"If I have the gift of
prophecy and can
fathom all mysteries
and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith
that can move
mountains, but do
not have love, I am
nothing."
1st Corinthians 13:2
Peter Quell is in the neighborhood bar, reflecting on the last ten years of his life when he hears the annoying phrase, “Hey, you look familiar.” “Weren’t you on TV or something?” He's been recognized as ‘The Prophet’ and people quickly gather around, anxious to ask him questions. He's thankfully able to slip away and go home.
Peter recalls when he was known as The Prophet of God, when he had a series of dreams that prophesied various events. Since the dreams stopped ten years ago, Peter has worked for a non-profit, writing grants, press releases, etc. He also acts as a caretaker when needed, runs errands, and the like. But yesterday, he was downsized and has no job anymore.
Peter opens the refrigerator at home, takes out a beer, and drinks deeply. As he sits on his couch thinking about the fact that he is forty and unemployed, he hears banging on his door. An older, Black man, dressed in worn-out clothes, barges into his apartment.
As a reader, we're not quite sure whether Peter is experiencing a visitation or having a vivid dream. It is only when the man, Jesse, has gone, Peter wakes up, and it becomes clear he was dreaming. He was offered a job by Jesse, and accepted without knowing what he would be doing.
“As Christians, we know the voice of the Master, at least we are supposed to know it.”
“Now here's the catch, you choose to respond, you agree to love who God loves. And guess what?
“It's only by love that everyone will know you are my disciples," Ellie recites John 13:35.
“There is a price to pay, and the hardest part? You have to learn to love what you hate.”
These were the words echoing in Peter's head from church that morning as he tried to make sense of the dream. All of this sets up the rest of the remarkable novel, The American Prophet.
I was so impressed with the author's dedication to following the spirit of Jesus’ words in every situation. The American Prophet is an allegory, and a very clearly identifiable one. This author is brave to tackle the topics he does, and does astonishingly well.
Regardless of your religious affiliation, the novel is exciting, adventurous, and in line with the daily headlines. I could not put it down, compulsively reading it to the end. I'm thrilled to find out there is a sequel and a third book about to be published. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in current events.
Thank you to everyone at NetGalley for the ARC and I have provided my opinion honestly by my own free will.