Gems: Those who live in the Pacific Northwest will find the Portlander humor hysterical. There's something about sog on the brain that warps writers minds and makes them downright whacky. Perhaps it is because I went to school in Oregon (Portland) and now live in Seattle, that I find the vegan socialist cafes and Mormon missionaries knocking door-to-door hilarious, especially when the main character offers them a cup of coffee. The concept of imaginary Jesus is original and philosophical. Those who are willing to go on a journey with a talking donkey and sledding with Jesus will tumble through this Alice in Wonderland-like venture happily. If you are easily offended by alternative thoughts, you may want to stay clear. If you have no sense of humor about the search for religion than you also might want to skip this satirical, but also deeply serious story. Flaws: Philosophical tales can be tricky when it comes to fiction. By nature, they are floaty, abstract and tend to slip into what professors of Creative Writing refer to as "The Talking Head." This alternative world is inside the character's head and at times feels like he has no legs that are cemented in reality. But, if you are into philosophy you may ask, 'What is reality?' and continue floating helplessly in the pool of the infinite mind. I personally like philosophical novels, but need a bit more grounding then this story provides.
