I Will Shout Your Name

by John Matthew Fox

I Will Shout Your Name takes the reader on a wild international tour of cultures and places -- Samoa, Australia, Iran, Indonesia -- through nine stories with characters who are mysteries even to themselves. Though mostly planted in realism, some stories flirt with the  "John Matthew Fox is a writer of rare power, untold beauty, and focused precision. Combining the gravity of his acumen as a storyteller with the knife-blade edge of his discernment concerning class, gender, race, and religion, his stories resound as both personal and infinite."-- Shann Ray, American Book Award winning author of Balefire and American Copper"John Matthew Fox has a keen ear for the music of doubt that harmonizes so quietly with the sweet melodies that pass for faith. "I Will Shout Your Name" is a worthy debut from a writer worth your time."-- Kyle Minor, author of Praying Drunk

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2018

Reviews

[Garrett Calcaterra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't typically pick up a short story collection where faith is such a prominent theme, but I read several of these stories when they were individually published and found them nuanced, compelling, and oftentimes humorous. The title story of this collection, "I Will Shout Your Name," is a perfect example. The story is about an atheist who gets tourettes and goes around shouting religious ideas and slogans. It's just as hilarious as it sounds, but also grounded in complex character issues without ever becoming contrived or preachy.

The same can be said for all the other stories in the collection that I've read so far. They're all grounded in human issues, from personal depression to relationship and family problems. Travelling is also a recurrent theme in these stories, and that really appeals to me as a reader.

[Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the stories in this collection are linked by questions of Christian faith, their approach to that faith is, to say the least, oblique. For example, a few of the stories are about missionaries. In the final story, "God's Guerilla," a former missionary is losing his memory and his ability to spread the Word through the stories he tells, but he learns that this might be a good thing as it has helped him rediscover family. In "In the Dark Heart of the Fojas," two brothers trek inland in search of two missionaries who have gone missing, and again the obligations of family are what, in the end, drive them. In "Down on the Pitch," a group of young rugby players are visiting Australia for "seedplanting"--preparing potential converts to receive their religious message--but again it is a family relationship that takes precedence. My suggestion? Read for the adventure, not the religion.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Matthew Fox's characters shine with the vagaries of devotion and simmer with compelling inner voices of doubt. They are modern people sometimes acting within culturally prescribed religious boundaries. Some are missionaries questioning that they were ever called living in far flung places, some are retired missionaries with fading memories. In one story, an agnostic is suddenly gripped in praises to the Almighty in a bout of reverse tourette's syndrome. Each of these people seems pushed beyond himself and his cultural preconceptions to realize something more authentic to inner leanings. Unassuming, powerful writing.

[Cristy Fossum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading I Will Shout Your Name. Characters, situations, and imagery quirky and simultaneously real and resonant. Favorite story: God's Guerrilla: obnoxious, insensitive, sanctimonious missionary evangelist losing his memory and transforming into a more humane being. Second favorite story: The Descent of Punch the Frog: heart-wrenching tale of parents coping with the chronic illness of their little boy, a tender innocence on the part of all in the midst of the day-to-day agony and stress.

[Jabez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought to life places I've only seen on maps and that I'm probably never going to visit. However, the vivid descriptions enabled me to experience the culture, picture the surroundings, and relate to the people. It was easy to get caught up in the lives of some of the characters and become eager for their plights to end in favorable outcomes. My only regret is that I had to part company with some of the characters too soon.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm changing my review after realizing a few things. This was not a novel. It was a collection of short stories. Since I finished it I've found myself going back and wondering about the people in the stories. I wonder what happens to them after and I think about what happened to them during the stories. This, to me, is a sign of great writing. If I wasn't interested I wouldn't be thinking about them still. I also enjoyed his clever euphemisms--ones I've never before heard but still got the message across. Changing my review from 4 stars to 5.

[Pam Keevil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great assortment of stories with a wide range of settings and some convincing characters. I particularly enjoyed 'The City of God and the City of Man.' Why? The idea of a religious theme park is intriguing!

[K. Lynn Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this collection of short stories a few years ago. John Fox's prose is clear with nuances that deliver an unexpected gut punch. Add sneaky bits of humor woven into his stories and you get a rewarding read.

I had some trepidation reading this at first because of the religious undertones. But what I found was a depiction of religion with its warts and idiosyncrasies laid out in clear view. Illuminating and heartfelt, I recommend this book.

4.5 stars