of God and His loving nature is an accurate one.
“Nothing you can do to make us love you less. And nothing you can do to make us love you more. That’s because our love is not based on what you do; it’s based on who we are. We are love.”
This is a simple story that will grab your attention and ease any doubts you have living as a Christian today. Being a follower of God is a daily process and the focus on such a life should be on our relationship with Christ, not in our ability to memorize scripture verses. I deeply enjoyed reading this and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they believe in God or not.
I want to thank NetGalley.com and Worthy Publishing for the free copy they provided for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Minor Spoilers
It’s been six years since Nick Cominsky shared an evening with Jesus eating dinner and having a conversation that would change his life. A few weeks later Nick’s wife, Mattie, also has an encounter with Jesus that changes everything. For two years they focus their energy on living for God, loving each other and raising their two kids. However, like most Christians, Nick’s excitement over God and his sense of purpose begins to fade. Isn’t this one encounter with Jesus supposed to be enough? Why didn’t it last and why is he now frustrated with his own faith after such a profound experience?
One night Nick gets upset with his dad and leaves his parents’ home in an uproar. As he drives home he falls deeper into despair and continues to question himself. When is he going to get this life right and how is he going to be an example of God to his kids when he can’t figure it out? Then he comes across Jesus once more and this time he’s not sitting still in a restaurant skeptical of God’s existence.
Nick is angry and hurting when he recognizes Jesus and he reacts just as any of us would when talking to a parent or mentor. He is happy to see Jesus once again, but he is experiencing inner turmoil that needs healing. Together, they have another profound experience tackling issues such as the struggle with being a Christian today, bitterness/resentment towards other Christians who seem to be more in tune, and pornography. Jesus does not shy away from any of the confusion Nick is struggling with, but instead encourages him to openly state what his thoughts are. There is no one we are safer with than God when it comes to revealing our hurts and disappointments. Even though He already knows our every thought, He welcomes us to trust Him with whatever we’re facing and to freely receive His love in return. Jesus clearly explains to Nick how His love is unconditional, but He doesn’t preach or criticize. He carefully listens and even illustrates by examples they come across to help Nick understand the awe of God’s love and faithfulness.
I absolutely love how Gregory illustrates Christ’s character in a modern day setting and brings to life all the issues that most Christians struggle with today. And to be honest, I cried throughout the story knowing that this depiction of God and His loving nature is an accurate one.
“Nothing you can do to make us love you less. And nothing you can do to make us love you more. That’s because our love is not based on what you do; it’s based on who we are. We are love.”
This is a simple story that will grab your attention and ease any doubts you have living as a Christian today. Being a follower of God is a daily process and the focus on such a life should be on our relationship with Christ, not in our ability to memorize scripture verses. I deeply enjoyed reading this and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they believe in God or not.
I want to thank NetGalley.com and Worthy Publishing for the free copy they provided for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 24, 2012
If you are familiar with David Gregory's previous books A Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and A Day With a Perfect Stranger then you will know who the stranger is. Night With a Perfect Stranger, The Conversation that Changes Everything, is the perfect book for anyone struggling with sin or to hold on to their faith.
In his third book Nick Cominsky finds his spiritual life is running on empty. After trying to do as many "Christian" things as possible such as: church, bible studies, men's groups, Sunday School, volunteering, etc. he is finding his passion for Jesus waning. Instead of rejoicing and proclaiming to the world that he actually met Jesus (see Dinner With a Perfect Stranger), he is now finding that being a Christian is rather overwhelming. After an argument with his father, Nick finds himself stranded late at night on the highway, with an empty gas tank and miles to go before he finds a gas station. But low and behold Jesus is standing at the side of the road with a gas can. But He's not there just to help Nick out of a tight spot, He has returned to give Nick a different perspective on the Christian life and it is not at all what Nick expects.
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, Gregory's light-hearted Jesus is well...someone you want to meet face to face and you start to envy the characters. This whole series would make an excellent gift for anyone who has yet to meet Jesus or is struggling with their faith. I highly recommend Night with a Perfect Stranger.
In his third book Nick Cominsky finds his spiritual life is running on empty. After trying to do as many "Christian" things as possible such as: church, bible studies, men's groups, Sunday School, volunteering, etc. he is finding his passion for Jesus waning. Instead of rejoicing and proclaiming to the world that he actually met Jesus (see Dinner With a Perfect Stranger), he is now finding that being a Christian is rather overwhelming. After an argument with his father, Nick finds himself stranded late at night on the highway, with an empty gas tank and miles to go before he finds a gas station. But low and behold Jesus is standing at the side of the road with a gas can. But He's not there just to help Nick out of a tight spot, He has returned to give Nick a different perspective on the Christian life and it is not at all what Nick expects.
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, Gregory's light-hearted Jesus is well...someone you want to meet face to face and you start to envy the characters. This whole series would make an excellent gift for anyone who has yet to meet Jesus or is struggling with their faith. I highly recommend Night with a Perfect Stranger.
November 6, 2012
I read this short book in one night. I couldn't put it down. I have to be honest, I love reading David Gregory's books. His books are fun, not preachy and loaded with theological truth.
I had this book sitting on a shelf for awhile and was prompted to read it this weekend. I understand why now. "Night With A Perfect Stranger" addressed a lot of my questions and concerns.
"Night With A Perfect Stranger" was a healing balm for my anxious heart and questioning soul.
To read more of this review, please visit http://www.ordinaryservant.com/?p=1340
I had this book sitting on a shelf for awhile and was prompted to read it this weekend. I understand why now. "Night With A Perfect Stranger" addressed a lot of my questions and concerns.
"Night With A Perfect Stranger" was a healing balm for my anxious heart and questioning soul.
To read more of this review, please visit http://www.ordinaryservant.com/?p=1340
August 31, 2020
This is one of those books that is either a hit or miss. Timing is everything.
I loved this book. It was interesting and insightful and I’m glad I picked it up this morning. It’s one of those books you buy on a whim but by the time you get home with it the whim has passed so it takes up space on your bookshelf. Please don’t try to tell me you’ve never done this!
Today as I was cleaning and came across it tucked into a pile of other forgotten purchases, I read the first line and was hooked wondering why I hadn’t opened it before. I sat on the floor in front of the bookcase and began to read and continued until I finished. It’s not a chunky chunkster so I didn’t have any leg cramps or sleeping appendages when I was done. Just lots of thoughts rolling around in my head.
I have a few books that I read about once a year. I won’t bore you with my list, but I can tell you that this will be added. Hopefully it will be added to your list also.
I loved this book. It was interesting and insightful and I’m glad I picked it up this morning. It’s one of those books you buy on a whim but by the time you get home with it the whim has passed so it takes up space on your bookshelf. Please don’t try to tell me you’ve never done this!
Today as I was cleaning and came across it tucked into a pile of other forgotten purchases, I read the first line and was hooked wondering why I hadn’t opened it before. I sat on the floor in front of the bookcase and began to read and continued until I finished. It’s not a chunky chunkster so I didn’t have any leg cramps or sleeping appendages when I was done. Just lots of thoughts rolling around in my head.
I have a few books that I read about once a year. I won’t bore you with my list, but I can tell you that this will be added. Hopefully it will be added to your list also.
October 30, 2011
Great food for thought!
February 18, 2012
A really good story on Christ being in us.
October 7, 2012
I'll be reading the rest of the series as well...informative, relevant, and timely.
January 11, 2013
Timely read. Makes one think about being in Christ differently.
January 24, 2020
Short read as always but very good. I love the way the author teaches while telling the story
July 28, 2022
4.5 stars.
This was the first audiobook I'd listened to in... However long XD I typically don't do audiobooks. Which you would think I would because I listen to a lot of things while on my laptop.
This book was a good ending to the 'Perfect Stranger' series. I'm not sure I agree with everything, but it was still good. The audiobook narrator did a pretty good job.
I hope to own my own copy of this book one day, to complete my collection of the 'Perfect Stranger' series ;)
Overall, a good book to listen to while exercising / doing stretches ;)
This was the first audiobook I'd listened to in... However long XD I typically don't do audiobooks. Which you would think I would because I listen to a lot of things while on my laptop.
This book was a good ending to the 'Perfect Stranger' series. I'm not sure I agree with everything, but it was still good. The audiobook narrator did a pretty good job.
I hope to own my own copy of this book one day, to complete my collection of the 'Perfect Stranger' series ;)
Overall, a good book to listen to while exercising / doing stretches ;)
Read
April 28, 2012For the month of February I humbly present Night With a Perfect Stranger! It's written by David Gregory as the sequel to his first book, Dinner With a Perfect Stranger. In the first book, a man without hope is invited to dinner by Jesus of Nazareth, and the two have a life-changing conversation. For all those who have read The Shack, the first book has a similar concept with a different setting: it takes place in a highbrow restaurant in Cincinnati. The sequel takes place six years later, when the main character Nick Cominsky seems to be nearing the end of his spiritual high. He's been to church and attended the study groups, and yet his spiritual walk seems to come to a standstill. Its at this point that Jesus again comes to Nick's rescue, this time finding him alongside of the highway with no gas in his tank. The conversation they have this time is very different than the first, and is more suited for Christians who are tired of their religious routine, and hungry for a deeper relationship with God. While the first book answers questions for unbelievers, this book answers the questions of any Christian of any age who wants to walk closer to God on a daily basis. I highly recommend this book to all those "bored" believers out there. In this book you'll discover a deeper meaning to God, and you certainly won't be "bored" anymore.
-Caleb
-Caleb
August 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and found that it put the material from The Rest of the Godpel:When the Partial Godpel Has Worn You Out written by Dan Stone and Greg Smith (aka David Gregory) into a really good word picture! I found the ending a bit too abrupt, but hey, you can't always have neat & tidy endings!
I really appreciated the honesty in this book; when what you believe and what's going on in your life just isn't making sense and you feel like you suck at it being a "good" Christian! Until I got a hold of The Rest of the Gospel that's was how I'd lived most of my life as a Christian. It was good to see in a fiction setting, the paradigm shift one's life takes when they get off the Christian performance merry-go-round!
I highly recommend this trilogy of Perfect Stranger novels: Dinner With a Perfect Stranger, Day With a Perfect Stranger and Night With a Perfect Stranger. I also HIGHLY recommend The Rest of the Gospel. That book was a life changer for me!
I really appreciated the honesty in this book; when what you believe and what's going on in your life just isn't making sense and you feel like you suck at it being a "good" Christian! Until I got a hold of The Rest of the Gospel that's was how I'd lived most of my life as a Christian. It was good to see in a fiction setting, the paradigm shift one's life takes when they get off the Christian performance merry-go-round!
I highly recommend this trilogy of Perfect Stranger novels: Dinner With a Perfect Stranger, Day With a Perfect Stranger and Night With a Perfect Stranger. I also HIGHLY recommend The Rest of the Gospel. That book was a life changer for me!
March 1, 2021
This book was really good. The format of the author's way in which he presents Christ's teaching on what it means to be of Christ and in Christ was mind-boggling. There is a part in the book where the character is sitting down with another guy in a restaurant with Jesus there and their conversation on spirits and the spiritual realm was fascinating. It's interesting that my wife and I have had conversations about how Western Christianity put aside the mystical and spiritual part of the faith and relies mainly on logic and reason with a bent on doctrinal teachings of the faith. I think this book does a wonderful job in merging all those parts mystical, spiritual, emotional, logical, and doctrinal all in one. I love the question at the end of the book read the author is telling his story of how he came to this reality and the question was presented in a small group he was a part of when him and his wife came to Faith. Has anybody actually been with Jesus?
March 27, 2018
Businessman Nick Cominsky is returning home to his pregnant wife from a less than satisfying visit with his parents when he runs out of gas. He pulls over and finds, surprise of surprises, Jesus standing there with a gas can. Nick, and another man that they meet later at a truckstop, talk at great length with Jesus about their spirituality and how they can become closer to God/Jesus. It was a new, very interesting take for me on spirituality and how to become closer to the a more Jesus-like life.
July 15, 2018
Short little book with an excellent Spiritual focus. Brings into sharp clarity the reality of Jesus' presence in those that belong to Him. There is a section describing a vision of lights within people that might perhaps be stretching things a little, but nevertheless it really tackles the performance based, law binding thinking that committed Christians so easily slip into. This is great encouragement for such people who are finding things difficult... for the merely religious it might also be a wake up call - that there is more!
June 1, 2019
This is the final book in the Perfect Stranger series. The subject matter tackled within are trickier than the first two, but overall I enjoyed the novel.
The writing was just as good as before, but the discussions were sometimes hard to follow. Considering how tricky the subject is, this is not surprising. However, by the end, I did arrive at the same point as the main character.
A great novel for the struggling Christian, I suggest this to anybody who is weary of all the ‘doing.’ Yet the message is not just ‘Let go and let God.’ If you want to know more, pick up this book!
The writing was just as good as before, but the discussions were sometimes hard to follow. Considering how tricky the subject is, this is not surprising. However, by the end, I did arrive at the same point as the main character.
A great novel for the struggling Christian, I suggest this to anybody who is weary of all the ‘doing.’ Yet the message is not just ‘Let go and let God.’ If you want to know more, pick up this book!
October 12, 2021
I really loved “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger” but this one not so much.
Nick recounts how he dined with Jesus one night and how this one encounter changed his life. Now hopeless once again he complains to God during a long drive and finds his friend Jesus along the roadside.
I hoped that this new encounter would be as inspiring as the last one.
I mean I love how Gregory depicts Jesus in a modern day setting and in the end it has its beauty. Maybe I didn’t get the message this time or it didn’t come at the right time.
Nick recounts how he dined with Jesus one night and how this one encounter changed his life. Now hopeless once again he complains to God during a long drive and finds his friend Jesus along the roadside.
I hoped that this new encounter would be as inspiring as the last one.
I mean I love how Gregory depicts Jesus in a modern day setting and in the end it has its beauty. Maybe I didn’t get the message this time or it didn’t come at the right time.
November 19, 2023
ReedIII Quick Review: Short apologetic novel that is a lightweight third novel of three. Like the previous novels this one offers a quick approachable ways to consider religious truths. Personified to generate an emotional impact and focuses on a Christian's relationship with Christ.
June 22, 2012
great read.
February 10, 2013
This book ruined the entire series for me. I loved the books up til this point. In this third book the author changes the nature of God. I'm done with Mr Gregory's work from here on out.
December 26, 2016
Another short but fantastic story by David Gregory. Highly recommend!
October 29, 2017
I liked it. Short, sweet, and to the point. not overly "preachy". Helps answer some questions about our relationship with Jesus and the Spirit
June 14, 2018
This book is about how to find your way back. Great reminder.
December 18, 2018
Loved, loved this book! The concept that was introduced at the end, I found quite thought provoking. I want to study this concept further on my journey through Christianity.
May 19, 2020
Great! Everyone should read this!
November 7, 2024
Wow…still processing everything that I read!!
Key highlights that stuck out to me:
1. There are spiritual realities that are true, even if it’s hard for us to wrap our minds around them. (Ex.) “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you” Ezekiel 36:26 — this is not just pretty words or a meaningless metaphor — our hearts of stone really are removed and God’s Spirit really is inside of us!
2. There is no secret to the Christian life — there is just a Person and that Person is Jesus.
“Me.” I looked over to Him and our eyes met. “I’m the life, remember? Everything I accomplished at the cross was for this purpose: to join you to Me, that I might live in you. It wasn’t to get you forgiven. It wasn’t to get you right with Me. It wasn’t to crucify your old man. It wasn’t to give you a new man. But all those things had to be done to accomplish My goal: making you one with Me - eternally. That was the only way I could share My life with you and express My life through you.”
“If our eyes are on Him and how wonderful He is, He will take care of the do’s.”
3. Our sin does not change how much God loves us.
“The Father loves you exactly as He loves Me. You must know, in the depths of your being, how deeply you are loved.”
“But surely God isn’t blind to my sin.” “No, of course not. But it’s not the ultimate reality to Him. He knows it’s temporary. He uses its consequences to train you.”
“Compared to God’s love, your sin is like throwing a pebble against Hoover Dam. It doesn’t affect it in any way.”
4. We are members of Christ - therefore, Jesus is always with us as we are a part of Him.
“I motioned with my head toward the door. “Let’s go in, shall we?” He nodded. “Let’s go in.” I left Him in the waiting room as I turned and walked through the doors.”
Key highlights that stuck out to me:
1. There are spiritual realities that are true, even if it’s hard for us to wrap our minds around them. (Ex.) “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you” Ezekiel 36:26 — this is not just pretty words or a meaningless metaphor — our hearts of stone really are removed and God’s Spirit really is inside of us!
2. There is no secret to the Christian life — there is just a Person and that Person is Jesus.
“Me.” I looked over to Him and our eyes met. “I’m the life, remember? Everything I accomplished at the cross was for this purpose: to join you to Me, that I might live in you. It wasn’t to get you forgiven. It wasn’t to get you right with Me. It wasn’t to crucify your old man. It wasn’t to give you a new man. But all those things had to be done to accomplish My goal: making you one with Me - eternally. That was the only way I could share My life with you and express My life through you.”
“If our eyes are on Him and how wonderful He is, He will take care of the do’s.”
3. Our sin does not change how much God loves us.
“The Father loves you exactly as He loves Me. You must know, in the depths of your being, how deeply you are loved.”
“But surely God isn’t blind to my sin.” “No, of course not. But it’s not the ultimate reality to Him. He knows it’s temporary. He uses its consequences to train you.”
“Compared to God’s love, your sin is like throwing a pebble against Hoover Dam. It doesn’t affect it in any way.”
4. We are members of Christ - therefore, Jesus is always with us as we are a part of Him.
“I motioned with my head toward the door. “Let’s go in, shall we?” He nodded. “Let’s go in.” I left Him in the waiting room as I turned and walked through the doors.”
May 19, 2020
LIVE LOVED!
Wow!!! Super sequel packed with life changing grace-based truths. I especially identified with Larry’s struggles and love how Jesus loved him. This book is a “Game Changer” if it’s message is applied by faith to your life... Live loved!
Wow!!! Super sequel packed with life changing grace-based truths. I especially identified with Larry’s struggles and love how Jesus loved him. This book is a “Game Changer” if it’s message is applied by faith to your life... Live loved!
February 15, 2022
"If you've ever fantasized about meeting Jesus outside a sex shop, this is the book for you! Follow the exciting journey of Larry, a porn addict who is catfished over pie and coffee at a truck stop or several hours by mysterious stranger "J". Whether it's minor heresy or straight up blasphemy, this book speaks to so many aspects of the Christian life in a way that ranges from charmingly awkward to outright disturbing. If you're looking for a new spiritual battle, this book is for you!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 29, 2022I think it is a very personal, touching story! We can all get so much out of this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews