The Book of Steven

Book excerpt: There is a traditional Jewish saying that humans were created because God loves stories. But what if the story you had to tell was that you committed suicide? How do you think that story would sound if you had to tell it to the giver of all gifts? Would it be understood in the context of today’s earthly attitudes on the subject, and is the gift of life something that you can even throw away? The Book of Steven is a sometimes humorous, oftentimes crass attempt to take readers along a fictional journey to explore some of these ethereal notions. It is above all also a wild and unpredictable ride, and some people may not have the stomach or the desire to take Steven’s journey—so be warned. However, for those who may be struggling with greater or lesser questions in their lives, or even those who just want to explore an alternative perspective, this book may provide some enjoyable reading and intellectual stimulation. Steven’s ultimate message is that there is no reason to be content living in a world of personal despair, especially when the possibilities presented by the universe of life are truly boundless, and was written to present readers with a unique perspective about the eternally precious value of this human existence. “Imagine a humorous novel about a suicide who enters heaven and finds it not cosseting but a purgatory where life’s distractions (food, booze, sex, Internet) are removed and the hardest question looms: Why did he kill himself? Welcome to the journey of Steven, an unintentionally funny male whiner, panicker, quitter, porn addict, and general screwup, as he struggles with God, Jesus, and self to escape Heaven’s Suicide Ward and yet not return to the hell of earth. Steven’s frustrating cluelessness but direct dialog render the deep messages on karma, reincarnation, cosmic energy, and the meaning of life easy to absorb. Does Steven escape Heaven? It’s worth reading this profound yet funny journey to self through the Suicide Wards of Heaven to find out.” –US Review