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In the Image of Man: A Small God, a Handful of Followers and the End of the World
Allow me to introduce Bob, the small god of vending machine repair and computers. He may be new at the job, and he is still learning, but he is a very hard worker.
As the story unfolds, there is an ancient godling adrift in Berkshire, England, and he needs believers if he is going to keep existing. This tiny god, who comes to be known as Bob, is small, powerless, and unseen. Drifting through the ages, he is brought to consciousness following a tragedy and must gain followers to stay alive - and without belief, there is no capacity for miracles.
Bob goes to work, invisible and inexperienced, silently watching and hoping for people to love him. He learns all about vending machines and then computers, but humans prove much more complicated. As the days pass, his power increases as his unknowing colleagues mutter “oh God” and start to believe, even if only a little.
But modern life takes its toll, even on a higher deity. Bob needs a sacrifice, a token of dedication. Not any old sacrifice, though - no blood and guts are needed here, just a chocolate bar given freely in his name.
Ray Charles and Mary Callaghan had no idea that their lives were going to be changed forever when this weak but desperate small god introduced himself. Ray’s anger over his wrecked car tire draws Bob like a beacon to him. Mary’s emotional turmoil teaches Bob all about love and betrayal. He watches over her, but not even a god is safe from making serious mistakes. Soon, a psychiatrist, the police, and even the Pope are brought into the confusion. On top of all that, Bob finds that he needs a far bigger congregation if he is going to save the world from impending doom. Can he do it?
The first in a quirky, fun trilogy, written in a tongue-in-cheek style by author Mark Long, this story looks at human nature and belief systems in a distorting mirror. It is charming, sweet, and thought-provoking.
As the story unfolds, there is an ancient godling adrift in Berkshire, England, and he needs believers if he is going to keep existing. This tiny god, who comes to be known as Bob, is small, powerless, and unseen. Drifting through the ages, he is brought to consciousness following a tragedy and must gain followers to stay alive - and without belief, there is no capacity for miracles.
Bob goes to work, invisible and inexperienced, silently watching and hoping for people to love him. He learns all about vending machines and then computers, but humans prove much more complicated. As the days pass, his power increases as his unknowing colleagues mutter “oh God” and start to believe, even if only a little.
But modern life takes its toll, even on a higher deity. Bob needs a sacrifice, a token of dedication. Not any old sacrifice, though - no blood and guts are needed here, just a chocolate bar given freely in his name.
Ray Charles and Mary Callaghan had no idea that their lives were going to be changed forever when this weak but desperate small god introduced himself. Ray’s anger over his wrecked car tire draws Bob like a beacon to him. Mary’s emotional turmoil teaches Bob all about love and betrayal. He watches over her, but not even a god is safe from making serious mistakes. Soon, a psychiatrist, the police, and even the Pope are brought into the confusion. On top of all that, Bob finds that he needs a far bigger congregation if he is going to save the world from impending doom. Can he do it?
The first in a quirky, fun trilogy, written in a tongue-in-cheek style by author Mark Long, this story looks at human nature and belief systems in a distorting mirror. It is charming, sweet, and thought-provoking.
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First published November 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 19, 2020
I’d just given up on a Big Name novel and this was simply the next on my tbr pile. It’s quirky not comic, taking Pratchett’s idea of Small Gods and thinking about a modern scenario. I really enjoyed it. Very sweet
September 10, 2023
In the image of man
I was gifted a copy from the author for an honest review
This book is such a fun read and is a short story about about a small god from birth
There is a mix between fiction and real life events and famous people who are doing jobs that will blow your mind
There is plenty of humor and I highly recommend this book
I was gifted a copy from the author for an honest review
This book is such a fun read and is a short story about about a small god from birth
There is a mix between fiction and real life events and famous people who are doing jobs that will blow your mind
There is plenty of humor and I highly recommend this book
December 19, 2022
I am so grateful to have received this book from the author Mark Long. Thank you Booktasters for giving me this opportunity!
Genre:
Fiction
Plot:
A tiny spirit nameless and unaware floats into the human world seeking only one thing – belief. Assuming the name Bob, the spirit technically is a small god desperately searching for believers. Floating through ages, an accident bringing him into consciousness, Bob soon must find followers, or he would never be able to perform miracles and soon would cease to exist.
Join Bob on his quirky journey to know how he finds his followers and whether he will be able to actually help the mankind!
Review:
Honestly, the description of this novel grabbed my attention. It is a small humorous yet thought provoking novel. Starting with a mysterious event, the story proceeds with a steady pace.
There are only few characters in the book which makes it easier to follow along the story. Bob as smaller God is so endearing and made me chuckle quite a few times. Although his character seemingly wavers a bit later, the childlike innocence is never lost. The followers he gains are also likeable. I did end up worrying for them. So, the author did a pretty fab job of keeping me engaged.
There were few instances which were quite thought provoking. Bob’s simplistic nature of sharing made me wonder why we don’t have a personal God like that to guide us and say openly that he has trust in us.
The ending was quite satisfactory. It left me smiling and hoping for a sequel.
Overall, it is a nice, sweet book which one can enjoy anytime. Please do give it a read. The book surely gives a new perspective to the concept of “belief”.
Genre:
Fiction
Plot:
A tiny spirit nameless and unaware floats into the human world seeking only one thing – belief. Assuming the name Bob, the spirit technically is a small god desperately searching for believers. Floating through ages, an accident bringing him into consciousness, Bob soon must find followers, or he would never be able to perform miracles and soon would cease to exist.
Join Bob on his quirky journey to know how he finds his followers and whether he will be able to actually help the mankind!
Review:
Honestly, the description of this novel grabbed my attention. It is a small humorous yet thought provoking novel. Starting with a mysterious event, the story proceeds with a steady pace.
There are only few characters in the book which makes it easier to follow along the story. Bob as smaller God is so endearing and made me chuckle quite a few times. Although his character seemingly wavers a bit later, the childlike innocence is never lost. The followers he gains are also likeable. I did end up worrying for them. So, the author did a pretty fab job of keeping me engaged.
There were few instances which were quite thought provoking. Bob’s simplistic nature of sharing made me wonder why we don’t have a personal God like that to guide us and say openly that he has trust in us.
The ending was quite satisfactory. It left me smiling and hoping for a sequel.
Overall, it is a nice, sweet book which one can enjoy anytime. Please do give it a read. The book surely gives a new perspective to the concept of “belief”.
January 24, 2019
In the Image of Man by Mark Long is a humourous short novel which tracks the journey of a small God from birth to gaining full power and creating miracles. What I loved about this book is that it neither glorifies nor trashes any religion or God but just that a god is about his believers and not blind faith or superstitions, its just about humanity and helping each other. This is a god thaat is so humane so normal that makes mistakes and learns and is not all knowing.
The story is lovely, thought provoking a little moralastic, just funny, all in right places and not over done thought the humour content is not side splitting kind but just good feeling kind. This is a book that curl up with a cup of tea/ coffee with a blanket on a wintry day . In short its a must read
Received this book through @BookTasters
The story is lovely, thought provoking a little moralastic, just funny, all in right places and not over done thought the humour content is not side splitting kind but just good feeling kind. This is a book that curl up with a cup of tea/ coffee with a blanket on a wintry day . In short its a must read
Received this book through @BookTasters
July 12, 2020
I loved this well-written, thoroughly engrossing and entertaining story of a 'small god' who forms from an ancient 'spark' when a person expresses belief in him. He then needs sustained belief and more believers to continue to exist - and to perform various miracles of all sizes.
First we meet Jason - but not for long. And then a memorial to him on the A34 (for the story takes place in the UK) sparks a spark to life as a spirit.
Next we meet Ray Charles, no not the famous one; it's a coincidence of naming, but this Ray often refers to it. For whatever reason, I pictured him and his wife Anne as being of West Indian descent. Ray's wife is Catholic, although Ray is not religious....yet. When the as-yet-unnamed spirit encounters Ray and tries to help him, it gains a name (Bob), and a new believer (Ray), although Ray takes a fair amount of convincing.
Through Ray's job as a repairman, we meet Mary, who Bob is drawn to because she appears to be praying and she has a lot of little dolls and toy animals on her desk which Bob thinks may mean she is spiritual. She is described as in her 30s, pale with reddish hair, and I pictured her as a younger Susan Boyle. Bob works to try to gain her belief as well, as only with enough belief can he be sustained.
At the same time as this story is developing with Bob, Ray, Mary and others, a huge asteroid is on a collision course with earth. There are occasional updates as to its travels, NASA's awareness and tracking of it, and so forth.
How - if at all - does this relate to Bob and the other characters?
All is revealed in an amazingly well-done way that kept me turning the pages. (I was quite worried about Bast for awhile, but was quite relieved with the outcome). This turned out to be a very fast read for me - despite reading it only before bedtime each night, I finished it in a week.
The other characters we get involved with along the way - I particularly liked Varun and John - are beautifully depicted and we come to care about them too.
I know this is a book I will read again!
First we meet Jason - but not for long. And then a memorial to him on the A34 (for the story takes place in the UK) sparks a spark to life as a spirit.
Next we meet Ray Charles, no not the famous one; it's a coincidence of naming, but this Ray often refers to it. For whatever reason, I pictured him and his wife Anne as being of West Indian descent. Ray's wife is Catholic, although Ray is not religious....yet. When the as-yet-unnamed spirit encounters Ray and tries to help him, it gains a name (Bob), and a new believer (Ray), although Ray takes a fair amount of convincing.
Through Ray's job as a repairman, we meet Mary, who Bob is drawn to because she appears to be praying and she has a lot of little dolls and toy animals on her desk which Bob thinks may mean she is spiritual. She is described as in her 30s, pale with reddish hair, and I pictured her as a younger Susan Boyle. Bob works to try to gain her belief as well, as only with enough belief can he be sustained.
At the same time as this story is developing with Bob, Ray, Mary and others, a huge asteroid is on a collision course with earth. There are occasional updates as to its travels, NASA's awareness and tracking of it, and so forth.
How - if at all - does this relate to Bob and the other characters?
All is revealed in an amazingly well-done way that kept me turning the pages. (I was quite worried about Bast for awhile, but was quite relieved with the outcome). This turned out to be a very fast read for me - despite reading it only before bedtime each night, I finished it in a week.
The other characters we get involved with along the way - I particularly liked Varun and John - are beautifully depicted and we come to care about them too.
I know this is a book I will read again!
November 6, 2022
Instead of chronicling people getting into the spirit, Mark Long’s “In the Image of Man” focuses on a spirit getting into people.
Though aspects of the story borrow from other works, not to mention real-life events, the mix of all the elements is wholly original. I’ve consumed hundreds of books in my life, and I can’t say I’ve read anything quite like this one.
Its main plot revolves around a spirit as old as the universe who happens to absorb enough energy to become aware following an untimely fatal accident. To stay strong, the spirit needs to gain followers.
Easier said than done, obviously. But the spirit, who soon christens himself Bob, is up for the challenge, quickly endearing himself to a vending-machine repairman named Ray Charles (no relation) and an automobile claims adjuster named Mary.
How does a formless spirit connect with humans? It’s complicated, though Bob utilizes his ability to read entire libraries or surf terabytes of online data in a matter of minutes to bolster his arsenal of tricks.
Of course, two followers does not a messiah make. So, Ray and Mary attempt to bolster their flock, and have some success before everything goes sideways.
“In the Image of Man” opens teasing its interstellar climax. That parallel story is then parceled out between chapters before colliding with the main plot in the book’s final pages.
Despite being teased, the parallel plot feels like it comes out of nowhere when it hits. I didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t love it, either. It just felt like the shift from an intimate story about personal relationships to a potential-end-of-civilization event was too abrupt, stunting the organic flow that had been building until that point.
Still, I did enjoy the book. The characters were memorable, the plot veered in all kinds of directions, and the dialogue was often very funny. Well worth a read.
Though aspects of the story borrow from other works, not to mention real-life events, the mix of all the elements is wholly original. I’ve consumed hundreds of books in my life, and I can’t say I’ve read anything quite like this one.
Its main plot revolves around a spirit as old as the universe who happens to absorb enough energy to become aware following an untimely fatal accident. To stay strong, the spirit needs to gain followers.
Easier said than done, obviously. But the spirit, who soon christens himself Bob, is up for the challenge, quickly endearing himself to a vending-machine repairman named Ray Charles (no relation) and an automobile claims adjuster named Mary.
How does a formless spirit connect with humans? It’s complicated, though Bob utilizes his ability to read entire libraries or surf terabytes of online data in a matter of minutes to bolster his arsenal of tricks.
Of course, two followers does not a messiah make. So, Ray and Mary attempt to bolster their flock, and have some success before everything goes sideways.
“In the Image of Man” opens teasing its interstellar climax. That parallel story is then parceled out between chapters before colliding with the main plot in the book’s final pages.
Despite being teased, the parallel plot feels like it comes out of nowhere when it hits. I didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t love it, either. It just felt like the shift from an intimate story about personal relationships to a potential-end-of-civilization event was too abrupt, stunting the organic flow that had been building until that point.
Still, I did enjoy the book. The characters were memorable, the plot veered in all kinds of directions, and the dialogue was often very funny. Well worth a read.
December 27, 2021
I was given an eBook copy by the author through @booktasters for an honest opinion.
Bob (as he/it/she will be called later) is a god, not THE god but a god drifting through the universe as a twinkling spark along with hundreds countless millions of tiny sparks looking for believers someone or something to believe in them because that’s there power, without it they’re a nothing. But the universe has brought Bob and Ray Charles (a vending machine repair man) together, from then the story unfolds very creatively.
I loved the direction it took witty with humour and thought provoking something totally different to what I’m accustomed to.
There’s a sub-plot, a massive meteor heading to earth which I believe it ties perfectly to the main story.
I quite enjoyed it, I didn’t expect to be highly entertained. Great start to the series.
Bob (as he/it/she will be called later) is a god, not THE god but a god drifting through the universe as a twinkling spark along with hundreds countless millions of tiny sparks looking for believers someone or something to believe in them because that’s there power, without it they’re a nothing. But the universe has brought Bob and Ray Charles (a vending machine repair man) together, from then the story unfolds very creatively.
I loved the direction it took witty with humour and thought provoking something totally different to what I’m accustomed to.
There’s a sub-plot, a massive meteor heading to earth which I believe it ties perfectly to the main story.
I quite enjoyed it, I didn’t expect to be highly entertained. Great start to the series.
May 3, 2023
Was not expecting to read it in one day
As the title says, I was planning on reading a chapter or two a day, but once I started, I didn’t want to stop. I started it in the morning, and finished it early afternoon.
In The Image Of A Man is a a wonderful, whimsical story about a young godling who, upon gaining sentience, latches onto a few ordinary people in an effort to learn about the world around him.
Bob’s curiosity is infectious. I found myself wanting to know everything about the minutiae of his believers’s ordinary lives as he continued his journey from being a simple idea to becoming a fully realized individual who learned how to grow and love. I rejoiced every time Bob overcame a low-stakes challenge, like a parent cheering on their child.
But then, suddenly, the stakes weren't so low. One instance of Bob's well-meaning meddling ends up having consequences, and Bob had to quickly organize his very small eclectic flock to action.
All in all, a wonderful read!
As the title says, I was planning on reading a chapter or two a day, but once I started, I didn’t want to stop. I started it in the morning, and finished it early afternoon.
In The Image Of A Man is a a wonderful, whimsical story about a young godling who, upon gaining sentience, latches onto a few ordinary people in an effort to learn about the world around him.
Bob’s curiosity is infectious. I found myself wanting to know everything about the minutiae of his believers’s ordinary lives as he continued his journey from being a simple idea to becoming a fully realized individual who learned how to grow and love. I rejoiced every time Bob overcame a low-stakes challenge, like a parent cheering on their child.
But then, suddenly, the stakes weren't so low. One instance of Bob's well-meaning meddling ends up having consequences, and Bob had to quickly organize his very small eclectic flock to action.
All in all, a wonderful read!
Read
May 9, 2023In the image of man is a really fun read that follows the "coming alive" of a god. The relationship between God and man is the one where the human does the believing. But in this book, we see how a god needed the belief of man in order to get to know its true self. "In the Image of man" follows Mr Charles, Bob’s first believer, and Mary, his second, as they come to grips with their somewhat unconventional deity. Bob learns about humans and their odd practices and tries to help with small miracles when he can. As can be imagined, having a god speaking through your computer or paintings painted when you’re asleep can cause others to question your sanity. I do recommend this book to everyone, as you’re not going to want to stop until you see how it ends. Will Mary get out of the asylum? Can Bob save the world? Find out about this when you read the book.
November 3, 2020
The little "g" god in this story is unique being billions of years in existence but just coming into its own, much like a new birth, in search of a family (or believers) in this case. Once you get used to how this god thinks, it could be mischievous, but on the serious side. Little "g" god (Bob) took his name from a phrase spoken by his second contact, who turned into a believer, so I assume this god is male. Its first two characters (believers) stick with the program even though they can't prove who or what Bob is. That takes faith and they stick through all of the mishaps that occur. The ending is victorious for everyone. It's actually a fun read in a way, though some phrases may sound disrespectful to the God that most people know. I choose to see the funny side and I would love to read more about Bob and his believers.
January 14, 2022
I loved "Bob", he was literally " the god of small things".
In a funny way this book took me to a small adventure of belief and at the end raised the right question that came to my head, is it the number of believers that keeps faith and religion strong?
Is "Bob" a metaphor to different religions?
I also liked Mary, she seemed somehow naïve at the beginning until she started believing, it felt like "Bob" was her belief in herself and her strength.
When it came to John, I think "Bob" was a motivator for him more than a "belief".
And I love the Real "Ray Charles", and Bob's Ray was a very smooth believer who needed to fill the emptiness in his life.
It's a book that is easy to read, with no hard philosophical ideas, even though they are hidden somewhere between the lines.
In a funny way this book took me to a small adventure of belief and at the end raised the right question that came to my head, is it the number of believers that keeps faith and religion strong?
Is "Bob" a metaphor to different religions?
I also liked Mary, she seemed somehow naïve at the beginning until she started believing, it felt like "Bob" was her belief in herself and her strength.
When it came to John, I think "Bob" was a motivator for him more than a "belief".
And I love the Real "Ray Charles", and Bob's Ray was a very smooth believer who needed to fill the emptiness in his life.
It's a book that is easy to read, with no hard philosophical ideas, even though they are hidden somewhere between the lines.
March 7, 2022
Absolutely hilarious. This is a funny, well-written, and slightly satirical book, which follows the evolution of a “spark” — named Bob — to godhood. Apparently, all little sparks need is someone to believe in them, and they can become conscious and help their believers in various hilarious ways that don’t always work as intended. I read this in a day and a half and was laughing out loud almost all of the time. The interspersed snippets about the deadly asteroid threatening earth never failed to pique my interest—don’t worry, it all comes together in the end!
October 12, 2019
Gods have been used for centuries to promote division, distrust and hatred between those who believe and those who do not. Bob isn't a god like that. He's a nice god. He's only a small god with a few followers but he's not there to tell them what to do (or not what to do). All he wants is for people to believe in him and that gives him to power to do amazing things. He is, quite literally, a godsend.
In a time when all around us is a divided society, this is an uplifting novel that brings a smile to your face. We all need a god to believe in like Bob. Looking forward to more novels from Mark Long and more books in the godling series.
In a time when all around us is a divided society, this is an uplifting novel that brings a smile to your face. We all need a god to believe in like Bob. Looking forward to more novels from Mark Long and more books in the godling series.
May 12, 2023
Intriguing but not intimidating. This is definitely a unique read about a small god trying to get believers. The plot has a humorous side to it as well. Bob is a god, but he knows he's not the only one. The story veers into many directions but it's easy to follow through. Mary and Ray are both quirky characters and they're memorable enough to keep you going through the pages. The story will stimulate your thoughts about what it's like to actually believe.
August 25, 2020
What a fun book to read.Bob is a god who needs to live,he doesn't want to be a spark.For him to live though,he needs people to believe in him.He has no knowledge of anything,he has to start from scratch.Fortunately for him as much as he made grievous mistakes in the beginning,he quickly learnt from them and made up for them.
Anyone can read this book and enjoy it
Way to go!
Anyone can read this book and enjoy it
Way to go!
April 9, 2023
This was a very creative and original read about the concept of spirituality and belief intertwined with fantasy fiction. The descriptions of each character were perfectly illustrated so that the reader could envision each person as he or she saw fit. This was truly a page turner and delightful read! Two thumbs up!
February 26, 2019
A very humorous and witty story about a god named Bob. The story was very touching and sweet. Definitely a enjoyable read, maybe for a weekend or a raining day in! The idea that the little god needs to learn things like love amazes me a very cute story!
March 26, 2023
I was grateful to receive this book by the author. The image of a man is a humorous book that deals with deep topics like faith and religion. I loved the way the author addressed the characters and their struggles. It made it compelling for the reader. The image of a man is a book you’ll keep thinking about maybe for your whole life. It’s truly special as it teaches you to believe in others. Reading the book I always found myself going back to the beginning where Bob asks himself Do people need to be believed in? You know a book is great when you can’t stop thinking about a certain passage, or a lesson it teaches you. This book maybe about a small humorist god but it is a book about life having faith and believing even if people tell you, you are crazy. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to stumble on to a great story. Who has had a difficult go in life and is only looking for someone who believes in them, inspires them. That is what Bob did for the characters and what the author did for me.
January 27, 2019
Very funny and easy to read. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a random purchase after a friend mentioned a character was named after him (Jason) and I’m glad I bought it. I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.
January 25, 2019
This is a funny and witty novel about a god named Bob.
It was humorous and well written. You get to follow Bob from a spark to a god on his quest to get more people to believe in him. There is a fun rag tag group of characters amassed at the end.
Not typical humor, but fun nonetheless.
It was humorous and well written. You get to follow Bob from a spark to a god on his quest to get more people to believe in him. There is a fun rag tag group of characters amassed at the end.
Not typical humor, but fun nonetheless.
February 10, 2020
Yes yes, I wondered what the story was all about when it just begun; 'Where is this author taking us?!' Then the picture became clearer and clearer, great work worth checking out
September 10, 2020
The synopsis piqued my interest, and when I started reading it didn't disappoint. The thought about small gods always interested me. I've watched and read about gods/small gods disappearing because no one remembered them. Even though the plot was not new to me, still it was a whole new different story. What if small gods really existed and we just never knew their name? Bob for me was really mischievous in his innocence, and it was fun being with him through his journey as he discovers what it means to be a god for humans. The ending was totally unexpected. Overall I enjoyed the novel so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
Firstly, I have to point out that going into this book I only had one thought: Why the hell is a god named Bob?! Lol that question was answered almost instantly and it's actually really clever.
I honest to Bob (get it) enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would considering I hadn't read anything like it before. Usually my fantasy books sticks to fairies lol but this one was set on belief —literally since Bob needed people to believe in him to have energy/power.
I love that this book showed many different characters and we got to see problems that everyday people have to face. I also loved how Bob helped them no matter how big or small the job was.
I'll admit it took me a while to get into the book because of the writing style but once I got a taste for it I was breezing through it! Another thing I loved about this book is that it made me question so many things in real life. I love a book that has me working my little brain.
I honest to Bob (get it) enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would considering I hadn't read anything like it before. Usually my fantasy books sticks to fairies lol but this one was set on belief —literally since Bob needed people to believe in him to have energy/power.
I love that this book showed many different characters and we got to see problems that everyday people have to face. I also loved how Bob helped them no matter how big or small the job was.
I'll admit it took me a while to get into the book because of the writing style but once I got a taste for it I was breezing through it! Another thing I loved about this book is that it made me question so many things in real life. I love a book that has me working my little brain.
January 20, 2019
The story was gripping from the start and the characters are well written and very relatable. The story was touching and funny at the same time. I love the idea of a God that still needs to learn and that needs humans to survive and safe the earth. I highly recommend this book if you are into funny, gripping, touching, exciting, loving stories
July 29, 2021
First of all, I will admit that I was given a copy to review, so was not as immediately invested in the book as some here who may have paid for it.
However, the more I read, the more I fell in love with the story, and especially the characters. At the very basic level it is a story of a being/god who comes in to existence, in a rather humorous incident gains the name Bob, and sets out to gain some followers, not for his own glory, but just to keep existing. From these humble beginnings he gathers a minor flock of eclectic characters, including a vending machine repairman, librarian, homeless person and a psychiatric doctor, accidentally gets one of them incarcerated and sent to a psychiatric hospital, has to help to attempt to rescue them, and then having to try and save the world from an impending asteroid strike.
It all sounds a bit far-fetched when summed up, but the author deftly weaves the events in and out of each other very well, and none of the things that occur never feel outlandish or forced when you're reading them. There are no sudden surprises or outlandish coincidences; everything is perfectly believable and you can sometimes wonder if these kind of things would really happen if someone or something like Bob actually existed.
What I enjoyed most was the different characters that all end up comprising The Church Of Bob. Mark (the author) writes them all so well. They are immediately believable, and are given backstories and unique personalities, which many readers may be able to identify with. I found myself thinking that if I were in one of the situations in the book, I would behave in exactly the same way that the characters do.
The actual story itself progresses at a decent pace, never either lingering too long on one specific event or plot point, nor having things happen so quickly that you miss much if your mind happens to wander. I found myself almost never having to re-read passages because I'd missed one vital sentence, or didn't know who a character was, which happens more than I'd care to admit when reading other novels.
As the story was drawing to a close, I found myself wishing I could spend more time in the company of Bob, Mr. Charles, Mary, John & Dr. Chandra. There is a pleasant little epilogue detailing exactly what happens to Bob, Mary & Dr. Chandra, but I would have liked to find out about the others as well.
Overall, I found this a very enjoyable read, with plenty or humour, excitement, and believability, whilst still maintaining a nice sci-fi feel just bubbling underneath, although don't be put off if sci-fi isn't usually your thing; this is mostly a story about people and how they choose in what or who to believe. It's exciting enough to read in one sitting, but pleasant enough to dip in to a chapter or two before bed at a more sedate pace.
I'm just hoping I get to see more adventures of Bob and his followers in future!
However, the more I read, the more I fell in love with the story, and especially the characters. At the very basic level it is a story of a being/god who comes in to existence, in a rather humorous incident gains the name Bob, and sets out to gain some followers, not for his own glory, but just to keep existing. From these humble beginnings he gathers a minor flock of eclectic characters, including a vending machine repairman, librarian, homeless person and a psychiatric doctor, accidentally gets one of them incarcerated and sent to a psychiatric hospital, has to help to attempt to rescue them, and then having to try and save the world from an impending asteroid strike.
It all sounds a bit far-fetched when summed up, but the author deftly weaves the events in and out of each other very well, and none of the things that occur never feel outlandish or forced when you're reading them. There are no sudden surprises or outlandish coincidences; everything is perfectly believable and you can sometimes wonder if these kind of things would really happen if someone or something like Bob actually existed.
What I enjoyed most was the different characters that all end up comprising The Church Of Bob. Mark (the author) writes them all so well. They are immediately believable, and are given backstories and unique personalities, which many readers may be able to identify with. I found myself thinking that if I were in one of the situations in the book, I would behave in exactly the same way that the characters do.
The actual story itself progresses at a decent pace, never either lingering too long on one specific event or plot point, nor having things happen so quickly that you miss much if your mind happens to wander. I found myself almost never having to re-read passages because I'd missed one vital sentence, or didn't know who a character was, which happens more than I'd care to admit when reading other novels.
As the story was drawing to a close, I found myself wishing I could spend more time in the company of Bob, Mr. Charles, Mary, John & Dr. Chandra. There is a pleasant little epilogue detailing exactly what happens to Bob, Mary & Dr. Chandra, but I would have liked to find out about the others as well.
Overall, I found this a very enjoyable read, with plenty or humour, excitement, and believability, whilst still maintaining a nice sci-fi feel just bubbling underneath, although don't be put off if sci-fi isn't usually your thing; this is mostly a story about people and how they choose in what or who to believe. It's exciting enough to read in one sitting, but pleasant enough to dip in to a chapter or two before bed at a more sedate pace.
I'm just hoping I get to see more adventures of Bob and his followers in future!
May 25, 2023
So the story is about a young god who becomes self-aware and tries to learn about the world by following some ordinary people. It is a whimsical and wonderful story.
I'd say an amazing short novel! Worth it!
Genre is fictional tho!
I'd say an amazing short novel! Worth it!
Genre is fictional tho!
January 14, 2022
I read this book when it was first published and now have listened to the audiobook. It is a very different read for me but that’s why I liked it….a refreshing change from murder mysteries or thrillers. The story was intriguing. Well-written, the plot entices you in….it makes you think and stretches the imagination. The audio book is beautifully narrated too. If you want something a little different, it is worth reading.
April 15, 2022
I was given an audioook copy of this via booktasters in exchange for a review.
I struggled to enjoy the first couple of chapters and put it down for a few days but when i picked it up again it quickly grew on me.
The writing isn't the best, it does a lot more telling than showing but it's easy to read and as others have said it has a very lighthearted, comedic tone which just made it enjoyable to the point where the writing didn't bother me after a while.
My biggest issue was the pacing and lack of tension. The subplot about the asteroid felt very disconnected from the rest of the story to the point where I actually kept forgetting about it until it's chapters would come up. The ending where the two plots meet feels very rushed and the solution feels unearned because no where is it hinted that that is something Bob can do (at least not that I'm aware of).
What really earns the stars though is the characters. I loved all of the main characters but especially Bob. They're diverse, they're interesting and i genuinely cared about them. I thought Varen especially was an interesting character (im listening to the audiobook, not 100% sure that's what his name is). He has some internal conflict introduced later in the book and i would have loved to see that explored more.
I struggled to enjoy the first couple of chapters and put it down for a few days but when i picked it up again it quickly grew on me.
The writing isn't the best, it does a lot more telling than showing but it's easy to read and as others have said it has a very lighthearted, comedic tone which just made it enjoyable to the point where the writing didn't bother me after a while.
My biggest issue was the pacing and lack of tension. The subplot about the asteroid felt very disconnected from the rest of the story to the point where I actually kept forgetting about it until it's chapters would come up. The ending where the two plots meet feels very rushed and the solution feels unearned because no where is it hinted that that is something Bob can do (at least not that I'm aware of).
What really earns the stars though is the characters. I loved all of the main characters but especially Bob. They're diverse, they're interesting and i genuinely cared about them. I thought Varen especially was an interesting character (im listening to the audiobook, not 100% sure that's what his name is). He has some internal conflict introduced later in the book and i would have loved to see that explored more.
May 3, 2019
I ran across an interesting article from National Geographic the other day. In it, researchers stated that an early South American civilization developed religious beliefs after the society had a sufficient size to need a moral and ethical structure. In other words, they developed a god “In the Image of Man.”
Mark Long has written a warm, witty and wonderful story about a god, one of many who exist on the Earth. This god is not all powerful and omnipotent, rather it is a mere spark of a being. What it needs to grow more powerful is belief - nothing else, no worship, no rituals, no sacrifices - just belief. This god begins by accident, or more accurately, because of an accident. Jason, hitch-hiking on the A34, is killed in an accident by a truck driver who tried to stop and pick him up. Jason’s family leaves one of those roadside memorials in his honor and along comes “Ray Charles (no relation).” (This is just one of many delightful bits of humor sprinkled though out the book). This Ray Charles is a vending machine repair man and his car blows a tyre at the scene of the accident. Being a decent man, he utters only several minor curses which catch the attention of the spirit, who helps him find a lost wheel bolt in the grass. Ray triumphantly cries out “And Bob’s your Uncle”, whereupon the spirit promptly takes the name Bob.
Bob leaves the accident scene with Ray, because all the belief in that roadside memorial had been used. Later, Ray visits the office of QuikQuote, an insurance firm where Bob meets Mary, who works in the call center. Here, Bob determines that it would be better to become the god of computers than vending machines because the offices Ray visited “had a lot of computers and not many vending machines”, another of many subtly funny lines in the book. Mary becomes the first person to interact with Bob and eventually gives him his image. I won’t share that image because I want you to discover it yourself by reading the book. Bob grows stronger after helping Mary discover that her boyfriend is cheating on her, and helping Ray recover from a heart attack. (This is when Ray finds out about Bob and becomes his second adherent).
Through their daily routines and a series of mishaps that lead to the addition of two more followers, Bob continues to grow. And they all live happily ever after….
Wait, did I mention the asteroid turned meteor that will hit the Earth and exterminate all life? Oh, sorry, but there is one and eventually, fed by the belief of billions of people around the world, Bob and Mary (and computers) save the Earth from the meteor. And, in an astounding turn of events for someone raised in the Judeo-Christian world, Bob shares the belief he receives from those billions of other people with the other sparks who have been around since the beginning of time. Bob does that because that much belief is something he can’t handle.
Well written and with many other plot details I won’t cover in the review, including a series of interactions with the Catholic Church, Long is deft and a keen observer of life’s ironies. For, example, when researching (through computers of course) what humans believed about their gods, Bob discovers that most of the pictures of God were old humans in white robes with a full beard and Bob “wondered if Zeus was still in business after all.” Or, after Mary loses her job at QuikQuote and is being interviewed for a library position, the librarian opines that “We haven’t been very successful at attracting non-English speakers to a large building mostly full of books in English.”
I am very much looking forward to the sequel to this book. I hope Long begins to tie up those loose threads with the Catholic Church and the relationship between Ray and his wife Anne, who is a very devout Catholic.
Mark Long has written a warm, witty and wonderful story about a god, one of many who exist on the Earth. This god is not all powerful and omnipotent, rather it is a mere spark of a being. What it needs to grow more powerful is belief - nothing else, no worship, no rituals, no sacrifices - just belief. This god begins by accident, or more accurately, because of an accident. Jason, hitch-hiking on the A34, is killed in an accident by a truck driver who tried to stop and pick him up. Jason’s family leaves one of those roadside memorials in his honor and along comes “Ray Charles (no relation).” (This is just one of many delightful bits of humor sprinkled though out the book). This Ray Charles is a vending machine repair man and his car blows a tyre at the scene of the accident. Being a decent man, he utters only several minor curses which catch the attention of the spirit, who helps him find a lost wheel bolt in the grass. Ray triumphantly cries out “And Bob’s your Uncle”, whereupon the spirit promptly takes the name Bob.
Bob leaves the accident scene with Ray, because all the belief in that roadside memorial had been used. Later, Ray visits the office of QuikQuote, an insurance firm where Bob meets Mary, who works in the call center. Here, Bob determines that it would be better to become the god of computers than vending machines because the offices Ray visited “had a lot of computers and not many vending machines”, another of many subtly funny lines in the book. Mary becomes the first person to interact with Bob and eventually gives him his image. I won’t share that image because I want you to discover it yourself by reading the book. Bob grows stronger after helping Mary discover that her boyfriend is cheating on her, and helping Ray recover from a heart attack. (This is when Ray finds out about Bob and becomes his second adherent).
Through their daily routines and a series of mishaps that lead to the addition of two more followers, Bob continues to grow. And they all live happily ever after….
Wait, did I mention the asteroid turned meteor that will hit the Earth and exterminate all life? Oh, sorry, but there is one and eventually, fed by the belief of billions of people around the world, Bob and Mary (and computers) save the Earth from the meteor. And, in an astounding turn of events for someone raised in the Judeo-Christian world, Bob shares the belief he receives from those billions of other people with the other sparks who have been around since the beginning of time. Bob does that because that much belief is something he can’t handle.
Well written and with many other plot details I won’t cover in the review, including a series of interactions with the Catholic Church, Long is deft and a keen observer of life’s ironies. For, example, when researching (through computers of course) what humans believed about their gods, Bob discovers that most of the pictures of God were old humans in white robes with a full beard and Bob “wondered if Zeus was still in business after all.” Or, after Mary loses her job at QuikQuote and is being interviewed for a library position, the librarian opines that “We haven’t been very successful at attracting non-English speakers to a large building mostly full of books in English.”
I am very much looking forward to the sequel to this book. I hope Long begins to tie up those loose threads with the Catholic Church and the relationship between Ray and his wife Anne, who is a very devout Catholic.
November 29, 2019
An interesting reading experience, It should be categorized under more than one genre, it has a wonderful track of action, I will recommend it to my friends, thanks for Readers House for this great chance
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