The Book Against God

Jame's Wood's first novel (he's an essayist and writer of non-fiction), The Book Against God. had been lazing around the house asking to be read. My son, who was also lazing around the house said he'd read most of it and it was pretty good.

Thomas Bunting, the main character, is a bit of a loser, and an epic liar who manages to screw up every relationship he has. He can't hold down a job, can't finish his Ph.D. and secretly writes a treatise of sorts, The Book About God, BAG for short.

Most of Wood's book is very amusing. Bunting is clever and tells the most twisted, hurtful lies you've ever heard. His attempt to prove there is no God because the world is so crappy made me lose interest. I think atheists will wish he were more authoritative about disbelief. Others may understand how challenging it can be to believe in God, given Man's barbaric history, its present pathos. Ultimately, this gives the book it's strength.

If you want a thoughtful read, The Book Against God is a good choice.