2 out of 4 stars
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Referring to The Messenger by Joe D. Bernard as a novel or novella seems a little inappropriate to me. I would most adequately qualify it as a journal. A very personal journal written by the author.
When I read the description of this book, I reckoned it would make an enlightening read, especially since it is in the non-fiction genre, I was right. To start with, the author introduces himself as the messenger. What is his message? His message is the information he intends to relay, the point of view he wishes his readers to consider, and the expanse of mind he prefers they operate on. After all, as he says on Page 14, “Your biggest enemy is ignorance...”
The author explains the tasking nature of his job. His boss gives him several assignments, questions mainly, and he comes up with answers. The foundation of the entire book is laid when he is given yet another assignment to decipher the meaning of ‘code.’ The author introduces concepts and themes from diverse aspects of life. Each subject is a code he then proceeds to explore. Included are the laws of quantum physics code, recreation code, snap decisions code, processor speed code, Marco Polo code, umbilical code, enigma code, time code, emotional intelligence code, propaganda code, just to name a few. He decodes each subject by explaining it.
I have to say I was amazed by the brilliance of the author’s mind. He attempted to explain what ‘why’ means.
He brought ordinary day-to-day concepts and proceeded to explain their meaning scientifically, using binary codes and algorithms. It was fascinating. It's no wonder he compares his mind with that of Albert Einstein, Professor Stephen Hawking, Rambo, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. and Confucius. He even compares the human mind with a PC. It was like reading through the thoughts of a genius.
That being said, this was not an easy book to read. It wasn’t properly organised and following the author’s trail of thoughts was admittedly frustrating and immensely difficult. It didn’t help that the book was designed in such a way that the reader feels he/she is going through the author's day with him. He would say, “Amen, don’t forget to brush your teeth. After prayers and go to bed early...” Page 15. Also on Page 18, “Until tomorrow and don’t forget your prayers, sleep well, my friend called ‘awe.’” I thought it was cute the first time. By the second time, I was wondering why the writer would assume I was going to bed. It was nowhere near my bedtime.
Concerning grammar and punctuation errors, this book held countless of them, evidenced in the quotations above. I had to read some sentences over again to at least grasp some meaning on what the author was trying to say. That really detracted from the flow of reading. Pages 7 and 8 of the copy I downloaded were completely blank. This book could really use the smooth hands of an editor.
If I had to mention one good thing about this book, it would be that it is enlightening; it offers a fresh point of view on many topics. Sadly, even that loses its value and intrigue if a book is not properly developed and the reader doesn’t feel like one with it.
Hence, I rate The Messenger By Joe D. Bernard as 2 out of 4 stars. I did not give it a 1-star rating (marking it as bad) because of the author's brilliance, and I also find something he said on Page 161 really thought-provoking. He said, “Education comes in many forms and is measured by academic qualification. However, it doesn’t always measure a person’s intelligence, common sense or ability. There are people who are not academically educated, but are very intelligent, in touch with their common-sense values...” I consider that a beautiful way to think.
I would recommend this book to patient readers interested in gathering new knowledge on issues regarding politics, science and psychology.
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The Messenger
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