The J Affect

What a great read by Peter Burstin. I found myself unable to put the book down, I could not wait to get tho the next page. Quite a creative approach to our possible future and our past. He weaves together a story that has layers of implications. It is truly thought provoking, especially to our current world crisis. When is the next book comming?

The J Affect manages to shift focus off the structure of religion, redirecting it to where it's always belonged, on true spirituality. Elegantly written, and with more depth than Dan Browns' tie collection, The J Affect manages to unfold a thought provoking epic that leaves one with the sublime gift of possibility. In Burstins' form of deadpan humor, and break-free imagination, dreams unfold, God speaks and answers are revealed to those wise enough to accept them. Much like the impeccably designed cover, this book is well thought out and contains layers of revelations that continue long after turning the last page.

Peter Burstin's compelling and zany novel made me question some of my most basic assumptions about our role in the world. The characters are drawn with affection - yet they pinpoint aspects of the human nature with a cynical accuracy which reminded me of Kurt Vonnegut's loving portrayals of a wrecked future. The outlandish J Affect tells the story of the coming of the messiah, and of the present-day Daffy family, whose scion Bob is mistakenly raised as the Saviour in the public eye. Auggie's cryptic sense of humour guides our protagonist through history, selecting him as a witness to tell the tale of the four Js. Burstin may seem cruel at times in his portrayal of humanity, but is also full of compassion for their plight. The result is a biting satire that keeps you turning the pages like an addict, wondering "...is this really us?"

On first blush The J Affect appears to be merely a carefully and seamlessly woven stream of consciousness from a brilliant new voice. In the light of day, however, Mr. Burstin's first novel is an intricate and compelling fantasy of the not-too-distant future that sheds a blazing critical light on the present. Burstin subtly yet dramatically interweaves the essences of at least fifteen different faiths in the telling of the birth and life of the fourth messiah, J. Part mystery, action adventure, and mythical and mystical dogma, The J Affect is a fantastic racy narrative, full of excellent satire, a collection of intricately drawn eccentric characters, and a cautionary tale of what the future could hold if mankind doesn't get off of its present course of self-destruction.

When J turns up ro engage himself in a brutal selection process between creatures more like apes than mankind back in primitive times, the "J Affect" gains a kubrick-like visuality. Like the look with a gigantic telescope into space to observe an astronomic miracle is repeating this impression that there is a connection between the origins of our life-form and space. Unlike Kubricks "2001" this odyssey uses the vehicle of religion to find answers of the human condition. It doesn't take long for the "J Affect" to reveal both the strong and ambivalent relationship between religion and politics in our days. And which location would be suited better for a showdown of colliding interests between these two moralities than New York City? A fast paced journey into mankind and what happens when the messias turns up in one of the biggest cities in the world. Be prepared for many good laughs too!