Cookies & God
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About
We all have dreams. Depending on our luck, however, a dream might be nothing more than the cage we choose to die in. Deanna is losing her bakery and any ability to make sense of her life in a dazzling, terrifying fire. Daniel is running for governor in order to continue running from himself. Everything Tabitha ever wanted has come at a severe cost (and she has never once hesitated to foot the bill). The people in this book are violently struggling to reclaim some feeling of control or power in their lives. Some of them fail through living. Others succeed through death.
Praise for this book
Deanna and Daniel are both deeply committed to their respective careers. Daniel has set his sights on becoming the governor of California, while Deanna dreams of becoming a successful baker. Their marriage, built on a foundation of friendship and trust, provides them with the support they need to achieve their goals. Together, they have worked tirelessly to attain success. However, a series of unexpected events happened days before the election, dramatically altering the course of their lives. What follows is a story that defies all expectations.
Cookies & God by James Shahan is a magical-realism novel that explores themes of ambition, success, and identity. With a real-world setting, the plot incorporates fantasy elements while blending mystery, suspense, and romance. The creative personification of inanimate objects provides background information, making the scientific, historical, and philosophical aspects more approachable. The narration is told from a first-person point of view that switches between the characters, allowing readers to connect with each of them by providing insight into their thoughts and emotions. The many perspectives also give readers omniscience, making the suspense more tantalizing. The suspense builds gradually as the cast uncovers the events, and the first-person narrative is particularly fitting when the characters reflect on their thoughts while evaluating themselves. They pose thought-provoking questions that compel readers to reexamine their thinking.
The book expertly uses flawed characters to offer diverse perspectives on the topics. The focus is on the perception of success, but it also covers other subjects such as identity, sexuality, and mortality. The author skillfully weaves together these many aspects to create a cohesive plot.
The cookies are crucial in advancing the plot and bringing the story to a full circle, providing an appropriate conclusion. They also explore different perspectives on God, including mythological references. The title is fitting and captures many of the story's various elements. Additionally, the chapter names are food-related, consistent with the culinary backdrop of the story. The detailed descriptions of the delectable cuisine are a delight to read, and the excellent word choice elevates food and dining to a delightful literary experience. It is what I enjoyed the most.
There is nothing about the book that I dislike. The simple vocabulary and conversational style provide a smooth and enjoyable reading experience. Despite the profanity, no religious group would find the content offensive. The book explores gay and fluid sexuality, so readers who are sensitive to these topics should proceed with caution.
Due to the sex scenes, the book is only suitable for adult readers. If the intimate moments are fewer and milder, the story would be appropriate for readers aged sixteen and up. This age group will benefit from the book's thought-provoking insights, encouraging them to reflect on their path to adulthood. It is not a negative feature but rather a recommendation. Fans of magical realism and those keen on food and the culinary industry will find the story appealing.
The creative approach to presenting alternative points of view is admirable, making the book both informative and engaging. The reading experience is enjoyable, with only minor editing issues noticeable. As such, I would rate the book five out of five.
At turns raunchy, philosophical, pulpy, and surreal, Cookies and God is an absolute breeze to read. Couldn’t put it down.