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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Trouble With Being God, January 12, 2009
This review is from: The Trouble With Being God: A Philosophical Thriller (Paperback)
The Trouble With Being God: A Philosophical Thriller
I won this book directly from the author and was instantly intrigued by the way he described this book. I had my doubts as I have been reading Koontz, King and Patterson for years as well as many more. I didn't think this book would even come close to the gore those guys can produce. Surprisingly I was very wrong. There is a very grisly nature to this book but don't let that fool you. Any book where the main character showers with a pound of defrosting ground beef at his feet is worth a read IMO.
The casual nature between the two main male characters was free and easy going and right on the money. Heck even the interactions with the female character were pretty darned accurate. I kept having to stop and ask myself "Is this really his first book?"
All and all from the cover art to the where the hell did that come from ending William Aicher really pulled it off in his first book and I very much look forward to reading this next one I suggest everybody who reads this to email him directly reminding him to sit down and write, He he,
Thank you Mr Aicher for sharing your wonderful work of art with us and I hope one day your wife will be able to get all the way through it.
Oh and the music selections to listen to along with reading is a new concept to me and here I thought there was nothing new under the sun. Go figure.
Great job I highly recommend this book to those that love thrillers that make you think and aren't afraid of getting a little dirty in the process.
~Amie~
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Pass on this., November 22, 2009
This review is from: The Trouble With Being God: A Philosophical Thriller (Paperback)
A popular blog I read recommended this title and I picked it up. The sub text of the title "A Philosophical Thriller" is over-ambitious for anyone who enjoys philosophy. In fact, I may be so bold as to say that pretty much anyone who has spent any time reading, or even thinking about philosophy probably would find that to be an overstatement. I found that the "philosophical" part of this story to be unquantified Christianity bashing (which the religion may or may not deserve. My complaint is it being unquantified, not that it happens) and a vague, whiney stab at people who enjoy their own fame. The story really does come off as someone who watched the movie "Se7en" and said to themselves, "I've never written anything before, but this has inspired me to do so now,"
The main characters of the story have little depth, and little distinction in character from each other. The main character (not to ruin too much of the story for those of you who ignore my warning) eventually goes crazy, but the switch from "sanity" to "super crazy" feels like it's done over the course of a few pages, which I found confusing. A more progressed transition would have been much better instead of the sudden snap with no clearly defined reason as to why his psychosis manifested. I actually went back to before it seemed to appear to look and see if I missed something.
And, I'll draw your attention to it being "Volume 1", which means the story doesn't find resolution at the end of the book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Philosophical Thriller, July 11, 2009
This review is from: The Trouble With Being God: A Philosophical Thriller (Paperback)
"The Trouble with Being God", by William F. Aicher, is a mixed media philosophical thriller. This book is divided into 5 parts, with each part being a day in the life of Steven Carvelle, journalist and alcoholic, Karen his girlfriend, and best friend and police detective, Miles. The book leads us into Steven's mind and deep thoughts while a serial killer preying on the small town of Courtsdale. Each of the killings has a religious motif, and Steven, as an crime reporter, is as close to an expert as the small town has.
William Aicher's life and professional career has revolved around music, so he has added suggested songs at various points in the book. For example, Day Two - Control has `Personal Jesus' by Depeche Mode, and at chapter 15, it is `Eyes Without a Face' by Billy Idol. But you don't need to go find these songs because the playlist and a song player are on the About the Music web page. I don't listen to music much so this was a treat getting introduced to new groups and their music.
Although the book says it's a philosophical thriller is a psychological thriller as well. Steven and Miles' conversations allow a philosophical debate, but the dreams, ramblings of the characters, and the killings bring the out the psychological horror aspect. We look into a mind slowing going insane, becoming devolved.
"The Trouble with Being God" starts out with a killing and ends with a killing. In my opinion, it starts out slow and builds up tension and speed. The ending is different. It is a lot like real life, where there is closure for some but not others. The music sets the tone for the different parts and brings added dimensions to what you read into the story. It was an interesting and different read.
Reviewed by Steve (hubby)
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