Pascal's Wager [Paperback]

Nancy Rue (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 2001

Confirmed atheist Jill McGavock faces the mental deterioration of her brilliant mother. In a quest to cope with this devastating situation, Jill seeks out philosophy professor Sam Hunt. Savvy Sam challenges Jill to make "Pascal's wager" -- to "bet" that God exists by acting as if he does. The results not only change Jill's mind but transform her life in ways she never could have imagined. An exciting, faith-building thriller!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nancy Rue taught English and theater before pursuing writing full time. The award-winning author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults, Nancy lives with her husband in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (August 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576738264
• ISBN-13: 978-1576738269
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy Rue is the author of 110 books, including 9 novels for adults, 17 for teens, and 60 for tween readers, as well as 2 parenting books, 32 non-fiction books for tweens and teens, and the features for the FaithGirlz Bible. Her Lily Series, published by Zondervan, has sold well over one million copies. Her ability to relate to a wide audience has made her a popular radio and television guest and an in-demand speaker and teacher for writer's conferences across the country. She has been a regular keynoter for The Young Writer's Institute and Virtuous Reality Ministries, and now anchors Zondervan's Beauty of Believing Tour for FaithGirlz, which draws thousands of tween girls and their moms. Nancy is also the founder of the "Writing for Children and Youth Conference" in Glen Eyrie, Colorado. Her latest titles include The Reluctant Prophet for adult readers (David C. Cook) Limos, Lattes, and My Life On the Fringe (Zondervan) for teens, and That Is SO Me (Zondervan), a year-long devotional for tweens. A student of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, sponsored by the Upper Room, Nancy continues her own spiritual journey even as she writes and speaks for mothers, daughters, and would-be writers about theirs. For more information, visit her website at www.nancyrue.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "conversion story" that breaks the mold!, July 18, 2002

By 

A. Grace (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pascal's Wager (Paperback)

Anyone already familiar with Nancy Rue's work knows that her flare for imagery, characters, and dialogue is second to few, and this book is no exception. It is engaging from the first chapter and never ceases to be so. And as always, Rue's characters (especially the sardonic heroine) drive a unique plot in which real life events become captivating. As for the theme of "intellectual Christianity," the two-star review below seems to expect a single author to explore every facet of faith, science, and religious diversity within a single, less-than-300-page novel-an unrealistic expectation, at best. Every religious argument ever concocted by humanity cannot be explored and refuted in a work of fiction that also contains a decent plot and round characters. This novel simply intends to cause Christians and non-Christians alike to examine faith as more than just blind belief. Jill confronts her own beliefs regarding the existence God and the soul, comparing them with the convictions of a Christian man she is becoming more and more attracted to, despite what she deems his "irrational" faith. Of course, it is a Christian novel, so Jill's must be a "conversion story." However, this is not a typical Christian formula novel. The people within these pages make us care, and the painful twists of Jill's mother's illness are not always predictable. It is the journey, not the destination, that makes this book a winner.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt and Intelligent Quest for Answers, October 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Pascal's Wager (Paperback)

"Pascal's Wager" tells the story of Jill McGavock, a graduate student who needs answers as she comes face to face with her mother's illness and mortality. Both drawn to and exasperated by philosopher Sam Bakalis, Jill is a three-dimensional character with human flaws, a strong voice, and a desire to be loved. With nothing to lose, she challenges a God she does not believe in to prove His existence and redefine her world.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a perfect book, January 8, 2009

By 

myrtille (athens, gr) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pascal's Wager (Paperback)

i learned a lot from this book and loved the way it was written. being a physicist myself, it was really interesting and challenging to read it. i found everything faultless, and even some new things to think on.... i loved the romance too.....
the way God works and cares for us, even when we don't acknowledge His presence and love, shone through the pages of this book. i am so thankful it came my way!!!