The Messiah of Morris Avenue

I highly recommend this recent Tony Hendra book. But don't take my word for it, listen to George Carlin's take on it:

"I was prepared for my usual serving of sharp Tony Hendra satire; I was not prepared for his sensitive and highly convincing exposition of the true teachings of Jesus Christ. I love this book." -George Carlin


Tony Hendra's Father Joe became a bestseller and a new classic of faith and spirituality--even for those not usually inclined. Now he's back with a novel set in a very reverent future where Church and State walk hand-in-hand. The story begins as Johnny Greco--a jaded journalist who nurses a few grudges along with his cocktails-stumbles onto a kindhearted young man named Jay who's driving around Jersey preaching radical notions like kindness, generosity, and forgiveness while tossing off a few miracles. The most ordinary of men, Jay is not the sort to impress the rich and powerful religious leaders who now rule America, but he touches the hearts of the poor and troubled in neighborhoods where the other kinds of Christians never seem to visit.

Johnny, who prides himself on being an unbeliever, finds himself inspired. But not in the way anyone might imagine: Using the tricks of his trade, he decides to write a news-making story about Jay's miracles that will rekindle his own career and transform the blue-jeaned, not-ready-for-prime-time savior into a figure to rival the Reverend James Sabbath, America's #1 holy warrior, whose church has become a powerful worldwide conglomerate. But as the reporter's plan starts taking effect, as Sabbath fumes and people across the country begin to ponder the notion that Jay might actually be the Second Coming, something truly strange begins to happen. Died-in-the-wool skeptic Johnny actually begins to believe in something. He finds his own life being transformed by the words of the humble man he has never truly taken seriously.

Hilarious and genuinely moving, The Messiah of Morris Avenue is an especially appealing entertainment that takes on some of the more controversial questions of our time in a funny, appealing, and thought provoking way. Tony Hendra brings to life a savior who reminds the world of the lessons of love and kindness that Jesus actually taught as he wittily skewers all sorts of sanctimoniousness on both sides of the political spectrum. Writing with heart, a sharp eye, and a passionate frustration with those who feel they hold a monopoly on God, Hendra has created a novel that reminds us of the miraculousness of ordinary men and the unfailing power of genuine faith.

Learn more about this book at it's home website.