Dead Dog Like Me by Max Davis

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dead Dog Like Me
(Worthy Publishing - June 23, 2015)

by
Max Davis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Max Davis is the author of over twenty books, has been featured in USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly, and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in journalism and biblical studies. In addition to his own works, he’s done a variety of ghostwriting and collaboration projects. Max and Alanna have three grown children and a grand baby.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nick Gregory regains consciousness after a horrific car accident to find he’s been transported back in time and that he has become Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Aware that he’s experiencing another man’s life, he has to learn fast. When mega-church pastor, Nick Gregory, regains consciousness after a horrific car accident, he’s on the ground in agonizing pain. Nick realizes he is in a bizarre place – a foreign, parched, ancient land, having been transported back in time to 800 B.C. Unbelievably, he is in the body of a prince named Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is fully aware of who he is and that he’s now living in Mephibosheth’s body, strangely able to speak and understand Hebrew. This experience helps him see that he, like Mephibosheth, is a broken man desperate for God’s outrageous grace and healing (2 Samuel 9:8). Returning to present day, Nick’s experience motivates a changed life.

My thoughts:

Two things made me want to read this book. One, the cover! So unconventional, especially for Christian fiction. The second reason this book piqued my interest is because I have heard messages from three different preachers on the story of Mephibosheth just in the last few months.

The story thrusts us into the chaotic world of high profile minister Nick Gregory, whose personal and professional life is imploding. That desperation leads him to do the unthinkable - just end it all! But something happens that Nick is not expecting...his efforts to end his life in the 21st century have hurled him back in time to a life during Old Testament days. I know others have mentioned wanting more of the story set during Biblical times, and I admit that to some extent I did as well, but remember Mephibosheth only shows up briefly in 2 Samuel and I think the author did do justice in not spreading that part of the story too thin. Further into the book, the story is touched on again, and brings closure to the intersection of the modern day story and the Biblical one.

If I could have changed anything about the book, I would have liked to have seen more development in Abbi's story, especially the call to be like Hosea in response to Nick's ministry being his mistress; and a little more background information on Philip's story would have been nice as well. I just felt like that part of the story was in limbo as I didn't know what was behind his suicide until almost the end of the book.

I will say the gems of the story, in addition to the redeeming power of grace that Nick experiences, show up in the form of Maria, Kenny, and, yes, even Deuce. These three characters brought similar aspects to the story - loyalty, faithfulness, and even showing love when people are less than lovable.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as it brought the story of Mephibosheth to life for me. I'm sure it will speak to other readers as well - as a powerful reminder that God's love and grace can help us to overcome our inadequacies. Always remember, even when we feel as worthless as a dead dog, God can lead us to His banqueting table and His banner over us is Love.

My sincerest thanks to CFBA, Worthy Publishers, and Wynn-Wynn Media for generously providing a copy for review.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dead Dog Like Me, go HERE.