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Almighty: A Short Tale of Omnipotent Proportions
When a staunch atheist is introduced to the Lord Almighty in the most casual—and childish—way, it's not the end of the world. It's a Tuesday.
Bradley Michaels is just another man ending just another workday at just another job. He can list the usual complaints, can point his finger at the usual causes, and he can go about his routine as if one day is absolutely no different from the next.
Until God himself just shows up uninvited and shakes up Bradley's entire existence by flaunting his own.
It's not fair, but Bradley never claimed life is. And he tries to handle the new, omniscient presence in his head with calm attention and cool collectedness.
But God happens to be a bit of a kid. He likes to joke, to prod, to stir things up. And what God sets his mind to, God succeeds at.
Just as Bradley believes he's got life all figured out, God has to throw a wrench into it.
But not at all in the way that Bradley—or you—can expect.
Just when you think life is going according to plan, you find out your plan sucks. And it's time for a new one.
Bradley Michaels is just another man ending just another workday at just another job. He can list the usual complaints, can point his finger at the usual causes, and he can go about his routine as if one day is absolutely no different from the next.
Until God himself just shows up uninvited and shakes up Bradley's entire existence by flaunting his own.
It's not fair, but Bradley never claimed life is. And he tries to handle the new, omniscient presence in his head with calm attention and cool collectedness.
But God happens to be a bit of a kid. He likes to joke, to prod, to stir things up. And what God sets his mind to, God succeeds at.
Just as Bradley believes he's got life all figured out, God has to throw a wrench into it.
But not at all in the way that Bradley—or you—can expect.
Just when you think life is going according to plan, you find out your plan sucks. And it's time for a new one.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
78 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Justine Avery
75 books1,458 followersJustine Avery is the #1 international bestselling and award-winning author of stories large and small, for all. Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists and surprises she can’t even predict herself.
Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final "job"—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.
Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says "eh"—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives on either side of "the pond" with her husband, acclaimed British film director and author Devon Avery, and other creatures. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.
Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.
JustineAvery.com
Amazon.com/author/justineavery
Twitter.com/Justine_Avery
BookBub.com/authors/justine-avery
LibraryThing.com/author/averyjustine
Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final "job"—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.
Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says "eh"—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives on either side of "the pond" with her husband, acclaimed British film director and author Devon Avery, and other creatures. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.
Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.
JustineAvery.com
Amazon.com/author/justineavery
Twitter.com/Justine_Avery
BookBub.com/authors/justine-avery
LibraryThing.com/author/averyjustine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 11, 2021
With Christmas coming up, I thought this would be a good read. In fact Santa is mentioned a few times.
This read as a rough draft, a sketch. Not much depth.
This read as a rough draft, a sketch. Not much depth.
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May 21, 2017This was a cute and short read! Justine Avery's "Almighty" is about an atheist who suddenly hears the voice of God out of nowhere and reluctantly starts to talk with God. The conversation they have is funny albeit maybe a little awkward in the way the dialogue is set up. It's a short story, but everything seemed rushed, especially with Jessica accepting Bradley so easily after all the supposed animosity they had with one another.
I like the idea of an Atheist hearing God and questioning their beliefs, and I like the humorous nature presented by the voice of God; however, the writing itself could have been done better. Still, for the price and length of the book, it's not a bad read if you're looking to pass the time.
I like the idea of an Atheist hearing God and questioning their beliefs, and I like the humorous nature presented by the voice of God; however, the writing itself could have been done better. Still, for the price and length of the book, it's not a bad read if you're looking to pass the time.
June 14, 2017
To be honest, when I first saw the title, I was a little off put thinking the story would just be preaching religion, but it's not. Centered around an atheist, this story has something to be learned by everyone and is not so much about religion or how religion changed someone's life (in fact God probably didn't even needed to be named), it's about freeing yourself from the self imposed rules we put upon ourselves. The clear cut moral and obvious potential of this story is worth a 4 star review. The well thought out dialogue of the story was also note worthy. When I started to feel "Wow he's annoying" then the main character says it when I think "Wow they're talking to much" the main character says it too. I am impressed about how the author drew out these feelings from me.
But this story still has much potential to go deeper and build upon character development and the development between the bonds of the characters. I would've liked to have seen more action in the storyline. The only movement from our main character is from a parking lot to his house - even the climax of the story was achieved from a phone call which made it a bit lack luster (I would've liked to have seen him change from his "norm" and go to his ex's house and talk to her or something). I want to see the main character going out and trying God's advice. That said, for an atheist, the main character didn't show much resistance which would be nice to see - more character development on his part. Perhaps the main character could try some of God's advice on a coworker, have some development maybe even mistrust there, gain trust and try again with his ex? I also wondered about the relationship ship of the main character as it wasn't detailed and then became a sudden point of realization for the main character about how he should love his life.
Overall there's a lot of room for depth and improvement, but with the framework it has now, it has the potential to be a most riveting story.
But this story still has much potential to go deeper and build upon character development and the development between the bonds of the characters. I would've liked to have seen more action in the storyline. The only movement from our main character is from a parking lot to his house - even the climax of the story was achieved from a phone call which made it a bit lack luster (I would've liked to have seen him change from his "norm" and go to his ex's house and talk to her or something). I want to see the main character going out and trying God's advice. That said, for an atheist, the main character didn't show much resistance which would be nice to see - more character development on his part. Perhaps the main character could try some of God's advice on a coworker, have some development maybe even mistrust there, gain trust and try again with his ex? I also wondered about the relationship ship of the main character as it wasn't detailed and then became a sudden point of realization for the main character about how he should love his life.
Overall there's a lot of room for depth and improvement, but with the framework it has now, it has the potential to be a most riveting story.
March 8, 2021
Routine, everyday, casual.
Words that mean about the same (and come up quite a lot in the blurb) but overall I think they're apt to encompass not only the idea of this short tale but also how it's narrated.
This is a short story about “casually” meeting God on a Tuesday (I use quotes because I'd argue a 'boo!' isn't quite so casual) and how that meeting changes Bradley/his perspective about a lot of things.
I really adore not only the premise but also the thousands of tangents that this casually explores (there's that word again, told you that it was apt). While on that, my favorite quote (and an example of what I mean) is this: “I'll tell you something else God doesn't approve of: blind faith. He likes it even less than atheism. Atheism he doesn't mind, per se, but he does think it's a bit ignorant - and, therefore, disappointing to the guy that made us all come to be...God wants us to think.”
Come on, tell me that isn't *at least* something to chew on? There's also other things this book brings up like God being uncertain of who he is/what he can do, the Bible being written by people who didn't know him and so on. Agree or disagree I appreciate the spin the author puts on God by presenting him as a “bratty kid.”
As much as I LOVE the idea of this book, it's still a relatively short story and I'm so-so on that but overall I still really liked it so I rate it 5 stars with the warning that it's a rating with a lot of bias because I simply can't rate lowly a story that stirs up so many thoughts. That said I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't hate religion and is open to introspection/reflection on their beliefs; atheists, agnostics and believers alike will probably take away something from this. Hopefully something worthwhile but from reading other reviews I'd say it's self-evident that this book will be colored by however the reader comes into it, which figures as it deals with “religion” which as we all know is just one of those topics.
Words that mean about the same (and come up quite a lot in the blurb) but overall I think they're apt to encompass not only the idea of this short tale but also how it's narrated.
This is a short story about “casually” meeting God on a Tuesday (I use quotes because I'd argue a 'boo!' isn't quite so casual) and how that meeting changes Bradley/his perspective about a lot of things.
I really adore not only the premise but also the thousands of tangents that this casually explores (there's that word again, told you that it was apt). While on that, my favorite quote (and an example of what I mean) is this: “I'll tell you something else God doesn't approve of: blind faith. He likes it even less than atheism. Atheism he doesn't mind, per se, but he does think it's a bit ignorant - and, therefore, disappointing to the guy that made us all come to be...God wants us to think.”
Come on, tell me that isn't *at least* something to chew on? There's also other things this book brings up like God being uncertain of who he is/what he can do, the Bible being written by people who didn't know him and so on. Agree or disagree I appreciate the spin the author puts on God by presenting him as a “bratty kid.”
As much as I LOVE the idea of this book, it's still a relatively short story and I'm so-so on that but overall I still really liked it so I rate it 5 stars with the warning that it's a rating with a lot of bias because I simply can't rate lowly a story that stirs up so many thoughts. That said I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't hate religion and is open to introspection/reflection on their beliefs; atheists, agnostics and believers alike will probably take away something from this. Hopefully something worthwhile but from reading other reviews I'd say it's self-evident that this book will be colored by however the reader comes into it, which figures as it deals with “religion” which as we all know is just one of those topics.
June 30, 2017
The opening lines of this short story set the tone: “I picked up my dry cleaning on a Monday. I met God on a Tuesday.” The book is narrated by Bradley, an atheist in a boring cubicle job. To his dismay, he was recently dumped by his girlfriend. Life seems purposeless, except for his desire to win back Jane’s heart. After God pops into his head on a Tuesday, a whimsical banter commences that expands his views on life. Of course, first he makes sure he is not going crazy. Best of all, he gains a freedom and hope for the future.
This isn’t your usual dry religious or preachy spiritual book. Instead, the author uses creative writing to present a unique way of looking at life via conversations between Bradley and God. They cover a lot of territory, including the magic of Santa Claus and living life without baloney. There is humor mixed with thought-provoking questions. Even Bradley’s personal revelations are not stuffy: “Everything changed when I stopped being that guy that just made my own life so darn difficult.”
Adult readers will be able to relate to the monotony and angst. However, Bradley’s predicament and conversations would be difficult to understand for children and teens.
The book will unpleasantly challenge the thinking and beliefs of some. Which may be the point of the story. It can be used as a tool to confirm a viewpoint, learn a new one, or just a reminder to lighten up. I gave it two stars due to the lack of depth in his transformation experience. The good details were glossed over as to how he would magically have a better life. Also, because I definitely disagree with some of the author's concepts about how little God is involved in our lives.
This isn’t your usual dry religious or preachy spiritual book. Instead, the author uses creative writing to present a unique way of looking at life via conversations between Bradley and God. They cover a lot of territory, including the magic of Santa Claus and living life without baloney. There is humor mixed with thought-provoking questions. Even Bradley’s personal revelations are not stuffy: “Everything changed when I stopped being that guy that just made my own life so darn difficult.”
Adult readers will be able to relate to the monotony and angst. However, Bradley’s predicament and conversations would be difficult to understand for children and teens.
The book will unpleasantly challenge the thinking and beliefs of some. Which may be the point of the story. It can be used as a tool to confirm a viewpoint, learn a new one, or just a reminder to lighten up. I gave it two stars due to the lack of depth in his transformation experience. The good details were glossed over as to how he would magically have a better life. Also, because I definitely disagree with some of the author's concepts about how little God is involved in our lives.
May 17, 2017
I was taken hold by this story from the very first line. I actually really enjoyed this rendition of who 'God' is, and it's not the predictable wise old man who frowns upon everyone. It was a light story, very humorous, and very thought provoking.
This short tale really, really made me think. The main character, Bradley Michaels, an ashiest, finds himself at odds with the voice that magically appears in his head one day. The voice insists that He's God--or whatever--and that He's only really there to have some fun. 'There' being inside Bradley's mind. The story is of the ride Bradley goes through. Even though God proved who he was, he still resisted to believe it, and that made me think of the closed-minded people in today's society. Even though the evidence is right there, not everyone sits back and accepts it. And that's what I loved about this story, is that it opens the blinds a little bit on being closed minded.
Almighty by Justine Avery was a short, light-hearted read that makes you question some things once you've finished. Questions like, 'Am I like Bradley in life?' 'Do I need to take away the rules and live my life?' Or, perhaps most importantly and most distressingly, 'Will God someday appear in my thoughts and give me a mid-life crisis?'
This short tale really, really made me think. The main character, Bradley Michaels, an ashiest, finds himself at odds with the voice that magically appears in his head one day. The voice insists that He's God--or whatever--and that He's only really there to have some fun. 'There' being inside Bradley's mind. The story is of the ride Bradley goes through. Even though God proved who he was, he still resisted to believe it, and that made me think of the closed-minded people in today's society. Even though the evidence is right there, not everyone sits back and accepts it. And that's what I loved about this story, is that it opens the blinds a little bit on being closed minded.
Almighty by Justine Avery was a short, light-hearted read that makes you question some things once you've finished. Questions like, 'Am I like Bradley in life?' 'Do I need to take away the rules and live my life?' Or, perhaps most importantly and most distressingly, 'Will God someday appear in my thoughts and give me a mid-life crisis?'
June 19, 2017
I don't know if Justine Avery is an atheist but I do know what the main character of her book is perhaps an embarrassment to the label. It's not surprising when a story about atheists is written, it's often to challenge their beliefs and find some way to prove them wrong.
"Almighty" is a story about a guy who is running through life and passing up a great relationship -- whether it's because of his atheism or not -- when God apparently appears in his head to prove him wrong. Overall, however, our main character seemed rather solid in his atheism is easily toppled.
Justine has taken the standard test that a writer uses to get through writer's block which is to write a conversation between two characters and see where it goes. Much like in a classroom where everyone has a show n tell, she's showing us what she can do with such a simple, stripped down scenario. As you would expect, God is whimsical and a prankster and in that case makes the story quite interesting.
I would have liked it more if she had gone deeper with the conservation and even developed the main character's ex-girlfriend a little more. Perhaps, it would have been more interesting is she also had a voice speaking to her as well. I'm not sure that didn't happen but we don't see that it was suggested.
"Almighty" is a story about a guy who is running through life and passing up a great relationship -- whether it's because of his atheism or not -- when God apparently appears in his head to prove him wrong. Overall, however, our main character seemed rather solid in his atheism is easily toppled.
Justine has taken the standard test that a writer uses to get through writer's block which is to write a conversation between two characters and see where it goes. Much like in a classroom where everyone has a show n tell, she's showing us what she can do with such a simple, stripped down scenario. As you would expect, God is whimsical and a prankster and in that case makes the story quite interesting.
I would have liked it more if she had gone deeper with the conservation and even developed the main character's ex-girlfriend a little more. Perhaps, it would have been more interesting is she also had a voice speaking to her as well. I'm not sure that didn't happen but we don't see that it was suggested.
February 22, 2020
I had a lot of issues with this book.
1) It's not really a 'book.' It took me twenty minutes to read.
2) The author portrayed God as a silly, whimsical being Who didn't really care what you did, as long as you tried to get happy.
3) 'God' agreed with the character's assessment that the Bible is BS. I can guarantee, after having read and studied it for nearly sixty years, that God does not think His Word is BS. Nor does He want us to take it lightly.
4) There was so much bouncing from topic to topic that it was pretty hard to tell what was going on much of the time.
5) The ending was too pat.....too easy....too perfect.
6) The main character did not wind up with a relationship with God. I'm honestly not sure WHAT he wound up with!
Don't read this if you're questioning, seeking, hoping, or wishing for a relationship with the Creator. This book is too narrow and quick to help you. A true faith relationship requires much introspection, prayer, seeking, and turning away from the 'old man' to become the 'new man in Christ.' This book, unfortunately, will fall short of getting you there.
1) It's not really a 'book.' It took me twenty minutes to read.
2) The author portrayed God as a silly, whimsical being Who didn't really care what you did, as long as you tried to get happy.
3) 'God' agreed with the character's assessment that the Bible is BS. I can guarantee, after having read and studied it for nearly sixty years, that God does not think His Word is BS. Nor does He want us to take it lightly.
4) There was so much bouncing from topic to topic that it was pretty hard to tell what was going on much of the time.
5) The ending was too pat.....too easy....too perfect.
6) The main character did not wind up with a relationship with God. I'm honestly not sure WHAT he wound up with!
Don't read this if you're questioning, seeking, hoping, or wishing for a relationship with the Creator. This book is too narrow and quick to help you. A true faith relationship requires much introspection, prayer, seeking, and turning away from the 'old man' to become the 'new man in Christ.' This book, unfortunately, will fall short of getting you there.
October 16, 2017
Interesting, unexpected and self-truth soothing regardless of what you believe and/or practice. Not a religious piece, and I don't think it was intended to be. A truly closed mind will not "get" the story or appreciate it for the lessons (or ideas if you are more comfortable with that notion) that it gently delivers. The off-beat comedic exchange between the main characters was enjoyable and definitely leaves the reader questioning what a similar conversation in their shoes would look like and what really matters in the big picture. The importance placed on not only believing, but believing the "right" way is so directly challenged but is bridged in just such a way that one isn't even aware it happened until the loose ends are tied up neat and tidy at the end. Perfect literary illustration that life isn't perfect, we all question (or should) and we determine our path. It's a quick read but don't speed through so fast you miss the signs leading you to smile and think all at the same time.
This so easily could have been a larger story and I definitely wanted more.
This so easily could have been a larger story and I definitely wanted more.
August 15, 2020
This summary is so misleading.
The summary says this book is about an atheist who finds God. Well actually “God“ find him. Then “God“ announces his self by screaming booth inside the man’s head. Yes not only that “God“ is prone to having giggles like a child. Then the author tells us a rather “God“ tells Bradley that he doesn’t interfere with earthly happenings such as war, pregnancies, and that the Bible is a bunch of rubbish because those people didn’t even know him. So I guess the thousands of people that were at he’s being nailed to the cross were a bunch of liars. The big finale in the whole point is that “God“ wanted to let him know Israel yet although he is omnipotent yeah actually does nothing but exist. Then“God“/the author says we shouldn’t listen to other men who tell us how to live our lives such as preachers, but then at the end of the book he tells us we should make our own rules and live accordingly. So don’t listen to preachers but don’t listen to him. This book is ridiculous and I resent the summary that made it sound like it was about America.
The summary says this book is about an atheist who finds God. Well actually “God“ find him. Then “God“ announces his self by screaming booth inside the man’s head. Yes not only that “God“ is prone to having giggles like a child. Then the author tells us a rather “God“ tells Bradley that he doesn’t interfere with earthly happenings such as war, pregnancies, and that the Bible is a bunch of rubbish because those people didn’t even know him. So I guess the thousands of people that were at he’s being nailed to the cross were a bunch of liars. The big finale in the whole point is that “God“ wanted to let him know Israel yet although he is omnipotent yeah actually does nothing but exist. Then“God“/the author says we shouldn’t listen to other men who tell us how to live our lives such as preachers, but then at the end of the book he tells us we should make our own rules and live accordingly. So don’t listen to preachers but don’t listen to him. This book is ridiculous and I resent the summary that made it sound like it was about America.
May 11, 2017
Almighty: A Short Tale of Omnipotent Proportions is a creative and fantastical short story written by Justine Avery. The main character, Bradley, is an average joe with an average job and a pretty much run-of-the-mill existence. Out of the blue, Bradley starts to hear voices in his head. At this point the story could have taken a lot of different directions.
The voice (not voices, singular, voice) is a juvenile representation of the almighty deity himself. Bradley, an atheist, is shaken to his core with the revelation that the voice yelling, "BOO!" in his head is God.
Justine Avery's short story is full of lighthearted humor, philosophical insight and a begging need to question what the reader believes they believe. The happy-go-lucky interpretation of God as a tongue-in-cheek jokester with the maturity of a seventh grader makes this tale unique and worth the read. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
The voice (not voices, singular, voice) is a juvenile representation of the almighty deity himself. Bradley, an atheist, is shaken to his core with the revelation that the voice yelling, "BOO!" in his head is God.
Justine Avery's short story is full of lighthearted humor, philosophical insight and a begging need to question what the reader believes they believe. The happy-go-lucky interpretation of God as a tongue-in-cheek jokester with the maturity of a seventh grader makes this tale unique and worth the read. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
May 17, 2017
This was a nice quick evening read for me. This story definitely reminded me of What In God's Name by Simon Rich, and Bruce Almighty, the movie. While the details of the story were rather surface level, and the story wasn't long enough to deeply connect to the story, it definitely made me think. What if everything you think you believe in is wrong? This is something that Bradley, our MC, confronts head on. He's told by God that he can literally make anything come in to being, just like God did, if he just imagines it and wills it in to being. This is an interesting concept to me as I am a strong believer in the idea that you are the maker and controlling force of your own destiny. I also believe that your thoughts towards any input can shape your output in to the universe.
The dialogue between Bradley and God seems a little like amateur hour, but if you pay attention to the message behind the conversation, this story definitely makes you ponder. Definitely thought-provoking.
The dialogue between Bradley and God seems a little like amateur hour, but if you pay attention to the message behind the conversation, this story definitely makes you ponder. Definitely thought-provoking.
June 10, 2017
A perfect read when you need a quick pick-me-up. Avery writes “Almighty” with playful wit, keeping the reader perfectly suspended between tackling meta issues of faith and taking delight in energetic and wholly amusing dialogues. She manages to convey both the ambivalent cynicism and passionate optimism experienced by main character Bradley Michaels in a way readers will find relatable.
This is a wonderfully fun and creative piece, and yet still engages with readers in meaningful ways. In a short period of time, Avery develops a fresh take on religion that won’t feel pressured or propagandistic, but empowered and enlightening. God interrupts Michaels’ mundane life to encourage him to practice opening his mind, and in turn, Michaels challenges the reader to think more critically about how we interpret our world, even in non-religious ways. Regardless of religion, this book offers humor and inspiration for everyone.
This is a wonderfully fun and creative piece, and yet still engages with readers in meaningful ways. In a short period of time, Avery develops a fresh take on religion that won’t feel pressured or propagandistic, but empowered and enlightening. God interrupts Michaels’ mundane life to encourage him to practice opening his mind, and in turn, Michaels challenges the reader to think more critically about how we interpret our world, even in non-religious ways. Regardless of religion, this book offers humor and inspiration for everyone.
June 12, 2017
Like the book summary noted, this is a conversation between an unhappy atheist and a witty God. Readers journey with Bradley, the narrator, and see his unbelief turn to a belief in a God whose main desire is un-intervened happiness for all his children. Avery's conversational humor is refreshing, especially on a topic so sensitive. Avery really makes the reader think and questions the preconceived notions that have been floating around since they were old enough to think. Bradley urges, at God's desire, people to think--and that is just what Avery does. Avery creates a compelling and humorous narrative of the childish nature of God--the imaginative, endless, and boundless nature of the Creator. The God of this novel also urges people to create their own reality, to create their own possibilities and their own miracles. Overall, a nice and short tale spun on the intricate principles of Christianity's God.
August 2, 2017
Part self-help novel, part comedy, and part philosophical discourse, Almighty manages to capture the reader’s attention and forces them to take a good long look at their own preconceived notions of reality.
The premise is simple: what if God just decided to talk to you one day? Not any special day in particular but on a Tuesday in the middle of another boring work week. Such is the case with Bradley, the main character, your averaged middle-aged guy who has nothing going for him and seeks true fulfillment.
As a lifelong atheist Bradley must come to terms with the fact that he is talking to God and the repercussions of such a momentous occasion. Justine Avery provides a poignant look at faith and spirituality in the modern world that keeps the reader’s attention throughout.
Worth the time to sit down and read through it: it may be on the short side but its subject matter is far-reaching and profound.
The premise is simple: what if God just decided to talk to you one day? Not any special day in particular but on a Tuesday in the middle of another boring work week. Such is the case with Bradley, the main character, your averaged middle-aged guy who has nothing going for him and seeks true fulfillment.
As a lifelong atheist Bradley must come to terms with the fact that he is talking to God and the repercussions of such a momentous occasion. Justine Avery provides a poignant look at faith and spirituality in the modern world that keeps the reader’s attention throughout.
Worth the time to sit down and read through it: it may be on the short side but its subject matter is far-reaching and profound.
August 14, 2017
I'm not sure where to start. I think this story was meant to be relatable to people who are atheist or agnostic, but it is clear that the author is a Christian trying to present a different viewpoint. I appreciate the idea that she was trying to create, but the story was so awkward that I had to reread sections to understand what she was trying to say. The jumpy dialogue was the worst part because it made the story progression really difficult to follow. The portrayal of God as a giggly being who is unaware of who he is or why he exists felt awkward and unrelatable. The author seemed to point out things that she thought would be obvious to her reader, but I am still unsure what she was getting at: "So, throw out those convoluted ideas too. Then, what are you left with? Exactly." Overall, this story just felt unfinished and thrown together.
June 2, 2017
Bradley is an atheist. Bradley is not extraordinary in any way. "BOO!" goes the voice of God in Bradley's head. This is the basic premise for ALMIGHTY: A SHORT TALE OF OMNIPOTENT PROPORTIONS by short story author, Justine Avery. At face value, ALMIGHTY is a humorous short about an average joe who for some reason is chosen to receive the word of God, who turns out to be a mischievous prankster. At it's core, ALMIGHTY is a bit deeper, using the guise of humor to force the reader to think. This juxtaposition of intent is what makes this short story so interesting. Add in a superior ability to grab the reader's attention and keep them entertained in the short story format, Justine Avery has created a fun and entertaining read.
May 17, 2017
The dialog in this short story is phenomenal, God and Bradley had a great flow between them. I loved the message of shedding your inhibitions and pre-disposed ideas about life and the universe and just living to your fullest extent. There is so much debate about what makes a person good, or what will ultimately bring you happiness, and there's always this theme of them or me, good or bad, religious or non-religious when life is so much simpler than that. "Almighty" really shows this. There is one quote that really struck me, it was: "Don't ever take another man's word for what's out there and what life's all about." Read this, it's definitely worth it.
June 2, 2017
"Almighty: A Short Tale of Omnipotent Proportions" by Justine Avery is an entertaining short read about an average guy hearing a voice in his head who reveals himself to be god. The main character, Bradley, an atheist, is annoyed by the almighty's childish joking. By the end Bradley breaks through his barriers keeping him from his own happiness. Quick, short read, that kept me entertained from the beginning to the end. The dry humor suited this story well and the author's ability to mix in meaningful themes that prompted me to think while making me laugh out loud at the same time was commendable.
August 22, 2017
I'd normally shy away from a book like this, worried that the author's purpose in writing it might be to push their beliefs off onto others, but I didn't feel that way when I read this. It's a short, entertaining, fresh look on "the God experience" (i.e. experiencing God for the first time). The two main characters, Bradley and God, both have big personalities that come through on the page well, and the story manages to have a plot despite being almost entirely dialogue between the characters. Even if this isn't the image of a God you believe in, you find yourself laughing along with him and rooting for Bradley to finally believe in something bigger.
August 9, 2017
Almighty...
All I could think of was Bruce Almighty! Okay, imagine you are Jim Carrey, and Morgan Freeman as God is in your head. This read was that kind of wonderful ride. I am an emotional ole sort who believes in God and universal energies, goodness, and humanity. Reading this book was a personally moving experience. I laughed, I cried, I reflected, I bought the FARM! As an individual also awakening to the vastness of my personal power and possibilities, the story was a pure joy. Avery's writing was engaging and easy right from the gate. I highly recommend this read for anyone who grapples with limiting and conflicting thoughts about self, God, and the essence of being.
All I could think of was Bruce Almighty! Okay, imagine you are Jim Carrey, and Morgan Freeman as God is in your head. This read was that kind of wonderful ride. I am an emotional ole sort who believes in God and universal energies, goodness, and humanity. Reading this book was a personally moving experience. I laughed, I cried, I reflected, I bought the FARM! As an individual also awakening to the vastness of my personal power and possibilities, the story was a pure joy. Avery's writing was engaging and easy right from the gate. I highly recommend this read for anyone who grapples with limiting and conflicting thoughts about self, God, and the essence of being.
December 21, 2019
ALMIGHTY: A SHORT TALE OF OMNIPOTENT PROPORTIONS is a stand-alone short story.
It is an irreverent, but not heretical, humorous approach to an atheist discovering he needs to get off the fence. God is real.
It could have been preachy, but it wasn’t. It was light-hearted and fun.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: ALMIGHTY: A SHORT TALE OF OMNIPOTENT PROPORTIONS
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Humor, short story
Recommended for: 18+ due to adult humor
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Justine Avery (as a gifted copy)
It is an irreverent, but not heretical, humorous approach to an atheist discovering he needs to get off the fence. God is real.
It could have been preachy, but it wasn’t. It was light-hearted and fun.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: ALMIGHTY: A SHORT TALE OF OMNIPOTENT PROPORTIONS
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Humor, short story
Recommended for: 18+ due to adult humor
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Justine Avery (as a gifted copy)
May 16, 2017
I found myself smiling and even giggling throughout the book. The conversations between an atheist and God were great. There was a part where the Bible was called Boring by God and I actually laughed out loud. The idea of God as he was referred to in this book was very interesting. Life is limitless, anything is possible and God is not there to look after you like your Mother. I loved reading this book and I definitely would recommend it to others.
May 18, 2017
Good things come in small packages, and Justine Avery has condensed another thought-provoking quick read into a work that challenged me to stop and consider every time I react one way instead the converse. Bradley is minding his own business when a higher power takes over. By just listening and taking one step in the right direction, his life completely changes. I may ask my teenager to read this book, it's clear-minded and leaves you satisfied that you read it.
November 17, 2021
God has a sense of humor!
"Boo!"... That's not exactly the kind of thing you might expect to hear from someone who says that they got "a Word from God". This is a very intriguing little story about God's interaction with an atheist... I just wanted it to be longer! It's kinda like eating just one potato chip... but that's probably why it is a free offering from Kindle. It points you to a new author. (I'll be reading more of Justine Avery's work.).
August 2, 2017
This is one short story that I highly recommend.. It's short, sweet and straight to the point of making a reader really think about their own thoughts and beliefs.. I was a bit skeptical, at first, because it started out about meeting God, but I'm so glad I kept at it. The undercurrent of it is so similar a thought process to my own. Great work to the author and look forward to more!
December 15, 2019
I loved this story. It’s brilliant. I just wish it were longer as I didn’t want it to be over. Justine Avery has hooked me as a huge fan in next to no time with the quality of her writing. Each story is excellent and this one is no exception. It’s not a dig at religion, it’s not an attempt at preaching to try to convert, it’s just a clever fun story, give it a go. Recommended very highly.
May 5, 2020
Almighty is a quick, light, easy read that asks us to hold a mirror up to our deep beliefs. It shows how one brief encounter has the potential to shift a life.
I love that the story challenges strongly held beliefs about God but I do wish it went a little deeper into who Bradley is and how his life changed. There is a lot of potential for the story to be fleshed out further.
I love that the story challenges strongly held beliefs about God but I do wish it went a little deeper into who Bradley is and how his life changed. There is a lot of potential for the story to be fleshed out further.
July 31, 2017
This book is a rather nice read. It does not follow the standard christen to believer plot line. That makes it rather interesting to read. The story is an easy read devoid of both spelling and grammar errors. Overall this was a pleasant reading experience.
July 3, 2020
Another quick but enjoyable story by Justine Avery. Every empowering to follow your own path and not worry about what others think. I appreciated the confidence of the author and there were several memorable quotes that resonated with me
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