The Infinite Jeff - A Parable of Change: Part 2: Discover a New World

by Will Holcomb, Jose Gomez (Illustrator)

In part one Stanley, an out of work tech writer, gets a short-term contract job across the country. Of the three areas he feels give meaning to family, work, religion; he is going to leave the only one of the three which has meaning to him, family, to go be ‘just a tech writer’ at ‘just another company.’ In part one, on the road trip to his temporary job, his concept of religion is ripped apart and new building blocks are given to him. He is left with a mind full of jumbled ideas and dreading the idea of trying to work at a new job while rebuilding with the new blocks. But what he finds after begrudgingly starting his first day is what he never expected. There is a chance for meaning in work.

Genres: Spirituality

310 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2014

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

[Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! I don't even know what to say! I absolutely loved this book. The ideas alone will make you think even if you don't want to or are set in your ways. Personally, Stanleys experience towards the end of his time at HRI was hauntingly familiar. I would recommend this book to anyone, I had such a good time I even found myself eating chili dogs and drinking mountain dew along with the them.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read my review of TIJ Part 1, and my discussion with the author there, then this will make more sense...Wow - incredible follow up to Part 1. I'm in love with the ideas as lived through the characters in this book. I would drop everything to work at HRI. With any luck, I'll get to institute some of the ideas in the businesses in which I work.

Though it was even less philosophically oriented than Part 1, it was a practical look at the philosophy, rather than a discursive one. And it's very easy to look past the Christianity-bent, since the day-to-day living of the characters isn't strongly oriented in the normal religious direction. Totally looking forward to parts 3 & 4.

(Note, I bought an ebook copy from Apple, for some reason it wasn't on Amazon. Worth finding & reading!)

[RJ Stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Part One; and Part Two although a continuation is fantastic and the characters develop and the sage advice from all these souls is thought provoking. As in the first book I found myself highlighting many passages that resonated with me. As I am writing this review I am anxious to begin Part Three "The Change". As I age I reflect back on the past and two sentences towards the end of the book jumped off the page at me. " Regret is the undoing of many great people. Take this moments for what it is and let the past be what it was." Wonderful book and thanks again Gavin for this trilogy of books for my Christmas gift ! Makes me aspire to be a better person.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that makes me feel good about the world and now and then I come across stories that really make me reflect on myself and the world around us that help me become a better person. This book ticks both of these boxes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the prequel. Really, one of my favourite books of all time! I highly recommend!

Can't wait for the next part!

[Connie Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I could love anything more than part 1, but part 2 was just as good!! Everyone needs to read this book... it's how the world should work!

[Samuel M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author grabbed me in Part 1. I just had to get to Part 2 and find out how the characters develop further. Its a great read! I have been in "Corporate America" my entire career. Part 2 really grabbed me as the characters grew in the company culture that "Jeff" had created. It is a dream that anyone in the corporate world would like to partake in. The charters develop from Part 1 and you are left at the end of Part 2 with a feeling of satisfaction about the future. I was also bitten by the insatiable desire to read Part 3 ... and see what happens next to these characters. I am not an avid reader and this book (along with Part 1) grabbed me and enticed me to keep the book in front of my face. As well, I think this book (Part 2) would be a great addition in a corporate management education curriculum.

[Will Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the continued story of Stanley's growth. It is his time at Haven's Research Institute (HRI) where he sees what 'work' could actually be if a company takes a different approach to how they view employees, business, consumers and the company's place in the world. HRI is different in many ways but one explored here is that they are interested in managing the strengths of their employee's instead of managing weaknesses. Like part 1, this part will give the reader plenty to reflect on as they follow Stanley on his journey.

[Mary Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equally as captivating as book 1. The characters spring to life in surprising introductions as the story unfolds. Excellent food for thought, a must read!! I’m looking forward to books 3 and 4. Keep them coming Will!

[Tammie Dennison]

I loved this continuation of The Infinite Jeff. Still has the suspense, comedy, and thought provoking storyline that I had hoped to experience as I did with Part 1. I really enjoy the fact that I can't easily predict what is going to happen next. I have to keep turning the pages to find out!

[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!

[Gregg Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stanley has his eyes opened at his new job where he continually analyses and sees the practical side of what he’s learned from Jeff and how it applies to business and the workplace.

Jeff addresses common business practices at Havens Research Institute (HRI) and shows how things can work better, in that a company taking care of it’s employees is a far better business practice than simply looking at profits. Stanley sees that this is how the world should work!

So much of this book applies to where we’ve all been for the last 2 years, making the point of paying it forward when you can and thinking about what’s best for humankind’s continued existence into the future. Jeff makes me think about what I can do better and what I would do to help others if I had endless resources.

Stanley takes a hard look at the cost of change and realizes that the cost of not changing is far more expensive in the long run! A change is coming, and it’s time to “Invite the Change”.

I’m already into “The Infinite Jeff” Part 3 and recommending it to friends. I can’t wait for Will to finish Part 4 to see where this story takes us!

[Jack Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Part 1, I was expecting a letdown with Part 2, as I didn't think there was much chance Will Holcomb could match it. WoW! I was so wrong. The Infinite Jeff - Part 2 is even more incredible!!

I don't want to give any spoilers . . . so, I'll just suggest all who enjoy good storytelling will appreciate The Infinite Jeff series. Both Part 1 and Part 2 have great character development and fun plot surprises. Best of all, Holcomb's "Parable of Change" has encouraged me to re-examine my own life. I am starting Part 3 immediately!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read. This one definitely brings part one home and puts it all together. If you read part one, you definitely want to continue the series.
Again I highly recommend The Infinite Jeff. It will make you think about what “changes” are possible.

[jerry stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I previously red Part 1 but was given the book by a friend....it was excellent. It's great to read a fresh book with new ideas. Part 2 continues the story with some interesting and thought provoking content. It did not disappoint. I recommend these books to anyone.

Ordering Part 3 now!!

[Tammy Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book that gave me a lot to think about. It was very enjoyable to read and I highly recommend it. I cannot wait to read part 3!

[Jeff Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My name is Jeff, and my father is Stanley, the main characters if this book also have those names so on this fact alone I chose to read this book. I was no prepared for it to be as good as it is, probably in my top 5 books I have ever read.

[Lavender Darcangelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So eye-opening and I agree with everything that Jeff, Marcus, and everyone taught Stanley here. This book makes me think so much about times in my life where it was hard for me to let go of my own pride and like Stanley, I was very stubborn for a long time.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to where Part 1 left off. Loved it and looking forward to continuing the series. What a ride for Stanley!

[Marilyn Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Author is amazing. We purchased all 3 books & are patiently awaiting the conclusion to this Series. There are two people here - one does not do anything online, so I am reviewing for both of us. We found them to be engaging, insightful, & quite frankly, hard to put down. We highly recommend these books!

[David R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this a self-help book? A theological exploration? A guide to effective business practices? A guide to living better? A model of better education? Yes to all of these! Holcomb tells an enjoyable story of Stanley once he reaches his destination and new job (Read Part 1 first to follow Stanley's journey across the country.). He finds pretty much utopia in his new temporary position. Everyone loves their job and treats each other well. People care about each other and the environment, while still being very productive and doing well financially. Innovative practices in business and the local education system give us a glimpse of how we could do things much better. All the while, Stanley continues to discover purpose and meaning in his life. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading Part 3 - a "wonderful" series!

[Becky Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s all part of the experience! . . . and I thoroughly enjoyed this follow up to Part I. Looking forward to Parts III and IV. Such an uplifting story and a fun book to read. UPDATE: I am re-reading this series. A perfect balm in these chaotic times. These books speak to me more in a second reading. While I love all 4 of the books, and they are all equal parts of the whole story, Part 2 has become my favorite.