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The Divine Arsonist: A Tale of Awakening

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(excerpt from page 299) "...BURN THIS BOOK"

Why would author, Jacob Nordby, ask you to read his new novel, then burn it?

This is no ordinary book.

Fact and fiction weave together in this autobiographical tale of spiritual awakening.

The main character is a burned-out businessman who takes an unplanned retreat to his cabin in the mountains of Idaho.

On the first evening of his getaway, a mysterious stranger appears beside his campfire and delivers a summons: "Drop everything and attend a rendezvous of destiny...the fate of the world may depend upon it."

He is confronted with a terrifying choice: believe this stranger and take a journey into the unknown, or ignore the whole thing and perhaps miss his call of destiny?

Join the main character on an adventure of the spirit. With him, you will meet a cast of divine helpers, shaman monks and ragged teachers who will captivate your imagination. Rich with insights, quotations and teachings of sources ranging from ancient to modern, this book is a breath of fresh air for the soul.

Like the hero in this tale of awakening, you may never see life the same way again.

Author's note: This book tells a story using symbolic language and fictional situations. It is my own tale of spiritual awakening, though. In it, I share some of my most personal and exciting discoveries. I hope you enjoy it...and I hope you burn it when you're done. Find out why in Chapter 15.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2012

68 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

Jacob Nordby

8 books206 followers
Jacob Nordby is a storyteller, thinker, and adventure seeker whose many quests have led him to a deep fascination with life in all of its weird splendor. He has written the award winning novel, The Divine Arsonist, and a non-fiction title, Blessed Are the Weird - A Manifesto for Creatives. He is the founder of the independent Manifesto Publishing House.
Jacob lives and works in Boise, Idaho where he is now actively plotting new novels.
He really hates writing bios.
He loves life.

Jacob's favorite quote about writing:


“Of all that is written, I love only what a person hath written with his blood. Write with blood, and thou wilt find that blood is spirit." - Friedrich Nietzsche

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5 stars
116 (47%)
4 stars
70 (28%)
3 stars
33 (13%)
2 stars
16 (6%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Nordby.
Author 8 books206 followers
Read
April 10, 2020
Well, I wrote this book, so it would be a little silly if I didn't like it.

Actually, though, writing a book is like raising a child. At first, they're so full of potential and need a lot of attention. Later they start looking a lot like an adult--only with weird tics and funky odors and bad skin. Not too long after that it's time to push them out of the nest and make them fend for themselves in the world. I'm at that stage with this book. I love it and now it's time to let other people have their experience of it. Please feel free to circle back with thoughts, questions or heckling (after you've read it, please. I get enough arbitrary heckling from my own children)

Click here to visit the preview & synopsis page for this book. I've recorded an audio clip from Chapter One, which you can play right on the page.

Click here to check out the Amazon paperback version of "The Divine Arsonist: A Tale of Awakening"

Click here to check out the Amazon Kindle version of "The Divine Arsonist: A Tale of Awakening"
Profile Image for Shauna.
44 reviews12 followers
November 10, 2012
To say I was unimpressed would be an understatement. I was disappointed. I was a bit offended. But mostly I was sad that we have yet another foray into the world of all roads lead to Rome.

There were no life changing discoveries hidden in the pages of this book. There was just more of the Oprah generation mindset that all is good and all is love and all is permissible.

The author asks you to burn this book so you may continue on your spiritual journey unencumbered. I'd rather throw it out to keep it from being read & re-read by the spiritually seeking.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from a Good Reads Giveaway.
Profile Image for Lauren Sapala.
Author 14 books377 followers
August 11, 2017
This is one of those books that you come across every few years that you just know you will return to again and again throughout your life. It’s also one of those books that you want to gift to every friend who has your similar interests in spirituality, intuition, magic, and “waking up” to this wide beautiful world of ours.

Reading the Divine Arsonist is an EXPERIENCE. As I was reading it, I could feel myself shifting inside. I had that awesome feeling of looking around me with new eyes and peeling back the layers. I took big deep breaths and let go of some of my stuff, that baggage we all have that we think we’re going to have to carry around forever.

I’m not going to go into plot details because 1) I couldn’t do it justice (and don’t want to give spoilers) and also 2) this is a book that’s not really about the plot. The plot is only the vehicle to help you shift as you read.

For me, this book shifted me into a much better place.
Profile Image for Paul Keene.
Author 5 books52 followers
August 20, 2012
Gives thought to those searching within for answers to life. Interesting presentation with a good story line. Wide use of symbols. I enjoyed the book and gave thought to the many underlying messages that could be personalized. I recommend this book as a good read and tool for thought as we make our own quest through life.
Profile Image for Lori.
641 reviews
April 7, 2025
Kindle version: I can’t remember why I bought this book or who recommended it, but I wasn’t super impressed. It doesn’t go very deep into anything, just sort of regurgitates the same mumbo jumbo we’ve been hearing for decades: The Native American pipe smoking, the magical tea, the monks and the shaved head, the breathing and meditation, Jesus being a misunderstood holy man, walking on hot coals, jumping in cold snow, dancing with abandon. In the last part of the book, it talks about how beliefs are always changing, and at that point, I hoped he would introduce something new or at least fresh. But nope. The only reason this gets three stars instead of one was because it was easy to transition from thinking this was going to be a life changing book to realizing it was just another fiction story, and I kind of like the way it ended. Not like I figured it would, but I won’t explain as that would be a spoiler.
Profile Image for Grant Mills.
8 reviews
April 8, 2021
This book could really be helped by a review from an editor. I saw a few missing words and there are parts that could use refinement. Overall, though, I really enjoyed reading this. Its extremely imaginative and creative. It has excellent characters to meet along the way. It reminded me a bit of G.K. Chesterton.
As a bonus I believe this must have been written by a Boise, Idaho native. I used to live there and loved my time there. It was nice to see references to places I had been, and loved, in the story.

A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Pat.
2 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2013
Jacob Nordby has crafted a new version of an old tale - young apprentice meets a teacher unexpectedly and gets his world thoroughly rocked. This was the formula of Carlos Castaneda, Dan Millman and the Wachowski brothers' Matrix movies. However, Nordby has a few surprising twists and turns that breathe new life into this tried and true storyline.

Not to give much away, but what if his teacher actually isn't human at all? And by the end of the book the question of whether or not any of it "really" happened plagues not only the reader, but the hero himself. I loved the ending and Nordby has left himself an entry into future volumes if he wants it.

Jacob Nordby's life, judging from his web page, is largely dedicated to the proposition that we can awaken from the cultural trance that keeps us in the role of consumer - consumers driven by an incessant desire for "more" and absolutely absent any concept of "enough." I think he shows us accurately that this process, coupled with the acceleration of information and speed of events, can produce only slaves to a system that chews us up and spits us out while dangling false carrots just out of reach. The protagonist in The Devine Arsonist is forced to face his dissatisfaction, insecurities and false self-image because an event in his life leaves him no option to continue to live the old way. Nordby's message seems to be that we can awaken if we pay attention to our inner signals, discover the addictive power of the mainstream lifestyle, and find the courage to live the truth that resonates inside us but is usually denied.

The book is a fast read, but you'll want to put it down sometimes for some slow thinking about how it applies to your life. Depending on where he goes from here Jacob Nordby just might become his generation's Dan Millman.
Profile Image for Pam.
35 reviews
April 25, 2012
This book reminded me a bit of The Shack. A successful man off on an emotionally charged, spiritual journey led by spiritual beings manifested in human form to assist him on his path. It's quite magical.
I had this feeling of anxiety and anticipation as I read this book. It is so descriptive I felt as though I was being taken on the journey with Jacob who was led by his "helpers" Lucius, Kaitlyn and Jack. I felt like I was about to step off a precipice into the unknown as I crossed the threshhold of "Rumi's Gate". I loved Jack! He's the epitomy of who we should be as humans; at one with nature and spirit with absolutely no inhibitions. Just being. I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to continue on the journey right along side Jacob. I'll be pondering moments from the book trying to gain perspective, evoking thoughts and ideas and writing them in my own "Emerson's Bible". I look forward to the next book."



Profile Image for Mett.
6 reviews12 followers
December 26, 2012
This is an important book. Going from harried businessman to honest seeker proves to be quite the journey and one which many can relate to in various ways. We're all familiar with the proverbial rat race and have all experienced how draining it can be. Author Jacob Nordby does a great job detailing the process in an often brutal, but always honest and refreshing way. He doesn't pull any punches and the book is stronger because of it.

"The Divine Arsonist" effectively pulls the reader into the story, the emotions are evident and raw, and the lessons are real. I would encourage everyone who reads this book to do so without any preconceived ideas about what it will be like or how it should be. The book explores some ideas and concepts that may not be familiar to everyone, but if you read it unassumingly, I believe you will benefit greatly from the experience. I know I did.
Profile Image for Amy Cottrell.
273 reviews19 followers
August 14, 2012
I won The Divine Arsonist: A Tale of Awakening by Jacob Nordby in a giveaway for free on goodreads. That being said, this is not my normal choice in books to read. This book follows Jacob on a sort of spiritual awakening. He learns more about Who He Really Is. I appreciated his imagery and thought he did a great job explaining the surroundings and emotional feelings, however, I just can't get interested in this kind of story. "Finding yourself" seems like a waste of time and I couldn't relate very well. If you are looking for a spiritual awakening type book, this is probably for you, but to me, it seemed like a crazy hippie drug trip.
Profile Image for Anna.
7 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2013
With so many five-star reviews, who wouldn't be eager to read The Divine Arsonist? Jacob Nordby's autobiographical tale of awakening was riveting and readily lived up to the promise of being no ordinary book. The Divine Arsonist uses a blend of fact and fiction to tell the very personal story of Jacob cutting loose from his dogmatic Christian upbringing and finding his way to a new freedom and consciousness. I readily identified with Jacob’s character as he plunged into the unknown to surface with a new life and great deal of wisdom to share.

This is a spiritual adventure I highly recommend if you have a metaphysical bent or feel on the verge of some awakening of your own.
Profile Image for Theresa.
129 reviews57 followers
July 14, 2012
I won The Divine Arsonist: A Tale of Awakening by Jacob Nordby- in a giveaway for free on goodreads. ~I'm so excited to read this book sounds interesting*** I just received my copy tonight 7/13/2012 This book is getting amazing reviews from what I've seen and I love it already~ Sweet cover*** I have a couple books for review that have to take priority before I can start this one- (but will get through them soon) & I will post a review on goodreads and Amazon when finished WhooHooo* YiiPiii* Thank You!!
Profile Image for Renetta.
112 reviews18 followers
Want to read
July 5, 2012
Just entered for an ARC. The description compares this to The Shack, Way of the Peaceful Warrior and The Celestine Prophecy. I enjoyed the second two and haven't heard of the Shack. I'll have to check that out also. I was reminded a little of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari when reading about it. Sounds great!
Profile Image for Diana Quinn.
13 reviews
September 25, 2012
Years ago I read "Peaceful Warrior" and it had quite an impact on my spiritual self. Jacob Nordby has done a great job of spinning a tale that struck that same chord.

Jacob, I know you asked that the book be burned, but I can't bear to light the match. Instead, I've passed it on to a friend who really needs your message. Thank you and Goodreads for this inspiring book. Namaste. ~Sahara
Profile Image for Sam.
4 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2016
This book was very interesting. I've never read anything like it before, it really strays from my usual books of choice. Many parts and ideas in this book really spoke to me and resonated with me, but I felt jipped almost by the ending.
Profile Image for Jodi Goldkopf gauron.
4 reviews10 followers
July 2, 2012
Found this while looking up Paulo Coelho, my favorite author. I'm so happy to have come across this book. So inspiring!
Profile Image for Becca.
17 reviews
August 19, 2012


Received from first reads giveaway.
Great story, awesome characters! I won't burn but I will pass on. ;)
Profile Image for Lori Shepard.
13 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2012
Pretty good book. Fast Read! Got immersed easily, lost track of time a couple of times.
Profile Image for Cherie Kephart.
Author 3 books69 followers
May 29, 2021
I never thought I’d say anything like this, but this just proves that life is full of surprises. What I mean by that is I've burned two books in my life. One was my own memoir, during the process of writing it. I never thought I'd burn another book since I cherish them so. After reading Nordby's tome and seeing his request at the end to indeed please burn it, of course I wanted to honor his wishes. I know the commitment, time, energy, and fortitude it takes to write a book. And if he wants me to burn it, take what I learned and delve further into my own path, then far be it from me not to do it. Besides, I saw on his website that one of his favorite movies is Dead Poets Society and he loves tacos. That's my favorite movie ever (a close second is the Princess Bride), and I eat more tacos than I could ever want to count.

My point is this: Nordby conveys an important message in requesting that we read than burn his book. He wants us to take the string of poignant messages that he took an enormous amount of dedication and devotion to sculpt, reflect on them, and then move onward with our lives. In essence, he’s asking us to look inward. Does he want us to believe what he believes? I believe he wants us to remove the veil covering our eyes, to shed our identities, to burn our pasts, and seek our truths. In essence, Nordby’s story, his journey to surrender, and letting go of his old ways is a beautiful opening and invitation for all of us to delve deep into our quest for self-discovery.

All the insights we take in on our life journey from inspirational books, movies, dear friends, family, challenging life experiences, and divine masters, shape who we are. But in the end, we choose how our life turns out. I for one appreciate people like Nordby who are willing to write from the heart, pour out their souls, not from a perfect place, but the rawest parts of their being. They aim to transform themselves, shedding the finite flawed identity of who they once were, and elevate their consciousness.

I don’t advocate book burning, and I’m a bit sad I burned both of the books I did, but it reminds me of the impermanence of everything. We are but a blip in time, a speck in the universe. And I for one will not spend it looking backward. Was the time I spent reading The Divine Arsonist worth it? Can I recommend this book? The answer to both of those questions is a resounding yes. Can I recommend it to you? That I cannot answer. But I can say this: if you are open and willing, then go forth and let go of any ideas of what it might be. Books have lives. And each book finds us when we need it. I needed it, to remind me of so many things I know to be, and to witness someone’s journey to deeper truths. If you need it, you’ll know it.

And maybe, just maybe, one day Nordby and I will embrace the spirit of carpe diem over some tacos, at a campfire in the woods. Looking at the stars. Pondering the grandeur of life. Sharing the experience of burning books and letting go. And if that appeals to you, you're invited. Wouldn’t that just be divine?
Profile Image for Bethany.
12 reviews
September 13, 2020
Awakenings: The beauty of the inner self told through soul searching in a mythical way.

Have you ever felt like you were sleepwalking through life? Like there just HAS to be something more than the stress and overdramatic bustle of everyday life? If you answered yes, this book is for you.

We miss so much every single day by focusing on things that, in the end, do not matter. We miss the love offered by family and friends, by the unbridled beauty of the setting sun, and the healing that comes from kindness to chase success and materialism.

This book chronicles one man's journey away from a society that worships capitalism and slaving for a world that cannot be pleased. It is the path of awakening, told with words that wrap you into this man's transformation as if he were you. It's a story to get lost in and one in which anyone can identify with on the most base level of the human soul.

Dive in! You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
155 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2021
This was quite possibly the worst book I have ever had the misfortune to read. It rambles, drones on, and is horribly pretentious. I spent the entire book wondering WTF was the point. I had to read it for school and I honestly considered shelving it and just bluffing through discussion. After awhile I was determined to finish solely because I had already wasted so much time reading this nonsense. Two weeks of my life reading I will never get back.
If you like spiritual pretentious rambles then this for you, but I just can't believe how dumb this book was.
Profile Image for Beck King.
Author 1 book1 follower
September 30, 2020
This book helped to change my life. It made me look at what was not working, and believe that I had the power to create meaningful change that aligned to who I truly am. When my father was dying from a major stroke, he was afraid, so I talked to him about what I learnt from this book, soothing him towards accepting his fate. I reread it often to remind me who I am and who I can be.
Profile Image for Alice Lundy.
1 review7 followers
Read
July 27, 2023
Journey Home to Oneself

I found this story engrossing and enriching, the kind of tale worth savoring, with lessons, insights, and inquires that niggled at my brain even after I set it down. Reading this felt like a cross between The Celestine Prophecy and a shamanic journey.
Profile Image for Jason Montgomery.
3 reviews
January 24, 2018
My favorite stand alone book dealing with spiritual matters. Belongs on the shelf with Celestine Prophecy, Conversations with God, and The 4 Agreements.
Profile Image for Emma.
277 reviews
July 2, 2019
I can't read any more. I'm glad he evidently got through his midlife crisis in one piece and I'm sure this book may help some people. It wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
306 reviews
November 15, 2020
A handful of typos scattered throughout was a bit distracting, but the style, message, and fresh allegories were enough to let me give it five stars.
Profile Image for Matt B. Perkins.
38 reviews15 followers
August 13, 2019
It's hard for me to clarify how much I loved this book and the vivid imagery of the awakening it brought to me. I devoured this story, and the revelations that came to light while reading left me with chills and tears in my eyes. That's a brief review, but only because it struck a chord with me that I'm unable to convey in words. Amazing work here.
Profile Image for Anita MacAuslan.
81 reviews14 followers
May 29, 2013
I hate writing negative reviews, ordinarily I just rate and skip over them, but then maybe the fact that others hadn't written them led to my purchase of the book, so... Here you go:

If you are the kind of person for whom "The Secret" has had a profound affect, you may like this book. Even then, I'm not sure. If I know you and you trust my opinion on reading material, you probably won't like this book, but it takes all sorts, right? To be fair, I did not finish the book; I gave it ample opportunity to prove a worthwhile read, but by page 107 nothing had happened aside from a bunch of self-gratifying reflection (the author's), so I have put it behind me.

This is about a man who needs to be told how to live his life, whether by his family, his colleagues, a book, or a stranger from another dimension. As he nears middle age, he is still childishly unaware that there are reasons for the feelings we feel, that where he comes from has shaped who he is, and that other people's lives go one without him. What I find worrisome about the whole thing is that this is supposed to be semi-autobiographical. Yet, for some reason, he has been singled out for a higher purpose because he is a person capable of deeper understanding than most of the human race; closer to true awareness, if you will. There are many references to his being "further along" or "more ready" than expected. In the end I just resent Nordby for wasting my time with his self-indulgent words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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