40: A Collection of Modern-Day Parables

by John Cleveland, Janet Silburn (editor), Raeghan Rebstock (cover_art)

Are you searching for answers about life and the mysteries of God? Look no further. In "40", you'll journey through a series of intriguing stories that will challenge your thinking and ignite your imagination. Set in this messy and unpredictable world, the stories in this book follow the experiences of a diverse group of characters as they grapple with the meaning of life. From a story of an exposed red-carpet celebrity who flees Hollywood to rebuild her life to one of two close friends who struggle to say what needs to be said, each story will captivate you. But beneath the surface of these seemingly simple stories lies a more profound purpose waiting to be uncovered. Each story is a gem, waiting to ignite the spirit and illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow. As the pages turn, you'll find yourself drawn into the mystery and possibility that there is a greater plan at work.

If you enjoyed "The Chronicles of Narnia" or "The Shack," you won't want to miss this wonderfully eclectic and thought-provoking book.

252 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Sean Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John's book 40 is a delightful read. Each of the stories has a little bit of wisdom and things to think about in my everyday life. These modern-day parables point to our relationship to God and the simple truths of walking with Him.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! You’ve got to get this and read it, it will change your life for the better! So many great, short stories that really make you think. Starting with the first story, I told my coworkers that it was a bit of an “ouchie,” but made me keep reading as many of the stories as fast as possible. Some stories are so close to heart and feel like he is telling my life story, some made me laugh out loud, some made me cry. However, each one made me think about my life, my goals, the way I spend my time and energy, and how I could have a closer, honest relationship with my Lord and Savior, the one and only JC- Jesus Christ.

I enjoy reading The Message for daily Bible reading, and John’s book reminded me for The Message. I guess I need things simplified to help me apply God’s word to my life, just as Jesus used parables to help His followers understand His truths and promises. John’s stories are today’s life lessons in modern day times that make you think about your life, how you are living, and how you can do better. None of the stories make you feel like you are being preached to, but make you ponder where you are heading. They make you see how you spend your time, think about who you care about, and help you try to show God’s love to everyone He puts in your daily path.

Try this book! It is an easy read, short stories you can read quickly, and in any order. You will thoroughly enjoy every minute, and it will change you for the better.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Cleveland’s new book---“40: A Collection of Modern-Day Parables”---is well-written and insightful. In this collection of entertaining vignettes, John provides an abundance of practical lessons about how we should live our lives in an era fraught with confusion and conflict. His writing style is unique; his short tales are poignant and often humorous, but powerful without being preachy or condescending. I’m fortunate to count John as a personal friend, so I am aware that he has witnessed life---and death---from perspectives that very few of us could even imagine. Consequently, when he’s willing to share a lesson---a basketful in this case---we should sit up and take notice.

[Robert Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book... the stories inside are thought provoking and explained in a way that relates to Biblical parables - but using modern day events and examples.

A few stories are hard to follow in the beginning, but by the end - they all make sense (to Biblical applications).

A great book to share with those new to the Faith as it will give relevant examples they could relate to.