Expressing a serious message through quirky humor, The Voice is a cartoon-illustrated book about resisting then ultimately yielding to God's call. Like The Giving Tree and Hope for the Flowers, this timeless adult fable has many layers of meaning. Whether being called to discipleship, a new job, a new behavior, or a personal risk, just about everyone will find the book applies to him or her. The story is simple: A man in a rowboat is fishing when a Voice says, "Follow me." The man responds like most of us, by thumbing his nose at the Voice. The boat springs first one then two leaks, which the man blames on the Voice. Then the man discovers that he's stuck. He can't reach his oars to move but he can't step out of the boat to follow. He's sure he will drown either way. The Voice again says, "Follow me" and "I love you." Finally the man takes a risk, steps out of the boat, and discovers he can walk on water. Brilliantly conceived and executed, The Voice is perfect for gift buyers, personal use, and group discussion. Spiritual seekers of all ages and Christians of all denominations will love it. It's also of particular use to vocation directors, retreat directors, people in recovery, counselors and therapists, high school seniors and recent graduates, adult study groups, Confirmation candidates, RCIA candidates, job changers, and anyone in any kind of transition.
Ryan Metlen holds a B.F.A. in film/animation from California Institute of the Arts.
His first book, THE VOICE, was published by Paulist Press in 2001. EWE, published by Hidden Spring Books, arrived on bookshelves in 2009.
He is a co-creator and illustrator of the nationally syndicated daily comic strip, HOPE & DEATH (Creators.com).
THE NEW YORK TIMES and THE WALL STREET JOURNAL are among those publications which have used his artwork.
