Jan Notzon's Blog, page 8
October 7, 2025
To Sing Like a Mockingbird
Jacob Nelson: This book broke my heart. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a border town and saw how cartels tore families apart, but Justin’s reflections hit me hard. His lament that his friends were swallowed up by greed and confusion felt personal.
Chris wasn’t just a villain; he was someone’s friend, someone’s son. Iggy wasn’t just a crooked sheriff; he was a man who once stood for something. The theme of betrayal of self, of others, of community cut deep. And yet, the way the story is told, almost like a confession from beyond the grave, gave it a sense of redemption too. I cried at the end, and I don’t cry easily.
Chris wasn’t just a villain; he was someone’s friend, someone’s son. Iggy wasn’t just a crooked sheriff; he was a man who once stood for something. The theme of betrayal of self, of others, of community cut deep. And yet, the way the story is told, almost like a confession from beyond the grave, gave it a sense of redemption too. I cried at the end, and I don’t cry easily.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Jack Morgan - From the moment we opened And Ye Shall Be as Gods, The New Chapter book club was captivated. The first five chapters gave us so much to discuss that we could have filled an entire evening without even moving further. The opening scene set the tone beautifully Jacob’s dry humor, his careful observations, and that subtle current of sadness pulled us right in.
By Chapter 2, the funeral scene hit like a wave; we were struck by how Jan Notzon balanced the grief of loss with moments of grace and even humor. Grace’s vulnerability is already so deeply felt, and the quiet love Jacob shows her is nothing short of moving. We all agreed this is the kind of story that will stay with us, and several members have already told friends to get a copy so they can join our discussions. If this is just the start, we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
By Chapter 2, the funeral scene hit like a wave; we were struck by how Jan Notzon balanced the grief of loss with moments of grace and even humor. Grace’s vulnerability is already so deeply felt, and the quiet love Jacob shows her is nothing short of moving. We all agreed this is the kind of story that will stay with us, and several members have already told friends to get a copy so they can join our discussions. If this is just the start, we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Amelia Grant: What The New Chapter loved most about the first five chapters was how much emotional weight Jan Notzon managed to pack into them without ever feeling heavy-handed. The flashbacks to Jacob’s youth, the subtle details of his family’s history, and the glimpses into Grace’s fragile state all combined into something profoundly human.
We found ourselves relating to the tensions between siblings, the way old wounds can resurface in moments of crisis, and the challenge of balancing personal grief with the needs of others.
Notzon’s descriptions of the desert were another highlight it’s not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing presence in the story. Several members said they could feel the sun on their skin and taste the dry air while reading. We’re only on Chapter 5, but we’re already emotionally invested. If you love fiction that makes you feel, think, and reflect, this is one to pick up.
We found ourselves relating to the tensions between siblings, the way old wounds can resurface in moments of crisis, and the challenge of balancing personal grief with the needs of others.
Notzon’s descriptions of the desert were another highlight it’s not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing presence in the story. Several members said they could feel the sun on their skin and taste the dry air while reading. We’re only on Chapter 5, but we’re already emotionally invested. If you love fiction that makes you feel, think, and reflect, this is one to pick up.
October 5, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Amelia Grant: What The New Chapter loved most about the first five chapters was how much emotional weight Jan Notzon managed to pack into them without ever feeling heavy-handed. The flashbacks to Jacob’s youth, the subtle details of his family’s history, and the glimpses into Grace’s fragile state all combined into something profoundly human. We found ourselves relating to the tensions between siblings, the way old wounds can resurface in moments of crisis, and the challenge of balancing personal grief with the needs of others.
Notzon’s descriptions of the desert were another highlight it’s not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing presence in the story. Several members said they could feel the sun on their skin and taste the dry air while reading. We’re only on Chapter 5, but we’re already emotionally invested. If you love fiction that makes you feel, think, and reflect, this is one to pick up.
Notzon’s descriptions of the desert were another highlight it’s not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing presence in the story. Several members said they could feel the sun on their skin and taste the dry air while reading. We’re only on Chapter 5, but we’re already emotionally invested. If you love fiction that makes you feel, think, and reflect, this is one to pick up.
To Sing Like a Mockingbird
Logan Reed: I’ll be honest: at first, I rolled my eyes at the ghostly narrator. It felt gimmicky. But the longer I read, the more it grew on me. There’s something eerie about hearing the confessions of a man who already knows how the story ends. The prologue hooked me with its melancholy tone, and by the time Chris Caballero was revealed as a cartel boss, I was fully invested.
What surprised me was how much empathy the author gives to flawed characters. Even the ‘bad guys’ aren’t drawn in black and white. My main critique is that some passages meander in philosophical musings when I wanted more plot. Still, it’s a unique take on the crime genre, and I can’t say I’ve read anything quite like it.
What surprised me was how much empathy the author gives to flawed characters. Even the ‘bad guys’ aren’t drawn in black and white. My main critique is that some passages meander in philosophical musings when I wanted more plot. Still, it’s a unique take on the crime genre, and I can’t say I’ve read anything quite like it.
October 3, 2025
To Sing Like a Mockingbird
Ava Montgomery: This novel isn’t just about crime; it’s about meaning. When Justin’s spirit speaks from the other side, it frames everything we see as part of a bigger, cosmic mystery. The book quotes Frost and meditates on paradoxes, which made me stop and reread certain passages. I felt like I was being asked: what are my choices leading to? How will I be remembered? That existential weight makes this story special. I didn’t just finish a novel; I finished a sermon disguised as a crime saga. It’s rare for fiction to blend philosophy, religion, and gritty realism so smoothly. Some readers may find it too heavy, but for me, it was nourishment.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Book Reviewer
4,389 reviews
And Ye Shall Be as Gods by Jan Notzon presents a compelling blend of narrative, philosophical exploration, and elements of mystery. The story centers around Jacob Kazmareck, who embarks on a multifaceted journey of self-discovery, healing his adoptive sister, and grappling with his relationship with God. Throughout the novel, readers are introduced to significant philosophical questions. Notzon addresses these questions in a personal and comprehensible manner, offering their own interpretations while leaving room for reader engagement.
The novel delves into the theme of anti-Semitism, making it particularly pertinent in today's context. It encourages readers to reflect on profound human questions, similar to those that Jacob confronts: the essence of humanity, our inclination towards accepting hatred as a norm, and the nature of good and evil. Jacob's intricate thought processes and his philosophical quest for truth are portrayed, culminating in the revelation that the pursuit of certainty is, ironically, one of the greatest evils. This theme resonates with the book's title, which alludes to Satan's promise to Adam and Eve, suggesting a parallel between humans and deities in their capacity for pettiness and hate.
While the book invites readers to engage more deeply, Notzon's rich and advanced vocabulary, used creatively, adds a unique layer to the reading experience. This is evident in phrases like "insouciant nutmeg," which offer a distinctive twist to conventional descriptions. Blending sophisticated language with diverse subjects enriches the narrative and encourages readers to explore the text more thoughtfully, even if it occasionally presents interpretative challenges.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods depth and thought-provoking nature reward the reader with a rich story that encourages introspection and personal interpretation of the philosophical queries it raises. The book offers a unique and reflective journey for those willing to navigate its complex language.
4,389 reviews
And Ye Shall Be as Gods by Jan Notzon presents a compelling blend of narrative, philosophical exploration, and elements of mystery. The story centers around Jacob Kazmareck, who embarks on a multifaceted journey of self-discovery, healing his adoptive sister, and grappling with his relationship with God. Throughout the novel, readers are introduced to significant philosophical questions. Notzon addresses these questions in a personal and comprehensible manner, offering their own interpretations while leaving room for reader engagement.
The novel delves into the theme of anti-Semitism, making it particularly pertinent in today's context. It encourages readers to reflect on profound human questions, similar to those that Jacob confronts: the essence of humanity, our inclination towards accepting hatred as a norm, and the nature of good and evil. Jacob's intricate thought processes and his philosophical quest for truth are portrayed, culminating in the revelation that the pursuit of certainty is, ironically, one of the greatest evils. This theme resonates with the book's title, which alludes to Satan's promise to Adam and Eve, suggesting a parallel between humans and deities in their capacity for pettiness and hate.
While the book invites readers to engage more deeply, Notzon's rich and advanced vocabulary, used creatively, adds a unique layer to the reading experience. This is evident in phrases like "insouciant nutmeg," which offer a distinctive twist to conventional descriptions. Blending sophisticated language with diverse subjects enriches the narrative and encourages readers to explore the text more thoughtfully, even if it occasionally presents interpretative challenges.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods depth and thought-provoking nature reward the reader with a rich story that encourages introspection and personal interpretation of the philosophical queries it raises. The book offers a unique and reflective journey for those willing to navigate its complex language.
October 2, 2025
To Sing Like a Mockingbird
Ethan Brooks: I’ve read a lot of cartel thrillers, and honestly, most of them lean on gunfights, betrayals, and clichés. This one is different. ‘To Sing Like a Mockingbird’ is slower, more lyrical, almost poetic at times. The danger is there: drug trafficking, lawmen going corrupt but the real story is about friendship and how it unravels.
Iggy Valdez was my favorite character because he’s caught between two worlds: his role as sheriff and his ties to people pulling him under. The book also explores small-town Texas life with an eye for detail that feels authentic. I could almost smell the dust and hear the local gossip. If you want nonstop action, this isn’t your book. But if you want a crime novel with heart, depth, and soul, this is it.
Iggy Valdez was my favorite character because he’s caught between two worlds: his role as sheriff and his ties to people pulling him under. The book also explores small-town Texas life with an eye for detail that feels authentic. I could almost smell the dust and hear the local gossip. If you want nonstop action, this isn’t your book. But if you want a crime novel with heart, depth, and soul, this is it.
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Gwen: A haunting book with a story that makes the reader examine his or her own life as well as the life of the protagonist. The book is about a man, the trauma his sister is going through and his way of helping her. It is also about the man's love interest and her secret. All things are woven together in a delicious story.
I recommend this book highly.
I recommend this book highly.
October 1, 2025
To Sing Like a Mockingbird
Lio: From the moment I picked this book up, I knew it was going to be special. The cover is striking, but it’s what’s inside that truly impressed me. Justin Kopechne’s struggle to bring hope and change into a world weighed down by corruption, crime, and personal conflict had me hooked from the first page. It’s rare to find a story that balances grit with so much heart, but this one does it beautifully.
The writing is sharp, emotional, and deeply human. Every character feels authentic, every choice meaningful. I admire how the author managed to capture both the harsh realities of life in small-town Texas and the resilience of someone who refuses to give up. It’s not just a good story, it’s a thought-provoking one that lingers.
Hats off to the author for creating such a powerful, layered narrative. This is a book I’ll be recommending to friends for a long time.
The writing is sharp, emotional, and deeply human. Every character feels authentic, every choice meaningful. I admire how the author managed to capture both the harsh realities of life in small-town Texas and the resilience of someone who refuses to give up. It’s not just a good story, it’s a thought-provoking one that lingers.
Hats off to the author for creating such a powerful, layered narrative. This is a book I’ll be recommending to friends for a long time.
