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Nudge

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New York advertising executive and lifelong atheist Sarah Sheppard is highly successful, in line for a partnership, and feeling on top of the world. When she's visited by a mysterious client who offers her a job to write and market a comprehensive addition to the world's religious texts, she thinks it's an elaborate joke and turns him down. But God works in mysterious ways and she quickly finds she has no choice but to take the assignment. Isolated at a remote estate in upstate New York, Sarah joins a group of scholars and theologians to compile The Addendum, but soon discovers that nothing and no one are what they appear to be. As more questions than answers mount up, Sarah has to decide whether to deny her natural skepticism or embrace that illusive idea of faith before she's nudged onto a path of no return.

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2014

9 people are currently reading
498 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Moran

8 books81 followers
Sandra Moran was a teacher, author and international woman of intrigue.
A native Kansan, Sandra worked as a newspaper journalist, a political speech writer and an archaeological tour manager. When she was not running around Kansas City (literally) or torturing students with the fundamentals of anthropology, she was found in her lair making up stories.
Her debut novel, "Letters Never Sent" was chosen as the winner of 2014 Ann Bannon Popular Fiction Award (GCLS), 2014 General Fiction Award (GCLS), 2013 Rainbow Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2013 Rainbow Award for Lesbian Debut Novel. It was also a finalist for the prestigious Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction (Triangle Awards).
Sandra was also the author of "All We Lack," "Nudge," and "The Addendum." Her next novel, "State of Grace" will be available in August 2016.
In October 2015 Sandra was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. On November 7, 2015, less than a month after diagnosis, she was gone. All of those who knew her, or read her books, are forever changed for the better.

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5 stars
62 (43%)
4 stars
56 (38%)
3 stars
18 (12%)
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7 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jem.
408 reviews304 followers
April 3, 2014
This is not a lesfic romance. The premise is intriguing. The execution is good except for too many detailed discussions about religions and religious figures. I am biased here because I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters about Joan of Arc and Rebecca Nurse but not the other historical figures. :) My rating is based on the fact that I was expecting a lesfic romance, not a dry historical treatise in between elements of intrigue. Other readers may like it better.

3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Jen Silver.
49 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2014
This book really is amazing. The quality of the research alone is outstanding. I've always been interested in different religions and this book explored the context and reasoning behind the development of a number of ideologies. Nudge deserves a wider audience and I hope a mainstream publisher will pick it up.
Profile Image for Velvet Lounger.
391 reviews72 followers
March 20, 2014
Sarah Sheppard is a highly successful marketing executive on the brink of achieving her goal of Partner at a high profile New York agency. An unexpected appointment with a strange middle-eastern looking gentleman throws her world into a tailspin when he asks her to leave her job, on the brink of her promotion, to work for his `employer'. The task - to edit an `Addendum' to the religious texts of the world and then lead the marketing team to spread the word.

The combination of being an atheist and a healthy dose of New York cynicism obviously lead Sarah to make light of the offer. She doesn't believe in God so the whole thing must be some elaborate scam. But whether it is a practical joke or a way to undermine her don't matter as much as the fact that she is haunted by doubt about the consequences of signing the contract - should she call their bluff or play along?

When she decides not to sign events will conspire to show her that ultimately she has no choice. Whoever or whatever wants her to work on this outlandish project has the power to make it happen. So reluctantly she ends up in upstate New York, working with a team of academics and scholars to write this "Addendum".

As the politics and factions are revealed Sarah realizes she needs to look out for herself, and that no-one is quite who they claim to be.

-------------

Nudge is quite breathtaking. It isn't a romance like Ms Moran's first novel. In fact it is quite hard to know what to categorize it as - containing history, religion, social comment, perhaps even a political-religious treatise. More than anything it becomes a novel of suspense as we follow Sarah's fluctuating emotions and reactions to the information she is fed and the characters she interacts with.

Sandra Moran's writing style is, once again, exquisite. The people who populate "Nudge" are deep, layered, multi-faceted, credible and wholly absorbing. Their interactions are both realistic and bizarre - again completely within the context of the story - if they weren't bizarre it wouldn't be realistic. These are characters you feel you know.

The storyline itself is incredible - in both senses. The plot is highly unusual and literally `beyond-belief' in its concept of writing and marketing an addendum to the Bible, Qu'ran and Torah in order to challenge humanities current beliefs. And at the same time we must marvel at the amazing mind which created the idea.

Full of an immense range of facts covering historical figures and faiths, incorporating everything from world events to art history, Ms Moran demonstrates a level of scholarly research and intellectual insight that is extremely rare in a novel.

Whatever your creed, and however you react to the challenge that this book might pose to your beliefs, it is an interesting concept that must make us all at least consider the nature of faith and the God we believe in.

At the same time it is an entertaining, educational and wholly spellbinding read. This is one of those times when you need 6 stars.
Profile Image for Erzabet Bishop.
Author 171 books398 followers
July 14, 2014
Title: Nudge
Author: Sandra Moran
Some books make you think. Some books you have to put down for a few days before you can review them just for that reason. Nudge was one of those. Sandra Moran is a GCLS winner for her amazing book Letters Never Sent. The woman can write. I fell in love with that story and when Nudge came available for review I was thrilled. This book is a different kind of tale completely but still one that resonates in my mind.
Nudge is the story of the least likely religious person you would ever meet coming to terms with her future. Sarah Shepherd is an advertising guru who is offered a job she can’t refuse. Believe me, she tries. After a series of events she comes to the conclusion that she has to take the job-or else. She is to write the next big religious text and sell it to the world. End of story. But not really. For an atheist, this is something that will challenge all her belief systems and open her up to a world of possibility.
When Sarah arrives at the job site, a lush estate turned think tank, she begins to become aware of her predicament. Surrounded by politics and people that may or may not be of the Heavenly persuasion, she stumbles through meetings on history and tries to catch up on a millennia of world events. The premise of her job is staggering. She is to be the spokesperson for Infinity, otherwise known as God.
This book delves into many historical and religious references that were actually quite refreshing. The concept that all religions were designed to electrify a segment of the population and they are all really the same if you boil it down is an idea that stuck with me. From Muslim to Pagan, Christian and Jew it all comes down to a belief in an Infinite being who wants what is best for us all. We, like Sarah, just might not see it at the time.
There is some romantic tension with Fiona, one of Sarah’s fellow researchers and an explosive secret that will lead Sarah down a path riddled with fear, self-knowledge and ultimately a gift like no other. If you want a book that is going to make you think, this is the one for you. Sandra Moran does not disappoint. There are a few dry spells in the desert beds of the history lessons, but you could not read the book without a little context as to what was happening. In a way, it makes the reader connect with Sarah all the more.
For a thought provoking read and an eternal love sharing in the ultimate sacrifice, make sure this book lands on your summer reading pile.
4.5/5
Profile Image for Stephanie.
352 reviews46 followers
December 27, 2014
I thought this was an interesting premise. I found the historical references both incredibly interesting but at times a little too much. This was the reason for the 4 stars. I think I would have liked a little more interpersonal focus and character development and a tad bit less of the history portion. But absolutely a GREAT read! I found it quite thought provoking. Definitely not a romance!
Profile Image for Heidi.
701 reviews32 followers
June 1, 2014
Great historical references. I actually learned a lot, never realized how little I knew about some of the eras. Was hoping for some romance, but enjoyed the book even without a love story. Or more specifically an intimate love story, cause there is a love story of sorts. You'll have to read this book to see what I mean.
Profile Image for John.
Author 4 books15 followers
April 22, 2021
There is a lot to like about this novel. It's a fascinating premise--a successful, skilled marketing professional and lifelong atheist is chosen by God (Infinity) to write and market an addendum to the world's religious texts. The research here is top-notch, enabling the text to ring with fascinating bits of religious history and theory. The idea that protagonist Sarah is trapped, working against her will, lends a Kafkaesque dimension to her story. Perhaps most of all, the philosophical underpinning--that all religions are fundamentally the same and can/should be addressed with a new unifying document--is appealing.

At the same time, the book's wealth of religious history has two drawbacks. While I grant that for many readers the background is vital, I occasionally found myself drifting because I was already familiar with much of it. (I do, however, acknowledge this is a quibble based upon my personal schema more so than the editorial choice.) Because of this richness, much of the novel reads like a lecture, like reading Ayn Rand except about religious history instead of whatever the hell Rand is trying to drill into us.

To its credit, this is a thought-provoking book with an interesting twist. I'm glad I read it, and I applaud the author for both her research and her moxie. If you're interested in religious history or you struggle with the exclusivity of certain religions, it's definitely worth your time.
Profile Image for Stacie.
24 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2025
This was a fantastic book and I know it is one I will read again in the future - I think it could be like the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis; each time you read it you take away a little something more!

By the time I reached page 5 I had laughed, scoffed and felt amazement at what this story was going to shape up to be - and that continued all the way through to the final words on the last page. This book totally had me on my toes and guessing with the turn of every page! I read the book in two settings, I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to ANYONE looking for a book with a few good twists to it - it never crosses into suspense or mystery, it's a pleasant read for anyone because it draws on history, religion, modern-day plot lines and a sense of never knowing quite what to expect next! I don't know that this book neatly fits into any one genre, but it will definitely be a hit with people with a variety of reading passions.

I rated this book 4 stars, because 4.5 wasn't available - and that is only because I felt the author's voice became apparent a few times which pulled me away from the characters' voices and storylines. These moments were minimal and probably not something many people would even think about - just my opinion. Don't hesitate to buy this book, you definitely won't regret it!
9 reviews
May 18, 2016
NUDGE, Sandra Moran's second published novel, is an insightful, intelligent, and respectful foray into the all encompassing world that is Religion. The fictional journey of character Sarah Sheppard takes the reader through real world historical, theological and archeological writings, all the while weaving a story so phenomenal, so masterful that when the last page is read, the reader is left breathless... and wondering "could this be true?"

Whether you are atheist, agnostic or a practitioner of any religion of today, read this book. Give it to friends and family as a gift. It is a masterpiece that will rock your world, educate your mind and, quite possibly, give your own beliefs a nudge.
Profile Image for Carol.
Author 4 books7 followers
December 21, 2015
Suppose you're an atheist with a successful career in advertising and a mysterious new client makes you the proverbial "offer you can't refuse." Not long after that you find yourself on the speakerphone with--well, let's call the supreme being Infinity. That is the beginning of Sarah Sheppard's story in Nudge. But wait--there's more. Much more. And you will know some of it before Sarah does. But I'm not going to spoil it for you. I loved this book. I thought it was smart and funny, and that Sandra Moran was very brave to write it, because there are people out there who might call it blasphemous.
Profile Image for Dash Stryker.
37 reviews
September 16, 2018
Can’t decide if it’s weirdly awesome or awesomely weird but it is both awesome and weird

My first thought upon finishing this book was literally “WTF...but in a good way.” I think that encompasses this tale. I think it sped up too much at the end; the book focused on the ins and outs of momentous occasions and people in religious history, to the exclusion of the pacing of the actual sequence of events as experienced by the main character.

Despite that, this proved to be a delightfully snarky tangent to each of those moments in history, and written so well that I may now go get the rest of Ms. Moran’s books.
3 reviews
August 10, 2016
Author Sandra Moran really did her homework for this story and gave a "NUDGE" to conventional thinking/beliefs of mainstream religion in a captivating storyline.
The plot was thought-provoking, the prose well-crafted. The characters are thoroughly developed and believable. The many layers found in this book is truly an unexpected pleasure and worth the investment of time and money. I will definitely be returning to this book to re-read it.
As with any good book, the only problem now is finding the next good book to read.
72 reviews
May 17, 2014
As a former history teacher, I loved this book. I totally agreed with the sentiment that anyone would jump at the chance for an all-expenses-paid trip to study history with no other obligations! This book also contained a good dose of philosophy and the opportunity to think through new ways of considering old questions.
Profile Image for D.K. Linda.
Author 3 books10 followers
August 3, 2016
I thought it was an intelligent, thought provoking, creative, wonderfully written book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
2 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2018
Great history - horrible and disspointing ending.
Profile Image for Carleen.
44 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2014

This review is long overdue.  I read Nudge (Bedazzled Ink) by Sandra Moran right after it was released.  I sat down then to write a review, but I couldn't.  Too much was stirring in my mind.  So, I started to read it again.  I read it gradually the second time.  It kept me company while I was going through acupuncture therapy for my back.  The doctor and the assistants would ask me what I was reading and I was very happy to tell them all about it. I've recommended it to anyone who will listen to me.  What do I tell people to convince them to read Nudge?  I tell them that it's well-written and engaging; that it's thought-provoking; and that it's necessary.


As with her debut novel, Letters Never Sent (reviewed here), Moran has crafted a nicely written novel.  It's sharp.  It's witty.  It's informative.  Moran blends her knack for academic writing with her talent for storytelling to create a novel that pulls the reader in from page one.  She wastes no time introducing us to Sarah and the dilemma she is about to face - whether or not to work for God.  For the very religious, this would be a tough decision to make.  For an atheist like Sarah...well, you can imagine the skepticism.  Sarah, like many of us, needs to learn about various religions, religious figures, history, culture...it's mind-boggling.  What Moran does so well is to present her very detailed research to Sarah - and, thus, the reader - in a way that is interesting and accessible.  This isn't a case of "you better read everything here, whether you like it or not."  Instead, I wanted to read every word of that research.  It was fascinating.  I think I learned more about world religions from Nudge than I did in the two religion courses I took in college.


As a Christian Catholic, I'm always prepared for something to offend me and my faith.  I don't look for it.  But I also try to keep myself from being blind-sided.  So, yes, going into my reading of Nudge I was preparing myself mentally to defend my faith.  I didn't need to.  Moran clearly showed objectivity when discussing various religions and religious figures.  None were better than the others.  All were treated with respect, though Moran didn't hesitate to show flaws in the people, events, and religions she highlighted.  In doing so, Moran gently nudged me (pun intended) to think and consider.  Does this mean that I now doubt my own faith as a Catholic?  No.  Does it mean that atheists will now become believers and begin practicing a particular religion?  No. But it does mean that the reader will stop and consider possibilities - and not necessarily from a religious perspective.  As I mentioned, Moran clearly did her research.  So, it's nearly impossible not to re-evaluate perspectives from a cultural and historical perspective.  If nothing else, it certainly opens a discourse on religion and faith.  And that is so important.


At the risk of making a sweeping generalization, we live in a world that is filled with "bad things" - hatred, bigotry, violence, intolerance.  I think it would be easy to argue that "it's never been worse."  Now, thatI don't necessarily believe.  I believe the world has always been this way in cycles.  We just have more immediate access to it today.  But, I digress.  We hear so much about religious intolerance every day - on the TV, on the internet, via social media.  It's really overwhelming sometimes.  I don't know about you, but sometimes it makes me want to shut myself in a room, turn off the lights, and cry. But Nudge opens a space for intelligent discussion and debate.  It shows a way toward tolerance and acceptance and respect.  Heck, it posits something that I've considered for years - we basically worship the same god...we just have different names.  (Yes, I realize that's very simplistic...and Nudge is not.)  Moran deftly uses fiction to open an important dialogue.  She is active on the Facebook Group "What Would Sarah Sheppard Do?  Nudge Conversations" and encourages others to be just as active.  All participants are respectful, insightful, open.  Now imagine if religious and political leaders throughout the world were able to be open to this type of respectful discourse.  Seriously.  Imagine it.  How great would that be?


Maybe we should start drop-shipping copies of Nudge to people all around the world.


Just in case I haven't been clear, this is a book that I highly recommend.  I've purchased more than one copy so that I can have it available to loan to others, while still keeping a copy for myself to read.  (Yes, I do go back and read different sections.)  If you haven't had the opportunity to get your own copy, I suggest that you put it on the top of your list.


Of course, if you ask Spencer P. Moran, he'll tell you that it was all his idea.

26 reviews
August 31, 2025
The writer has made a herculean effort: so much historical information, characters, events. At the same time, Sarah and Fiona's plotline was worthless. Overall, it was an interesting read. And from a historical point of view, it was informative. The ending is ambiguous, it cuts off: Sarah was shot... As it turned out, there is a sequel: "The Addendum (2014)" by the same writer – this I will read.
7 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2014
Nudge is book that leaves you speechless.
The amount of research and facts given considering its fiction is fabulous.
The story starts when an Advertising Executive was visited by a God's (Infinity) representative to ask this Atheist Advertising woman to quit her job because she is needed for a special task. Infinity wants to write an Addendum to all Sacred Books to put it up to date with the modern realities using all the technology available. For that purpose she will meet with Infinity to hear and write the accounts of the different God's envoy to earth to Nudge people with the truth. She will have the assistance of the best experts and historian to provide her with the historical facts of each representative.
Amazing concept, Extraordinary development of the theme and a surprising end . A must read!!
Profile Image for B.J..
Author 4 books10 followers
June 14, 2015
Sandra Moran hit this one out of the park. She must've done an amazing amount of research on world religions and religious leaders from the past. It could've been a dry treatise on rethinking our own religious views and widening how we think about God. But this is Moran. It's funny and thoughtful and insightful at the same time. For instance, in the beginning, God sends his aide to the main character and offers her a job. She turns it down, thinking the guy is a nutcase. She finds out later that no one turns God down without some repercussions. The rest of the story is amazing and absolutely makes the reader think about her own beliefs. She makes you believe this could have happened. That's the mark of an excellent author. And an outstanding read.
12 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2016
I started reading this book without any expectations beyond what I understood from the synopsis, and it surpassed anything I could have imagined from Moran. This is a content heavy book which has a very interesting take on the religions of the world and how they could have come to be. This book resonates very much with my outlook towards religion and is entirely quite believable, had it not been fictional but marketed by a real life Sarah Sheppard.
Definitely a 5-star read.
Profile Image for Crystin.
60 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2014
I stumbled upon this book recently. It was so unbelievably interesting to read. I love the way that past history was disclosed and viewed through a different lens. It left me thinking – sometimes wondering, angry, or interested, but most importantly it left me thinking after I had finished it which is why I gave it 5 stars.
Profile Image for Ulla.
1,088 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2014
Sandra Moran must be some kind of genius!! "Nudge" had me sitting with my mouth open so many times I lost count. Anyone with any interest in world religions and the development of culture should read this And it's not any "heavy" reading, just the opposite!
Can't wait to read "Addendum"!!
Profile Image for Kris Voyna.
13 reviews
Read
June 26, 2016
Couldn't put it down

Loved the characters and suspense throughout. I couldn't put the book down! Ms. Moran created a beautifully played mystery that even sparked me wanting to learn more about Joan of Ark. Well written.
Profile Image for Kim Johnson.
8 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2014
This is a wonderful read. Sandra does an excellent job of hooking you immediately and then reeling you in. I highly recommend.
404 reviews
January 25, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. The plot line was great and I learned a lot about "religious texts".
Profile Image for Kelly Miller-Sanchez.
1 review11 followers
April 9, 2016
Ambitious and intriguing idea, but works better as a suspense novel than a theological treatise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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