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Knowing God
Nathan Andrews was a good man. It came as quite a surprise to him that he wanted to die. The mysterious image of a woman haunts Nathan during a Near Death Experience. She was "perfect" and everything a man would seek within a life partner. With the simple utterance "Go back!" she forever conquered his heart. Leaving a mental hospital after that, Nathan runs into an odd woman named Amanda. She barely knows English, doesn't recognize the simple things, and finally confesses an all-important truth to She...is GOD! After some subtle convincing of the claim, and confronted by a winged man named "Gabriel," Nathan accepts this fantastic reality. A reality that will change his world, and the world of Mankind...FOREVER!
251 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2018
3 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Donald Allen Kirch
47 books201 followersDONALD ALLEN KIRCH is an Multi-Award-Winning author who lives in The United States of America. He is an avid reader of history, Sherlock Holmes Mysteries, the paranormal, and is a "hardcore" Doctor Who / Star Trek fan. He has a degree in Radio and Television Arts and is listed in "Who's Who in America." After spending two weekends in the famous "Sallie House," a "haunted house" in Atchison, Kansas, he is one of the only authors of his craft who can claim to have been attacked by a ghost!
Donald is a Member of The Horror Writer's Association.
Donald is a Member of The Horror Writer's Association.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 11, 2019
Knowing God is a story which is no way a religious novel but still preaches to have faith. it is the story of a person who has gone through severe emotional trauma and attempts suicide but in reality is a silent distress call for help which is heard by none other than God not any particular one but just the ,One. After his attempt, he is stalked by a perfect mysterious woman who knows everything about him but who is she? Is she really God in feminine form as she claims to be or someone else ? or is she an hallucination of the protagonist.
The story takes many turns and twists and is a take on the second coming of the child of God? it is a slightly humorous, a rather not very reverent story but also in any way neither mocks nor makes fun of faith or religion in any way. Though there are many biblical mentions and quotes and signs in the story, do not read it as a religious text or document but as a fiction, fantasy romantic book that sensitively handles the faith and can be read by follower of any religion or faith as a great story. This story falters at many places and the end seemed to be a little hasty for me but still is a nice read.
The story takes many turns and twists and is a take on the second coming of the child of God? it is a slightly humorous, a rather not very reverent story but also in any way neither mocks nor makes fun of faith or religion in any way. Though there are many biblical mentions and quotes and signs in the story, do not read it as a religious text or document but as a fiction, fantasy romantic book that sensitively handles the faith and can be read by follower of any religion or faith as a great story. This story falters at many places and the end seemed to be a little hasty for me but still is a nice read.
August 20, 2018
Religion in a fiction world. I just love how the book started off. The first chapter is what had me interested in the book. Nathan Andrews' story started off on a low note, and that had me empathize with him, but still fond of the story. Nice read for both religious and non-religious folks.
August 22, 2018
The narrator, Nathan Andrews, tells of his very compelling story. He starts off by sharing with the reader what type of a Christian he was when growing up. He describes himself as a “C&E’ Catholic; meaning he and his not so religious family used to go to church during Christmas and Easter. His description of how much he was attached to religion gives an idea of his perspective of religion and the faith he had.
When starting off, the narrator gives the impression of an individual who has given up and finds nothing interesting in this world. It’s a pity reading his words, as there is so much to live for. “In the beginning, there was a selfish act. Honestly, I had no reason to continue living. Regularly, I silently cried out for help.” This extract of the book tells you how much emotional trauma the author went true. The best part is, it’s just the beginning of the book, and as a reader, you, of course, want to know if and how he overcame the torment.
I love that the author was candid in his writing. He wrote about stuff people go through things that are not well understood both mentally and spiritually. A lot of people can relate to what the author went through. Though the names and events are a work of fiction, the book served the purpose of giving a little hope to those who feel lost.
Turning thirty-five with no hope is not something people wish to experience. The author, through his story, has sure touched a lot of souls, as his life though with a few challenges, is inspiring enough.
“Knowing God” was written for any individual, no matter race, religion and ethnicity who wants to seek light whenever they feel down. The title, of course, has a religious leaning, but this should not stop you from going through the book even when you don’t conform to any deity. Donald Allen Kirch deeply states what knowing God entails. It’s not just a casual statement, he gives examples of what it is to know God, and how it should be done.
Sometimes one feels like giving up, not knowing where to turn to when things get tough. I would suggest that you read this book any time you feel like things are not falling into place. Donald Allen Kirch wrote this book with you in mind; you who feels like you are on the verge of giving up. Just read a few chapters every day, and I promise you, you will see the world from a different view.
Nathan’s encounter with God is one of the most engrossing part of this book. The author beautifully created the scenario, and all the characters involved fit perfectly. I would really want everyone to read the book, so as to enjoy the events as I did.
Donald Allen Kirch talks of faith in a subtle way, faith that involves all religions. If you are a believer, this book will make one of those interesting reads, as it flawlessly connects humanity and higher beings. There is a lot to learn in between the chapters.
Religion, hope, faith, fantasy and the modern world are the themes the author brought about in the writing of “Knowing God”. The sentence structures in the book are simple and can be understood by anyone who gets hold of the book. This is definitely a good-read.
When starting off, the narrator gives the impression of an individual who has given up and finds nothing interesting in this world. It’s a pity reading his words, as there is so much to live for. “In the beginning, there was a selfish act. Honestly, I had no reason to continue living. Regularly, I silently cried out for help.” This extract of the book tells you how much emotional trauma the author went true. The best part is, it’s just the beginning of the book, and as a reader, you, of course, want to know if and how he overcame the torment.
I love that the author was candid in his writing. He wrote about stuff people go through things that are not well understood both mentally and spiritually. A lot of people can relate to what the author went through. Though the names and events are a work of fiction, the book served the purpose of giving a little hope to those who feel lost.
Turning thirty-five with no hope is not something people wish to experience. The author, through his story, has sure touched a lot of souls, as his life though with a few challenges, is inspiring enough.
“Knowing God” was written for any individual, no matter race, religion and ethnicity who wants to seek light whenever they feel down. The title, of course, has a religious leaning, but this should not stop you from going through the book even when you don’t conform to any deity. Donald Allen Kirch deeply states what knowing God entails. It’s not just a casual statement, he gives examples of what it is to know God, and how it should be done.
Sometimes one feels like giving up, not knowing where to turn to when things get tough. I would suggest that you read this book any time you feel like things are not falling into place. Donald Allen Kirch wrote this book with you in mind; you who feels like you are on the verge of giving up. Just read a few chapters every day, and I promise you, you will see the world from a different view.
Nathan’s encounter with God is one of the most engrossing part of this book. The author beautifully created the scenario, and all the characters involved fit perfectly. I would really want everyone to read the book, so as to enjoy the events as I did.
Donald Allen Kirch talks of faith in a subtle way, faith that involves all religions. If you are a believer, this book will make one of those interesting reads, as it flawlessly connects humanity and higher beings. There is a lot to learn in between the chapters.
Religion, hope, faith, fantasy and the modern world are the themes the author brought about in the writing of “Knowing God”. The sentence structures in the book are simple and can be understood by anyone who gets hold of the book. This is definitely a good-read.
August 21, 2018
Knowing God by Donald Kirch is a fictive work that portrays a love affair between a mortal man, Nathan, and God, in the form of a woman. Nathan is an E & C Catholic, which means he only frequents church on Easter and Christmas. However, his faith and loving heart are evident in the manner in which he defends a homeless man who is denied entry into the House of God by fellow Catholics. Nathan lives a bland life and works as a security guard in the hospital parking lot, where he is constantly looked down upon for his profession. Unable to deal with the monotony, Nathan slits his wrists in a suicide attempt. He is foiled in his attempt by God, in the form of a female. This female God, named Amanda, comes down to Earth and becomes Nathan’s lover. However, problems arise when Lucifer takes advantage of God’s absence assert his dominion over the Heavenly Kingdom. The fate of mankind and the divine culminates in a battle between good and evil.
Overall, the book merits about three and a half stars out of five. The plot line is not the most eventful until the final chapters; however, the story is complete and cohesive. I’m confused as to the type of audience that the book is intended for and am worried that the audience it would attract is incredibly specific. I can see where people may find it offensive. I was not offended, but slightly put off by the crude nature of the work. Also, I feel like the sex scenes were a little overdone for my taste, although I do see their intent in adding to the lustful nature of the affair. My other issue laid a bit in the characterization of a few of the individuals in the book. I feel like Kirch missed the mark by making God omnipotent, but not omniscient. Rather, God was occasionally omniscient when it came to knowing Hamlet or facts about people’s lives but not about modern goods, which is inconsistent. Furthermore, Nathan’s best friend, Christy, comes across as having been heavily based on stereotypes specifically in her manner of speaking and carrying herself. It also doesn’t help that Kirch reiterates her race more than once. It may be offensive.
On a positive note, the book had a nice flow which made it easy to read. The imagery from the book is stupendous. Additionally, the classical and Biblical references are very enticing. I applaud Kirch on his bold decision to give God the form of a female, considering the general assumption that he is male. Furthermore, I love the way he challenges religious dogma and holds all of the religions accountable for the atrocities they have committed. I especially love the comedic manner in which he points out that Jesus’s name is not really Jesus, rather it is a mistranslation. Finally, the highlight of the book comes in the characterization of Satan. Kirch gives Lucifer so much depth, complexity, and internal chaos. Lucifer’s backstory, actions, and involuntary reactions mix together to form a character that goes beyond the two dimensional evil box that he is typically placed in. Lucifer stole the show.
Overall, the book merits about three and a half stars out of five. The plot line is not the most eventful until the final chapters; however, the story is complete and cohesive. I’m confused as to the type of audience that the book is intended for and am worried that the audience it would attract is incredibly specific. I can see where people may find it offensive. I was not offended, but slightly put off by the crude nature of the work. Also, I feel like the sex scenes were a little overdone for my taste, although I do see their intent in adding to the lustful nature of the affair. My other issue laid a bit in the characterization of a few of the individuals in the book. I feel like Kirch missed the mark by making God omnipotent, but not omniscient. Rather, God was occasionally omniscient when it came to knowing Hamlet or facts about people’s lives but not about modern goods, which is inconsistent. Furthermore, Nathan’s best friend, Christy, comes across as having been heavily based on stereotypes specifically in her manner of speaking and carrying herself. It also doesn’t help that Kirch reiterates her race more than once. It may be offensive.
On a positive note, the book had a nice flow which made it easy to read. The imagery from the book is stupendous. Additionally, the classical and Biblical references are very enticing. I applaud Kirch on his bold decision to give God the form of a female, considering the general assumption that he is male. Furthermore, I love the way he challenges religious dogma and holds all of the religions accountable for the atrocities they have committed. I especially love the comedic manner in which he points out that Jesus’s name is not really Jesus, rather it is a mistranslation. Finally, the highlight of the book comes in the characterization of Satan. Kirch gives Lucifer so much depth, complexity, and internal chaos. Lucifer’s backstory, actions, and involuntary reactions mix together to form a character that goes beyond the two dimensional evil box that he is typically placed in. Lucifer stole the show.
September 9, 2018
Knowing God, by Donald Allen Kirch, is a work of fiction steeped in various religious motifs. The religious context is not subtle (there is a war in Heaven) and should be easily recognized by anyone living in the West or anyone with knowledge of the three Abrahamic faiths. Kirch draws from each and weaves those themes together with a strange romantic tale. While drawing on these religious themes, he is sometimes irreverent and sometimes is not at all (perhaps even offensive to some readers).
In terms of plot, Knowing God seems to be purposely written to fit Biblical connotations and the Hero's Journey. Firstly, the protagonist, Nathan Andrews, experiences something akin to a hero’s calling when he encounters ‘the poor man’ in the church. ‘The poor man,’ who only came in to pray, is tossed out by the priest and ushers, in spite of Nathan's protests. Outside, ‘the poor man’ cryptically states, “Know that I am with you, even until the end of the world.” Nathan goes looking for him, but he has disappeared. Nathan, later rejects this potentially heroic calling, by killing himself.
Instead of a descent into Hell (a typical perceived punishment for such actions), Nathan is recalled back to the world by an unknown woman's voice – a great trial (his personal despair), a vision quest (descending into Hell), and supernatural aid (being brought back to life) follow. His meeting with the goddess is hard on the nose, Almighty God comes down to Earth and is presented in the form of a perfect and attractive woman. What follows is reminiscent of the Biblical “Flight into Egypt.”
In addition to the on-the-nose presentation of the Hero's Journey, Kirch also hits hard at certain themes with the name of the protagonist – Nathan Andrews. Nathan was a prophet in the Old Testament during the time of the reign of King David. He is primarily known for announcing the covenant that God was making with David, giving instructions and future plans for the location of the Ark of the Covenant, chastising David for sleeping with a married woman and intentionally putting her husband in danger of death, and the coronation of King Solomon. What aligns with Kirch's book, is that in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Nathan is highly regarded and is commemorated on the Sunday of the Fathers. The first apostle called by Christ was Andrew and in the Bible, John states he immediately recognized Christ.
Knowing God is intended for mature readers who enjoy fiction mingled with strong religious and philosophical themes and overtones. The book contains graphic depictions of sex, suicide, and violence and is not easy reading for someone who may be easily offended. It is a quick and engaging read and would certainly be enjoyable for someone who appreciates this type of literature. Overall, readers will find it to be of above average quality with regards to the writing.
In terms of plot, Knowing God seems to be purposely written to fit Biblical connotations and the Hero's Journey. Firstly, the protagonist, Nathan Andrews, experiences something akin to a hero’s calling when he encounters ‘the poor man’ in the church. ‘The poor man,’ who only came in to pray, is tossed out by the priest and ushers, in spite of Nathan's protests. Outside, ‘the poor man’ cryptically states, “Know that I am with you, even until the end of the world.” Nathan goes looking for him, but he has disappeared. Nathan, later rejects this potentially heroic calling, by killing himself.
Instead of a descent into Hell (a typical perceived punishment for such actions), Nathan is recalled back to the world by an unknown woman's voice – a great trial (his personal despair), a vision quest (descending into Hell), and supernatural aid (being brought back to life) follow. His meeting with the goddess is hard on the nose, Almighty God comes down to Earth and is presented in the form of a perfect and attractive woman. What follows is reminiscent of the Biblical “Flight into Egypt.”
In addition to the on-the-nose presentation of the Hero's Journey, Kirch also hits hard at certain themes with the name of the protagonist – Nathan Andrews. Nathan was a prophet in the Old Testament during the time of the reign of King David. He is primarily known for announcing the covenant that God was making with David, giving instructions and future plans for the location of the Ark of the Covenant, chastising David for sleeping with a married woman and intentionally putting her husband in danger of death, and the coronation of King Solomon. What aligns with Kirch's book, is that in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Nathan is highly regarded and is commemorated on the Sunday of the Fathers. The first apostle called by Christ was Andrew and in the Bible, John states he immediately recognized Christ.
Knowing God is intended for mature readers who enjoy fiction mingled with strong religious and philosophical themes and overtones. The book contains graphic depictions of sex, suicide, and violence and is not easy reading for someone who may be easily offended. It is a quick and engaging read and would certainly be enjoyable for someone who appreciates this type of literature. Overall, readers will find it to be of above average quality with regards to the writing.
September 6, 2018
If you are looking for something new to read that offers an interesting story line you need to check out “Knowing God” by Donald Allen Kirch. Not only did this story offer an interesting story line, it is one that hooks you in from the start. Within the first few paragraphs I could tell it was going to be one of those books that I just couldn’t put down. In some cases this can cause problems because of the length of the book, but “Knowing God” was the perfect length for non-stop reading.
As the title suggests this story does have a religious theme too it, but it is not overly religious. What this means is the story line does discuss religion but that is not the sole focus on the book. “Knowing God” is like many other religious stories where it discusses religion and creates a story line of good versus evil, but there is so much more to this book than your typical religious story.
“Knowing God” doesn’t start out as you might expect. The story opens on the life of an ordinary man who works hard for what he has. He hasn’t had the easiest life and it starts to weigh on him. Growing up his family wasn’t overly religious, but he tries turning to the church to seek help in his darkest moments. Needless to say that attending church doesn’t provide him with the answers he was looking for, so he takes matters into his own hands.
After taking things into his own hands Nathan meets a God, but not in the way one might expect. During the course of the story Nathan develops a close relationship with God. Nathan falls deeply in love with God during the course of their relationship. The problem is while God is being with Nathan down on Earth; Lucifer is plotting to take over Heaven. This is where the classic story line of good versus evil comes into play.
The good news though is as the good versus evil storyline picks up you learn even more about Nathan and how he views God. This is not your good guy saves the day story. It is not about how God triumphs over Lucifer in the end either. If you want to know exactly what happens and how things transpire you are going to have to pick up the book and read it for yourself.
One of the last things that I need to mention is about the author Donald Allen Kirch. His way of telling stories is fascinating. Although this book is pure fiction and the characters are entirely made up the way he tells the story and the details he includes really gets you thinking. This story showcases how even though you might want to give up you never should. If you give up you never know what awaits you in the future.
As the title suggests this story does have a religious theme too it, but it is not overly religious. What this means is the story line does discuss religion but that is not the sole focus on the book. “Knowing God” is like many other religious stories where it discusses religion and creates a story line of good versus evil, but there is so much more to this book than your typical religious story.
“Knowing God” doesn’t start out as you might expect. The story opens on the life of an ordinary man who works hard for what he has. He hasn’t had the easiest life and it starts to weigh on him. Growing up his family wasn’t overly religious, but he tries turning to the church to seek help in his darkest moments. Needless to say that attending church doesn’t provide him with the answers he was looking for, so he takes matters into his own hands.
After taking things into his own hands Nathan meets a God, but not in the way one might expect. During the course of the story Nathan develops a close relationship with God. Nathan falls deeply in love with God during the course of their relationship. The problem is while God is being with Nathan down on Earth; Lucifer is plotting to take over Heaven. This is where the classic story line of good versus evil comes into play.
The good news though is as the good versus evil storyline picks up you learn even more about Nathan and how he views God. This is not your good guy saves the day story. It is not about how God triumphs over Lucifer in the end either. If you want to know exactly what happens and how things transpire you are going to have to pick up the book and read it for yourself.
One of the last things that I need to mention is about the author Donald Allen Kirch. His way of telling stories is fascinating. Although this book is pure fiction and the characters are entirely made up the way he tells the story and the details he includes really gets you thinking. This story showcases how even though you might want to give up you never should. If you give up you never know what awaits you in the future.
September 10, 2018
In the book Knowing God, Nathan is a simple security guard who has been run over by life a few times, sadly enough it was just enough times to not want to be alive anymore. Feeling lonely, and like he is going nowhere in life he makes the choice to end it all. When the day comes that the suicide happens he dies and sees the after life. Approaching heaven he sees the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, before reaching her he is confronted with an obstacle and is sent back to earth.
He deals with the consequences of trying to commit suicide and is left to go back to his life, he meets “the” woman in the park crying on a bench. Her name is Amanda He ends up bringing her back to his house upon her request. The most beautiful relationship is started and then things get serious. Amanda is God and things in heaven have gotten out of control so Gabriel comes to find her, only to find her in love with Nathan and pregnant. Lucifer is offended and tries to stop all that is happening. Nathan`s best friend then gets involved and becomes the Protector, swearing to protect Nathan and the baby forever.
I really liked how simply this book was written especially given the topic that it about, religion and our relationship with God. The mix of the story, and the ideas and practices surrounding religion was done gracefully. The author did a great job of mixing in opposing ideas threw humor while not being offence if someone who was religious read this, in my opinion. On a more general level I appreciated how quick of a read this book was, easy to read wherever you are. If you want a book that is well written and has a good story line but is shorter in length this book would be a good choice.
Other than there being a couple of spelling errors and a few sentences missing a word, there were a couple of transitions in the story that could be smoothed out by maybe adding a small detail about what is going on in that scene.
Over all this book is a book I would recommend to my friends and family. Would say definitely more of a young adult book just due to some of the content Thought provoking, attention grabbing, and well written, I give it a thumbs up.
He deals with the consequences of trying to commit suicide and is left to go back to his life, he meets “the” woman in the park crying on a bench. Her name is Amanda He ends up bringing her back to his house upon her request. The most beautiful relationship is started and then things get serious. Amanda is God and things in heaven have gotten out of control so Gabriel comes to find her, only to find her in love with Nathan and pregnant. Lucifer is offended and tries to stop all that is happening. Nathan`s best friend then gets involved and becomes the Protector, swearing to protect Nathan and the baby forever.
I really liked how simply this book was written especially given the topic that it about, religion and our relationship with God. The mix of the story, and the ideas and practices surrounding religion was done gracefully. The author did a great job of mixing in opposing ideas threw humor while not being offence if someone who was religious read this, in my opinion. On a more general level I appreciated how quick of a read this book was, easy to read wherever you are. If you want a book that is well written and has a good story line but is shorter in length this book would be a good choice.
Other than there being a couple of spelling errors and a few sentences missing a word, there were a couple of transitions in the story that could be smoothed out by maybe adding a small detail about what is going on in that scene.
Over all this book is a book I would recommend to my friends and family. Would say definitely more of a young adult book just due to some of the content Thought provoking, attention grabbing, and well written, I give it a thumbs up.
August 29, 2018
Knowing God By Donald Allen Kirch is a fantasy story with strong romantic elements, but it's not a true romance. Nathan Andrews works as a security guard at a children's hospital, but he feels there is no meaning to his life and no one would miss him if he were gone. Unable to see the good in life, and having lost his faith in other people, he decides to kill himself. His suicide attempt fails, and shortly afterward a mysterious woman enters his life, claiming to be God--and her claims are true. Things seem to be going Nathan's way for a time, but before long the Devil takes control and brings suffering to Heaven and Earth. Can Amanda (God) regain what has been lost and stop the end of the world?
I liked the author's writing style. The book started out well, and the first-person narrative pulled me into the story. The main characters were intriguing, and the plot had an interesting premise. But I didn't care for all the gender swapping of characters near the middle of the book. It seemed completely unnecessary and really interrupted the flow of the story. And the characters were a bit over-dramatic, repeatedly breaking into tears in reaction to a number of things that happened to them.
The setting of the book is an alternate reality where God is very different from what we know through religious teachings.
It was a little weird having a romantic story line between 'God' in a human female form (Amanda) and Nathan, especially during the first love scene that happened very quickly following their first meeting. But once I got past that, I liked the relationship that developed between Nathan and Amanda, though it was insta-love for both of them.
It was entertaining to read about Amanda's introduction to a whole new world she'd only ever viewed from afar, and seeing her reactions to things she had never experienced before was very funny at times.
I liked the character of Gabriel. But I was not a fan of the way the secondary character, Christy, was written in the first part of the book. And she appeared in the story for only a few pages until well into the second half of the book.
There were a few issues with typos. And I was a bit confused about the time period when the story was supposed to take place. I assumed it was set in the present day, but Nathan was thirty-five and remembered old black and white photos of himself from his childhood, when he was three (in the 1980s?). The way it was described, it sounded more like he grew up in the 1950s.
It could have been a great story, but due to several issues, it fell short for me. Though the book did get better in the second half. I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but there were things that could have been eliminated from the middle to improve the story.
I liked the author's writing style. The book started out well, and the first-person narrative pulled me into the story. The main characters were intriguing, and the plot had an interesting premise. But I didn't care for all the gender swapping of characters near the middle of the book. It seemed completely unnecessary and really interrupted the flow of the story. And the characters were a bit over-dramatic, repeatedly breaking into tears in reaction to a number of things that happened to them.
The setting of the book is an alternate reality where God is very different from what we know through religious teachings.
It was a little weird having a romantic story line between 'God' in a human female form (Amanda) and Nathan, especially during the first love scene that happened very quickly following their first meeting. But once I got past that, I liked the relationship that developed between Nathan and Amanda, though it was insta-love for both of them.
It was entertaining to read about Amanda's introduction to a whole new world she'd only ever viewed from afar, and seeing her reactions to things she had never experienced before was very funny at times.
I liked the character of Gabriel. But I was not a fan of the way the secondary character, Christy, was written in the first part of the book. And she appeared in the story for only a few pages until well into the second half of the book.
There were a few issues with typos. And I was a bit confused about the time period when the story was supposed to take place. I assumed it was set in the present day, but Nathan was thirty-five and remembered old black and white photos of himself from his childhood, when he was three (in the 1980s?). The way it was described, it sounded more like he grew up in the 1950s.
It could have been a great story, but due to several issues, it fell short for me. Though the book did get better in the second half. I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but there were things that could have been eliminated from the middle to improve the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
This is NOT a book to be read lightly, or by the devout! LOL. The story centers on a Security Guard named "Nathan." He is tired of his work-a-day life, has no hope for the future, and decides to commit suicide. There is a near-death experience and he survives his attempt.
After his release from the hospital he encounters a mysterious woman named "Amanda." She is...GOD. This is proven to Nathan and the rest of the story is a comical, rough, and lucid look at all the things that make life worth living. My favorite part was God confessing that She gave Mankind "Free Will" because She can NEVER have it - God cannot quit her job. There was an almost "Starman-like" way in which God experienced Man's creations for the first time. I loved this entire book! Again...WELL WORTH the read!
After his release from the hospital he encounters a mysterious woman named "Amanda." She is...GOD. This is proven to Nathan and the rest of the story is a comical, rough, and lucid look at all the things that make life worth living. My favorite part was God confessing that She gave Mankind "Free Will" because She can NEVER have it - God cannot quit her job. There was an almost "Starman-like" way in which God experienced Man's creations for the first time. I loved this entire book! Again...WELL WORTH the read!
September 6, 2020
Not a Christian story but for fans of religious topics
I hope, the title makes sense. It's tagged with "religious" and I wasn't sure if this is Christian story or only a story that includes religious figures. So I wanted to point that out. This is more like the movie "Dogma" and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm a huge fan of stories that use biblical figures and place them in a modern or fantastic environment. This story surprised me positively since I was intrigued but not yet fully convinced by the teaser.
The characters are great and I love the new head of the Archangels.
Don't let the depressing beginning stop you from continuing. It's a fun read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I hope, the title makes sense. It's tagged with "religious" and I wasn't sure if this is Christian story or only a story that includes religious figures. So I wanted to point that out. This is more like the movie "Dogma" and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm a huge fan of stories that use biblical figures and place them in a modern or fantastic environment. This story surprised me positively since I was intrigued but not yet fully convinced by the teaser.
The characters are great and I love the new head of the Archangels.
Don't let the depressing beginning stop you from continuing. It's a fun read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2019
The book starts out very strong. Alas, this strength is limited to the first chapter only.
With every page turned, my eyebrows rose further. God is portrayed as a ditzy young woman who is neither all-knowing nor rational in any way. A quick reason for Her being down in the mortal realm is thrown into the story, but mainly this book seems to be an excuse to write God as a participant in a poorly formed graphic novel.
Neither the story nor the writing style was compelling, and beyond the first chapter there was not a single character that I felt was properly shaped. Everything about this book feels rushed, and I cannot say I enjoyed reading it.
With every page turned, my eyebrows rose further. God is portrayed as a ditzy young woman who is neither all-knowing nor rational in any way. A quick reason for Her being down in the mortal realm is thrown into the story, but mainly this book seems to be an excuse to write God as a participant in a poorly formed graphic novel.
Neither the story nor the writing style was compelling, and beyond the first chapter there was not a single character that I felt was properly shaped. Everything about this book feels rushed, and I cannot say I enjoyed reading it.
September 30, 2020
This is a book that is offensive to certain religious factions. It wipes away some preconceived notions. Pulls you into questioning the things you have been taught. Opens you up to changing your views. A great read for a different point of view.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2022
I'll freely admit, had this come from any other author, I likely would have given it a pass. In fact, I told Donald I was probably the wrong reader for it, since I'm about as religious as an Ambulocetus fossil, but his response . . . well, let's just say it made me laugh hard enough to take the chance.
Knowing God is a clever, irreverent take on contemporary faith that puts moral and message ahead of mythology. Donald Allen Kirch skewers Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic religions with equal fervor, not so much questioning the concept of a high power, but the flawed storytelling of mortals - churchmen and politicians in particular - with an agenda.
He does this through a contemporary urban fantasy that is built around a paranormal romance between a suicidal security guard and . . . well . . . God, who has taken on the form of a human woman named Amanda.
This is an oddly balanced - deliberately so - story of contrasts and duality that manages to be both heavy and light-hearted at the same time. It tackles the little details of humanity so well, especially the Starman-like way in which Amanda encounters love, laughter, and food for the first time, but it also reaches high with imagination, chronicling a genocidal war between Lucifer and the demons of Hell versus the lonely angels of Heaven. Along the way, God reveals the lies of the Bible, the truth about Creation, the existence of aliens, and far more - all of it amusing, and much of it surprising.
I hate to venture into spoiler territory, so I will be careful what I say, but Nathan's friend and neighbor - a black, lesbian, whirlwind of a woman - really made the second half of the story for me. Even as the Biblical parallels and homages threatened to overwhelm the story for me, her role, and her interactions with a certain Archangel, kept me reading. Knowing God isn't violently blasphemous or cruelly offensive, but those who would be bothered by it most are probably those who need to read it.
Knowing God is a clever, irreverent take on contemporary faith that puts moral and message ahead of mythology. Donald Allen Kirch skewers Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic religions with equal fervor, not so much questioning the concept of a high power, but the flawed storytelling of mortals - churchmen and politicians in particular - with an agenda.
He does this through a contemporary urban fantasy that is built around a paranormal romance between a suicidal security guard and . . . well . . . God, who has taken on the form of a human woman named Amanda.
This is an oddly balanced - deliberately so - story of contrasts and duality that manages to be both heavy and light-hearted at the same time. It tackles the little details of humanity so well, especially the Starman-like way in which Amanda encounters love, laughter, and food for the first time, but it also reaches high with imagination, chronicling a genocidal war between Lucifer and the demons of Hell versus the lonely angels of Heaven. Along the way, God reveals the lies of the Bible, the truth about Creation, the existence of aliens, and far more - all of it amusing, and much of it surprising.
I hate to venture into spoiler territory, so I will be careful what I say, but Nathan's friend and neighbor - a black, lesbian, whirlwind of a woman - really made the second half of the story for me. Even as the Biblical parallels and homages threatened to overwhelm the story for me, her role, and her interactions with a certain Archangel, kept me reading. Knowing God isn't violently blasphemous or cruelly offensive, but those who would be bothered by it most are probably those who need to read it.
December 6, 2019
I can understand why some readers reacted violently when reading Donald Allen Kirch's epic novel "Knowing God." This book is not for the weak, lol. His dialogue and religious content, or should I say HIS CHALLENGING of dogma, is not for the deeply religious. At the beginning of this book he warns the reader, reminding them that this IS a work of Fiction - that it is!
The center of the story surrounds a man named Nathan. After trying to commit suicide, he has a near-death experience and returns to his normal life. After leaving the hospital he meets a woman who claims to be "God." All religious dogma is soon tossed out the window, and a charming story about "God on earth," is told. I thought it a very endearing, and tasteful look, at the High Lord of Heaven. Of how She would know everything, but did not know what butter was, lol. Of how God had all the power, but did not have FREE WILL - Her reason for giving it to mankind. :-)
All in all, Knowing God is worth the adventure. There are scenes here that are poetic and profound, silly and sick, and...Wholly! Highly recommended!!
The center of the story surrounds a man named Nathan. After trying to commit suicide, he has a near-death experience and returns to his normal life. After leaving the hospital he meets a woman who claims to be "God." All religious dogma is soon tossed out the window, and a charming story about "God on earth," is told. I thought it a very endearing, and tasteful look, at the High Lord of Heaven. Of how She would know everything, but did not know what butter was, lol. Of how God had all the power, but did not have FREE WILL - Her reason for giving it to mankind. :-)
All in all, Knowing God is worth the adventure. There are scenes here that are poetic and profound, silly and sick, and...Wholly! Highly recommended!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
A modern day “What If” story about God, Angels and demons. Personally I needed to keep saying to myself “It’s fiction” because at times it was so blasphemous that it made me laugh out loud. God becomes a woman, comes to earth, Satan rules heaven in her absence, she gets pregnant all the while angels and demons are waging war around her and her lover. Ironically there is a fair bit of pontificating—in spite of that, I still complete missed the overall moral of the story. There are some intriguing points just not enough for me to risk recommending it. I’ve read my fair share of God as Mother/woman in both fiction and non-fiction so it’s not that. I received a free copy of this book in lieu of an honest review from audiobookboom. The Narrator was very good and his inflections were what made me laugh more than once.
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