Jan Notzon's Blog, page 13
September 5, 2025
To Sing Like a Mockingbird
This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. Justin Kopechne is such a compelling protagonist an idealist trying to do the right thing in a world that constantly pushes back. His fight to bring hope and rehabilitation to troubled kids in a Texas reformatory felt raw, emotional, and heartbreakingly real.
What I loved most is how the story weaves together Justin’s personal battles with the larger forces around him the drug cartel, the sheriff’s political corruption, and even the fractures within his own family. The tension between idealism and compromise is captured so vividly that I often found myself asking what I would have done in his place.
The supporting characters, especially Justin’s friend caught between loyalty to the cartel and his concern for Justin, brought so much depth. Every relationship felt layered, messy, and authentic. The moral choices weren’t black and white, which made the story even more powerful.
By the end, I felt both drained and inspired. It’s the kind of book that makes you think long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a gripping, character-driven story that doesn’t shy away from tough questions about justice, corruption, and hope, this is absolutely a must-read.
What I loved most is how the story weaves together Justin’s personal battles with the larger forces around him the drug cartel, the sheriff’s political corruption, and even the fractures within his own family. The tension between idealism and compromise is captured so vividly that I often found myself asking what I would have done in his place.
The supporting characters, especially Justin’s friend caught between loyalty to the cartel and his concern for Justin, brought so much depth. Every relationship felt layered, messy, and authentic. The moral choices weren’t black and white, which made the story even more powerful.
By the end, I felt both drained and inspired. It’s the kind of book that makes you think long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a gripping, character-driven story that doesn’t shy away from tough questions about justice, corruption, and hope, this is absolutely a must-read.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Olivia Bennett- Chapter 4 left our club reflecting on the subtle tensions of caregiving and loyalty. Jacob’s protective instincts toward Grace are tender, yet complicated, and Notzon never allows them to feel one-dimensional.
The emotional layering in these first five chapters humor, grief, longing, restraint is remarkable. Every small gesture feels significant, every line of dialogue carries weight, and we’ve already recommended this book to friends who crave literature that makes you feel deeply.
The emotional layering in these first five chapters humor, grief, longing, restraint is remarkable. Every small gesture feels significant, every line of dialogue carries weight, and we’ve already recommended this book to friends who crave literature that makes you feel deeply.
September 4, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Brooks Palmer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Page-Turner You Can’t Miss
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025
And Ye Shall Be As Gods" is not just a story about one family, it is a story that reflects humanity as a whole. Discussing it in our book club opened up conversations about how past traumas ripple into the present and how words spoken in cruelty can leave lasting scars.
The way the novel connects a brother’s guilt, a sister’s silence, and the legacy of the Holocaust makes it both unsettling and transformative. I deeply respect the author’s courage in tackling such difficult themes with compassion and honesty. This is a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Page-Turner You Can’t Miss
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025
And Ye Shall Be As Gods" is not just a story about one family, it is a story that reflects humanity as a whole. Discussing it in our book club opened up conversations about how past traumas ripple into the present and how words spoken in cruelty can leave lasting scars.
The way the novel connects a brother’s guilt, a sister’s silence, and the legacy of the Holocaust makes it both unsettling and transformative. I deeply respect the author’s courage in tackling such difficult themes with compassion and honesty. This is a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Brooks Palmer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Page-Turner You Can’t Miss
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025
And Ye Shall Be As Gods" is not just a story about one family, it is a story that reflects humanity as a whole. Discussing it in our book club opened up conversations about how past traumas ripple into the present and how words spoken in cruelty can leave lasting scars.
The way the novel connects a brother’s guilt, a sister’s silence, and the legacy of the Holocaust makes it both unsettling and transformative. I deeply respect the author’s courage in tackling such difficult themes with compassion and honesty. This is a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Page-Turner You Can’t Miss
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025
And Ye Shall Be As Gods" is not just a story about one family, it is a story that reflects humanity as a whole. Discussing it in our book club opened up conversations about how past traumas ripple into the present and how words spoken in cruelty can leave lasting scars.
The way the novel connects a brother’s guilt, a sister’s silence, and the legacy of the Holocaust makes it both unsettling and transformative. I deeply respect the author’s courage in tackling such difficult themes with compassion and honesty. This is a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and remembered.
September 3, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
James Huber
5.0 out of 5 stars wow !
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2025
Our book club recently read this novel, and it quickly became one of the most powerful discussions we’ve ever had. What struck me personally was how the author captured the weight of Jake’s journey—the despair of his sister, the loss of his love, and the haunting connection between past and present.
The writing is raw, emotional, and deeply human. I loved how every chapter carried both suspense and meaning, making it impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that not only tells a story but opens doors for reflection, which is exactly why our club embraced it so strongly.
5.0 out of 5 stars wow !
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2025
Our book club recently read this novel, and it quickly became one of the most powerful discussions we’ve ever had. What struck me personally was how the author captured the weight of Jake’s journey—the despair of his sister, the loss of his love, and the haunting connection between past and present.
The writing is raw, emotional, and deeply human. I loved how every chapter carried both suspense and meaning, making it impossible to put down. It’s the kind of book that not only tells a story but opens doors for reflection, which is exactly why our club embraced it so strongly.
August 30, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Charlotte Evans- Chapter 1 introduced us to Jacob’s wit and resilience, but it’s in Chapters 2 and 3 that Notzon begins to show the layers beneath his humor.
The funeral scene, combined with flashbacks to his upbringing, created lively discussion among our members: How much do past regrets shape present actions?
Grace’s quiet demeanor and subtle courage inspired conversation about how trauma manifests in everyday life. By Chapter 5, we were emotionally invested, already speculating on the decisions that will define the rest of the story.
The funeral scene, combined with flashbacks to his upbringing, created lively discussion among our members: How much do past regrets shape present actions?
Grace’s quiet demeanor and subtle courage inspired conversation about how trauma manifests in everyday life. By Chapter 5, we were emotionally invested, already speculating on the decisions that will define the rest of the story.
August 29, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
James Anderson- Chapter 5 is a masterclass in tension and subtle emotional revelation. Grace’s hesitations, Jacob’s observations, and the unspoken bond between them left our club members leaning forward in our chairs, feeling as though we were intruding on something sacred.
We talked at length about how Notzon creates suspense without conventional drama through silence, small gestures, and fleeting thoughts. Even in these opening chapters, the stakes are clear, and the writing leaves us eager to witness what happens next.
We talked at length about how Notzon creates suspense without conventional drama through silence, small gestures, and fleeting thoughts. Even in these opening chapters, the stakes are clear, and the writing leaves us eager to witness what happens next.
August 28, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Henry Carter- What struck The New Chapter most about Chapters 1–5 was how real the characters feel. In Chapter 1, Jacob’s dry humor immediately sets him apart, but it’s in Chapter 3 that we see the depth behind his demeanor his reflections on past mistakes, the subtle regrets, and the responsibility he bears.
Grace’s fragility paired with her quiet strength made us argue over who’s actually more resilient. Notzon’s prose allows the desert, the setting, and the small details of family life to become characters themselves, adding another layer to the reading experience.
Grace’s fragility paired with her quiet strength made us argue over who’s actually more resilient. Notzon’s prose allows the desert, the setting, and the small details of family life to become characters themselves, adding another layer to the reading experience.
August 26, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Lina Bergström- Our first impression at The New Chapter is unanimous: Jan Notzon has written something special. In five chapters, he has given us a cast of characters we believe in, a setting that feels alive, and themes that matter love, loss, family, resilience.
The pacing is perfect; it allows for reflection without dragging. We’ve already placed bets on which chapter will break us emotionally (Chapter 7 is looking suspiciously dangerous).
For now, we’re savoring every page and encouraging every reader we know to pick up a copy so they can join the conversation.
The pacing is perfect; it allows for reflection without dragging. We’ve already placed bets on which chapter will break us emotionally (Chapter 7 is looking suspiciously dangerous).
For now, we’re savoring every page and encouraging every reader we know to pick up a copy so they can join the conversation.
August 24, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Emily Parker- Our meeting at The New Chapter this week lasted an extra 45 minutes because we couldn’t stop dissecting the layers in Chapters 1–5.
We talked about the nature of caregiving, the weight of family expectation, and how personal histories can either bind us together or hold us back.
Notzon’s writing gave us the perfect platform for these conversations. The balance between humor and sadness, light and shadow, is masterful. Every club that values deep, meaningful discussion should have this on their list.
We talked about the nature of caregiving, the weight of family expectation, and how personal histories can either bind us together or hold us back.
Notzon’s writing gave us the perfect platform for these conversations. The balance between humor and sadness, light and shadow, is masterful. Every club that values deep, meaningful discussion should have this on their list.
