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Let There Be Light
Sol Harkens has it all. A new best seller, a gorgeous model girlfriend, immense success. He’s the Mohammad Ali of outspoken atheist celebrities. But not everything is perfect in Sol Harkens’ life. After losing his son to cancer he dedicated himself to denying God and parlayed his attacks on Christianity into a lucrative business. But Sol is empty inside. His party lifestyle has isolated him from his ex-wife, Katy, and their two sons. He resents their unrelenting faith and Katy’s prayers for his soul. When Sol’s self-destructive habits end in a serious car crash, he wakes up to learn he was clinically dead for four minutes. Being dead isn’t what bothers him. It’s the voice. Five simple words that refuse to let him “Daddy, let there be light.”
- GenresChristian
244 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 5, 2018
This is a moving book about a renowned author/atheist named Sol Harkens who is at the zenith of his career. He debates the existence of God with preachers in stadiums while selling pre-autographed books after each show. He eats at the best restaurants in NYC, lives in a swanky apartment, all while enjoying a string of romantic entanglements with models and the like. Sol has trouble sleeping at night. During these nights of insomnia, he swigs alcohol and pops pills while binge ordering products hawked on cable shopping programs. He's always been an atheist, but became even more bitter and hardened following the death of his firstborn son Davey. He died at the age of eight from an aggressive brain tumor, leaving Sol, his wife Katy and two younger sons Gus and Connor heartbroken and devastated. While Sol is an atheist, wife Katy is a faithful Christian. This fact never caused friction in the marriage before, but their separate ways of dealing with their son's death drives an insurmountable divide between the couple. They soon divorce.
One fateful evening, Sol is drunk driving and has an accident, leaving him clinically dead for four minutes. What Sol experiences during that time is the most beautiful moment in the book and is sure to move one to tears (if you look closely at the cover of the book, you'll understand what I mean). It shatters all Sol's previous beliefs and sets the stage for a positive turnaround in his life, and that of his family.
I came to know about this story on Sean Hannity's TV and radio shows. He has befriended actor Kevin Sorbo and his wife actress/author Sam Sorbo in recent years. Sean told Kevin and Sam that if they ever had a project that was positive and gave hope, he would be interested in getting involved. A short time later, they approached Sean with this screenplay. Within a half hour of being pitched the idea, Sean agreed to finance the movie. As Sean says, so many movies today are remakes of superhero movies, etc., and he wanted to make a movie that was inspirational and uplifting. Dan Gordon, an accomplished screenwriter for decades with many credits to his name (such as head writer on Michael Landon's "Highway to Heaven") authored the book based on an idea from Sam Sorbo. He did a very good job. It was a quick and satisfying read. I didn't get a chance yet to see the movie, but I'm glad I got to read the book in the meantime.
Many thanks to Izzard Ink Publishing for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
One fateful evening, Sol is drunk driving and has an accident, leaving him clinically dead for four minutes. What Sol experiences during that time is the most beautiful moment in the book and is sure to move one to tears (if you look closely at the cover of the book, you'll understand what I mean). It shatters all Sol's previous beliefs and sets the stage for a positive turnaround in his life, and that of his family.
I came to know about this story on Sean Hannity's TV and radio shows. He has befriended actor Kevin Sorbo and his wife actress/author Sam Sorbo in recent years. Sean told Kevin and Sam that if they ever had a project that was positive and gave hope, he would be interested in getting involved. A short time later, they approached Sean with this screenplay. Within a half hour of being pitched the idea, Sean agreed to finance the movie. As Sean says, so many movies today are remakes of superhero movies, etc., and he wanted to make a movie that was inspirational and uplifting. Dan Gordon, an accomplished screenwriter for decades with many credits to his name (such as head writer on Michael Landon's "Highway to Heaven") authored the book based on an idea from Sam Sorbo. He did a very good job. It was a quick and satisfying read. I didn't get a chance yet to see the movie, but I'm glad I got to read the book in the meantime.
Many thanks to Izzard Ink Publishing for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2017
Rated PG because of subject matter.
I have the highest respect for Sean Hannity, Kevin Sorbo, and the movies that the Christian actor has made. I believe strongly there just are not enough Christian movies that have a good Faith message.
That said, I don't highly recommend this book. I can definitely see how this story makes a terrific movie. While Dan Gordon has written some amazing scripts for movies, his forte is not novel writing. Somewhere in the beginning of the book in all that "boring" pre-novel information you find out that Dan made a deal with Sam Sorbo (Kevin Sorbo's wife) that he would collaborate with her only if she would write the book and give it to him for rewriting and she wouldn't complain or insist on any changes. How sad--and arrogant.
I would love to have read Sam's story before Dan rewrote it.
The premise of this story is absolutely wonderful! Character development is quite good for the main character, Sol, but leaves a lot to be desired in his wife and children. Although, the other characters are developed fairly well.
You find yourself tisk-tisking when Sol does some very stupid things. But novels are not like movies. Plot development is different. Character development is different. There are some words and phrases used over and over that give this narrative a hollow tone. I think too much time is spent on the stupid things Sol does before the big event happens that turns the plot corner. It's a bit heavy handed because it stands out like a sore thumb. Gordon may as well have put a neon sign at the top of the page that says "Here is the beginning of Sol's turnaround." Okay, maybe that is going a tad too far.
You are rooting for Sol to turn his life around. After all, it's Kevin Sorbo, so you know he will turn it around as soon as he sees the Light (by the way, there are way too many books with this title).The plot depends upon Sol not seeing the light right away. Perhaps this journey in his darkness goes on a bit long. Readers get that he's off the deep end after the first couple of incidents.
Then Sol has a near-death experience, and you find out (not a spoiler) the reason why Sol is so desperately trying to fill the hole in his soul with drugs and alcohol and all manner of worldly things. But you have to go through a lot with Sol to get to that point. Don't give up, it does get better.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
I have the highest respect for Sean Hannity, Kevin Sorbo, and the movies that the Christian actor has made. I believe strongly there just are not enough Christian movies that have a good Faith message.
That said, I don't highly recommend this book. I can definitely see how this story makes a terrific movie. While Dan Gordon has written some amazing scripts for movies, his forte is not novel writing. Somewhere in the beginning of the book in all that "boring" pre-novel information you find out that Dan made a deal with Sam Sorbo (Kevin Sorbo's wife) that he would collaborate with her only if she would write the book and give it to him for rewriting and she wouldn't complain or insist on any changes. How sad--and arrogant.
I would love to have read Sam's story before Dan rewrote it.
The premise of this story is absolutely wonderful! Character development is quite good for the main character, Sol, but leaves a lot to be desired in his wife and children. Although, the other characters are developed fairly well.
You find yourself tisk-tisking when Sol does some very stupid things. But novels are not like movies. Plot development is different. Character development is different. There are some words and phrases used over and over that give this narrative a hollow tone. I think too much time is spent on the stupid things Sol does before the big event happens that turns the plot corner. It's a bit heavy handed because it stands out like a sore thumb. Gordon may as well have put a neon sign at the top of the page that says "Here is the beginning of Sol's turnaround." Okay, maybe that is going a tad too far.
You are rooting for Sol to turn his life around. After all, it's Kevin Sorbo, so you know he will turn it around as soon as he sees the Light (by the way, there are way too many books with this title).The plot depends upon Sol not seeing the light right away. Perhaps this journey in his darkness goes on a bit long. Readers get that he's off the deep end after the first couple of incidents.
Then Sol has a near-death experience, and you find out (not a spoiler) the reason why Sol is so desperately trying to fill the hole in his soul with drugs and alcohol and all manner of worldly things. But you have to go through a lot with Sol to get to that point. Don't give up, it does get better.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
July 24, 2018
As long as movies have been made adaptations of those films have been written and placed on sale in bookstores and now online. It provides an extra money stream for the producers and writers of the films and also a secondary outlet for those interested in the movie who might not have access to a way of seeing it. Such was the case with me when it came to LET THERE BE LIGHT. At the time I was unable to go to the nearest theater to see it but I was able to get a copy to read.
Written by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo, the pair who wrote the screenplay, the book tells the story of Dr. Sol Harkens, an outspoken atheists who’s made a career of demolishing believers in live debates while taking a certain amount of joy in doing so. The only thing is that it’s left him empty inside. Prone to over drinking, partying and running with a fast crowd.
One night after his agent tells him he’s booked him on another series of talks as they party to celebrate the release of his new book, Sol drives home after having had far too much to drink. The end result is a car crash. While he’s out Sol sees a tunnel of light and at the end of the tunnel he sees David, his young son who died of cancer. David tells his father he’s all right and that he should embrace God while proclaiming "Let there be light!"
Recovering in the hospital Sol isn’t quite sure of what to make of what took place. As a man of science he can find all sorts of logical reasons why he saw and experienced what he did. But there is a nagging part of him, a part that hasn’t lost all of the faith he once had in spite of his public views and debates. As he struggles with just what to believe and where he wants to take it those around him who have made money off of him and his books and appearances begin to fall away. They’re replaced by those who actually do care about him, including the wife he divorced after the death of David and his loss of faith. Will it be enough to bring him back to God?
The story here is solid. The telling of it honestly is a little lacking but not enough to steer clear of the book. At times it feels repetitive and my guess is that watching the movie would make that less so. Reading about it does slow things down.
I have no doubt that some will poo poo the book finding it too fairy tale like for them. Those that do so tend to be lacking in faith themselves while making fun of those who choose to believe. It’s not enough to make the choice not to they somehow feel compelled to ridicule those who do as if that raises them onto a higher pedestal. The truth is it shows a petty belief system and one that cannot raise unless it is at the expense of others.
For those who believe this book will provide a nice diversion and help to provide inspiration. That’s the audience it was intended for as well as those with a nagging feeling that they are missing out on something. With any luck it will direct them towards finding that faith they lack.
Written by Dan Gordon and Sam Sorbo, the pair who wrote the screenplay, the book tells the story of Dr. Sol Harkens, an outspoken atheists who’s made a career of demolishing believers in live debates while taking a certain amount of joy in doing so. The only thing is that it’s left him empty inside. Prone to over drinking, partying and running with a fast crowd.
One night after his agent tells him he’s booked him on another series of talks as they party to celebrate the release of his new book, Sol drives home after having had far too much to drink. The end result is a car crash. While he’s out Sol sees a tunnel of light and at the end of the tunnel he sees David, his young son who died of cancer. David tells his father he’s all right and that he should embrace God while proclaiming "Let there be light!"
Recovering in the hospital Sol isn’t quite sure of what to make of what took place. As a man of science he can find all sorts of logical reasons why he saw and experienced what he did. But there is a nagging part of him, a part that hasn’t lost all of the faith he once had in spite of his public views and debates. As he struggles with just what to believe and where he wants to take it those around him who have made money off of him and his books and appearances begin to fall away. They’re replaced by those who actually do care about him, including the wife he divorced after the death of David and his loss of faith. Will it be enough to bring him back to God?
The story here is solid. The telling of it honestly is a little lacking but not enough to steer clear of the book. At times it feels repetitive and my guess is that watching the movie would make that less so. Reading about it does slow things down.
I have no doubt that some will poo poo the book finding it too fairy tale like for them. Those that do so tend to be lacking in faith themselves while making fun of those who choose to believe. It’s not enough to make the choice not to they somehow feel compelled to ridicule those who do as if that raises them onto a higher pedestal. The truth is it shows a petty belief system and one that cannot raise unless it is at the expense of others.
For those who believe this book will provide a nice diversion and help to provide inspiration. That’s the audience it was intended for as well as those with a nagging feeling that they are missing out on something. With any luck it will direct them towards finding that faith they lack.
July 5, 2018
I liked this Christian novel and hope to see the movie. My rating 4.0.
Sol Harkens makes a living as a bold, brash Athiest. He not only enjoys his debates he enjoys annihilating and humiliating his Christian opponents with mocking and derision. He struts for the TV to promote his anti-God books. He lives large partying with the publicists and escorting model girlfriends. And when he’s not partying in public, he’s drowning his grief at home with alcohol and opioids.
Sol lost his first born son to a rare illness and has resented God ever since. He is estranged from his ex-wife who is a believer and his two younger sons who are being raised with her faith. They can rarely find common ground.
Driving drunk after a party, Sol is in a near death car crash. While clinically dead, Sol encounters his dead son who entreats him; “Daddy, let there be light.” Now Sol must face the biggest conflict and decision of his life. If he admits he had a vision in death, he could lose his entire career and reputation. But what could happen if he doesn’t admit it? And what did his beloved son mean by the cryptic message?
As I started reading this I felt there were similarities with God’s Not Dead, which my husband and I had just watched the week before. (Not a coincidence for me but rather a God incidence.) When I picked this book in my December NetGalley selections I didn’t realize it was a movie. Kevin Sorbo is the star of both movies and the director of Let There be Light. The storyline was the dream child of his wife, Sam Sorbo.
There is an interesting forward telling how the story and movie came about. The story is written for an “everyman” audience and not as a literary classic. There were scenes that made me cringe at the crude, self-destructive life style of the main character. But this set the scene for the faith revelations and the contrastingly strong faith foundation of his ex-wife and sons. I liked Pastor Vinny’s character and the hope message that is shared. I found this entertaining and recommend it to readers who enjoy faith based fiction…and especially those who support the message: Let there be light!
I received this title through NetGalley.
Sol Harkens makes a living as a bold, brash Athiest. He not only enjoys his debates he enjoys annihilating and humiliating his Christian opponents with mocking and derision. He struts for the TV to promote his anti-God books. He lives large partying with the publicists and escorting model girlfriends. And when he’s not partying in public, he’s drowning his grief at home with alcohol and opioids.
Sol lost his first born son to a rare illness and has resented God ever since. He is estranged from his ex-wife who is a believer and his two younger sons who are being raised with her faith. They can rarely find common ground.
Driving drunk after a party, Sol is in a near death car crash. While clinically dead, Sol encounters his dead son who entreats him; “Daddy, let there be light.” Now Sol must face the biggest conflict and decision of his life. If he admits he had a vision in death, he could lose his entire career and reputation. But what could happen if he doesn’t admit it? And what did his beloved son mean by the cryptic message?
As I started reading this I felt there were similarities with God’s Not Dead, which my husband and I had just watched the week before. (Not a coincidence for me but rather a God incidence.) When I picked this book in my December NetGalley selections I didn’t realize it was a movie. Kevin Sorbo is the star of both movies and the director of Let There be Light. The storyline was the dream child of his wife, Sam Sorbo.
There is an interesting forward telling how the story and movie came about. The story is written for an “everyman” audience and not as a literary classic. There were scenes that made me cringe at the crude, self-destructive life style of the main character. But this set the scene for the faith revelations and the contrastingly strong faith foundation of his ex-wife and sons. I liked Pastor Vinny’s character and the hope message that is shared. I found this entertaining and recommend it to readers who enjoy faith based fiction…and especially those who support the message: Let there be light!
I received this title through NetGalley.
December 8, 2017
**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER . RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW.**
Sol Harkens has it all. He has a new best seller and a model girlfriend. He’s the most famous of all atheists, around the world. Ever since his son died of cancer, he’s been channeling his anger at God into writing books that attack faith and Christianity. It’s how he’s made his fortune. Unfortunately, his lifestyle and resentment of the faith of his wife and sons has alienated him from his family. He also resents Katy’s prayers for his salvation. When Sol’s destructive choices lead to a bad car accident, he wakes up to find out that he was clinically dead for four minutes. It’s not having been dead that upsets him but the fact that he saw his son and hearing him say, “Daddy, let there be light.”
When I saw Hannity promoting the Let There Be Light movie, I really wanted to see it and was disappointed not to be able to because of health issues. I had no idea there was a book until I received it to review. I’m so thankful that I did. It’s an amazing story and so incredibly written. I’ll admit that I thought Sol was kind of a jerk, at the beginning. I loved reading his transformation. Honestly, I loved every minute of this sweet, uplifting story. I hope everyone reads it because I can see how it will really touch hearts.
Sol Harkens has it all. He has a new best seller and a model girlfriend. He’s the most famous of all atheists, around the world. Ever since his son died of cancer, he’s been channeling his anger at God into writing books that attack faith and Christianity. It’s how he’s made his fortune. Unfortunately, his lifestyle and resentment of the faith of his wife and sons has alienated him from his family. He also resents Katy’s prayers for his salvation. When Sol’s destructive choices lead to a bad car accident, he wakes up to find out that he was clinically dead for four minutes. It’s not having been dead that upsets him but the fact that he saw his son and hearing him say, “Daddy, let there be light.”
When I saw Hannity promoting the Let There Be Light movie, I really wanted to see it and was disappointed not to be able to because of health issues. I had no idea there was a book until I received it to review. I’m so thankful that I did. It’s an amazing story and so incredibly written. I’ll admit that I thought Sol was kind of a jerk, at the beginning. I loved reading his transformation. Honestly, I loved every minute of this sweet, uplifting story. I hope everyone reads it because I can see how it will really touch hearts.
January 4, 2018
I had heard a lot about the movie that was released...which I haven't seen...so really wanted to read the book. The story centers around Sol Harkens who is the world's most famous atheist. He was married to a Christian woman and had started the American dream of life together when his oldest son, whom he loved with all his being, dies from a brain tumor. This is too much for Sol, who can't understand how a God...if there is one which he doesn't believe there is, could let an innocent child be taken from his life. He then goes on a downward spiral in his life. Divorced, drinking, drugs...anything to forget the pain. He lives on the edge...and then something happens that changes his life totally. I liked the book and the message of "let there be light". We can all be a light to others in our lives. I received a kindle copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2018
This is a stand alone book and is based on the movie. I haven’t seen the movie, but have heard about it, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. Beware there are strong religious themes in this story and some people will not enjoy this. I found it well written. Now I want to see the film version.
May 15, 2018
This was a super read! It's the story of love, real love, shown through a man who starts off as a real biblical "Saul". He hates God, and everything connected to him because his son died of cancer. His wife knows who God is, so when Sol *dies*, his life is changed. This book is based on a true story and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this one.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
November 25, 2017
I really liked this book; as I was reading, it was easy to picture it in movie format. In fact, it's one of the few books that I wish I had seen the movie first.
The writing is very light and easy to read while the story is engaging. It's easy to get a grasp of the character of Sol Harkens and the journey he takes to redemption is full of hope.
The writing is very light and easy to read while the story is engaging. It's easy to get a grasp of the character of Sol Harkens and the journey he takes to redemption is full of hope.
December 10, 2017
Christian fiction. I would rated higher but I hated the ending. I understand why the writer ended it the way he did but I still hated it.
December 20, 2018
Great book
April 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, Sol was really a guy you loved to hate, until he saw the light.
It shows the overwhelming redeeming power of my awesome God. How he can and will forgive you.
It shows the overwhelming redeeming power of my awesome God. How he can and will forgive you.
January 12, 2018
Dan Gordon's movie novelization, LET THERE BE LIGHT, is the first of three books I recently read that included themes of what comes next when a person dies. The fact that they all choose to approach the idea differently is what makes reading fiction interesting.
Sol Harkens is an alcoholic atheist, driven to numb the grief caused by the death of his oldest son with drugs and alcohol and to prove with reason that there is no God and nothing awaits on the other side. He's made a living writing books sharing his beliefs, content to annihilate Christians in debates. His ex-wife, Katy, and their other two sons, however, have managed to not only keep their faith but have grown as Christians in the years since the death of the oldest Harkens son.
Sol's life changes, though, after an accident in which he is declared clinically dead for four minutes. How? He sees the one person he thought he'd never see again -- his son -- and hears him say five life-shattering words, "Daddy, let there be light."
LET THERE BE LIGHT follows Sol's journey to discover if what he has always believed is the truth or if Katy and their two sons are right.
This novel is not perfect, but it's close. There are a couple scenes that I felt could have been developed more. Likewise, there were scenes that I felt were in the book solely for the purpose of reminding the reader that Sol was this big-time atheist and could have been shortened or removed outright. Still, I want to see the movie more now that I've read the book.
I received a review copy from Izzard Ink Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Sol Harkens is an alcoholic atheist, driven to numb the grief caused by the death of his oldest son with drugs and alcohol and to prove with reason that there is no God and nothing awaits on the other side. He's made a living writing books sharing his beliefs, content to annihilate Christians in debates. His ex-wife, Katy, and their other two sons, however, have managed to not only keep their faith but have grown as Christians in the years since the death of the oldest Harkens son.
Sol's life changes, though, after an accident in which he is declared clinically dead for four minutes. How? He sees the one person he thought he'd never see again -- his son -- and hears him say five life-shattering words, "Daddy, let there be light."
LET THERE BE LIGHT follows Sol's journey to discover if what he has always believed is the truth or if Katy and their two sons are right.
This novel is not perfect, but it's close. There are a couple scenes that I felt could have been developed more. Likewise, there were scenes that I felt were in the book solely for the purpose of reminding the reader that Sol was this big-time atheist and could have been shortened or removed outright. Still, I want to see the movie more now that I've read the book.
I received a review copy from Izzard Ink Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2018
This is a book that I was very anxious to read. However, it was a bit difficult to get into. The build-up of the plot seemed to go very slowly. It's a book with a good message - grieving man becomes a bitter, angry atheist only to experience the power and redemption of God`s love. How that occurs is a powerful part of the story.
I received an Advance Reviewer Copy from netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I received an Advance Reviewer Copy from netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews