What do you think?
Rate this book
40: A Novel
Nine months shy of hs 40th birthday, freelance music producer Tyler Harrison has started to experience horrific hallucinations. At first, he thinks it's just the stress of his job, but the hallucinations continue until they culminate at the three-day concert in Chicago, Lollapalloza, which he is covering for work. There he is approached by an older man who tells him that he's going to die on his fortieth birthday.
The man claims to be an angel named Matthew, and even though he gives Tyler enough evidence to convince him he's telling the truth, he doesn't know what to do with the information.
Tyler's underlying doubt and confusion about Matthew's prediction turn to anger, both at God and those around him. As he begins to exhibit destructive behavior, he befriends Ellis, an internationally known DJ. Tyler is scared that he really is about to die. He's scared for his sanity. He's scared that if he does die, he's not going to Heaven. He also soon becomes scared of Ellis, who is wild and opens up a door of temptation to Tyler.
As Tyler begins falling in a downward spiral of fear and confusion, he reaches out to a pastor he met, Will, and tries to right his wrongs with some of the important people in his life in a desperate attempt to find peace before his 40th birthday.
The man claims to be an angel named Matthew, and even though he gives Tyler enough evidence to convince him he's telling the truth, he doesn't know what to do with the information.
Tyler's underlying doubt and confusion about Matthew's prediction turn to anger, both at God and those around him. As he begins to exhibit destructive behavior, he befriends Ellis, an internationally known DJ. Tyler is scared that he really is about to die. He's scared for his sanity. He's scared that if he does die, he's not going to Heaven. He also soon becomes scared of Ellis, who is wild and opens up a door of temptation to Tyler.
As Tyler begins falling in a downward spiral of fear and confusion, he reaches out to a pastor he met, Will, and tries to right his wrongs with some of the important people in his life in a desperate attempt to find peace before his 40th birthday.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2011
8 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Travis Thrasher
72 books419 followersNew York Times bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 75 books, from fiction in a variety of genres to memoirs and children’s books. He has collaborated with filmmakers, musicians, athletes, comedians and pastors. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 14, 2012
Reading 40 is like being in a psychedelic music video, and I mean that in a good way.
Tyler Harrison is going to die on his 40th birthday. After his father has a heart attack, Tyler reluctantly visits, only to be faced once again with the pain of his past. When he returns to his apartment in Chicago, an angel named Matthew visits and tells him he has about ten months to live.
As a music producer, Tyler is wrapped up in a world of nightclubs, famous singers and scotch. He's divorced and has no close friends. When he's befriended by a smooth talking DJ and a humble pastor, his confusion and frustration push him to fear he's lost his mind.
I'm not gonna lie. Halfway through the story, I was severely frustrated with Tyler. But my anger with him was simply because I liked him and I wanted him to see the truth. I wanted him so much to turn a corner and change his ways.
To say more would do a disservice to the reader. The ending is as intriguing as the story that leads up to it. Thrasher is a genius at one line wisdom. I wish I could quote all that I highlighted, but if I did, it would be most of the book.
40 is not for the lighthearted, but I ended up thinking about it for a very long time after I read the last word. And that to me is the sign of an excellent book.
Tyler Harrison is going to die on his 40th birthday. After his father has a heart attack, Tyler reluctantly visits, only to be faced once again with the pain of his past. When he returns to his apartment in Chicago, an angel named Matthew visits and tells him he has about ten months to live.
As a music producer, Tyler is wrapped up in a world of nightclubs, famous singers and scotch. He's divorced and has no close friends. When he's befriended by a smooth talking DJ and a humble pastor, his confusion and frustration push him to fear he's lost his mind.
I'm not gonna lie. Halfway through the story, I was severely frustrated with Tyler. But my anger with him was simply because I liked him and I wanted him to see the truth. I wanted him so much to turn a corner and change his ways.
To say more would do a disservice to the reader. The ending is as intriguing as the story that leads up to it. Thrasher is a genius at one line wisdom. I wish I could quote all that I highlighted, but if I did, it would be most of the book.
40 is not for the lighthearted, but I ended up thinking about it for a very long time after I read the last word. And that to me is the sign of an excellent book.
June 8, 2011
I won this one in a First Reads giveaway. No one can say that my book selections are not varied. I must have read the summary too quickly because I did not realize until I received it that it was a "Christian novel." It kind of sounded like it was going to be something like that Angelina Jolie movie where she's told by a prophet that she's got a week to live -- "Life or Something Like It." I am not religious. It was with thoughts of "The Shack" and some trepidation that I started on this one. There was a bit of "The Shack" vibe, but not much. Mix that up with "Life or Something Like It," "A Christmas Carol," "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Peaceful Warrior" and then sprinkle in a little "Rolling Stone" -- that'll give you some idea how this book reads.
Tyler is a music producer whose "guardian angel" comes and tells him he is going to die on his 40th BDay (he's 39). Tyler is a bit of a screw up. He drinks too much, does a little womanizing, and is a little nasty and neglectful with his family. He receives various visions of nasty deaths which appear to be memories of things that never really happened. He realizes that he hasn't done any of the things he wanted with his life, and doesn't have much to show for it. In the course of trying to figure out why he has been given the "gift" of knowing the date of his death, Tyler meets some people with strikingly different attitudes about life and believes they are there to give him a message.
There are some "preachy" parts to this book. Did I mention I am not religious? But mostly it is an introspective book about trying to find value in your life. Tyler is very flawed and jaded. Through the vast majority of the book, there's a feeling of hopelessness, but ultimately he does seem to find some peace and clarity. I'm not quite sure I grasped the meaning of life, but it was a pretty interesting and well-done book despite its "Christian" label (had I paid attention to the label I probably wouldn't have read it).
Tyler is a music producer whose "guardian angel" comes and tells him he is going to die on his 40th BDay (he's 39). Tyler is a bit of a screw up. He drinks too much, does a little womanizing, and is a little nasty and neglectful with his family. He receives various visions of nasty deaths which appear to be memories of things that never really happened. He realizes that he hasn't done any of the things he wanted with his life, and doesn't have much to show for it. In the course of trying to figure out why he has been given the "gift" of knowing the date of his death, Tyler meets some people with strikingly different attitudes about life and believes they are there to give him a message.
There are some "preachy" parts to this book. Did I mention I am not religious? But mostly it is an introspective book about trying to find value in your life. Tyler is very flawed and jaded. Through the vast majority of the book, there's a feeling of hopelessness, but ultimately he does seem to find some peace and clarity. I'm not quite sure I grasped the meaning of life, but it was a pretty interesting and well-done book despite its "Christian" label (had I paid attention to the label I probably wouldn't have read it).
May 2, 2011
40 a novel by Travis Thrasher is a fantastic book I would have given a 5 plus rating, but for two reasons. First I don’t believe a Christian book should have any bad language at all, even through the person isn’t a Christian at the time. Sure Christians swear at times, but that doesn’t mean we have to read it in a book. I feel it is offensive and if I knew before about the swearing I wouldn’t have agreed to read it.
The other reason I won’t give this book a 5 star rating is because I would have loved the book to have a page or two more. I feel it wasn’t finished. I know a lot of books let the reader think up their own ending, but I don’t feel the story is really finished that way.
Tyler Harrison music producer, turned thirty-nine and he sees his guardian angel, Matthew. His angel insists that Tyler will die on his fortieth birthday, which is nine months away. During this time he thinks of his failures and that he really hasn’t done anything in his life worth remembering. Matthew shows him several things that could have happened to him if he wasn’t protected and I found that very interesting. 40 has some very dark happening, but I found them very fascinating. This book isn’t for everyone just for those who long for a book
that will make them think.
It is full of lots of suspense, twists and turns. I really liked the way Travis wrote about the DJ named Ellis a pastor named Will, how they became his friends and how they impacted his life.
I really liked this book very much, but for the previous two points I mentioned. If I knew about either of these points, the language or the ending I wouldn’t have agreed to read it, but also glad I did.
With all of that I still say this is a good book to read and I will recommend it.
I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
The other reason I won’t give this book a 5 star rating is because I would have loved the book to have a page or two more. I feel it wasn’t finished. I know a lot of books let the reader think up their own ending, but I don’t feel the story is really finished that way.
Tyler Harrison music producer, turned thirty-nine and he sees his guardian angel, Matthew. His angel insists that Tyler will die on his fortieth birthday, which is nine months away. During this time he thinks of his failures and that he really hasn’t done anything in his life worth remembering. Matthew shows him several things that could have happened to him if he wasn’t protected and I found that very interesting. 40 has some very dark happening, but I found them very fascinating. This book isn’t for everyone just for those who long for a book
that will make them think.
It is full of lots of suspense, twists and turns. I really liked the way Travis wrote about the DJ named Ellis a pastor named Will, how they became his friends and how they impacted his life.
I really liked this book very much, but for the previous two points I mentioned. If I knew about either of these points, the language or the ending I wouldn’t have agreed to read it, but also glad I did.
With all of that I still say this is a good book to read and I will recommend it.
I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
May 18, 2011
Tyler a man tormented by demons who have taken over his mind and desire his very life. He is approached by an angel concerning his death but still holds on to the world. Will he come around and makes things right before he turns 40?
I loved the ending but didn't like the way it left me hanging.
A book of suspense, twists and turns.
This book was realistic although as a christian I felt that the bad language, excessive drinking and smoking could have been left out.
I find it hard to get into books written in the first person.
Tyler Harrison music producer, turned thirty-nine and he sees his guardian angel, Matthew. His angel insists that Tyler will die on his fortieth birthday, which is nine months away. During this time he thinks of his failures and that he really hasn’t done anything in his life worth remembering. Matthew shows him several things that could have happened to him if he wasn’t protected and I found that very interesting. 40 has some very dark happening, but I found them very fascinating. This book isn’t for everyone just for those who long for a book that will make them think.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads but the review is my own opinion and was not inspired by the author or publisher in any way.
I loved the ending but didn't like the way it left me hanging.
A book of suspense, twists and turns.
This book was realistic although as a christian I felt that the bad language, excessive drinking and smoking could have been left out.
I find it hard to get into books written in the first person.
Tyler Harrison music producer, turned thirty-nine and he sees his guardian angel, Matthew. His angel insists that Tyler will die on his fortieth birthday, which is nine months away. During this time he thinks of his failures and that he really hasn’t done anything in his life worth remembering. Matthew shows him several things that could have happened to him if he wasn’t protected and I found that very interesting. 40 has some very dark happening, but I found them very fascinating. This book isn’t for everyone just for those who long for a book that will make them think.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads but the review is my own opinion and was not inspired by the author or publisher in any way.
April 5, 2019
The main character is Tyler Harrison, a music producer who meets his guardian angel and is given "interesting" news about his future. During the time it takes for the future event to occur Tyler thinks of his relationships/friendships, his past actions (or lack there of) and realizes he really hasn't done much with his life. The book has suspense, twists and turns. I enjoyed this Christion suspense and read this 417 page book in 2 days. I recommend this book to those who enjoy stories about the music industry and for life reflection.
July 1, 2024
1.5 stars.
Not the book I thought it was going to be. Based off what the synopsis was I had an idea of how the book was going to go and I was way off. I didn’t enjoy the way it went and the author really leapt from chapter to chapter, there was not a great flow to the book minus the last 5 chapters. The main character would say he’s not going to do or feel a certain way and the lab literally the next sentence, he would do it. Annoying. And also, didn’t realize it was such a catholic book. Just not really my style. I did enjoy the short chapters.
Not the book I thought it was going to be. Based off what the synopsis was I had an idea of how the book was going to go and I was way off. I didn’t enjoy the way it went and the author really leapt from chapter to chapter, there was not a great flow to the book minus the last 5 chapters. The main character would say he’s not going to do or feel a certain way and the lab literally the next sentence, he would do it. Annoying. And also, didn’t realize it was such a catholic book. Just not really my style. I did enjoy the short chapters.
July 22, 2022
This book avoided the concept that was promised on the back of the book for almost the entire book. Really felt like the old bait and switch was employed. Also, I did not realize how "religious" this book was or I would never have picked it up.
January 11, 2020
I have no words. 40 is heartbreaking and inspiring. It's the best insider's description of denial I've ever read.
May 10, 2020
Not my favorite.
January 12, 2021
Just wanted to see how it ended, and I kind of hated the ending. I loved the idea of this book, but I really struggled to stay interested.
December 13, 2024
Definitely a different read for me. Almost didn't finish. What if you were told you had 9 Months to live? But the person telling you is an angel .it's A moving novel just not what I am use to..
September 6, 2011
40 is a Christian spiritual fiction.
Tyler Harrison is a music producer who has just been told that he will die on his 40th birthday. He was raised as a Christian in a religiously stern house, however, he no longer practices nor believes in God.
Tyler has issues with his father, who believes his son is a failure. He has issues with work, his musicians never wish to show up for their sessions and his love life is void of life.
After seeing some terrifying hallucinations, Tyler thinks he is going crazy. He tries to explain things to his friends and co-workers, but they don't get it and make light of the events that are occurring. When Tyler agrees to go to the Lollapalooza concert, as part of his work assignment, it is there that he meets Matthew.
Matthew tells Tyler that in less than nine months he will be dead. It is now time to listen to the messages being shared and to learn from them. However, Tyler doesn't understand anything that is occurring and sends Matthew away. Before he leaves, he shows Tyler many ways in which he would have already been dead, if it wasn't for Matthew's interventions over the years.
Tyler goes into denial over the message that he has been shared. He ignores the attempts at putting his life in order and teams up with a DJ named Ellis who takes Tyler on a whirlwind of temptations and immoral conducts. For a while Tyler is caught up in this wild freak ride until he meets Pastor Will, who helps Tyler come to terms with his fears, his confusion and his life.
I thought this was a rather dull book. It started out great, caught my attention but then it pilfered out around the time that Tyler meets Matthew. Up to that point, there seemed to be meaning in the story and then the rest of the book drags on with mostly thoughts and ramblings of Tyler. I was hoping for more from this aspect of the book and expected a decent ending, but the ending was flat.
I didn't like the fact that there were expletives involved with this book, for a Christian read, I'm sure another way could have been used for the characters to express themselves. It just didn't work for me. I was also unimpressed with the disjointed thoughts shared with Tyler and the reader. Some of them didn't make any sense nor did they ever tie in with the rest of the story.
I didn't mind that it was written in first person, I kind of enjoy that and was impressed that it stayed in first person throughout the story, sometimes authors switch from first to third, but this wasn't the case. I found Travis likeable but I couldn't feel his plight, he didn't endear himself to me. As well, the editing was sufficient and didn't detract from the story.
I did like the references to bands, musicians and such that Travis quite often discussed. I liked his music list and the reasons why the songs were there and the underlying message was okay, but not enough for this reader to say this was a great read.
I had heard much on Travis Thrasher and was expecting a bit more from this.
Tyler Harrison is a music producer who has just been told that he will die on his 40th birthday. He was raised as a Christian in a religiously stern house, however, he no longer practices nor believes in God.
Tyler has issues with his father, who believes his son is a failure. He has issues with work, his musicians never wish to show up for their sessions and his love life is void of life.
After seeing some terrifying hallucinations, Tyler thinks he is going crazy. He tries to explain things to his friends and co-workers, but they don't get it and make light of the events that are occurring. When Tyler agrees to go to the Lollapalooza concert, as part of his work assignment, it is there that he meets Matthew.
Matthew tells Tyler that in less than nine months he will be dead. It is now time to listen to the messages being shared and to learn from them. However, Tyler doesn't understand anything that is occurring and sends Matthew away. Before he leaves, he shows Tyler many ways in which he would have already been dead, if it wasn't for Matthew's interventions over the years.
Tyler goes into denial over the message that he has been shared. He ignores the attempts at putting his life in order and teams up with a DJ named Ellis who takes Tyler on a whirlwind of temptations and immoral conducts. For a while Tyler is caught up in this wild freak ride until he meets Pastor Will, who helps Tyler come to terms with his fears, his confusion and his life.
I thought this was a rather dull book. It started out great, caught my attention but then it pilfered out around the time that Tyler meets Matthew. Up to that point, there seemed to be meaning in the story and then the rest of the book drags on with mostly thoughts and ramblings of Tyler. I was hoping for more from this aspect of the book and expected a decent ending, but the ending was flat.
I didn't like the fact that there were expletives involved with this book, for a Christian read, I'm sure another way could have been used for the characters to express themselves. It just didn't work for me. I was also unimpressed with the disjointed thoughts shared with Tyler and the reader. Some of them didn't make any sense nor did they ever tie in with the rest of the story.
I didn't mind that it was written in first person, I kind of enjoy that and was impressed that it stayed in first person throughout the story, sometimes authors switch from first to third, but this wasn't the case. I found Travis likeable but I couldn't feel his plight, he didn't endear himself to me. As well, the editing was sufficient and didn't detract from the story.
I did like the references to bands, musicians and such that Travis quite often discussed. I liked his music list and the reasons why the songs were there and the underlying message was okay, but not enough for this reader to say this was a great read.
I had heard much on Travis Thrasher and was expecting a bit more from this.
October 27, 2022
I mistakenly bought this not realizing it was religious fiction. I still decided to give it a chance because the synopsis sounded interesting.
I thought it was going to be worth it....until it wasn't. He started sounding more like a preacher than a writer as the story progressed. I was hoping for a well-written tale that would impress even an atheist or agnostic or gnostic. It didn't. It became trite & predictable. It would really only appeal to someone who already has faith. And that isn't me.
Still, the 2 stars aren't for that. It was from a lack of imagination & an ability to put a spin on worn out cliches.
I thought it was going to be worth it....until it wasn't. He started sounding more like a preacher than a writer as the story progressed. I was hoping for a well-written tale that would impress even an atheist or agnostic or gnostic. It didn't. It became trite & predictable. It would really only appeal to someone who already has faith. And that isn't me.
Still, the 2 stars aren't for that. It was from a lack of imagination & an ability to put a spin on worn out cliches.
June 9, 2011
What if you knew the exact date that you were going to die? Thats just what Tyler Harrison has revealed to him by an angel named Matthew.
Tyler Harrison is a music producer who has a few regrets in his life, but when he is visited by an angel named Matthew, who is actually his guardian angel, and his guardian angel tells him that he will die on his 40th birthday, which is about nine months away. Well as you can imagine Tyler begins to wonder if perhaps he isn't loosing his mind. When Matthew reveals episodes throughout Tyler's life and allows him to see how his life has been spared through the years. As truths are revealed to Tyler, his emotions run the gambit, and he soon comes to the realization that money and things really aren't important when facing your own mortality. Will he change his life before its to late?
This book really fascinated me. Not a quick read by any stretch of the imagination, it took me awhile to get into the feeling of the story, the emotions are intense, and often comes off as dark and brooding. As I read the story I found myself wondering what I might do if I knew when I would die. I enjoyed watching Tyler grow and chance throughout the story. The guardian angel Matthew was quite unlike any other guardian angel I have ever read about. I thought the parts where Matthew allowed Tyler those glimpses of how things might have been had he not been around were fantastic.
While I would caution that there is a bit of foul language used in this story, it just adds another layer to the character of Tyler. If your looking for a story that will have you thinking about your own life, that isn't your run of the mill Christian fiction then give this book a try. I for one will be looking for more of Mr. Thrasher's work.
Tyler Harrison is a music producer who has a few regrets in his life, but when he is visited by an angel named Matthew, who is actually his guardian angel, and his guardian angel tells him that he will die on his 40th birthday, which is about nine months away. Well as you can imagine Tyler begins to wonder if perhaps he isn't loosing his mind. When Matthew reveals episodes throughout Tyler's life and allows him to see how his life has been spared through the years. As truths are revealed to Tyler, his emotions run the gambit, and he soon comes to the realization that money and things really aren't important when facing your own mortality. Will he change his life before its to late?
This book really fascinated me. Not a quick read by any stretch of the imagination, it took me awhile to get into the feeling of the story, the emotions are intense, and often comes off as dark and brooding. As I read the story I found myself wondering what I might do if I knew when I would die. I enjoyed watching Tyler grow and chance throughout the story. The guardian angel Matthew was quite unlike any other guardian angel I have ever read about. I thought the parts where Matthew allowed Tyler those glimpses of how things might have been had he not been around were fantastic.
While I would caution that there is a bit of foul language used in this story, it just adds another layer to the character of Tyler. If your looking for a story that will have you thinking about your own life, that isn't your run of the mill Christian fiction then give this book a try. I for one will be looking for more of Mr. Thrasher's work.
April 25, 2011
I've been following Travis Thrasher on Facebook and Twitter ever since reading his book, Solitary (can't wait for the sequel, by the way!). He frequently has quick contests for book giveaways and I was happy to win an ARC for his latest book, 40. The premise of the book sounded interesting and the fact that I am 40 made it slightly creepy. Once the book arrived, I grabbed the first free afternoon I had available and sat down to devour it.
I soon discovered that this is not that kind of book. While I enjoyed it, I found it to be quite introspective and I read it more as I would a non-fiction book; in sections. Lucky for me, the book is already divided into ten parts and I chose to read them as such. For me, the story had the same flavor as the book of Ecclesiastes. There was a sense of hopelessness throughout and I could identify with the main character's struggles, despite his own life being so far removed from my own. It's one of those books that "speak to the human condition" and he does it rather well. While there are fantastical elements in the story, it feels real. By the time you reach the end and everything is tied together, it packs the same punch that I feel when I reach the end of Ecclesiastes. Well worth reading, generates a lot of thought and gives perspective, but not always a "fun read".
If you're a music fan, nearing 40, questioning life and its purpose, or simply looking for a good read that'll take you through your week (or next ten days), you may want to check this one out. Although I prefer my stories move a bit more quickly, I still find myself thinking of this storyline and that's a pretty good recommendation right there.
I soon discovered that this is not that kind of book. While I enjoyed it, I found it to be quite introspective and I read it more as I would a non-fiction book; in sections. Lucky for me, the book is already divided into ten parts and I chose to read them as such. For me, the story had the same flavor as the book of Ecclesiastes. There was a sense of hopelessness throughout and I could identify with the main character's struggles, despite his own life being so far removed from my own. It's one of those books that "speak to the human condition" and he does it rather well. While there are fantastical elements in the story, it feels real. By the time you reach the end and everything is tied together, it packs the same punch that I feel when I reach the end of Ecclesiastes. Well worth reading, generates a lot of thought and gives perspective, but not always a "fun read".
If you're a music fan, nearing 40, questioning life and its purpose, or simply looking for a good read that'll take you through your week (or next ten days), you may want to check this one out. Although I prefer my stories move a bit more quickly, I still find myself thinking of this storyline and that's a pretty good recommendation right there.
October 10, 2011
40
Travis Thrasher
Published by Hatchette Book Group
Source: Review Copy
Firstly if you are going to read any of Travis Thrasher’s books, prepare a time to read and absorb uninterrupted! If you aren’t careful you will be left behind on his whirlwind tours!
Tyler is 39 when an angel named Matthew appears to him and informs him that he is going to die on his 40th birthday. Tyler, turns introspective as he looks over his career as a record producer, his relationship with his parents, his achievements in life this far. Though he tries to run from Matthew, he seems to appear everywhere trying to help Tyler ‘get it’, that indeed his life is going to end and where should he go from here? Never giving much thought to Heaven or Hell for that matter, Tyler must consider all this as he flitters in-between reality and the unknown.
I did have a harder time with this novel than I have with some of Travis’s other books. Not on my favorite of his list unfortunately. I thought for sure I would love it being I am 39 and nearing 40. It felt incoherent to me at times, like I got lost on the roller coaster ride and couldn’t find right side up. I do so enjoy his work so I was bummed to find that I didn’t care for this. The nice thing about Travis though is that his books don’t fit a specific mold. This just happens to be one that I didn’t like as much.
I received a copy of this book from Faith Words in exchange for an honest review.
Travis Thrasher
Published by Hatchette Book Group
Source: Review Copy
Firstly if you are going to read any of Travis Thrasher’s books, prepare a time to read and absorb uninterrupted! If you aren’t careful you will be left behind on his whirlwind tours!
Tyler is 39 when an angel named Matthew appears to him and informs him that he is going to die on his 40th birthday. Tyler, turns introspective as he looks over his career as a record producer, his relationship with his parents, his achievements in life this far. Though he tries to run from Matthew, he seems to appear everywhere trying to help Tyler ‘get it’, that indeed his life is going to end and where should he go from here? Never giving much thought to Heaven or Hell for that matter, Tyler must consider all this as he flitters in-between reality and the unknown.
I did have a harder time with this novel than I have with some of Travis’s other books. Not on my favorite of his list unfortunately. I thought for sure I would love it being I am 39 and nearing 40. It felt incoherent to me at times, like I got lost on the roller coaster ride and couldn’t find right side up. I do so enjoy his work so I was bummed to find that I didn’t care for this. The nice thing about Travis though is that his books don’t fit a specific mold. This just happens to be one that I didn’t like as much.
I received a copy of this book from Faith Words in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2011
40 A NOVEL by Travis Thrasher is a christian suspense.Music producer Tyler,starts to experience horrific hallucinations just shy of his fortieth birthday. He will be approached by Matthew,a man who claims to be an angel.Not knowing what to do with this information Matthew gives him,his begins to spiral out of control. He is afraid and confused.What would you do if you where told that would you die on your fortieth birthday,I wonder.Would you be like Tyler,and be afraid,angry,confused,turn from God,turn to destructive behavior or would you accept your fate without question and kept your faith.
This is not only a suspense but also a story of faith.Finally,Tyler meets Will,a pastor who will help him find his way,restore his faith,find peace before his fortieth birthday. While "40 A Novel" has many questions it also has many of the answers to those seem questions about life and death. This story is written in first person,while I do not normally enjoy reading first person stories this one was interesting.If you enjoy a different sort of christian suspense than this is the one for you.You will find "40 A Novel" interesting and complex while it also has suspense.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Faith Words,a division of Hachette Book Group,Inc.and My Book Addiction Reviews.
This is not only a suspense but also a story of faith.Finally,Tyler meets Will,a pastor who will help him find his way,restore his faith,find peace before his fortieth birthday. While "40 A Novel" has many questions it also has many of the answers to those seem questions about life and death. This story is written in first person,while I do not normally enjoy reading first person stories this one was interesting.If you enjoy a different sort of christian suspense than this is the one for you.You will find "40 A Novel" interesting and complex while it also has suspense.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Faith Words,a division of Hachette Book Group,Inc.and My Book Addiction Reviews.
April 30, 2011
40 was an interesting book that explores questions we all tend to ask ourselves at one point or another in our lives. We all tend to flirt with things that aren't good for us just like Thrasher's character Tyler. The story was good but think that the characters personalities could have been explored a little further. The characters were realistic but somewhat generic.
The way music was incorporated into the book fueled the skeleton of Tyler's journey made the book unique. And although there were plenty of references to songs, albums, musicians, etc. I think Thrasher went a bit overboard with mentioning U2 and Bono. Overall I liked it. I don't read a lot of Christian fiction because some of it just gets too preachy, but I am glad that I got a chance to read this one. I received my copy through goodreads first reads giveaway.
The way music was incorporated into the book fueled the skeleton of Tyler's journey made the book unique. And although there were plenty of references to songs, albums, musicians, etc. I think Thrasher went a bit overboard with mentioning U2 and Bono. Overall I liked it. I don't read a lot of Christian fiction because some of it just gets too preachy, but I am glad that I got a chance to read this one. I received my copy through goodreads first reads giveaway.
April 24, 2012
It took a while to warm up to the book and even most of the way through I still found it difficult to relate. It's first person and while the narrator is very honest about who he is, he is also very unhappy and very gritty. While I wanted to root for him to make the right turns and proper decisions, it was hard to relate to him. Still, I found the story compelling, highly imaginative and though not always easy to read, it was harder to stop. In the end, the pages kept turning as I tried to divine my own theories about what was going on in the somewhat cryptic tale. In the end, I was neither entirely surprise, nor disappointed.
December 4, 2012
Am behind on getting Travis books. I am wanting to read this one and several others I have not had a chance to get at yet. I like his books because they are Christian but thrilling at same time. My kind of books.
What to say for the review of this book. WOW, the further I got the more I loved it. Captured me when I had thought it would be one I could finally find fault with. All I can tell you is that this is a read I will not be getting over soon. Striking force.
What to say for the review of this book. WOW, the further I got the more I loved it. Captured me when I had thought it would be one I could finally find fault with. All I can tell you is that this is a read I will not be getting over soon. Striking force.
September 29, 2013
I liked the premise of this book, which promises great introspection on the prospect of hitting upper years without having lived your expectations. I also enjoy exploring the inner world of characters, but this one leaned too heavily on weighty internal experiences, often leaving the reader wondering, "What the...?" I'm not sure there was a turning point for the main character, leading to a dissatisfying ending.
April 7, 2016
I did not really get into this book as much as I hoped. It took me close to an entire week to finish as I finished this last night.
I kept hoping it would get better but I guess it just didn't pull me in like I hoped. I will continue to read books by this author if I can. I will leave my review there.
I kept hoping it would get better but I guess it just didn't pull me in like I hoped. I will continue to read books by this author if I can. I will leave my review there.
July 20, 2017
My first book by Travis Thrasher. I thought I'd love the book, since I'm a drummer and love music. However, wasnt super impressed with the book. I think 99% of people would act differently, if they were visited by a Angel then Tyler did in this book.
I thought last 1/4 of book was really good till it got to the ending. Which isn't really much of a ending.
I thought last 1/4 of book was really good till it got to the ending. Which isn't really much of a ending.
August 30, 2014
An incredibly sad story in which the main character is depressed. The end is best part, and is heart-touching. 40 is a unique look at how all of us have the same capability to do as much good as we do bad.
Want to read
April 24, 2011Sounds like a great read. I have been reading on FB and several other sites reviews and it sounds very intreguing. Travis Thrasher writes great book.
January 4, 2016
Could not finish it. Style is too choppy. I know that it is about mortality, but could not bring myself to care about the main character.
April 9, 2017
I know this story was supposed to be about morals and reaching mid life before living a meaningful life but it was so hard to follow. The idea was good but it jumped around too much with the fugue states the main character experienced. His whiny character and excessive music references (name dropping Bono and U2 so much) were slightly annoying and made the main character hard to like. I feel very spiritual religious people would enjoy this book as it brings up many questions we ask about life after death, meaning of life, keeping your faith etc. The whole thing just seemed like a wild Alice in a Wonderland journey that didn't really lead anywhere and left a disappointing ending. I'm guessing the author left the ending so vague as a reference to 'believing in' or 'having faith' that everything right that was supposed to happen played out happily ever after for everyone but it just seemed like a fizzled out firework after so much build up.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews