Guest Review (2): The Joshua Ferris Collection

Reading on the commute really hits the spot for clocking in valuable time spent on these novels. I'm loving looking through the windows of how we all our devouring the list.

Guest Reviewer: Melissa Minty
Occupation: Licensing Co-ordinator, Penguin Random House

To rise again at a decent hour' is a difficult book to describe to others - the story of a dentist whose life is hijacked online (a website for his dental practice, email, facebook and twitter) where a story unfolds of an unknown biblical tribe, previously believed to have been wiped out by the Israelites, of people who doubt.


I suppose in a way it's a story of finding self / coming home. O'Rourke has always yearned to be a part of something bigger and encompassing, of belonging; with no big family or community of his own, he's been drawn to those of the women he's dated. He's looking for someone or something to make life meaningful - and perhaps being an Ulm, part of a tribe of his own, a tribe who in fact believe in doubting God, will provide what he's looking for.

Plot explanations aside, it's a fantastic read. The characters are flawed and believable, and the research that has gone into the background of the Amalekites makes for a convincing read. 

I really enjoyed this book, and loved the character of O'Rourke, with his issues with all sorts of things (modern life; technology and social media; religion; the success of his team; flossing). Ferris' descriptions and phrasing were amusing and summed things up wonderfully. I love the concept of a God that wants to be doubted. 


The statement that flossing extends your life by up to seven years has also led me to re-evaluate my own dental habits.