Olde Mysterium

by Douglas Patten

Daniel is a middle-aged, unemployed journalist whose reality shatters when the ultimate bomb drops on his marriage. With only pocket change and everything he owns on his back, Dan attempts the cold, wet streets of Seattle alone. He is adrift, discouraged and his path looks bleak until he makes an unusual friend in Saba, the owner of a quirky used bookstore called Olde Mysterium. Saba offers Dan more than friendship -- a path to begin rebuilding upon the ruins of his life. But will he take it?

Dan will face his greatest fears, his pain, and discover that everything he thought he knew about his world turned upside-down when confronted by the true meaning of LOVE.

Genres: Christian Fiction

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2012

About the author

Douglas Patten was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington. Both Douglas and his wife Caitlin enjoy sharing the love of Jesus Christ with their children, each other, and everyone they have the good fortune of meeting.

Douglas has been writing all of his life, but OLDE MYSTERIUM is his first published endeavor.

Reviews

[Bear]

Olde Mysterium; a parable, is a well-written missive about a man's struggles with life and challenge; an old theme but one handled this time in the City of Seattle, circa "today". Doug has integrated societal issues (such as abortion, random public violence against citizens, the plight of homeless) into a read that captures from the beginning and keeps you wanting to move to the next chapter. To my mind, Mr. Patten's book does just that. I won't go into the spoiler mode other than the graceful way in which the subject of the book, Daniel, and his earthly guide, Saba, meet after Daniel is assaulted, and how Saba helps him up and moves him on his way toward rebuilding his life. I related to the book based on my experiences in Seattle and Washington state; there are a lot of homeless up there, and I was able to find myself seeing the places noted by the author due to my memories of the downtown Seattle area, the marvellous weather (I like cold, dreary days far better than sunny ones... that may sound strange, but it's true) and how the people are the center of his tome. Find this book and read it; it's a positive message in the ever-moving, negative world we sometimes find ourselves in...

[booklady]

'Olde Mysterium a parable' is about a young man struggling with personal problems familiar to most of us. And yet despite the premise, it manages to be a delightful story, a book which cheers you and leaves you feeling the better for it.

I read it at a time when I literally couldn’t get through anything else; it was tonic for the spirit. Douglas Patten’s first – and I do not believe it will be his last – novel is about a down-on-his-luck young man who encounters the catalytic character of his destiny and what happens next. I can’t say more without giving away the entire plot and thus most of the enjoyment of the experience.

What I can say is that if you need a good pick-me-up this holiday season (or any thereafter) this could be your book! I read it in one long sitting.

Encouraging and insightful.

[Jackie]

3.8 out of 5 stars. I was sent this book by the author after he read my review of 'The Shack'. I think it is a really strong inspirational book, with some great characters and an awesome message. It is a very encouraging book with some terrific aspiring role models, without being overly spiritual. I feel with a bit more editing, smoother transitions, and a little more emotional depth applied to the characters it would hit a home run. I would recommend this book to others. Keep up the good writing and positive messages Mr. Douglas Patten.

[Kaelene]

This was rather heartwarming with a nice Christian message about love. The writing itself wasn't great and had some odd, laughable descriptions. Overall, though, this was a nice read.

[Marianne Jay]

I'm not a religious person per-say. I believe in God. I do not believe in the Catholic Church. I am an extremely spiritual person.

Olde Mysterium is a very, very, very good book.

I have read books in the past that preached fire and brimstone ad nauseum. I have read books which shoved religion so far down my throat, I could not breathe.

Old Mysterium DOES NOT DO THAT....and bravo to the writer who had the common sense to write a book that would appeal to the masses.

This book reminds me of The Shack and I like that. God, Jesus comes with foibles and strength and wisdom in the form of man.

Please read this book - it is a very well-written, insightful, thoughtful, sweet, book.

[Teresa]

Good read. I got caught up in the story.

[Cindy B.]

Loved the message, will re-read.