Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Ringing True
by
Robert Morrow (Goodreads Author)
It is the summer of 2005, the year of fear and loathing in America. Seattle resident Justin Raines wants to do something about the deplorable state of the human race. When his friend, Shelby Mirabeau, suggests launching a new world religion focused on accepting responsibility, Justin agrees only because he lacks a better idea. When their first laughable attempts at a launc...more
Paperback, 328 pages
Published
November 24th 2010
by iUniverse.com
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
200)
I couldn't put it down. Ringing True is a fresh and compelling story about a group of 20-somethings who are disillusioned with the hatred and greed in the world and set out to make a change. They do this by creating a new world religion based on 12 non-judgmental, non-prescriptive tenets that do, in fact, take the world by storm. But just as the religion is taking off, trouble within the inner-circle unfolds (due to Hollywood and corporate involvement) and a series of plot twists and intrigue bu...more
Jan 20, 2013
Molly Ringle
added it
What if some nice, over-educated young Americans, disillusioned with this cruel world, came up with the perfect religion? One that was easy to understand, made good sense, and honestly would improve humanity's lot exponentially if everyone adopted it? Would there be any chance at all that the message would catch on, and *not* get distorted and misapplied when it hit the big time? Robert Morrow explores these important questions in 'Ringing True,' almost more of a clever thought experiment than a...more
First off, I was very excited to win this in a giveaway:)
I gave this 4 stars only because it took me until I was about halfway through to really get into it. Once I was in, I didn't want to put it down until it was over. I thought it was very well written, especially the character development, as I could really see the characters in my mind (and felt strongly enough that I wanted to punch some of them in the face). Whoops, stop the violence, right?
Overall, it was an interesting idea, and would...more
I gave this 4 stars only because it took me until I was about halfway through to really get into it. Once I was in, I didn't want to put it down until it was over. I thought it was very well written, especially the character development, as I could really see the characters in my mind (and felt strongly enough that I wanted to punch some of them in the face). Whoops, stop the violence, right?
Overall, it was an interesting idea, and would...more
2 likes · like · see review
view all 3 comments
Naturally, I was very excited to win this book through Goodreads. The author also signed it, which told me right away this was a down-to-earth guy.
I know some may see 3 stars as a low rating compared to the other reviews. I did enjoy it - it just happened to be a 3-star book for me. If you're considering it, I encourage you to read other reviews before you make a decision, so here goes...
This is a story of two people (Shelby & Justin) who decided to start their own religion basically by usin...more
I know some may see 3 stars as a low rating compared to the other reviews. I did enjoy it - it just happened to be a 3-star book for me. If you're considering it, I encourage you to read other reviews before you make a decision, so here goes...
This is a story of two people (Shelby & Justin) who decided to start their own religion basically by usin...more
If you're settled cozily into your comfort zone - watch out! This book does not let you walk away from it without your mind racing. There's no coddling here: this is a book with a message and you are along for the ride! A plethora of multifaceted characters with rich and ranging back-stories ensure that you will find many places for your empathy to hook onto. Even the most despicable of the characters are presented with a humanity that makes you end up feeling for "the bad guy."
And let's not for...more
This book is fantastic!
Ringing True is a story about a couple of twenty-somethings that decide to start their own world religion in response to the death and destruction of human kind. No saviors, no gods, no government funding or tax breaks, it's a for-profit corporate religion that proposes ideas on how to live peacefully and responsibly. The story shows what would happen if this religion were to take off in the mainstream.
Two things that make this book such a fun read are the characters and d...more
Ringing True is a story about a couple of twenty-somethings that decide to start their own world religion in response to the death and destruction of human kind. No saviors, no gods, no government funding or tax breaks, it's a for-profit corporate religion that proposes ideas on how to live peacefully and responsibly. The story shows what would happen if this religion were to take off in the mainstream.
Two things that make this book such a fun read are the characters and d...more
RINGING TRUE is a smart novel that also enlightens and entertains. The book is concerned with large issues -- i.e., achieving world peace through a new religion that rises above divisive theology. That part was thought-provoking, but I think the real energy comes from the cast of quirky characters, including a small circle of friends in their 20s, a villain who's fun to hate, and a beautiful and mysterious film star. I found it interesting from the beginning, but about midway through I was total...more
Once again I find myself wishing we had a half-star option, because I would really rate Ringing True as three-and-a-half stars. The deciding factor for me was that I liked it much better than other First Reads wins that I gave three stars, so four it is!
When you boil the plot down to its most basic essentials, Ringing True is as cliche as it comes - idealistic 20-somethings trying to change/fix the world, everything takes off and it gets HUGE, the ideals and message get lost in the marketing and...more
When you boil the plot down to its most basic essentials, Ringing True is as cliche as it comes - idealistic 20-somethings trying to change/fix the world, everything takes off and it gets HUGE, the ideals and message get lost in the marketing and...more
3 likes · like · see review
This is a thought-provoking read. I'm a cynical type and not prone to reading books about religion saving the human race from self-destruction, but I came across Ringing True and found myself enjoying the ideas presented by Robert Morrow. While the main character's naivete drove me bonkers every now and then, I'd still recommend the book to others. One cannot read "The Numbers" without a little voice within saying "now THAT makes SENSE!"
Side Note: As a Seattle-ite, I was impressed with Morrow's...more
Side Note: As a Seattle-ite, I was impressed with Morrow's...more
A group of shallow twenty somethings decide to change the world by espousing personal responsibility as a way of life. Admirable to say the least. The philosophies Morrow creates through the protagonist are well drawn and are a needed dose of common sense given the state of humanity and the world. Unfortunately Morrow sledgehammers the reader with his views on corporate greed, a self indulgent media and celebrity worship. All valid criticisms but not handled with much subtlety here, complete wit...more
2 likes · like · see review
Justin Raines is a deep thinking young idealist who is very distressed by the condition of humanity. From starving children in Africa to corporate irresponsibility, he wants to see change. So when his friend Shelby proposes they start a religion based on personal and social responsibility, it doesn't take much to convince him to go for it. Quickly, it becomes apparent how different their motives in this venture are: Justin (whom I adore) is genuine and has a desire to help others; Shelby wants t...more
I really loved this book. It was an easy read, but very thought provoking. It’s true that too many religions now preach love and humility, but encourage hatred and fear of those who believe different. This book takes us on the journey of two college students who decide that they want to change that.
Justin and Shelby had great intentions when they started out on their quest to save the world from self-destruction. However, by joining up with Justin’s roommate Matthias, they opened themselves up...more
Justin and Shelby had great intentions when they started out on their quest to save the world from self-destruction. However, by joining up with Justin’s roommate Matthias, they opened themselves up...more
2 likes · like · see review
This is a book imagined by an adult for adults. I love it. Sexuality is a part of us, that needs to be referred to without bigotry.
Its thought-provoking, humorous, smart, satirical, without ever drifting into the cynical. And it is remarkably well written.(!) Robert Morrow is a true poet, and his eloquent and classy writing promises greatness for the future.
The best summer read for anyone who enjoys thinking while and after reading.
Love it, love it, love it....
Its thought-provoking, humorous, smart, satirical, without ever drifting into the cynical. And it is remarkably well written.(!) Robert Morrow is a true poet, and his eloquent and classy writing promises greatness for the future.
The best summer read for anyone who enjoys thinking while and after reading.
Love it, love it, love it....
4 likes · like · see review
Ringing True was both a fun book to read and inspired some conversations with myself about what kind of religion I would like to see. This group of friends look at all the tenets of the major religions and determine what they like and don't like and what more needs to be in religion for acceptance. The though provoking views and conversations rang true for me. I could hear conversations from my past that took much the same form but without the same result. I recommend to anyone who isn't afraid...more
2 likes · like · see review
Since I wrote the book, I cannot give an objective review. I can only tell you that I had a great time writing it and I include the struggles, wrong turns and painful editing as part of that great time.
Mar 23, 2011
Diana Melendez
marked it as to-read
this book contains technological science fiction and involvement of cliques...
Apr 17, 2011
Christy Compeau
is currently reading it
I won this book from Goodreads. I cant wait to get into it!
Feb 10, 2011
Paul Byer
marked it as to-read
I never read this book. However, I did have this idea based on the fact that I see every day one or two small back office religious organizations flying to the fore-front in my country. All I could imagine is that God is now BIG BU$INE$$!
Apr 22, 2013
Amber Marie
marked it as to-read
Feb 18, 2013
Dan
marked it as to-read
Sep 13, 2012
Katie
marked it as to-read
Jul 21, 2012
Kim Epps Frederickson
marked it as to-read
Feb 14, 2012
Ellen Ekstrom
marked it as to-read
Dec 28, 2011
Charlotte Phillips
marked it as to-read
Oct 30, 2011
Megan Ellis
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Robert Morrow is the author of the novel Ringing True, a poet, a blogger and nonfiction writer (published under another pseudonym). Robert is currently working on three books: one a novel set in San Francisco during the dot.com boom; a collection of essays on workplace reality; and a book of blank verse sonnets.
Under yet another nom de plume, he is a musician and songwriter for the alternative roc...more
More about Robert Morrow...
Under yet another nom de plume, he is a musician and songwriter for the alternative roc...more
Share This Book
4 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“If you want to know what a truly healthy relationship is, it’s one where both people wake up every morning and say, “I choose to be with this person.”
—
88 people liked it
“The real value of any human endeavor lies in how far it advances the human condition.”
—
4 people liked it
More quotes…
