Electric God

Hayden Reese is a regular on Division Road, the location of the local jail. He and the county sheriff have become great friends over their countless games of chess, played out during Hayden's stays in lock-up. But the destructive rage that keeps landing Hayden in jail is in stark contrast with the tenderness and compassion he also exhibits. So moved to help a disabled baby possum, he's nearly leveled by a semi at the opening of the book. Throughout the book, it's apparent that the rage Hayden struggles to control is triggered by his inability to protect and save many of the ones he loves.As Hayden's rage and the destruction it wreaks on his life run the course of the novel, the Book of Job, the story of Jonah and the whale (or big fish), anger, forgiveness, control and understandings of God are examined. As Hayden gives and receives forgiveness, the book will leave you wanting to exercise more forgiveness in your own life. It's a great book to read for all who have experienced loss, powerlessness, and injustice. I've read many books in the last year that I've enjoyed and several that I would recommend to a friend, but this is one that my friends won't just hear about from me; it's one I'll be giving them.

I liked this book, but then I read all of Ms.Hyde's books: something is happening in them, and she's worth watching. The review from above chosen by the ... site, from Booklist by Carolyn Kubisz says it all for me. As uncomfortable as I was with her main character, Hayden Reese, the question of what is forgiveable comes into sharp play. The least you can say is Reese's optimism is earned.

Have you tried to protect your heart from pain, only to find that any fortress you build around your emotions can be tumbled by honesty? Again, Catherine Ryan Hyde has shared with us a poignant, human, story. Upon reading this story you will find it reveals a secret you tried to hide from yourself. In my case it was that there are still people in my life I need to forgive. This story may reveal something to you as well. Sometimes answers do not bring relief, nor does suffering end, but life is worth the sweat, the tears, the blood, and especially the laughter. I know that every individual who reads "Electric God" will be given an opportunity to gain a message that will make their life sweeter. Honest. Be open and you will get it. Thank you CRH.

I almost took a day off work just so I could read ! Catherine Ryan Hyde does it again with this reader friendly story of a man who hides his emotions throughout his childhood and never cries - even when it is appropriate to do so. Only to have those emotions resurface during adulthood in ways that are definately not appropriate and have to live with the harsh consequences of his actions. Despite his angry, violent outbursts Hayden is immensly likable and you can't help melting a little when he reveals his soft underbelly to the people moving in and out of the orbit of his life. This book is like a bowl of jello - easy to consume, easy to love, and leaves you wanting more.

The Jacket Blurb reads...a contemporary reinterpretation of the Book of Job...Believe me, if you come to this novel (or stay away from it)because of that expectation you are in for quite a surprise. This book is so much more than that. Funny, wry, believable characters and plot and at times so sharply moving I read it in six hours the day I got it. The highest praise I can give this novel is that now I can't decide if Catherine Ryan Hyde's Electric God or her earlier Funerals for Horses is the best I've ever read.If you want a Gem, bright & literary writing, Get this book and read all her others.