Atheist's Prayer

by Amy R. Biddle

After a solar eclipse, nineteen people were found dead in a remote area of the California National Forest. They were lying in a circle, holding hands and wearing plastic fairy wings. Years later, on the other side of the country, no one in the southern city of Jefferson is concerned about fairies or fairy-worshiping suicide cults. Except for Candy. She might not have proof, but she's damn sure it's going to happen again. The problem is, Candy is a coke-dealing stripper and the only person who will listen to her is an alcoholic mall Santa named Hank, who's only listening because, well...she's hot. There are seven days until the next eclipse.

Genres: Fiction, Religion, Humor

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2014

About the author

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Amy now spends half of her life at sea and the other half wherever the hell she pleases. An avid traveler and dangerous daydreamer, she is most at home when surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains or the great blue sea.

Reviews

[Amy Biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

But don't take my word for it. I wrote it, after all.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and clever, yet thoughtful and witty, The Atheist Prayer does not disappoint. The characters are the best part, all fully fleshed-out, walking, breathing beings that I missed upon finishing the book. Each one is sympathetic in their own right. Each adds depth and personality to the story. Don't forget a plot that keeps you turning pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a humorous, but thought-provoking look at who we are and where we came from.

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Atheist’s Prayer' appears to be the story of one tiny dysfunctional corner of the world, and yet it cleverly speaks of all of humanity. Everyone wants to believe in something. Amy Biddle brings to life some quirky characters, and with humor and depth, she explores just what people are willing to believe.

Heather believes in fairies, Lizzie believes in the Christian God, Max believes in Buddha, Hank who was once a Jew now just believes in having a good time, and little seven-year-old Kevin tries to make sense of all the adult stories as he formulates his own beliefs. Candy is a coke-dealing stripper who is probably the most philosophical of the bunch. She is the only one who picks up on clues that the fairy worshipping cult is about to attempt another group suicide, and she sets out to stop them.

The story is told from different points of view and Biddle does a great job of this! When told through Kevin’s innocent perspective, the power of the story is found between the lines: “Kevin liked it when his mother was happy. When she was happy, she read him bedtime stories and baked cookies. When she wasn’t happy, she read him the Bible and made microwave dinners. She made a lot of microwave dinners before they moved to Jefferson.” Some of the funniest and most profound scenes come through Kevin’s eyes, though it is nicely balanced with the adult perspectives.

'The Atheist’s Prayer' has memorable characters, a unique storyline, and some thought-provoking ideas. I love that Amy Biddle chose to write something so out of the ordinary, and I’m impressed that she put it all together so well!

[Brian Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to Amy Biddle to make the search for moral and spiritual answers in our daily lives nothing less than hip. Funny, gritty and brutally honest about the state of the human heart, The Atheist Pray speaks for a generation in perhaps the most understated way possible. The road to salvation can be sad, funny and often deadly.

Candy (my favorite character) is a stripper with a lot of baggage, but with a cool exterior, she doesn’t let on. Hank is a dude, perhaps the most memorable dude since The Dude. He’s a hardcore atheist and borderline alcoholic with a messy dog. The main plot involves Hank and Candy trying to save a couple of young children from a suicide cult, but the novel’s real theme is about how screwed up, everyday people find salvation – one way or another. Its also about how others get lost along the way. The Atheist’s Prayer is not a “deep” read, its actually very funny. Biddle is never heavy handed, she never pretends to have the answers, she only shows us flawed people trying to do the right thing...or not doing the right thing.

With a snappy plot, excellent dialogue and tremendous character development, The Atheist’s Prayer is an effortless read. Its also one of those books you’ll be thinking about long after you put it down.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance the title of The Atheist’s Prayer might repel the more religious while attracting non-believers. That initial impression is not only too simplistic an interpretation of the title (why would an atheist be praying?), but also assuming way too much. That isn’t to say that belief in a deity or the lack of such belief doesn’t figure into the story.

The characters in the book run the gamut of beliefs with my favorite, seven year-old Kevin, trying to make sense of it all. All the major characters are multi-dimensional and, like real people, refuse to conform to stereotype. Those that, at first blush, seem to have little going for them, confound that impression in the end, while those that seem to be among the best of people, show that appearances can be deceiving. In the end, they’re all human, with flaws and good qualities that aren’t immediately apparent.

No matter where you stand personally, if you approach The Atheist’s Prayer with an open mind, it will help illustrate the potential, both good and bad, in all people, regardless of which deity (if any) they choose to believe in.


**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Pavarti Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Atheist's Prayer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Atheist's Prayer by Amy R. Biddle – 5 stars

This is an excellent book. The author has given us a profoundly unlikeable character in the beginning and interwoven the POV of an eight year old boy and a woman who is clearly deranged. The genius here is in the details. Biddle's writing reads so authentic in each character's voice that it's possible to get lost in their thoughts and believe what they are telling you is real.

The storyline is surprisingly straightforward, without any huge twists or unexpected surprises. However, there is tremendous change and transformation within the characters, keeping the reader invested in every word.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea of a cult has always been one of the things I most dislike about religions. And this book reminds me why.

Although it's billed as a dark contemporary comedy, the contents are no laughing matter. Two kids are basically brainwashed into a suicidal cult through the girl's irresponsible mother. They get insanely close to succeeding, too.

This book is all twists, turns and suspense that makes yoi want to keepmyour kids close - even if you don't have any.

A wonderful, thought-provoking book.

4.5/5

[Maria Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking good read, great characterisations, fast paced, satisfying ending, with a good dash of humour.

Humanity, faith and understanding surround this cast of characters, thrown together and intertwined.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I have to start by saying I enjoyed the format of this debut novel. Starting with Kevin, followed by Hank and then Heather, not only do we get to know each of the characters but the understanding of how their lives are or will be connected (my notes from the very beginning say ‘weird’ as I had no way of knowing how it fitted in with the blurb. Very clever).

Kevin’s perceptions of the adults, reading what we try to hide with gestures and words, is something I think you either can do or it’s a blank wall. This has given added depth to the story and ties in with truth/lies and religion/spirituality.

Religion and Spirituality – tenets, dogma, faith and community. The Atheist’s Prayer characters are either Baptist, (lapsed) Jewish, Buddhist and of course the Polymoirans (and yes, they do wear plastic fairy wings). A faith that to me, has a foundation that made sense! I’m sure this is familiar … with a splinter group whose leader interpreted only a part of the whole. Followers are brought into the fold who are ‘lost’ and looking for a place to belong, therefore vulnerable and needy. Kevin, having only been to a church school is totally confused when at his new school, the topic is evolution.

The characters are brilliant. A woman appearing chaste and believing in God on the surface but always seeming to mess up in her life by making ‘bad’ choices; an alcoholic who had a childhood that is still destroying him; a woman with a mental illness who makes sense to a young girl; a drug dealer/stripper with a conscience and a young boy receiving confusing and mixed messages.

The Atheist’s Prayer for me is about judgements and labels we give to others which aren’t necessarily the truth … and a search for a wholeness we are all ultimately trying to find (whether that search is through love of a person or love of a deity).

Can Hank and Candy avert another suicide pact in the 7 days running up to the eclipse? An unlikely duo on the face of it …

If you are open minded and like a plot that makes you think and takes you out of your comfort zone, this may well be a novel you add to your reading list.

I would like to thank the author for providing a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book solely because I liked the title. No idea what it might be about. Then I read the back cover and the "what people are saying about" section, and wondered how well I would like a book about a druggie stripper and an alcoholic Santa in a "fiendishly funny" novel (not much, I guessed). Then I began reading ... and couldn't put it down! Extremely likeable and realistic characters (not once did I roll my eyes), a completely believeable plot that somehow kept me interested even though the main action described on the back doesn't really get underway until halfway through, and a certain warmth/hope that made me look past the drugs and alcohol. Do atheists pray? Not in the theistic way. They pray with friendship, love, and concern as evidenced in these characters (and yes, the atheist's prayer of the title is in the book, hidden in plain sight, and quite beautiful). I thought this would be a read-and-recycle book, but nope, I'm keeping it to read over and over. Can't wait to see what else Amy R. Biddle writes!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well heck. First of all DAMN haha. This was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. Especially since I picked it at the library because the cover looked interesting and didn't read the blurb. Interesting premise and at times both hilarious and dark as hell but well paced, interesting and cool writing style. Also lots of little cryptic clues throughout. Definitely will be buying a copy for my library.

[Keith CARTER · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book that is not that easy to "get into", the first three or four chapters jump from character to character. Once the book settles down the book is fun and chock full of suspense. A short read of around 200 pages I would give it a whirl.

[Elisabet Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book throws together a variety of characters and how they handle their daily lives. Biddle is able to create various characters which I believe anybody could identify with on some level.

Biddle does an excellent job showing the honest human behavior and our bewildered thoughts that few of us share with others. She gives us a great understanding of what goes through a person's mind and the actions to follow. This makes the character more real and relatable...you can understand their struggles in life, because the emotional turmoil of these individuals are very relatable.

When I first started reading the book I found myself wondering how the different storylines were all going to fit together and make sense. After introducing each character, Biddle does a great job blending them together and before you know it, all the stories have merge into the lives of messed up individuals (aren't we all at some point in our lives?) and two children trying to find their place in this world.

This book not only shows the naivite of children or cluelessness of adults (Hank), but also the delusions of adults. The one that sticks out for me, probably because of my atheistic beliefs, is when Kevin's mom and her church friends decided to stay in the church and pray rather than go look for them. This happens all the time, and children die due to substition of prayers. I'm not only thinking of cult suicides, but also parents refusing medical treatment for their children, and rather try to pray their illness away.

This book is very easy to read, enjoyable and honest about who we are as people. I would recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

This book is a comic exploration in religious belief. We have the Polymoiran, the "fairy worshippers", Christianity, and Atheism. The chapters alternate among characters that represent each "faction" - Heather becomes a Moiran savior, Kevin and his mother belong to Christianity (almost on a fanatical level as well), and Hank, I believe, is an Atheist.

The chapters are short, and overall, it's a quick read. Each character is reasonably accessible. Hank is a drunk mall Santa turned bouncer. Lizzie is a devout mother who challenges her son's school curriculum on the matter of evolution. Kevin is an inquisitive little boy, whose answers are provided by a jaded Luna.

The only qualm I had was the pacing of the story. It does a good job in setting up the conflict - saving the children from a cult suicide. However, well into the book, after seeing Kevin in school, seeing Hank at work, and Heather sneaking close to her daughter, we suddenly get a change of pace. Candy suddenly hears about the eclipse and automatically realizes that there will be another mass suicide. Prior to her epiphany, there is no indication that she even knew about the previous mass suicide - yes, she realized that the mushrooms she sell were the cause of it, but we have no insight into her character. Did she suffer a loss from the first mass suicide? To put simply, the book's summary assumes that Candy is the main character, the main focus on this book. However, Candy is only a minor character who suddenly becomes a major character who saves the children in the end.

Still, this is a good book. Highly recommended.

[CL Ngwe-Nwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We are all screwed up and find salvation in various ways. There is no one way to salvation. In fact, we all get lost on the way.”

The psychology of faith, a search for spiritual and moral answers to questions every being asks themselves and sometimes others on a daily. That’s a short cut summary of what the Atheist’s Prayer is all about. If you are a religious hermit you just may be turned off by the title of this book which actually has nothing to do with questioning the human believe system as much as it is a funny, crassly honest depiction of the road to salvation.

The novel takes my favorite character, Candy, who is a stripper with tons and tons of baggage and Hank through a struggle to safe some young kids from the grips of a suicide cult. Great plot, intense character development and perfect dialog, the Atheist’s Prayer was certainly a good and effortless read for me. Trust me, even after you put down this book, you will still be thinking of it.

A huge thumbs up to Amy R. Biddle for a great novel.

Review originally posted on
https://spcreatives.wordpress.com/201...

[Rick Bylina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy of this book as a prize at the NCWN fall conference. I found the opening hard to get into. Too many POVs introduced before I could focus on the primary protagonist, Hank. I do, however, like braided stories, where several seemingly unconnected people end up tied together, and this time by the forces of religion or the lack of religion. (The song “Losing My Religion” kept playing in my mind while I read it.) I did find Luna’s blind trust of her mother somewhat stretch given the scarsity of time they were allowed to see each other and Luna’s otherwise world-wise and jaded attitude about most things. But it’s been a long time since I was 11 years old. The action does pick up as the story crashes into the mid-point, and then just as quickly dies for about twenty pages before a secondary protagonist starts to put together the horrible reality of what is really going to transpire. And then we are off to the races. It’s a good read for a long flight from NYC to LA and a solid four from me.

[Librarian Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to believe that this is Amy Biddle's debut novel. It is poignant, funny, suspenseful...you name it and this book touches on it.

The main characters are Candy, a drug dealing stripper, and Hank, an alcoholic mall Santa Claus. Candy discovers that some of her customers are part of a fairy-worshipping cult who are planning a mass suicide. She and Hank band together to try to stop it--especially because there are a couple of kids involved.

These are not stock characters-- they are fully drawn. Besides Candy and Hank, there are Kevin, a questioning seven-year-old and Luna, a cynical preteen. They all have their strong points and their flaws.

The story itself is fast moving and engaging. This author is definitely someone to keep an eye on. I'm looking forward to her next offering. Good job!

[Emily Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars seems harsh, but it's not quite the full four. May be a three point six?