The Afterword

The Afterword © 2003 Mike Bryan Pantheon ISBN: 0-3754-2212-9 This novella is not only clever in its format, but thought provoking. It is a fictionalized “afterword” of a best-selling novel that doesn’t exist. The Afterword addresses the reactions detractors and critics of the nonexistent novel, The Deity Next Door; it is written from the first person point of view of the fictional author, with his personal anecdotes about the route taken to writing the book. In chapter one, author Mike Bryan writes his fictional author's mindset: "…why not answer all the questions, once and for all, with what might turn out to be a rather lengthy afterword to this handsome new edition of The Deity Next Door?…" The inventive style of Mike Bryan is compelling, and quite believable. The Afterword, through its interesting presentation, also offers light scholarly examinations of Christian faith in contemporary society. I consider this a Must Read, not only for its insights, but for the book's unique development. This is Bryan's first novel.