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Dead Dog Like Me
Nick Gregory regains consciousness after a horrific car accident to find he’s been transported back in time and that he has become Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Aware that he’s experiencing another man’s life, he has to learn fast. When mega-church pastor, Nick Gregory, regains consciousness after a horrific car accident, he’s on the ground in agonizing pain. Nick realizes he is in a bizarre place – a foreign, parched, ancient land, having been transported back in time to 800 B.C. Unbelievably, he is in the body of a prince named Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is fully aware of who he is and that he’s now living in Mephibosheth’s body, strangely able to speak and understand Hebrew. This experience helps him see that he, like Mephibosheth, is a broken man desperate for God’s outrageous grace and healing (2 Samuel 9:8). Returning to present day, Nick’s experience motivates a changed life.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
Here’s an author who knows bare his mind and heart.
When I read the tragic story of Nick, I couldn’t help feel identified. Depression is an issue that cannot be taken as a joke, and the difficult times that Nick went through really touched my heart. It's hard not to empathize with a character, as he is going through something that you have lived, and therefore for me it was a very deep book.
Nick's journey from the pit of depression until his fully understanding of the nature of God and His redemption was unforgettable.
The characters show us the human and sensitive side of all of us, that dark side that we want to hide, but eventually ends to stay afloat and show our true identity.
Besides of being a touching story, this book had surprises I didn’t expect. For example is Nick’s puppy, Deuce, a little dog who teaches great lessons about life and forgiveness; and through its tender reactions we realize how much we need to learn. Also there are the amazing scenes of time travel and where Nick sees through Mephibosheth the similarity of their lives and the painful road to redemption.
This novel was written with passion, and every word written creek deep in the interior. I hope that in the future Max Davis continue writing novels like this.
-I received a book from the publisher in exchange of my honest opinion-
April 9, 2015
Received free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nick Gregory is the pastor of a mega-church who has been having problems with his wife Abbi. In a fit of rage, he runs over his family dog Deuce, destroying his credibility as a pastor. Even further, he wrecks his car into a pole, getting thrown back in time as the lesser known biblical character Mephibosheth while in a coma. Mephibosheth teaches Nick a lesson on how he's been living his life.
Now I'm a Christian, but I generally dislike Christian fiction. Not because of the content, but because it's usually terrible writing. I did go into this book with an open mind, but alas, I did not enjoy this one. The book description is extremely misleading. Nick spends approximately 3 chapters in Mephibosheth's body, when the expectation is that it will take the majority of the book. The writing was all over the place with the correlations between Mephibosheth, Nick and Deuce. Needless to say, still not a fan of Christian fiction.
Nick Gregory is the pastor of a mega-church who has been having problems with his wife Abbi. In a fit of rage, he runs over his family dog Deuce, destroying his credibility as a pastor. Even further, he wrecks his car into a pole, getting thrown back in time as the lesser known biblical character Mephibosheth while in a coma. Mephibosheth teaches Nick a lesson on how he's been living his life.
Now I'm a Christian, but I generally dislike Christian fiction. Not because of the content, but because it's usually terrible writing. I did go into this book with an open mind, but alas, I did not enjoy this one. The book description is extremely misleading. Nick spends approximately 3 chapters in Mephibosheth's body, when the expectation is that it will take the majority of the book. The writing was all over the place with the correlations between Mephibosheth, Nick and Deuce. Needless to say, still not a fan of Christian fiction.
July 13, 2022
A redemption story that everyone should give it a chance. I enjoyed the plot but also reflected on the message.
August 18, 2020
My first Max Davis novel. He has a very relaxed, readable style. He dealt with some very serious themes in honest ways, but managed to make it fun, entertaining, fast-paced, and humorous all at the same time. A breath of fresh air in the Christian market.
April 30, 2015
Max Davis writes from the heart. He certainly creates characters that are believable and real, especially describing what it's like to topple from an ivory tower. What I like about this journey this novel is that it isn't preachy, and doesn't take you down a lesson-plan path. You get engrossed in the story, and perhaps feel a lot of sympathy for the main character, Nick Gregory. You feel compassion for his wife as well. During the whole book you may not completely understand why you are feeling this compassion for Abbi until the last few chapters. Because...
In the first three or four chapters, a lot of questions are raised. Who is Philip? Why and how did he die? Why did he write a letter and what did the letter say? It takes a long time to clear up this mystery. This novel doesn't need that kind of mystery. There is enough tension and strain and strife without it. All the characters in the book know the answers, and that made me feel like an outsider. When reading a book, I don't like being an outsider at all. That tactic alienates readers. We like to find out things along with the main character. I think the book would do much better without that ploy, so forewarned is forearmed. There are also a ton of flashbacks. Personally, I detest flashbacks. Although this makes the story flow disjointed, it doesn't distract too much or take you out of the story. For me it doesn't work. Again forewarned is forearmed.
It is interesting how this one character, Philip, who is dead, seems to dominate and orchestrate the actions of the characters. We tend to do this in the real world as well. We tend to live in the past allowing past actions, past beliefs, and past thoughts dictate how we act in the present. Davis used this very well in his novel. He explores how we use anger as a shield, and how we Christians hear God, but tend to try to obey under our own power. This book will keep you thinking long after you've read the last page.
In the first three or four chapters, a lot of questions are raised. Who is Philip? Why and how did he die? Why did he write a letter and what did the letter say? It takes a long time to clear up this mystery. This novel doesn't need that kind of mystery. There is enough tension and strain and strife without it. All the characters in the book know the answers, and that made me feel like an outsider. When reading a book, I don't like being an outsider at all. That tactic alienates readers. We like to find out things along with the main character. I think the book would do much better without that ploy, so forewarned is forearmed. There are also a ton of flashbacks. Personally, I detest flashbacks. Although this makes the story flow disjointed, it doesn't distract too much or take you out of the story. For me it doesn't work. Again forewarned is forearmed.
It is interesting how this one character, Philip, who is dead, seems to dominate and orchestrate the actions of the characters. We tend to do this in the real world as well. We tend to live in the past allowing past actions, past beliefs, and past thoughts dictate how we act in the present. Davis used this very well in his novel. He explores how we use anger as a shield, and how we Christians hear God, but tend to try to obey under our own power. This book will keep you thinking long after you've read the last page.
May 29, 2015
While Nick's experience as Mephibosheth was much shorter in the book than I had expected since the book description is mainly about it, I found a lot to appreciate about this book. The story does a nice job of exploring how suicide affects the family left behind, and how one family member, in this case Nick, the father, may feel a good bit of guilt because he didn't realize that the child's circumstances would lead to it; Nick feels as if he'd only have done more, his son would still be alive. Add to that family members who also blame the person who feels guilty, and you have a very traumatized family left to pick up the pieces. I think the author did a wonderful job of portraying all of this. The emotions the characters are experiencing come across strongly.
I also like how the book ended with the characters finding a deeper understanding of God's grace and love. The comparisons with Mephibosheth throughout are very well done.
The only thing I did not like was the way the author kept the main reason for the child's suicide a mystery until the very end. Since all the characters were aware of it, why not let the reader know? Keeping it a secret detracted from the story, as it fully explained why everyone acted the way they did--their grief combined with knowledge of why their son killed himself caused these powerful emotions and the reader would have felt more empathy for the characters all along.
I also like how the book ended with the characters finding a deeper understanding of God's grace and love. The comparisons with Mephibosheth throughout are very well done.
The only thing I did not like was the way the author kept the main reason for the child's suicide a mystery until the very end. Since all the characters were aware of it, why not let the reader know? Keeping it a secret detracted from the story, as it fully explained why everyone acted the way they did--their grief combined with knowledge of why their son killed himself caused these powerful emotions and the reader would have felt more empathy for the characters all along.
June 22, 2015
While Max Davis is the author of this novel, I could almost swear Nick Gregory, Megachurch pastor, depressed, empty, regret and guilt-ridden Nick himself, penned his autobiography. I don’t read many novels because they are either too “clinical”, to straightforward, too simplistic, or too shallow…too SOMETHING with nothing in between. I want real life. I love reading fantasy, but make it believable and you’ve got to get me hooked from the first chapter or I may put it down for another day. This book has both as Nick sinks from his stinking life into a comatose state and then he is Mephibosheth, another broken man from a different time.
From the first, I’m so sucked into Nick’s miserable life that I can’t hardly put the book down. I’m attached to him. I’m relating to him. I can see him in my mind’s eye and can hear his humiliating thoughts in my own head. This is real life stuff. This is human brokenness of our own little homes being displayed on the big screen for everyone to read about. Loss. Faced with divorce and death and all the emotional pain that goes with it, here’s someone who has surely read my blog and heard my story, writing it down and making me cry because I get it. Same kind of dead dogs just like me.
But wait, that’s not all! There’s more. There’s outrageous grace for all dead dogs.
From the first, I’m so sucked into Nick’s miserable life that I can’t hardly put the book down. I’m attached to him. I’m relating to him. I can see him in my mind’s eye and can hear his humiliating thoughts in my own head. This is real life stuff. This is human brokenness of our own little homes being displayed on the big screen for everyone to read about. Loss. Faced with divorce and death and all the emotional pain that goes with it, here’s someone who has surely read my blog and heard my story, writing it down and making me cry because I get it. Same kind of dead dogs just like me.
But wait, that’s not all! There’s more. There’s outrageous grace for all dead dogs.
August 28, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
From the very start, Dead Dog Like Me by Max Davis had me addictively turning pages, as my heart broke for the main character. Nick Gregory’s life quickly spirals out of his control and leads him desperately to the brink of death. In moments of unconsciousness, Nick finds himself inhabiting the body of the biblical Mephibosheth, an experience that allows him to reflect on his present-day circumstances. While Nick’s experience as Mephibosheth is not as extensive as I expected after reading the summary, the glimpses of the biblical account weave easily with Nick’s experience and highlight the overall message of forgiveness and grace. Dead Dog Like Me provides an emotional and touching read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the abundant use of exclamation points). I recommend it.
Thanks to Worthy’s First Look, I received a copy of Dead Dog Like Me and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
From the very start, Dead Dog Like Me by Max Davis had me addictively turning pages, as my heart broke for the main character. Nick Gregory’s life quickly spirals out of his control and leads him desperately to the brink of death. In moments of unconsciousness, Nick finds himself inhabiting the body of the biblical Mephibosheth, an experience that allows him to reflect on his present-day circumstances. While Nick’s experience as Mephibosheth is not as extensive as I expected after reading the summary, the glimpses of the biblical account weave easily with Nick’s experience and highlight the overall message of forgiveness and grace. Dead Dog Like Me provides an emotional and touching read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the abundant use of exclamation points). I recommend it.
Thanks to Worthy’s First Look, I received a copy of Dead Dog Like Me and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 27, 2015
From the very first sentence, I was hooked. I became totally immersed in the spiral of events in the life of Nick Gregory, finding myself caught up on an emotionally level. When the story line suddenly shifted it lost the flow, but only temporarily. The shift added an element of the supernatural and intrigue that didn't disappoint me.
This novel takes you to the pit of hopelessness dug by your own hands and then resurrects hope in the most unexpected way. However, Davis doesn't cookie coat the healing process. This novel is raw and real. It's hard for me to imagine someone not personally relating to it on some level. It's nothing new for God to use stories to reveal himself to us. Sometimes a good story can minister to us far more than a bible study. The spiritual truths that Davis presents through the struggles of Nick and Abbi will linger on long after you turn the last page.
This novel takes you to the pit of hopelessness dug by your own hands and then resurrects hope in the most unexpected way. However, Davis doesn't cookie coat the healing process. This novel is raw and real. It's hard for me to imagine someone not personally relating to it on some level. It's nothing new for God to use stories to reveal himself to us. Sometimes a good story can minister to us far more than a bible study. The spiritual truths that Davis presents through the struggles of Nick and Abbi will linger on long after you turn the last page.
June 26, 2015
An incredible thought provoking novel!
One sinful action and how Nick Gregory, senior pastor of a megachurch, handles it has a cascading effect. When the book opens he is spiraling into a pit as things in his life fall apart as a result.
Nick and the secondary characters closest to him are well developed and very human. There is a large variety of personalities included. There are also many different ways that people deal with the situation. As happens in real life it doesn’t take Nick long to find out who are truly his friends and who are just riding his coat tails of success.
Max Davis does a fantastic job of crafting a story where God uses research from Nick’s past, extreme events, and the family dog to teach Nick some deep truths about grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
One sinful action and how Nick Gregory, senior pastor of a megachurch, handles it has a cascading effect. When the book opens he is spiraling into a pit as things in his life fall apart as a result.
Nick and the secondary characters closest to him are well developed and very human. There is a large variety of personalities included. There are also many different ways that people deal with the situation. As happens in real life it doesn’t take Nick long to find out who are truly his friends and who are just riding his coat tails of success.
Max Davis does a fantastic job of crafting a story where God uses research from Nick’s past, extreme events, and the family dog to teach Nick some deep truths about grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 5, 2015
Dramatic, profound and full of hope. I can't even describe the sensations that I have. Absolutely beautiful!!
August 12, 2019
Max Davis does a remarkable job of comparison between Mephibosheth and Nick Gregory; Mephibosheth looks on the outside like Nick is on the inside. The juxtaposition between the characters was an interesting dynamic, however readers may be wishing for more of Mephibosheth's story as it was somewhat short. This story of redemption and forgiveness resonates with readers, who are inspired to examine their own motives in life.
SUMMARY: Nick Gregory has everything he could dream of. A beautiful wife and daughter, a mega-church, a multimillion dollar book deal...and a hidden secret about the death of his son. When Nick's life falls apart and he drives into a cement barrier, he wakes up in ancient Israel to find that he is no longer Nick Gregory, but Mephibosheth- the crippled grandson of King Saul. As Nick learns about Mephibosheth, he sees the similarities between his own life, and only in the realization of his own brokenness can he find restoration
SUMMARY: Nick Gregory has everything he could dream of. A beautiful wife and daughter, a mega-church, a multimillion dollar book deal...and a hidden secret about the death of his son. When Nick's life falls apart and he drives into a cement barrier, he wakes up in ancient Israel to find that he is no longer Nick Gregory, but Mephibosheth- the crippled grandson of King Saul. As Nick learns about Mephibosheth, he sees the similarities between his own life, and only in the realization of his own brokenness can he find restoration
May 16, 2019
I’d just finished the Bible study I was in, which included 2 Samuel... so when I picked up this book at a store and read the back, my curiosity was sparked when I read Mephibosheth was a part of the story. Little did I know how much I would LOVE this book... I waited and waited to read the end in the midst of a very busy week because it wasn’t an ending to be rushed, but savored. This is a story of mercy, grace, forgiveness and ultimately, love, which each of those is rooted in. This book will stay a favorite of mine. Read it, and be humbled and blessed!
August 4, 2017
When Pastor Nick begins to crumble, he crumbles quickly due to pride and listening to the enemy but God's love is amazing. This book is a WINNER!!!
A few quotes that I wrote down from the book :
"We are all broken but exceedingly valuable". I loved this from dead dog like me
Yolanda, allow yourself to be used as a tool of grace. Yes, Lord. "David's sin was great, but God's grace was outrageous ." And I just finished it!! Wow oh wow!!!
A few quotes that I wrote down from the book :
"We are all broken but exceedingly valuable". I loved this from dead dog like me
Yolanda, allow yourself to be used as a tool of grace. Yes, Lord. "David's sin was great, but God's grace was outrageous ." And I just finished it!! Wow oh wow!!!
January 30, 2021
Lesson learned from reading this book and is not taken lightly.....
“God uses the things we go through to prepare us for what He has called us to do”..... it’s our responsibility to acknowledge, listen and follow those signs to live a life pleasing to God...doing God’s work. Those rewards are a true blessing and will mold our hearts to be humble and lead a peaceful happy and worthy life.
“God uses the things we go through to prepare us for what He has called us to do”..... it’s our responsibility to acknowledge, listen and follow those signs to live a life pleasing to God...doing God’s work. Those rewards are a true blessing and will mold our hearts to be humble and lead a peaceful happy and worthy life.
March 13, 2021
It was a great story about God’s love and forgiveness! That spoke to the core of my heart. The only thing I didn’t like about it was the writing style; sometimes it felt a bit too cheesy and cliché, or forced in some ways. Other than that, I liked the speed of the book, and I loved the message behind it: God forgives, we should forgive ourselves, and God wants us to feast at His table!
April 22, 2023
First, I usually do not like Christian fiction. It’s usually too sappy and shallow. Not this book!
Like the rest of us, Nick Gregory is a mess and his life is a path of worldly victory until it all unravels. The unraveling process, its consequences and redemptive healing woven into this story are inspiring and well worth the read.
Definitely looking forward to reading more of Max Davis’s books!
Like the rest of us, Nick Gregory is a mess and his life is a path of worldly victory until it all unravels. The unraveling process, its consequences and redemptive healing woven into this story are inspiring and well worth the read.
Definitely looking forward to reading more of Max Davis’s books!
November 2, 2020
I read this book on a whim. It spoke volumes to me throughout the entire book. It helped me at a time when I didn't know where to look for help. Loved it!
July 24, 2023
Not even religious in any way, but I was gifted this amd I cannot stop thinking about it?
August 21, 2024
If you haven't read this one, do so soon. It broke my heart, then mended it again.
September 27, 2025
I really loved this book!! So glad I finally read it.
August 14, 2015
Two things made me want to read this book. One, the cover! So unconventional, especially for Christian fiction. The second reason this book piqued my interest is because I have heard messages from three different preachers on the story of Mephibosheth just in the last few months.
The story thrusts us into the chaotic world of high profile minister Nick Gregory, whose personal and professional life is imploding. That desperation leads him to do the unthinkable - just end it all! But something happens that Nick is not expecting...his efforts to end his life in the 21st century have hurled him back in time to a life during Old Testament days. I know others have mentioned wanting more of the story set during Biblical times, and I admit that to some extent I did as well, but remember Mephibosheth only shows up briefly in 2 Samuel and I think the author did do justice in not spreading that part of the story too thin. Further into the book, the story is touched on again, and brings closure to the intersection of the modern day story and the Biblical one.
If I could have changed anything about the book, I would have liked to have seen more development in Abbi's story, especially the call to be like Hosea in response to Nick's ministry being his mistress; and a little more background information on Philip's story would have been nice as well. I just felt like that part of the story was in limbo as I didn't know what was behind his suicide until almost the end of the book.
I will say the gems of the story, in addition to the redeeming power of grace that Nick experiences, show up in the form of Maria, Kenny, and, yes, even Deuce. These three characters brought similar aspects to the story - loyalty, faithfulness, and even showing love when people are less than lovable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as it brought the story of Mephibosheth to life for me. I'm sure it will speak to other readers as well - as a powerful reminder that God's love and grace can help us to overcome our inadequacies. Always remember, even when we feel as worthless as a dead dog, God can lead us to His banqueting table and His banner over us is Love.
My sincerest thanks to CFBA, Worthy Publishers, and Wynn-Wynn Media for generously providing a copy for review.
The story thrusts us into the chaotic world of high profile minister Nick Gregory, whose personal and professional life is imploding. That desperation leads him to do the unthinkable - just end it all! But something happens that Nick is not expecting...his efforts to end his life in the 21st century have hurled him back in time to a life during Old Testament days. I know others have mentioned wanting more of the story set during Biblical times, and I admit that to some extent I did as well, but remember Mephibosheth only shows up briefly in 2 Samuel and I think the author did do justice in not spreading that part of the story too thin. Further into the book, the story is touched on again, and brings closure to the intersection of the modern day story and the Biblical one.
If I could have changed anything about the book, I would have liked to have seen more development in Abbi's story, especially the call to be like Hosea in response to Nick's ministry being his mistress; and a little more background information on Philip's story would have been nice as well. I just felt like that part of the story was in limbo as I didn't know what was behind his suicide until almost the end of the book.
I will say the gems of the story, in addition to the redeeming power of grace that Nick experiences, show up in the form of Maria, Kenny, and, yes, even Deuce. These three characters brought similar aspects to the story - loyalty, faithfulness, and even showing love when people are less than lovable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as it brought the story of Mephibosheth to life for me. I'm sure it will speak to other readers as well - as a powerful reminder that God's love and grace can help us to overcome our inadequacies. Always remember, even when we feel as worthless as a dead dog, God can lead us to His banqueting table and His banner over us is Love.
My sincerest thanks to CFBA, Worthy Publishers, and Wynn-Wynn Media for generously providing a copy for review.
August 13, 2015
Hearing about the grace of God when you’re strong and in control isn’t the same as hearing it when you are broken, weak, and needy. That’s when you see your true condition before God and realize your desperate need for his mercy.
Nick Gregory had it all. A successful ministry as a writer and as a pastor of one the biggest mega churches in the country. His name was well known. How long does it take for it all to come tumbling down? It can seem like it can all happen in a day but usually there is always something eating away on the things we build. Like our reputation, wealth, and even our family. Something was eating at Nick’s kingdom before it all fell down and he realized there was nothing he could do to make it the way it was. With the loss of his son and his wife now blaming him for his death and the cover up that ensued, Nick is no longer pastor. What else can go wrong?
After a terrible car accident, Nick is taken back to ancient Israel and is in the body of Mephibosheth in a coma like dream. Mephibosheth is the son of Jonathan, grandson of King Saul. Jonathan is known for his spiritual friendship with David-the King of Israel known as the man after God’s own heart. Mephibosheth is lame and has no hope until David finds favor and invites him in his household. Nick and Meph (for short) have many hardships in common.
With the help of his dog (remember dog spelled backwards is god) Nick is reminded of grace and forgiveness. It is his dog that lives that out for him. If you ever had a dog, you will know what this means. With the help Meph, Nick learns that God can do new things. Meph naming his son Mika represented that biblical truth.
A story that reflects the snares of success and that our dependence is on God alone. How we should be in prayer for our leaders as well as ourselves to remind us that it is not our circumstances but who we hold on to.
A Special Thank You to Worthy Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Nick Gregory had it all. A successful ministry as a writer and as a pastor of one the biggest mega churches in the country. His name was well known. How long does it take for it all to come tumbling down? It can seem like it can all happen in a day but usually there is always something eating away on the things we build. Like our reputation, wealth, and even our family. Something was eating at Nick’s kingdom before it all fell down and he realized there was nothing he could do to make it the way it was. With the loss of his son and his wife now blaming him for his death and the cover up that ensued, Nick is no longer pastor. What else can go wrong?
After a terrible car accident, Nick is taken back to ancient Israel and is in the body of Mephibosheth in a coma like dream. Mephibosheth is the son of Jonathan, grandson of King Saul. Jonathan is known for his spiritual friendship with David-the King of Israel known as the man after God’s own heart. Mephibosheth is lame and has no hope until David finds favor and invites him in his household. Nick and Meph (for short) have many hardships in common.
With the help of his dog (remember dog spelled backwards is god) Nick is reminded of grace and forgiveness. It is his dog that lives that out for him. If you ever had a dog, you will know what this means. With the help Meph, Nick learns that God can do new things. Meph naming his son Mika represented that biblical truth.
A story that reflects the snares of success and that our dependence is on God alone. How we should be in prayer for our leaders as well as ourselves to remind us that it is not our circumstances but who we hold on to.
A Special Thank You to Worthy Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 23, 2015
Dead Dog Like Me is one of those books that you read and you automatically start counting your blessings. Meeting Nick in the beginning of the story was quite an adventure. An aggravating adventure at that. I could feel his frustration and anger, especially right before the car accident. I was reading and saying "Give this guy a break!" But it's that just the way life really is? Sometimes you feel like you're drowning and just when you think you're going to be able to keep your head above the water it starts raining again?
I could easily relate to Nick. Even though I've never been a Mega-Church pastor, I can understand those feelings of hopelessness, helplessness. and everything in between. I can also understand that feeling of wonder if God can even hear me. Especially when I'm broken-hearted and feeling like the deck is stacked against me. There were parts of this book where I just had to put it down and go have me a good cry and thank God that I'm not in that same place that Nick was anymore.
I loved how Max Davis took a small story about Mephibosheth and used to it to teach Nick a lesson about the kind of man he really is and what is most important in life. I do wish maybe there had been a few more scenes with him as Mephibosheth but the ones that are in the book are very well written. The characters in this book, especially Nick and his relationship with his little dog Duece.
This is a great story about redemption and a reminder that your plans will never trump God's plans. He is always in control and when you're hurting is when he wants you to come to him the most. Great book with a great message!
I could easily relate to Nick. Even though I've never been a Mega-Church pastor, I can understand those feelings of hopelessness, helplessness. and everything in between. I can also understand that feeling of wonder if God can even hear me. Especially when I'm broken-hearted and feeling like the deck is stacked against me. There were parts of this book where I just had to put it down and go have me a good cry and thank God that I'm not in that same place that Nick was anymore.
I loved how Max Davis took a small story about Mephibosheth and used to it to teach Nick a lesson about the kind of man he really is and what is most important in life. I do wish maybe there had been a few more scenes with him as Mephibosheth but the ones that are in the book are very well written. The characters in this book, especially Nick and his relationship with his little dog Duece.
This is a great story about redemption and a reminder that your plans will never trump God's plans. He is always in control and when you're hurting is when he wants you to come to him the most. Great book with a great message!
June 26, 2015
Max Davis shines bright in this fictional telling of megapastor Nick Gregory. At wits end, faced with his life falling apart at its seams, Nick cannot seem to escape from the pain, haunting him day and night, refusing to let him rest. In a tragic twist, Nick's only comfort, his dog, is injured in a life-threatening accident. In an effort to rid himself of his pain, Nick is transported back in time to 800 B.C., only to come to terms with what it means to experience HaShem's grace and healing. Taking this alternate life back to the present, Nick is given the miracle of a second chance at life, but will he use it wisely?
Davis' writing, at first, was downright depressing to engage with. After absorbing more of the text, however, I became aware that it was not the author utilizing unusual structures or dark subtext, but rather a start of a connection to the lead character, Nick, in his internal struggles with external events. While some phrasing can be difficult to navigate at times, more awkward than anything, the reader will have no problem falling into the tale within a tale, and learn what the end goal is: what it means to experience the grace and healing of a G-d who lives Nick's journey, as presented by the author, is not just a fictional character, but rather an essence of not only the author, but every reader. In this connection, readers will not only enjoy the story, but also have the opportunity to be as transformed as Nick.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
Davis' writing, at first, was downright depressing to engage with. After absorbing more of the text, however, I became aware that it was not the author utilizing unusual structures or dark subtext, but rather a start of a connection to the lead character, Nick, in his internal struggles with external events. While some phrasing can be difficult to navigate at times, more awkward than anything, the reader will have no problem falling into the tale within a tale, and learn what the end goal is: what it means to experience the grace and healing of a G-d who lives Nick's journey, as presented by the author, is not just a fictional character, but rather an essence of not only the author, but every reader. In this connection, readers will not only enjoy the story, but also have the opportunity to be as transformed as Nick.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2015
I have never read anything by this author before, but the description intrigued me; especially the part about the main character going back in time and turning into a biblical character. The description of the book is a little misleading as it makes it sound like he is Mephibosheth for a lot of the book, and it is only a brief couple of times. However, the book was still an interesting read.
The story is ultimately about the fall of a celebrity pastor who has it all, but then a tragedy in his family leads to it all unraveling and his losing everything. Even though the book is fiction, it was somewhat painful to read how quickly and easily something like that could happen.
I liked the plot and characters, although the main character wasn't too likable for a lot of the book. And it is more than a story. It is a warning for all of us that we need to have a true relationship with God, and that it is all about Him, not us. We don't have to be in ministry to get full of ourselves and think it is us accomplishing good things, when we are just vessels for God to use.
This was not suspense, my favorite genre', but I still read it through in one sitting. It was very well-written and I wanted to get to the end to find out how the book ends. It is sort of similar to the story of Job in the Bible, only God found no fault in Job. A great read.
The story is ultimately about the fall of a celebrity pastor who has it all, but then a tragedy in his family leads to it all unraveling and his losing everything. Even though the book is fiction, it was somewhat painful to read how quickly and easily something like that could happen.
I liked the plot and characters, although the main character wasn't too likable for a lot of the book. And it is more than a story. It is a warning for all of us that we need to have a true relationship with God, and that it is all about Him, not us. We don't have to be in ministry to get full of ourselves and think it is us accomplishing good things, when we are just vessels for God to use.
This was not suspense, my favorite genre', but I still read it through in one sitting. It was very well-written and I wanted to get to the end to find out how the book ends. It is sort of similar to the story of Job in the Bible, only God found no fault in Job. A great read.
June 24, 2015
I started off very intrigued by the premise of this book. I generally love things that involve some sort of time travel, so this book really grabbed my interest. It didn't seem like your typical christian fiction book, with your typical plot line. Unfortunately I was pretty disappointed by this book. The way that the description of the book is put, you expect it to pretty much take place in the past, or at least have that be a big aspect to the story. In reality this wasn't the case. It was only a little bit of that, and a lot of everything else. Naturally since this is why I picked up this book, I was pretty bummed. However this book had a decent story to it otherwise. I also liked that this story dealt with a few touchy topics, such as suicide. It related to the guilt and feelings of loved ones really well and by the end really makes you appreciate how good you have it, and the goodness of God. I also liked that the emotional states and representations were really down to earth, and you could really immerse yourself into what the characters were feeling.
If you are picking this book up because it seems like an out of the box story with a strong element of time travel etc, you will be disappointed. However if you are looking for an emotion driven story with strong christian morals, then this book is for you!
If you are picking this book up because it seems like an out of the box story with a strong element of time travel etc, you will be disappointed. However if you are looking for an emotion driven story with strong christian morals, then this book is for you!
July 27, 2015
My Review:
Nick Gregory's life has made a turn for the worst. He once had a beautiful loving wife and kids, a flourishing church and faith everyone envied. But it all came to and end after his son died. His wife want's a divorce, his congregation isn't so sure of his teachings, and his faith isn't something anyone even wants to speak on. He becomes desperate, so desperate he finds himself with a gun in his hand. He feels his family would be better off without him. So in his Escalade with a pile of concrete on the side of the rode, he is met with a horrible car crash.
He wakes up to sand and heat, with a man calling him Mephibosheth. Nick tries to spout off his normal words of wisdom and finds he is no longer speaking English, no, he’s speaking Hebrew. Filled with both amazement and fear, he is thrown head off into an epic adventure.
Dead Dog Like Me is an amazing novel filled with adventure and action. Max Davis is a wonderful author. I loved how he combined life in the twenty-first century to that in eight hundred B.C. I really enjoyed this book, and I plan on reading many more of his books.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Nick Gregory's life has made a turn for the worst. He once had a beautiful loving wife and kids, a flourishing church and faith everyone envied. But it all came to and end after his son died. His wife want's a divorce, his congregation isn't so sure of his teachings, and his faith isn't something anyone even wants to speak on. He becomes desperate, so desperate he finds himself with a gun in his hand. He feels his family would be better off without him. So in his Escalade with a pile of concrete on the side of the rode, he is met with a horrible car crash.
He wakes up to sand and heat, with a man calling him Mephibosheth. Nick tries to spout off his normal words of wisdom and finds he is no longer speaking English, no, he’s speaking Hebrew. Filled with both amazement and fear, he is thrown head off into an epic adventure.
Dead Dog Like Me is an amazing novel filled with adventure and action. Max Davis is a wonderful author. I loved how he combined life in the twenty-first century to that in eight hundred B.C. I really enjoyed this book, and I plan on reading many more of his books.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
July 29, 2015
I chose this book because of it's funny name, and hoping it would have a dog, and not disappoint.
Nick is depressed. He misses his wife, Abbi, horribly. Nick is also pastor of a megachurch. Nick's precious dog, Deuce, saves him from killing himself right off the bat! He is constantly in pain, and horrifically depressed. The voices beat him up, tear him down, tell him how worthless he is and why he shouldn't go on anymore. When Deuce gets injured, it is the last straw. Nick decides he can't live anymore, he wakes up somewhere else. He wakes up long before Jesus had come, in 800 B.C! He isn't Nick now, he is someone else, and he is a cripple. He is in a time frame from the Bible. He has become Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is now infused with Hebrew as a language, and some way, old "fashioned" thinking about the one true God. It's just want Nick needs. Can a broken man, marriage, church, lives find healing and restoration? Will Nick live and die as Mephibosheth, or will he come back home somehow?
This was a wonderful read full of hope, healing, restoration, brokenness, grace, forgiveness and so much more! I'm far from disappointed. Carol :)
Nick is depressed. He misses his wife, Abbi, horribly. Nick is also pastor of a megachurch. Nick's precious dog, Deuce, saves him from killing himself right off the bat! He is constantly in pain, and horrifically depressed. The voices beat him up, tear him down, tell him how worthless he is and why he shouldn't go on anymore. When Deuce gets injured, it is the last straw. Nick decides he can't live anymore, he wakes up somewhere else. He wakes up long before Jesus had come, in 800 B.C! He isn't Nick now, he is someone else, and he is a cripple. He is in a time frame from the Bible. He has become Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is now infused with Hebrew as a language, and some way, old "fashioned" thinking about the one true God. It's just want Nick needs. Can a broken man, marriage, church, lives find healing and restoration? Will Nick live and die as Mephibosheth, or will he come back home somehow?
This was a wonderful read full of hope, healing, restoration, brokenness, grace, forgiveness and so much more! I'm far from disappointed. Carol :)
June 25, 2015
I really liked this innovative novel. Paul tells us that the OT stories are in the Bible for our example. We are to learn from them. But how do we? Davis has created a novel that presents a current situation, a popular author and megachurch pastor who implodes, and compares that with the story of Mephibosheth. I thought it a clever technique to learn from an OT story. It is very realistic as the pastor and his wife struggle with losing everything as God strips them. I really like the novel and recommend it.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1fH4ZBT.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1fH4ZBT.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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