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Set Your Fields on Fire
Alex Alterman is a “mystery worshipper”—hired by churches to experience their worship services as a member of the congregation and evaluate what works and what doesn’t. Grass growing in the parking lot “Unkempt bathrooms “Bad sound systems” These may turn away people as much as the “singing and the sermon. To whom much is given, much is required. But when Alex and his dedicated band of nitpicking zealots are hired to evaluate a Florida church and its prominent pastor, they are presented with a set of mysteries: Who hired them? And who hired their main competition? And why are they being shadowed by a couple of atheists running a dirt-dealing blog?
Oil spills, dwarf spies, choir room surveillance, church league basketball cheats and parking lot security all combine in a splendid caper that stretches from Wall Street to the beachfront. As Alterman’s group finds itself in the eye of the storm, the work takes on a new dimension as they untangle the reasons they believe in their work, and why they believe at all.
Oil spills, dwarf spies, choir room surveillance, church league basketball cheats and parking lot security all combine in a splendid caper that stretches from Wall Street to the beachfront. As Alterman’s group finds itself in the eye of the storm, the work takes on a new dimension as they untangle the reasons they believe in their work, and why they believe at all.
334 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 29, 2016
I couldn't have loved this more if it was handed to me for nothing. Wait! It was a free, signed by the author, Good Reads giveaway. The plot was definitely different. Who tells a tale about a group of mystery worshippers who audit churches for their strengths and weaknesses? Yet, this very well written drama examines not only the inner workings of churches but puts faith, and unbelievers lack of faith, amidst the myriad of horrendous problems that arise in people's lives. Towards the end of the story, a powerful hurricane disrupts them all, with more than just wind and water. Write more books William Thorton. This one was awesome!
June 7, 2016
*I received this book free of charge courtesy of GoodReads First Reads giveaway*
From the book description and cover art I thought this was going to be a satirical story. Instead it's a feel-good Christian story. Not bad, just not what I was expecting. Being a person who is not religious I didn't enjoy this book very much. The underlying message wasn't written for someone like me. If you are a devout Christian who enjoys religious literature on the slightly comical side then you will probably find this book more enjoyable than I did. It does have some funny moments and is appropriate enough for teens.
From the book description and cover art I thought this was going to be a satirical story. Instead it's a feel-good Christian story. Not bad, just not what I was expecting. Being a person who is not religious I didn't enjoy this book very much. The underlying message wasn't written for someone like me. If you are a devout Christian who enjoys religious literature on the slightly comical side then you will probably find this book more enjoyable than I did. It does have some funny moments and is appropriate enough for teens.
May 25, 2016
I received a free copy of this book through goodreads giveaways. All opinions are my own.
The description of this book made it sound like it would be a fun read. It did have its funny moments but wasn't full of them. It was pretty steady throughout the book. Not too many dull moments so the book was a pretty quick and easy read.
Are mystery worshipers a real thing? And if so that would be a super fun job, with all the capers they got into in this book.
The description of this book made it sound like it would be a fun read. It did have its funny moments but wasn't full of them. It was pretty steady throughout the book. Not too many dull moments so the book was a pretty quick and easy read.
Are mystery worshipers a real thing? And if so that would be a super fun job, with all the capers they got into in this book.
August 11, 2016
I received my copy via Goodreads giveaways.
I very much enjoyed this rollicking story of a small 'faith-based' team using highly-unconventional ends to accomplish clearly noble means; the combo of wild settings and fun secondary characters with subtle main-character development is really good fun! Highly recommended.
I very much enjoyed this rollicking story of a small 'faith-based' team using highly-unconventional ends to accomplish clearly noble means; the combo of wild settings and fun secondary characters with subtle main-character development is really good fun! Highly recommended.
June 1, 2016
alex pulled no punches told everything as is very good and very entertaining book. I am going to loan this book to my sister and I know she will enjoy it as much as I did
January 18, 2017
Set Your Fields on Fire by William Thornton, is unlike any book I have ever read, and the thoughts and emotions evoked are unlike any I have felt.
The premise of Thornton’s book is how a group of mystery worshippers (who knew these even existed, and they do!) are hired to help churches in areas where they are lacking or unknowing. However, there is so very much more to this story.
Everything within the covers of Set Your Fields on Fire serves a purpose – from the character’s names to the pithy and witty t-shirt slogans – and draws you deeper and deeper into the lives of the mystery worshippers, leaving you wanting more. In addition, as you read, you see yourself and your church in the final appraisal, and realize both are lacking.
Near the end of the book, Alex Alterman, owner of the mystery worshippers group, gives advice to one of his clients. He says, “. . . You’re trying to do the right thing, but you’re afraid of making a mistake. You know you have to decide, but you don’t want to make a wrong decision. Fear shouldn’t cancel out your faith. . . when Pontius Pilate sent Jesus away to be executed and washed his hands of Him, that was a decision. It was indecision, but it was still a decision. That’s the way people react today. They think there’s something special about Jesus, but in the end, they just send Him away.” Alterman succinctly nails the nature of our human timidity.
Set Your Fields will leave you pondering the book, your church and most especially, your own life long after you have read the last page.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of Thornton’s book is how a group of mystery worshippers (who knew these even existed, and they do!) are hired to help churches in areas where they are lacking or unknowing. However, there is so very much more to this story.
Everything within the covers of Set Your Fields on Fire serves a purpose – from the character’s names to the pithy and witty t-shirt slogans – and draws you deeper and deeper into the lives of the mystery worshippers, leaving you wanting more. In addition, as you read, you see yourself and your church in the final appraisal, and realize both are lacking.
Near the end of the book, Alex Alterman, owner of the mystery worshippers group, gives advice to one of his clients. He says, “. . . You’re trying to do the right thing, but you’re afraid of making a mistake. You know you have to decide, but you don’t want to make a wrong decision. Fear shouldn’t cancel out your faith. . . when Pontius Pilate sent Jesus away to be executed and washed his hands of Him, that was a decision. It was indecision, but it was still a decision. That’s the way people react today. They think there’s something special about Jesus, but in the end, they just send Him away.” Alterman succinctly nails the nature of our human timidity.
Set Your Fields will leave you pondering the book, your church and most especially, your own life long after you have read the last page.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews