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Elements - PART I - EARTH: The Transfiguration of Elijah
Follow Elijah on his epic journey through the four elements. In volume one, discover how Elijah must first become Earth in order to begin his road to achieving his full potential in Christ. Elijah rediscovers his roots, learns about the world outside of his narrow modern world view, makes friends, loses friends, journeys through the seasons of life.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
95 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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May 28, 2022Really not sure how to rate this one. It is in essence, a tale from the Coptic Diaspora. We often talk about diversity in literature and the importance of a range of voices, cultures and viewpoints. There is nothing quite as powerful or validating as reading the story of someone who looks like you, shares your culture and some of your struggles. Having said that the book is flawed.
Stengths:
- beautifully represents the Coptic Egyptian diasporic experience in the west. Nails the church experience, academic pressure, aunties and uncles, conflict between the values of our parents and the western world around us. Whether it be basterma and egg sandwiches, the accents or the way we are pressured into becoming doctors.
- presents a compelling main character and an array of interesting characters they interact with.
- uses names from books of the Bible as the names of chapters in the book and then manages to link key themes in said Bible books with the narratives and themes. It does this seamlessly and only those familiar with the texts will pick up on it.
- given that it is written by a priest, it manages to present the disillusionment from church and Egyptian culture relatively well.
- Does manage to portray a strong spiritual message, likely to resonate with those who are practicing Coptic Orthodox Christians.
- the coming of age story and the themes are genuinely compelling and interesting. There is no doubting the deep theology and spirituality present in the book. The emotional aspects are also portrayed well.
Weaknesses:
- the author describes judgemental aunts and uncles but seems to be somewhat one of these himself. He seems to think of yoga as some kind of pagan mysticism, frowns upon philosophy as egotistical self love and shows some derision for other faiths at points.
-I wasn't sure what to make of the Native American character in the book. On the one hand the author takes pains to portray genuine Ojibwe culture and uses the language and elements of the cultural traditions. On the other, there is an element of the 'Noble Savage' trope present, and I wasn't sure what to make of the Christian aspect of the message.
- is Canada some kind of post racial paradise? Has the author never experienced any form of racism or discrimination? None of this is present in the book at all.
- guardian angels. Why? There is no Biblical basis for the idea of guardian angels and I find it very jarring and childish they are included in the narrative at points.
- I am convinced that authors who are themselves religious struggle to write about conversion this author is no different. To be fair Salwa Bakr and Dovstoyevsky failed at this too. The portrayal of grief is also a little lacklustre.
Stengths:
- beautifully represents the Coptic Egyptian diasporic experience in the west. Nails the church experience, academic pressure, aunties and uncles, conflict between the values of our parents and the western world around us. Whether it be basterma and egg sandwiches, the accents or the way we are pressured into becoming doctors.
- presents a compelling main character and an array of interesting characters they interact with.
- uses names from books of the Bible as the names of chapters in the book and then manages to link key themes in said Bible books with the narratives and themes. It does this seamlessly and only those familiar with the texts will pick up on it.
- given that it is written by a priest, it manages to present the disillusionment from church and Egyptian culture relatively well.
- Does manage to portray a strong spiritual message, likely to resonate with those who are practicing Coptic Orthodox Christians.
- the coming of age story and the themes are genuinely compelling and interesting. There is no doubting the deep theology and spirituality present in the book. The emotional aspects are also portrayed well.
Weaknesses:
- the author describes judgemental aunts and uncles but seems to be somewhat one of these himself. He seems to think of yoga as some kind of pagan mysticism, frowns upon philosophy as egotistical self love and shows some derision for other faiths at points.
-I wasn't sure what to make of the Native American character in the book. On the one hand the author takes pains to portray genuine Ojibwe culture and uses the language and elements of the cultural traditions. On the other, there is an element of the 'Noble Savage' trope present, and I wasn't sure what to make of the Christian aspect of the message.
- is Canada some kind of post racial paradise? Has the author never experienced any form of racism or discrimination? None of this is present in the book at all.
- guardian angels. Why? There is no Biblical basis for the idea of guardian angels and I find it very jarring and childish they are included in the narrative at points.
- I am convinced that authors who are themselves religious struggle to write about conversion this author is no different. To be fair Salwa Bakr and Dovstoyevsky failed at this too. The portrayal of grief is also a little lacklustre.
April 29, 2022
One of the most beautiful books your hands will ever hold. I waited to write a review simply because I couldn’t come up with anything that would do it justice. To hold this book in your hands is to hold history, mystery and Love all at once. This book is impossible to put down yet so difficult to accept that it’s pages are going to come to an end. In the transfiguration of Elijah, the Elijahs in us all, are too transformed. Rich in theology, humour and the human experience of encountering God, to pick up this book is to accept that you will experience the transformation of your own heart. For Coptics, you will fall in love with the richness and meaning of our faith and for non-Coptics alike, you will find wonder and amazement.
December 19, 2021
Perhaps the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read
Truth and beauty lie within. It has marked my soul. I don’t have any other words. I will likely buy copies of the series for all of my loved ones.
Truth and beauty lie within. It has marked my soul. I don’t have any other words. I will likely buy copies of the series for all of my loved ones.
April 22, 2022
This book is so relatable and goes through such a powerful journey. Would 100% recommend, was such a good tool to refer to and really highlighted how difficulties can be turned into growth and strength.
June 1, 2022
To find a book that has both made me laugh out loud but also bring about tears from the excellent writing and narrative is incredible. This work about a child of Gods' spiritual journey invites us to ponder our own experiences on a spiritual plane. All that's left to say is meegwetch to A Priest of The Oriental Church.
October 7, 2025
Amazing God bless you
Amazing God bless you. Fantastic read weaving together traditions, and belief of the Oriental Orthodox Church with the modern world as well as the struggle of immigrant Christians
Amazing God bless you. Fantastic read weaving together traditions, and belief of the Oriental Orthodox Church with the modern world as well as the struggle of immigrant Christians
February 21, 2022
I do not want to overreact or underreact to this book. I have not read the rest of the series yet, and I do not trust myself to necessarily come back and update the review after I have finished the rest of the series. That being said, even just this first volume has moved me to be a more peaceful person and has given me hope that Coptic spirituality has hope in the so-called “lands of immigration.” I do not know who the priest is that wrote this book, but I would guess he moved to Canada from Egypt when he was 10-15 years old … just old enough to be fully Egyptian and just young enough to be fully North American.
It is possible and even likely that this book would be beneficial and generalizable to people who are not Coptic because of its deep spiritual insights. I hesitate to say “depth of thought” because the book does not speak just to the western mind but to the nous. To quote the author directly on the meaning of this word: “Bit of a complicated word. It can mean mind, but has been translated heart, spirit, intellect. In fact, it is a very very very important word. It would take a whole other book to define it properly— and even then, books can only express so much. Well for this little eight year old, she hadn’t read anything about the nous from the Church Fathers, the Desert Fathers or the Neptic Fathers. But she knew well what it ontologically was. Is. Whatever” (Page 107, Kindle Edition).
I wish this book were written 20 years ago for me to read in high school … ok 30 years ago if it were to be before I went to high school, but you get the idea. I probably would not have understood much of it back then, but it would have prepared me better to learn what I needed to learn that I ended up learning the hard way. While I do not agree with all of the ideas in the book (e.g. it’s seemingly hard stance against yoga) and it could have legitimately used a professional editor to help with the typos, grammar, and punctuation, I think that the wisdom in the book makes it one of the most valuable books I have ever read.
My favorite book of all time is The Great Divorce by CS Lewis (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...) because it takes the sublime and makes it accessible in the form of a story. This story of the Transfiguration of Elijah into Earth is exactly that kind of story. Like I said, I do not want to overreact to this book, but I do think it has that same noetic quality that sets it apart. Another book that you can consider that is in this same genre is The Shack by William Paul Young (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...).
I hope you enjoy it!
It is possible and even likely that this book would be beneficial and generalizable to people who are not Coptic because of its deep spiritual insights. I hesitate to say “depth of thought” because the book does not speak just to the western mind but to the nous. To quote the author directly on the meaning of this word: “Bit of a complicated word. It can mean mind, but has been translated heart, spirit, intellect. In fact, it is a very very very important word. It would take a whole other book to define it properly— and even then, books can only express so much. Well for this little eight year old, she hadn’t read anything about the nous from the Church Fathers, the Desert Fathers or the Neptic Fathers. But she knew well what it ontologically was. Is. Whatever” (Page 107, Kindle Edition).
I wish this book were written 20 years ago for me to read in high school … ok 30 years ago if it were to be before I went to high school, but you get the idea. I probably would not have understood much of it back then, but it would have prepared me better to learn what I needed to learn that I ended up learning the hard way. While I do not agree with all of the ideas in the book (e.g. it’s seemingly hard stance against yoga) and it could have legitimately used a professional editor to help with the typos, grammar, and punctuation, I think that the wisdom in the book makes it one of the most valuable books I have ever read.
My favorite book of all time is The Great Divorce by CS Lewis (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...) because it takes the sublime and makes it accessible in the form of a story. This story of the Transfiguration of Elijah into Earth is exactly that kind of story. Like I said, I do not want to overreact to this book, but I do think it has that same noetic quality that sets it apart. Another book that you can consider that is in this same genre is The Shack by William Paul Young (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...).
I hope you enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
I'm not one to write reviews, ever, about a book I've read. Always a star rating and then I'll move on. This book however, is special and I want to take a few moments to put to writing it's impact.
What is immense is this priest's (who is anonymous, presumably for the glory of God) ability to use a narrative to give powerful, impactful and deeply intimate discussion about growing with Our Lord. Each moment is more tender than the previous, and each character introduced to Elijah provides a new lesson on how to walk with God, and be reborn of water through His grace.
I can see myself in Elijah's journey, which makes it so much more powerful. Anecdotes about culture, how our faith is practiced in the diaspora, or even distance from God are all points that resonated throughout this book.
I would highly recommend this book if you are Christian, and would like to understand a somewhat relatable read into Coptic Christianity.
What is immense is this priest's (who is anonymous, presumably for the glory of God) ability to use a narrative to give powerful, impactful and deeply intimate discussion about growing with Our Lord. Each moment is more tender than the previous, and each character introduced to Elijah provides a new lesson on how to walk with God, and be reborn of water through His grace.
I can see myself in Elijah's journey, which makes it so much more powerful. Anecdotes about culture, how our faith is practiced in the diaspora, or even distance from God are all points that resonated throughout this book.
I would highly recommend this book if you are Christian, and would like to understand a somewhat relatable read into Coptic Christianity.
June 7, 2023
Pick it up! Run don't walk! Can't recommend it enough!
December 3, 2023
This masterpiece has transformed my line of thought in a way I couldn’t think possible. From its mindblowing, adaptation of God’s creation, to the various emotions experienced when reading about the characters, it’s honestly a journey and a half.
After countless recommendations, I decided to pick up this book out of intrigue. The pure, unfiltered innocence of the main character- Elijah as he navigates his early childhood in an immigrant Egyptian coptic household in Canada, has me believing I’m in the mind of such a presence.
The traditions that are upheld by Copts, Egyptians, Arabs culture have a wholesome yet disturbing effect- reminding me of my own upbringing but also clarifying the absolute incorrectness of certain views, expectations and culture we possess and are indoctrinated into. I was able to develop this perspective as I saw myself in this little copt boy who grew in his fondness of faith rather than “religion”. Personal friendship and bond with God rather than regurgitated praise and practiced worship. The humorous references and hidden biblical references and symbolism infiltrated throughout the chapters added to the magic and transformative power of this book. It’s a transparent tale of struggles with faith and battling a life with Christ over life in this world.
The appreciated exposure to the secular lifestyle and habits we as Christians uncover and grow a ashamed desire for, when growing in a western culture, were shown in beautiful and impactful ways- through humour, familiar discussions with parents, and the voice of our father constantly reminding us to return to his loving, protective arms.
It’s only when I’m screaming in absolute frustration over Elijah that I realise we are Elijah and the reader is God, watching us from above awaiting on our return to him. And I feel an immense sadness over watching ur kids run astray convinced they no longer need a loving Shepard out of pure ego and elevated self-worth we develop over the talents and possessions granted to us BY SAID GOD. Oh what a sad circle it is.
As a frequent visitor of Egypt, I acknowledge that this book captured the essence of the country, from the description of Upper Egypt, to the description of the immense faith of the Shobra people. Oh and the character descriptions, from the first mention of Esther, I predicted the plot yet was still crying on public transportation at the way it was written. The short sentences really captured the symbolic meaning of our temporary residence on this perishing world. Elijah’s return to his Father could not have been written more beautifully.
I so very valued the Coptic representation and culture referenced throughout but felt like the elder subplot contributed to the loss of that. Not denying the beauty of the last chapters nor the universal message however despite being the predicted core ‘element’ of the book, the talk to earth/nature was prolonged and regurgitated to an extent that the message was delivered early on but yet I’m still reading it again and again.
However to end on a positive note, this book whilst speaking on the transfiguration of Elijah, put me on my own individual path to transfiguration and may it continue to do so as I progress through the captivating series.
After countless recommendations, I decided to pick up this book out of intrigue. The pure, unfiltered innocence of the main character- Elijah as he navigates his early childhood in an immigrant Egyptian coptic household in Canada, has me believing I’m in the mind of such a presence.
The traditions that are upheld by Copts, Egyptians, Arabs culture have a wholesome yet disturbing effect- reminding me of my own upbringing but also clarifying the absolute incorrectness of certain views, expectations and culture we possess and are indoctrinated into. I was able to develop this perspective as I saw myself in this little copt boy who grew in his fondness of faith rather than “religion”. Personal friendship and bond with God rather than regurgitated praise and practiced worship. The humorous references and hidden biblical references and symbolism infiltrated throughout the chapters added to the magic and transformative power of this book. It’s a transparent tale of struggles with faith and battling a life with Christ over life in this world.
The appreciated exposure to the secular lifestyle and habits we as Christians uncover and grow a ashamed desire for, when growing in a western culture, were shown in beautiful and impactful ways- through humour, familiar discussions with parents, and the voice of our father constantly reminding us to return to his loving, protective arms.
It’s only when I’m screaming in absolute frustration over Elijah that I realise we are Elijah and the reader is God, watching us from above awaiting on our return to him. And I feel an immense sadness over watching ur kids run astray convinced they no longer need a loving Shepard out of pure ego and elevated self-worth we develop over the talents and possessions granted to us BY SAID GOD. Oh what a sad circle it is.
As a frequent visitor of Egypt, I acknowledge that this book captured the essence of the country, from the description of Upper Egypt, to the description of the immense faith of the Shobra people. Oh and the character descriptions, from the first mention of Esther, I predicted the plot yet was still crying on public transportation at the way it was written. The short sentences really captured the symbolic meaning of our temporary residence on this perishing world. Elijah’s return to his Father could not have been written more beautifully.
I so very valued the Coptic representation and culture referenced throughout but felt like the elder subplot contributed to the loss of that. Not denying the beauty of the last chapters nor the universal message however despite being the predicted core ‘element’ of the book, the talk to earth/nature was prolonged and regurgitated to an extent that the message was delivered early on but yet I’m still reading it again and again.
However to end on a positive note, this book whilst speaking on the transfiguration of Elijah, put me on my own individual path to transfiguration and may it continue to do so as I progress through the captivating series.
June 28, 2022
Such a beautiful story. It’s quite amazing how the author goes into great detail about the most obscure experiences and settings. It makes me wonder whether it’s semi-autobiographical given the level of intricate knowledge and detail around very diverse settings and situations. The author has a unique voice that often paints a vivid picture, although the snarky side notes to the reader got tired pretty quickly.
That being said, the grammar is simply not good. It’s so bad that it can get distracting at times. I was able to get past the complete disregard of quotations for dialogue, though I have spoken to others who just couldn’t and had to put the book down.
What was very difficult for me to get past was the incomprehensible amount of misspelled words, incorrect usage of words, ellipses - it’s horrific especially in light of the beautiful, heartfelt content.
If this story is to circulate outside of a small niche of Coptic readers, the grammar issues need to be addressed in a new edit.
That being said, the grammar is simply not good. It’s so bad that it can get distracting at times. I was able to get past the complete disregard of quotations for dialogue, though I have spoken to others who just couldn’t and had to put the book down.
What was very difficult for me to get past was the incomprehensible amount of misspelled words, incorrect usage of words, ellipses - it’s horrific especially in light of the beautiful, heartfelt content.
If this story is to circulate outside of a small niche of Coptic readers, the grammar issues need to be addressed in a new edit.
June 22, 2022
This was an interesting read. Elijah is seeking God but in the beginning, he's not looking so good, he's doing everything not to actually seek out God, he's living a good secular life, but after a life-altering situation, all Elijah wants to find is God and he goes wherever he's directed to.
At first, the lack of dialogue tags was a big distraction, and personally, I like to know who is speaking, as I continued because there is a bit of snark that comes from the narrator (author) that I found to draw me to read even though there are no dialogue tags...
There were some lags because I am not familiar with the Coptic Orthodox Church, and it kind of dragged but I was at this point, invested in Elijah's journey, so I continued. Also, some of this is located in the city in which I reside and that was interesting because that just doesn't happen. :)
At first, the lack of dialogue tags was a big distraction, and personally, I like to know who is speaking, as I continued because there is a bit of snark that comes from the narrator (author) that I found to draw me to read even though there are no dialogue tags...
There were some lags because I am not familiar with the Coptic Orthodox Church, and it kind of dragged but I was at this point, invested in Elijah's journey, so I continued. Also, some of this is located in the city in which I reside and that was interesting because that just doesn't happen. :)
September 23, 2023
Terrific story, but I often had to take breaks from this book and mainly because of the writing. I guess it was to make it easy to read, but I found the narration often getting in the way of the magical and beautiful parts of the book. Also, there were constant tangents that were sometimes unnecessary and distracting. Seems like it was written for too wide of an audience - 1st/2nd gen Coptic youth, non-Egyptian Christians, new Coptic converts?
Nevertheless a great story and looking forward to reading the other two volumes.
Nevertheless a great story and looking forward to reading the other two volumes.
December 2, 2024
For me it was a personal journey. I could relate to Elijah and Esther, perhaps because we share a lot such as background, belives,. Etc. But I also guess that sometimes we get that touch of peace and we wonder. The book helped me to reflect and learn more about myself and about my experiences. I only give books 5 starts when they touch something deep inside me and this book definitely did!
I started the book on Saturday at 10.15pm and finished it on Monday at 8.44pm. You can tell how hooked I was.
I started the book on Saturday at 10.15pm and finished it on Monday at 8.44pm. You can tell how hooked I was.
March 23, 2024
3.75
I enjoyed this book a lot! It was nice to read a fictional account of a Coptic Orthodox young man going about life and growing through it all. There were certain parts that definitely had my bawling like a baby but overall it left you wanting to become more introspective.
Around 70% I starting losing interest because of the tangent made in the book but I like how it ended a lot! I’m curious to see where the second book, Water, takes us with Elijah.
I enjoyed this book a lot! It was nice to read a fictional account of a Coptic Orthodox young man going about life and growing through it all. There were certain parts that definitely had my bawling like a baby but overall it left you wanting to become more introspective.
Around 70% I starting losing interest because of the tangent made in the book but I like how it ended a lot! I’m curious to see where the second book, Water, takes us with Elijah.
April 18, 2023
This book is perhaps the best religious based book I've ever read (outside of the Bible). It presents Love and describes it in ways that are unfathomable and I love the depth that it presents. I love the way the writer writes. This raw and real. I love it. I highly recommend part 1. I am currently reading part 2 and find it just as beautiful.
November 12, 2023
The absolute only reason I wouldn't give this 5 stars is because it is self published and needed a good editor. Other than that, it was absolutely beautiful and I can see why it has been so highly recommended to me.
March 10, 2022
Terrific Book for you Walk with Lord
The message this book delivers is amazing! I am so fortunate to have read this book and hope to incorporate this in my daily walk with the Lord!
The message this book delivers is amazing! I am so fortunate to have read this book and hope to incorporate this in my daily walk with the Lord!
March 12, 2023
I don’t have the right words to explain
I don’t have the right words. I am dumbfounded. I implore you if it’s Gods will for you, please read and be edified.
I don’t have the right words. I am dumbfounded. I implore you if it’s Gods will for you, please read and be edified.
December 11, 2023
Life-changing
Life-changing. This book altered my perception of God and life in ways I didn’t think were possible. It made me love God. It’s truly amazing!
Life-changing. This book altered my perception of God and life in ways I didn’t think were possible. It made me love God. It’s truly amazing!
January 13, 2024
Speechless
No words can describe the journey I was just on. Truly transformative, powerful, deep, heart-centered and honest. Thank you Abouna.
No words can describe the journey I was just on. Truly transformative, powerful, deep, heart-centered and honest. Thank you Abouna.
October 27, 2024
This was beautiful.
March 16, 2025
Truly encompasses the immigrant Egyptian Coptic Orthodox experience. Gut wrenching, but at the same time helps you locate God’s voice amidst a hectic life!
June 16, 2025
No words. Meegwetch to the Priest who wrote this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
“I love you. Meegwetch. Become earth…so that one day you can become Zaagidwin.” p. 192
Oh Chief Billy, thank you.
I started reading this book in 2023 but stopped after 40 pages. I picked it up again two years later and finally read it through. This was the PERFECT time in my life for this. The lessons were hard-hitting and gentle at the same time. I’m actually at a loss for words, especially after finishing Water just now. Glory be to God for this series. I need Volume II now!!!
Oh Chief Billy, thank you.
I started reading this book in 2023 but stopped after 40 pages. I picked it up again two years later and finally read it through. This was the PERFECT time in my life for this. The lessons were hard-hitting and gentle at the same time. I’m actually at a loss for words, especially after finishing Water just now. Glory be to God for this series. I need Volume II now!!!
November 13, 2025
#3rd All Time Favorite.
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