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Miracles, Inc.: A Novel
Vernon L. Oliver, still a young man, lives in a six-by-ten cell in a Florida prison. He has chosen the needle over the chair, has no desire to smell burned flesh on the day the state snuffs out his life. When his attorney suggests he write an autobiography to generate funds to cover legal fees incurred during the appeals process, Vernon sits down to pencil and paper and begins his narrative.
Miracles, Inc. , Forrester's debut novel, tells the story of a charismatic slacker in love with Harley Davidson motorcycles and Rickie Terrell, a beautiful woman who quotes poetry and will not discuss her past. They live in an RV, smoke weed and drink beer, play Scrabble late into the night. His boss, a brilliant businesswoman with a far-reaching vision, offers him the chance to make more money than he ever thought was possible. He buys into the faith-healing scheme without reservation, and so begins the journey that leads to the stunning event that changes his life forever.
Miracles, Inc. , Forrester's debut novel, tells the story of a charismatic slacker in love with Harley Davidson motorcycles and Rickie Terrell, a beautiful woman who quotes poetry and will not discuss her past. They live in an RV, smoke weed and drink beer, play Scrabble late into the night. His boss, a brilliant businesswoman with a far-reaching vision, offers him the chance to make more money than he ever thought was possible. He buys into the faith-healing scheme without reservation, and so begins the journey that leads to the stunning event that changes his life forever.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2011
8 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Forrester
5 books29 followersT. J. Forrester, an international novelist, has been a fisherman, construction worker, and miner. A trekker with more than 17,000 miles on his legs, he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail in consecutive years.
He wrote Miracles, Inc. and Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail while living in Virginia. The attic room was small, chilly in the winter, but his landlord was very kind and fed him when he was without food.
He wrote Miracles, Inc. and Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail while living in Virginia. The attic room was small, chilly in the winter, but his landlord was very kind and fed him when he was without food.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 14, 2011
Vernon Oliver was the hottest, rocking-est, money-making televangelist going, the "biker preacher," riding onto the stage on his Harley, then grabbing his audience by their souls and giving them what they wanted—hope. Of course it was all a sham, the healings staged, but the people were getting what they wanted, they got a show—a rock show, really. They willing handed over their money. Of course this whole carnival known as Miracles, Inc. eventually came crashing back down to earth.
The novel begins with the narrator, Vernon Oliver, telling his story from his cell on death row, the story of how and why he got there. The writing and voice of Vernon grabs you right from the get-go and doesn't let go. The structure of the novel cuts back and forth between his life as a rich and famous faith healer and his solitary jail cell, where he is working on his autobiography, as he marks down the time to his execution. The contrast between the two keeps the story and the tension moving forward. How did Vernon become the face of Miracles, Inc? How did he end up on death row? Is he really guilty? Will he really be put to death at the end?
A great cast of characters is along for the ride: His girlfriend Rickie; Miriam, the woman who runs Miracle, Inc.; Alton, the ex-preacher who is teaching Vernon everything he knows; and the cast of actors who are "healed" by Vernon on stage.
Miracles, Inc. (Simon & Schuster, 2011) is definitely a "page turner," the back and forth of the plot, along with Forrester's deft, clean, tight, well-edited, and engaging writing keeps your nose in the book until you find how it all turns out. This is one hot book, one that would translate into a film very well. Check it out!
The novel begins with the narrator, Vernon Oliver, telling his story from his cell on death row, the story of how and why he got there. The writing and voice of Vernon grabs you right from the get-go and doesn't let go. The structure of the novel cuts back and forth between his life as a rich and famous faith healer and his solitary jail cell, where he is working on his autobiography, as he marks down the time to his execution. The contrast between the two keeps the story and the tension moving forward. How did Vernon become the face of Miracles, Inc? How did he end up on death row? Is he really guilty? Will he really be put to death at the end?
A great cast of characters is along for the ride: His girlfriend Rickie; Miriam, the woman who runs Miracle, Inc.; Alton, the ex-preacher who is teaching Vernon everything he knows; and the cast of actors who are "healed" by Vernon on stage.
Miracles, Inc. (Simon & Schuster, 2011) is definitely a "page turner," the back and forth of the plot, along with Forrester's deft, clean, tight, well-edited, and engaging writing keeps your nose in the book until you find how it all turns out. This is one hot book, one that would translate into a film very well. Check it out!
April 11, 2011
A good story that slowly lost steam, I felt the ending was a general disappointment. Forrester's style definitely asks you to tune-in to his characters, but he keeps them at a distance as time progresses, which makes the story fall a bit flat.
February 8, 2011
I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Quite the page turner! I fell in love with the characters & hated them all in the same. Looking forward to more from this author!!!!
April 5, 2011
Forrester teases a cliffhanger-ending from the first page of the story. And even though I caught on that the ending was going to disappoint well before I made it to the murder scene, for some reason, I kept reading. It’s not that the story is bad. It just reads more like an early release draft or the product of a creative writing student than a paid author published through Simon & Schuster. Maybe I’m being unfair, but if this had been released by a smaller press with (presumably) less man power to throw at the book, I would probably overlook some of the issues I have with it. But that it comes from Simon & Schuster makes the gleaming errors I noticed in the logistics of the story hard to ignore. The easiest to spot is that the amount of money being paid to the extortionist changes WITHIN PAGES of separate mentions. First: “She was correct in thinking I wouldn’t come after her for five thousand a week” (181). A few pages later, the amount changes DRASTICALLY: “…five thousand a month was such a small inconvenience it wasn’t worth worrying about” (193). Now, this may seem like nit-picking. But how trustworthy is a story or author if such silly mistakes are so obvious? This isn’t a typographical or spelling error, which would be more forgivable. It’s an error in reporting concerning a subplot that intersects and creates the major conflict upon which the novel is based. (SPOILER AHEAD) Because it is when the extortionist is revealed that the actions occur that cause Vernon to be incarcerated. Getting the amount of the extortionist had been receiving wrong is a GLARING error. However, most of these gripes are based on a foundation of trusting the narrator – Vernon – to be reliable and honest. And, since he’s in prison for lying about committing the double-murder of two high ranking officials in an organization designed to collectively bilk unsuspecting believers out of millions of dollars, maybe he shouldn’t be considered very reliable in ANY regard?
May 8, 2014
My reading eyes have been out of commission for a long time now, so after two eye surgeries, I am now back in the saddle and catching up on all the books that have accumulated on the night stand. A very substantial pile it is too! TJ Forrester's "Miracles, Inc." has been waiting a very long time for my attention, and I am happy to say I finally was able to read it.
I didn't know what to expect. The whole Jesus-Hallalujia milieu is a turnoff for me personally, so I was hoping it was not going to be too religion-packed, and what a lucky surprise! This irreverent little novel packs a punch, wry and sly and verbally clever, exposing the faith healers and the underbelly of spiritual con artists in most entertaining and quirky ways, revolving around a love story of epic proportions, murder, prison, and Harley Davidsons. I was delighted to find the unexpected! (Having just read "Proof of Heaven" you can imagine my delight to find "reality" instead of heavenly fantasies).
My only criticism of this tale would be that there is an odd superficiality, a sort of "skimming" the surface of the experiences -- a reluctance, almost, to get under the skins of the characters. One is reminded of the comic book movies (like Dick Tracy and Batman) where the characters are wonderful and entertaining, but the inner lives remain untapped. Forrester taps his narrator's innards, but the macho nature of Vernon Oliver, stud & star of the Jesus circuit, manages to suppress the depth of feeling readers always love in their heroes. That's just the way Vernon is. As a result, it makes the novel a bit tongue in cheek, intentional or not. I found myself wondering how one might pull Vernon into deeper waters with the rest of the loony cast of wonderful characters. But this is nitpicking. I enjoyed it and look forward to Forrester's new novel, coming soon.
I didn't know what to expect. The whole Jesus-Hallalujia milieu is a turnoff for me personally, so I was hoping it was not going to be too religion-packed, and what a lucky surprise! This irreverent little novel packs a punch, wry and sly and verbally clever, exposing the faith healers and the underbelly of spiritual con artists in most entertaining and quirky ways, revolving around a love story of epic proportions, murder, prison, and Harley Davidsons. I was delighted to find the unexpected! (Having just read "Proof of Heaven" you can imagine my delight to find "reality" instead of heavenly fantasies).
My only criticism of this tale would be that there is an odd superficiality, a sort of "skimming" the surface of the experiences -- a reluctance, almost, to get under the skins of the characters. One is reminded of the comic book movies (like Dick Tracy and Batman) where the characters are wonderful and entertaining, but the inner lives remain untapped. Forrester taps his narrator's innards, but the macho nature of Vernon Oliver, stud & star of the Jesus circuit, manages to suppress the depth of feeling readers always love in their heroes. That's just the way Vernon is. As a result, it makes the novel a bit tongue in cheek, intentional or not. I found myself wondering how one might pull Vernon into deeper waters with the rest of the loony cast of wonderful characters. But this is nitpicking. I enjoyed it and look forward to Forrester's new novel, coming soon.
January 29, 2011
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I really enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I am not giving it a "Best of" because it didn't really evoke extreme emotions, but it did keep me hooked from the first page. I am not sure how I feel about the ending. I don't want to say too much to give it away, but the end seemed a little forced. Even though the end was not what it could have been, I really enjoyed this book and I think it is well worth the read. The author did a great job of bringing Vernon into our world, wild excess, horrible flaws, and all.
Disclaimer to my readers: To be completely honest, I can see where some of the devout might have problems with this book. If you go into it knowing that the book is about a shill, and the rise and fall of that shill, then you are less likely to be offended by what takes place. Some of the concepts of this book and actions of the characters could be considered offensive to some. Others will just take it as the satire it was meant to be. Either way, I would LOVE to hear what you think about this book! You can find it on bookstore shelves this week!
I really enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I am not giving it a "Best of" because it didn't really evoke extreme emotions, but it did keep me hooked from the first page. I am not sure how I feel about the ending. I don't want to say too much to give it away, but the end seemed a little forced. Even though the end was not what it could have been, I really enjoyed this book and I think it is well worth the read. The author did a great job of bringing Vernon into our world, wild excess, horrible flaws, and all.
Disclaimer to my readers: To be completely honest, I can see where some of the devout might have problems with this book. If you go into it knowing that the book is about a shill, and the rise and fall of that shill, then you are less likely to be offended by what takes place. Some of the concepts of this book and actions of the characters could be considered offensive to some. Others will just take it as the satire it was meant to be. Either way, I would LOVE to hear what you think about this book! You can find it on bookstore shelves this week!
July 20, 2014
The pacing in this novel is great. We ping pong from the televangelist on death row to the life that brought him to that place with hardly time to catch our breath.
And yet despite the speed with which events unfold, within each scene Forrester takes his time and we have moments of heartbreaking reflection. One example – early in the novel the protagonist, Vernon Oliver, watches from his death row cell as his neighbor is driven back to the main penitentiary for his execution. Oliver imagines the what the condemned man see as he is driven the countryside of free men and women going about their daily lives. It’s a great piece of writing.
And yet despite the speed with which events unfold, within each scene Forrester takes his time and we have moments of heartbreaking reflection. One example – early in the novel the protagonist, Vernon Oliver, watches from his death row cell as his neighbor is driven back to the main penitentiary for his execution. Oliver imagines the what the condemned man see as he is driven the countryside of free men and women going about their daily lives. It’s a great piece of writing.
March 17, 2011
This was an interesting book, some of the details must have been exaggerated-like the "boot camp for evangelicals." This did not ruin it. Each chapter was a challenge in the beginning because it took a few sentences to determine if Vernon was in prison or preaching. That made it more fun though. Vernon is a lovable reprobate and the outcome was quite a surprise. I'd recommend it.
A side note: it was cheaper to buy this from Amazon, used (like new) than to put in on my Kindle.
$9.99 on Kindle, used, with shipping-$7.00.
A side note: it was cheaper to buy this from Amazon, used (like new) than to put in on my Kindle.
$9.99 on Kindle, used, with shipping-$7.00.
December 29, 2015
I've enjoyed reading this one. Though I hate the ending. I love the pacing and I like how the author made the story grow. It tackled a lot of things—religion, faith, morality, love, marriage, relationship, media, justice, friendship, etc. It's not that kind of book that will focus on a single topic from its first up to its last page. Though it tackled quite a few items, it's not messy. Everything is smooth. The smoothness of the story is what made this book cool! As cool as Vernon. Read this book and question everything! Love, religion, faith, the world, God and most of all, yourself.
February 12, 2011
I received this book through a first reads giveaway.
The plot was very interesting, I just found that the story jumped around too much. It was hard to get really immersed in the book. At least not until the end. The last 50 or so pages, I couldn't put it down.
The characters were complex and well-written, but I just didn't like any of them, as people.
Overall, I liked the book. I'm glad I read it. But I don't think I'll be re-reading it any time soon.
The plot was very interesting, I just found that the story jumped around too much. It was hard to get really immersed in the book. At least not until the end. The last 50 or so pages, I couldn't put it down.
The characters were complex and well-written, but I just didn't like any of them, as people.
Overall, I liked the book. I'm glad I read it. But I don't think I'll be re-reading it any time soon.
October 30, 2012
The cover of this book made me pick it up. A televangelist on death row made me bring it home.
Miracles INC. was well written and kept me going even after the beans were spilled, which is tough to do so I have to give the man credit. I liked the read; sex, drugs, deceit, murder, everything you could want from a preacher story plus a happy ending. Not in the sicko sense either you pervs. :-D
Miracles INC. was well written and kept me going even after the beans were spilled, which is tough to do so I have to give the man credit. I liked the read; sex, drugs, deceit, murder, everything you could want from a preacher story plus a happy ending. Not in the sicko sense either you pervs. :-D
September 12, 2015
Vernon Oliver is on death row. He writes a memoir to pay his legal bills. As he writes the story we learn about his life in prison and how he got there. This book started out interesting but fizzled out by the end. The twist in the ending was no big surprise and all the characters were annoying. I don't recommend this one.
July 26, 2016
Miracles, Inc. is in someways a modern retelling of Elmer Gantry. Jumping from present to past, author T. J. Forester spins a wonderful story of Vernon L. Oliver taking him from the pinnacle of Pentecostal faith-healing televangelist to death row inmate.
This book does have mature content, so reader beware.
This book does have mature content, so reader beware.
March 10, 2011
Miracles Inc. is a great read, shot through with humor, wild love, and the tragedy that rises up when people reach for things that lie beyond their dreams.
Thoroughly engrossing. Highly recommended.
Thoroughly engrossing. Highly recommended.
July 1, 2011
I enjoyed this book - not too taxing, easy story line which is good for the start-stop of reading while riding the trains. The last chapter is what's keeping me from a 4-star rating; it was unnecessary and I feel like it took more away from the story than adding to it.
February 25, 2011
Really enjoyed this book and had a chance to discuss it with the author here: http://www.rkvry.com/component/conten...
February 22, 2011
Great read. Couldn't put it down.
February 23, 2011
i really enjoyed this book. it is nothing like what you would think by the title. i absolutely recommend this one!
March 7, 2011
Written from the point-of-view of a man in prison, sentenced to death. His attorney suggests he write an autobiography to help pay for this attorney fees.....thus, this story.
not that great....
not that great....
November 5, 2012
This is literally the worst book I have ever read.
June 16, 2013
Great story profiling the impact power has on people
April 25, 2011
i liked the story line, but the language was not necessary.
April 26, 2011
Enjoyhed reading it. This is a promising writer.
September 14, 2011
Fun, well plotted, manages to make fake preaching not too despicable.
January 7, 2012
Bored me to death and I fell asleep.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews