The Infinite Jeff: Part 1: Journey into Insight: A Parable of Change

by Will Holcomb

Stanley, an out of work tech writer, is deeply unsatisfied with the lack of meaning in his life. Of the three places he feels should provide meaning in his life, religion, work and family, only one gives his life purpose: family. In PART ONE his lack of meaning starts to change. Out of desperation to support his family, he takes a short-term contract job on the other side of the country. He cannot afford to fly so he packs his car for the cross-country journey. The trip gets strange almost immediately when he reluctantly picks up a hitchhiker who transforms Stanley's religious views by answering questions that have kept religion at arm's length.

When Jesus walked the Earth two-thousand years ago, he preached a message that sent waves of change throughout humanity. But, he preached to a spiritually awake, yet illiterate and technologically primitive people. His message was communicated in a form they could understand, within the morays and cultural expectations of the time. In modern times, the situation has, in many ways, flipped. A large portion of humankind is spiritually asleep but living in a literate and highly technological society. As a result, we often have a hard time connecting with Jesus' message because it is couched in two-thousand-year-old terms and social norms. This book shares the tale of a new messiah, a man who teaches to modern peoples and cultures, and creates new waves of change from the settling waves of Jesus' so long ago. This new messiah instigates a journey with an unsuspecting traveler and teaches him the age-old message in modern terms. Together they explore many messages, including the growth of humanity in relationship to horizontal (worldly) growth vs. vertical (self-awareness and spiritual) growth, in the process changing Stanley's life, along with the people they meet along the way.

Genres: Spirituality, Fiction, Philosophy

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2012

About the author

Bestselling author and playwright Will Holcomb captivates audiences with heartfelt stories exploring questions about real life human connection, individual authenticity, and the possibility of how our lives can be transformed by our interactions.

Will didn't start out as a writer -- but he had ideas that wouldn't stop so he started pouring them into words, and ended up with best-selling and critically-acclaimed works. Before he began writing at age 45, Will taught elementary school -- and then went back to college, where he earned his Master’s degree in Computer Science and became a software engineer.

His play, The Puzzler, won the Audience Acclaim Award at TexFest2023, and his other play, Clinically Un-Depressed, continually performs sold-out shows to audiences who repeatedly rave about the show as they laugh through their tears.

Part I of The Infinite Jeff won the Gold Medal in the 2023 Global Book Awards, and is ranked as #1 bestseller in Spiritual Fiction on Goodreads.

Will grew up in northern Michigan (Cheboygan, to be exact) before moving to Texas and landing in Smithville, Texas -- where he now lives with his wife and enjoys time with his 6 children and 4 granddaughters.

Throughout his life, Will enjoyed many interests and hobbies — including building houses, rebuilding cars, building furniture, riding his motorcycle, traveling and exploring new places, and many other things. Will is also on the library board, plays racquetball whenever he can, and also put out an album with an organization he started called “Songs of Smithville”.

Thank you for joining Will on this journey!

Reviews

[Will Holcomb]

One piece of advice given to authors is to write the book you want to read. I just re-read parts 1 & 2 of The Infinite Jeff (TIJ) to get ready to edit parts 3 & 4, and I found myself so caught up in the story that I was not taking notes. So I took the advice to heart and wrote the book I wanted to read. To me, it is very relevant to the transition humankind is in today. TIJ looks into many aspects of religion/spirituality, economics, work life/purpose, family relationships, human nature, etc., and through an interesting story offers some ways to look at problems in an interesting way. So, take the time to read The Infinite Jeff and take a fresh look at the world.

[Sheena Rhynea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a goodreads book giveaway & I am so glad I did. This is one of my top 5 books I've ever read. I actually never write reviews, but this book deserves it. I want to start by saying this is not a book I would have ever picked out for myself to read. My 5th grade elementary English teacher always told me "never judge a book by its cover", but unfortunately I still find myself gravitating toward the colorful book covers with fun pictures. Visualization is afterall a part of reading books. Stories come alive before us, and we are transported into those characters... so it is only natural to find the most visually appealing book covers while shopping for books. So when i seen this book cover... I was skeptical to even read it. I know, I know. I'm horrible! 😞 But for those of you that are like me and judge books by their covers, take my advice and read this book! I could not put it down. I read it & then I turned around and read it again because I loved it so much. And I have never read the same book back to back. I've read the same books two or three times, but it's usually years apart. I loved this book. I really cannot even begin to put into words how much I loved this book! But here is a story that may help explain...Going back to my 5th grade English teacher... She is the reason I fell in love with reading. I thought I hated to read, but the reality was that I just hadn't found the right book yet. Everyone loves to read, but until they find the right book ("their book") that opens their minds, they think they hate reading. My book was the Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. I was lucky because I was ten years old when I found my love of reading. My husband is 37 and says he hates to read, but I always say "no, you just haven't found your book yet." So from time to time I will read some of the books I am reading outloud to him... he is perfectly capable of reading but he is stubborn and insists he hates reading & he never even tries. I've read him many books over the years, and while he likes some of them, I have never seen him light up or really be interested in a book. Until... The Infinite Jeff! Remember how I said I read it back to back... well the second time I read it outloud to him. He loved it & he even said he wanted to reread it himself! I think this book is his book! I actually won this book via Kindle format, but I love this book so much it deserves a spot on my bookshelf. I will be purchasing the paperback version!!! And I cannot wait to continue reading the next parts of this book. Seriously yall! READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT IS AMAZING!!!

[Mary Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately identified with Stanley as Part I opened with his blog. So I sat back and smugly prepared myself to join him on his journey to explore the great “cosmic fluke” of life. However, as his relationship with Jeff started evolving, I initially found myself thinking, “No he’s not going there, is he??” Just as Stanley was not prepared for Jeff, I wasn’t sure I was either. However, by the end of Part I, I found myself highlighting sentences and contemplating the possibility of Jeff’s mission, “to update an ancient message for modern people.” Although I am looking forward to Part II, I’m also glad this parable comes in “waves” because I'm going to need to catch my breath before the next one.

[Richard L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The main character had some of the same questions I have had all my life. The author, Will Holcomb offers some insightful answers to my religious questions through an entertaining story about an unusual man that is picked up by the main character. I can't wait to read part 2.

[Guy V. Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some may find The Infinite Jeff: Part 1 to be a well written buddy road trip book, some may feel it is a christian leaning religious tome, some may think it is a supernatural or science fiction morality tale… and in all those cases, it would be a very entertaining read worthy of one’s time. But there is more, much more to Will Holcomb’s thought provoking book.

This modern day parable was like a gentle, but powerful gut punch to my essence as I, like Stanley, am in the journey to find out just who I am and what the meaning and purpose of my life is in this realm. It is written for human beings of the 21st century in a style that speaks to the complexities of the world we currently live in clear prose, not vague metaphorical phrasing.

Those allegorical stories are wonderful for lovers of poetic language for poetic language’s sake, and others who love the challenges of figuring out just what the author is trying to say. However, in this technological age where we are bombarded 24/7 with copious information via every medium possible, most of us ‘common folk’ don’t have the time or energy to wander down a multitude of paths trying to find the message the author is attempting to convey.

While there are plenty of concepts and ideas to ponder while reading The Infinite Jeff: Part 1, Will’s writing is efficient, and the dialog between the characters flows naturally and believably, providing a brilliant framework that allows the reader to spend their precious time reading, thinking and exploring their own feelings about those concepts and ideas instead of trying to figure out what the author was trying to communicate.

This is now one of the books I keep a supply of to give to family, friends and strangers alongside The Power of Now and The Wisdom of the Enneagram.

[Cathy Brundage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but my husband had read it and said I should as well as he thought I would enjoy it. We usually have wildly differing tastes in books, but he was right! This book is a fun, quick read that also makes you stop and think deeply. It touches on religion without being preachy and gives you an interesting way in which to look at everyday happenings ("it's all part of the experience"). I just finished it, and have already ordered part two. Jeff helps you regain hope for and in humanity, and leaves you feeling like you can make a difference in how you travel through this one life we are given!

[Danne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy but fascinating read. I am currently midway through Part 2.

[Kandra Niagra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the read. Just kept on reading after the first book - through the second and third- following the story and marveling at the insights of the author- wanting to meet him some day since he is a local author- finally got a chance to meet him in a group discussion setting which itself was awesome. I hope Will sees that meeting as a beginning and schedules more "Discussions"- I would come back for more!

[RJ Stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this entire series of books from Gavin my son-in-law as a Christmas gift and what a wonderful gift. I have always enjoyed getting books as gifts as you feel compelled to read them even though they might not be what you would have chosen for yourself. Jeff giving away books to those that needed to leazrn some aspect of each book he gave was certainly apropos. The books touched on several religious topics but appraoched them in a spiritual way that would translate into any religion. The way the story is presented makes me want to share this book with friends of mine that are atheists or agnostics as it bridges the science versus religion chasm. A wonderful book that had me underlining certain parts and makes me want to re-read several of the books that Jeff gave as gifts and read those in the reading list that I haven't discovered. A book that is perfect for me at this point of my life and has true meaning while being entertaining at the same time. I immediately jumped into Part 2 and it is equally enthralling.

[Gregg Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never even thought of writing a review of a book until I recently met Will Holcomb at his book signing and was drawn in by his title “The Infinite Jeff”. Having only read Part I so far, I immediately started thinking of small changes I could make in my everyday life that will be good for me and could possibly help someone else.

“The Infinite Jeff” is an easy to read page turner. The characters resemble people you know and are easy to identify with. It has me reflecting on my own life and thinking about what I might have done differently. I see this book as potentially life changing and I’m already seeing small adjustments in my thought processes, and looking forward to the journey!

Jeff addresses humanity and religion without getting preachy and makes you think about faith and what you’ve been taught!

I highly recommend this to anyone who is open minded enough to know they don’t know everything! I’m telling all my good friends about “The Infinite Jeff” and just gifted it to a friend for Christmas!

Thank you Will Holcomb for the new journey!

[Tammie Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely am intrigued by this story. One of the things I like most about it is that though there are religious aspects to it, it is not heavy handed with the same things I have heard my whole life about faith. It makes you think and view life from a different perspective. Stanley is such a relatable character that I easily put myself right into his shoes and experienced his exciting story with him. This book has great humor, heartwarming moments, and just can't wait to find out what happens next suspense.

[Lucas Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful adaptation of Christian philosophy from a gnostic and syncretic understanding. If you appreciate moral applications of scripture without the historical and fantastical interpretations, this book is brilliant. It is wonderful to see religion described as a tool for growth- as a means for improving your life experience and not an end in itself. This dialect bridges gaps for people divided on religion and science in an enjoyable story that reads fast and fun.

[Karen Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without feeling too heavy, this is a book that makes you think about where you are in life, and where you're going. My only complaint is that I didn't know about this book when it was first released; my life was in turmoil at that time and I could have used the fresh perspective. There are three books (currently). Part 1 ends at a satisfying point rather than an aggravating cliffhanger, but I'm glad I bought all three books at once so I don't have to wait to start Part 2.

[Paul Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional story and truly intriguing. Anticipating the next "book" as the follow up to the first. Definitely written to pertain to a "normal" person in the current circumstances.

[Shimira Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! I loved how each chapter was easy to read and had lessons/parables that made you think!

[Jack Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written: Solid story-telling; well developed characters; unpredictable plot; very relatable. One of the best I've read in many years.

[Leann Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far the most unexpected 5-star review of my life.

Felt similar to The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis but on a road trip across America instead of in the afterlife.

I am a deeply skeptical person when it comes to the details of religion. While I attend my church weekly and served a service mission teaching the gospel, I still get caught up in the weeds wondering about X,Y, and Z.

Questions that have held me back the past 5ish years:

1) A blood sacrifice makes no sense to me. Why did Jesus have to die? “Sacrificing for my sins”… okay but WHY the dying part? Couldn’t he have eaten a 100 year old egg or been covered in bees like Fear Factor? That seems like enough.

2) Why do religions fight so hard to prove they’re more true? Why do churches feel such a divide between them, when they are 90% the same? Why do we focus on the 10% different?

3) How are people surviving financially in the US right now? What hustles can we start to get ahead? Which stock should we invest in? If only we had X amount of money, we’d be fine.

There are more, but these are three categories of questions/worries that were answered by this book. I cannot be bothered to read scriptures lately, I feel very similarly to the main character in this book in that way (he begrudgingly attends his wife’s church). I was not going to get these answers from scriptures, I needed it thrown in my face in the form of a road trip parable on Kindle Unlimited.

I’m feeling hopeful for the future for the first time in a while. Thank you Will for writing this wonderful book for the religious skeptics that are hoping for answers but didn’t know they were looking for them. (My son shares your name, so kudos to your mom for the solid name)

[Bill Filetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is easy to gravitate to the Best Sellers list when looking for something to read, but it won’t guarantee you will get to read all of the best books available today. Earlier this year, I went with a group to see a play called “Clinically Undepressed” at the Bastrop Opera House. It was a very cleverly written play acted out by some excellent local talent. We met the play’s writer in the lobby, Will Holcomb. He was promoting his book series “The Infinite Jeff” Parts 1, 2, and 3. I simply took one of the bookmarks he was passing out in the lobby of a local theater and tucked it away. The title intrigued me. I felt, sure why not give the book a try? It would be a change of pace to read something by a local (Central Texas) independent author, so I ordered the first and then the second and then the third!! The author cautions they are not stand-alone books and that you have to read them in order. Each one is about 150 pages. I just could not put any of them down. It was like reading something as good as “The Cabin”, but more practical and relatable. Simply one of the best feel-good book(s) I have read in a long time. Can’t wait for Part 4! C’mon Will. 😊 I highly recommend you check out Will Holcomb’s “The Infinite Jeff” series…remember all 3 books!

[Mary Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Easy to read, hard to put down but certainly pertinent to the lives of many during these days. The characters are easy to identify with and forced me to really reflect on events that have occurred in my life. Now I see, it’s all part of the experience and I am who I am because of the experiences. Looking forward to reading the next book!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The infinite Jeff will leave an infinite impact! The timeless wisdom that Jeff offers it’s a must read for every age. The mystery of who Jeff yes remains until the very end and will astound you! The character of Jeff will stay with you and you will look forward to reading more adventures! Start reading today!

[Micha De Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a pearl of wisdom and so easy to read. It dares you to think deeply about your life and about some of the Big Questions, without making it too heavy. Written from a perspective so it's both interesting and consciousness expanding for atheists, agnostics, and religious people. Bridging the gap between science and religion.

[Daniel Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Infinite Jeff really exceeded my expectations! There were multiple moments where I found myself questioning the way I do things on the daily. I also fell in love with the personal growth within the protagonist, Stanley. I can’t wait to read the rest!

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the Jeff character and the situations, the 'deeper learning' was barely incremental at the end.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Without giving it away, Not what I expected when the journey. Looking forward for the adventure to continue.
I highly recommend this one.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story but ends rather abruptly. I’m not super eager to grab book 2, but I will at some point.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! I love uplifting, spiritual based books that have a story line. If you do too, this is an amazing book. Very Well written.

[Thomas Eberlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

A good and thoughtful book about life. A fast and easy read. I need to read the next book to see where this ends.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to finding out what is in store for Stanley and Jeff in the next book.

[Letha Mignon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful adventure story for the spirit. I couldn’t put it down. Halfway through Part II already!

[E.B. Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your voice is truly one of a kind, and I was amazed at how you managed to keep every page so captivating. It’s the kind of book that lingers in the heart long after the last word.