Don Prophet

by Erik Simon

A brilliant comic novel about faith, the media, and making it big in modern America.“I need a gimmick,” Don Bollinger said. It was the American thing to do—imagine your fame. Like most writers, Don can’t get his novel published. Or pay the rent.In this sorry state, he watches a lot of TV. Televangelists mostly. Barry Gladwell, in particular, the king of Jesus TV. Don hates him but can’t turn away. Gladwell’s very existence is a marketing miracle, a knockout punch to Christians aching for a smarter God. One day like too many others, Don’s girlfriend comes home and finds him ranting at the set. Fed up, she gives him a month to find a job. Out of their apartment finally, looking for work, he stumbles upon a soapbox preacher denouncing Harry Potter. The confrontation that ensues gives Don what he thinks could be the idea of a lifetime.Setting out from New York City, Don knows neither how nor where his opportunity may come. But come it will, forever changing the lives in his A failed actress and the son she wills to stardom. A displaced family of five. Dozens of kids gathered in a rural church basement. And one grateful girl whose questions would be answered. When we set out to do the Lord’s work, we never know what’s going to happen. Humble yourself, and in due time He may exalt you. Don Prophet is on the way.*** $1 from every copy supports early literacy. ***Boys and girls who read at grade level by 3rd grade are significantly more likely to graduate high school—and every child should have that to learn to read and learn to navigate the world.For every copy of Don Prophet sold, its publisher will donate $1 to early literacy programs.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2012

About the author

Raised in southern Illinois, Erik Simon is a freelance writer and consultant living in the New York area.

Reviews

[Skylar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I kept reading this book, but I'm glad I did. The first half of the book was fine (and more of a serious social critique than comic novel), but the second half goes off the rails into WeirdLand. I even stopped to ask my husband why I was still reading it. But I kept with it, and I'm glad I did because how it all ties together was awesome. My only complaint? The writing is tough. I wish I'd had a Kindle version because of the built-in dictionary, and I'm a person who generally knows obscure words. It's a bit off-putting at times because it feels pompous. That elitist writing style is why I took off a star.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful surprise. Read it with my book club and didn't know what to expect. Found it both really funny and full of depth, both irreverent and reverent. Definitely worth a read! I hope to see it become a series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book and while at first I was skeptical about the religious aspect (not my jam), I am so glad I experienced this story! Erik Simon takes you through a journey of American history populated with humor and beauty with the characters. This is a fast-paced, page turning thriller and I can’t wait to see what’s next with Don Prophet!

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely worth the read for the theme alone, and while some may recoil at the central image of the novel, the theme is a nessecary anodyne for all the religious pain our country suffers. bravo, mr. simon!

[Dawn Briscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting in so many ways......