The Broker and the Bum: A Modern Retelling of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

by Brady Cook

What if the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke 16 was set in a modern day setting? What would it look like? Would we recognize Lazarus? Would we recognize the rich man? The story of "The Rich Man and Lazarus" is famous for its teachings of compassion and humanity, as well as the evils of following after greed blindly, at the expense of just about everything else. "The Broker and the Bum" is a modern version of this same story found complete with all the same themes, characters, events, but simply adapted to a modern day setting. Liam Earl is a down-on-his-luck homeless man left on the streets of New York City, watching as the rich and powerful go about their daily lives. Everything is the same from day-to-day, until the kindness of a stranger changes his life for the better. Matt Herde is a powerful hedge fund manager for Asset International. Obsessed with wealth and driven by a desire for more, more, more, he has little time for people in his life whom he doesn't seem to have any use for. This includes simple beggars like Liam Earl. These two operate independently of each other until their worlds collide and a tragic event leaves one person's future in shambles, while the other finds the peace that they have sought after for so long. Will Matt find happiness? Will Liam ever escape the street? Check out "Broker and the Bum," the first book in the brand new "Parable Series" from author Brady Cook, and begin to see the world through different eyes.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

106 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Rita Smith]

I just came across this book in search of a Christian read. The cover of a poor man’s clothing & a rich man’s from the waist down caught my eye. This book brought tears to my eyes & a smile to my lips. I love the parables that Jesus teaches in the Bible but to read in today’s dialogues was eye opening. It brought the parable back to me by reminding me that even though it was written 2000 years ago it is still true today! We are bombarded in 21st century distractions which makes it easy to drown out the voice of our Lord & Savior. Churches today are filled with marshmallow teaching, soft, not wanting to offend or step on anyone’s toes. Also with all the seminary schools & denominations we have too many disagreements in what is right & true. Preachers have accepted “new theories” in their theology. I’m very aware in church because so many denominations & nondenominational churches have gone astray. That is why it is so important for me (us) to Make time to read. When we say we don’t have time, we are really just putting GOD on the back burner of our lives. I decided 5 years ago that even though I’ve read the Bible, go to church & Wednesday night study, that I would read the Bible in a year. I want GOD 1st in my life & if I can’t give Jesus 4 to 5 chapters of His Word then I need to re-evaluate my priorities. This keeps me close to the Lord, His Word fresh in my heart & mind.

Thank you Mr. Cook for a beautiful read. I’ve purchased all of your books and my next read is Four Cars One Road.
May our Lord Bless you & continue to inspire you.

[Otishia Emmens]

I absolutely loved this book! The author, Brady Cook's style of writing keeps you engaged and invested in the overall message of God's Word.

What was highlighted the most for me was the indirect message of assumption. Judging someone by presence, circumstance or putting ourselves in the position of playing the role of divine "grace giver" does not end well. God has a way of humbling the proud. Mr. Cook does a great job undressing the consequences and benefits of the main characters. 

 I view this book as a great evangelism tool, Sunday School lesson or small group bible study guide.  

[Annette Cameron]

Great Read

I really enjoyed this book. It made me think about my priorities and what is truly important. Although, the book is based on the parable the rich man and Lazarus, didn’t like how Liam was able to meet his wife and talk to Abraham. I don’t believe we will know our love ones when we get to heaven, although I need to research that. Overall, it’s a great book that I would recommend.

[Connie Masson]

Still Pondering

Love the premise of the book and looked forward to reading it. But it ended too soon. I wanted more. I look forward to reading the other two books in the series. Then I’ll give a more complete review.

I graduated from Texas A & M Commerce in 1981in Vocational Education and Business. I found it interesting that you graduated from there as well.

To God be the glory!

[Dianne DeFreese]

Loved it

There was nothing to dislike about The Broker and the Bum. It was beautifully written to bring the parable to today. It was quite eye opening to see myself in some of the pages and wonder if I could do what Peter did for Liam. I highly recommend the book for everyone but especially wish non believers could read it and accept the message. Thank you Brady for writing it.

[Terri Moncrief]

Quick Read and thought provoking

This book tells a modern day version of the rich man and Lazarus. It’s sad that it’s still relevant today. As a people that live for Christ, do we show the love of Christ? Hopefully this short read would propel you to be more compassionate, respectful and caring of those who have less.

[Cindy M]

I really loved reading this book. The retelling of a parable so that people today can understand... Brilliant idea. I think it hit just about every one of my emotions. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because of the editing. It definitely could have gone through that process at least another time or two.

[Terri]

This was a great modern day story of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, as the title states. It really was a good story, my problem was the writing, and the editing. If you're not picky about writing and errors so much, this would be an easy 4 maybe even a 5. Nice quick read that gives you something to think about, for yourself and/or loved ones.

[Kathy Monroe]

I really enjoyed this updated tellling of the Biblical Rich man and Lazarus story. This is a very quick but deep read and makes one look at ones own life and ponder what road they are on. I am thinking this would be a good Jr/Sr high Sunday school book to read and discuss as a group especially in light of today's "all about me" age.
Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[H. Bradley]

Great Reimagining of a Powerful Parable

The author does a great job of bringing the parable into our time and life. The updates resonate with a modern audience, but hearken back faithfully to the point of the parable. Don’t wait! Repent and become a better person now. Or it may be too late. Also, God is speaking to us now. Learn to hear!

[Rebecca Filbrun]

Thought provoking

I enjoyed this book. It's been an encouragement for me to continue seeking the LORD and sharing HIS love with those I come in contact with.
I would say I come away from this story feeling a need to be even more intentionally loving to those the LORD puts in my path each day.

[Phyllis M]

Review for the broker and the bum

I feel this story had to continue on. I feel it didn’t have an ending. I was looking for more but instead it ended abruptly. There needed to be more to the story.

[Sharon Strozier]

Sorrow for the Brokers

A very good analogy
of the modern day Rich Man & Lazarus! Our richness can only be found through Our Faith in Jesus Christ, not seen through the eyes of the world!

[Martha Stoddard]

Amazing modern look!

I very much enjoyed this version of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It shows how impacting God's word is to us today. Our time on this earth is so short we can't wait to accept the free gift God offers us.

[Elaine Yankey]

Attempt to Relieve Suffering Always

A well-written telling of a familiar parable in a fresh way. Brady Cook is a talented storyteller and this little book is perfect for all ages from teens to adults.

[Tyna]

I loved it. It's a modern day twist to the story in the Bible "The Rich Man And Lazarus".

[Marge Veilleux]

Inspirational!

My goal for Lent is to read one inspirational book per week. I read this in one morning. Excellent! Thanks to the author for the reminder of the meaning of life.

[Diane Dalton]

This book is simply amazing, one of my next books to read is the Bible, this has given me the push that I need. I can’t imagine anyone wants to go to hell. Thank you to the author

[Beverly Loy]

Great Quick Read

Such a great modern day story to share the story of Lazarus. Great writing. Great story line. A+++ on this one!

[Wilma R. Brown]

The Broker and the Bum

The book is very thought provoking. I would recommend this book to all my friends. It would make an excellent Bible Study.

[Lori Simmons]

Easy read and good storyline

Enjoyed the comparison of two lifestyles and the choices people make. Faith is everything! Life is short! Put God first.

[Teri]

Quick read and thought provoking. Believe before it’s too late

[Jan Baade]

Great read!!

[Terri Sides]

must read

Read it. I promise you are one of the characters! And as I was driving today I passed a beggar, turned around and went back. Because I had just finished the book

[Cathy Frazier]

This was an easy read with much to think about. Matt the broker valued earthly Rich’s with no time or thought for what’s truly important. In the end he’s filled with regret.

[Lisa Lankford]

Good Read

Really good read, I loved it.. I would definitely recommend this books to my family and friends... I really enjoyed it.

[Laverne Roberts]

We walk by faith

Excellent interpretation of the parable… more relatable and you can’t mistake the message. Love God, trust His word and love people.

[Ashley]

great read

I really enjoyed this book. Short and relatable. Definitely recommend. Won’t be the last Brady cook book I read. Different but in such a wonderful way.

[Carol Hamlin]

Great read, very thought provoking of one's self mortality & how we will answer for our actions & behavior.

[beth]

Wonderful

An amazing story told in modern times. Tears and laughter. Will make you look deeper into your life and your walk with God. Thank you for this book!