Jan Notzon's Blog, page 9
August 18, 2025
And Ye Shall Be As Gods
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.
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.
August 16, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Lily Scott- These first chapters took The New Chapter on a journey that felt both intimate and universal. Jacob is such a well drawn character his mix of sarcasm, tenderness, and restraint makes him feel like someone we might know in real life. Grace, too, is already so vividly present that we care deeply about her well-being.
The detail with which Jan Notzon paints their world the dusty roads, the quiet pauses in conversation, the weight of family history gave us so much to talk about.
One of our favorite discussion moments came from Chapter 4, when Jacob’s reflections hinted at deeper emotional scars. It made us wonder just how much of the story is about healing versus simply enduring. We couldn’t help but recommend this to other clubs in our network.
The detail with which Jan Notzon paints their world the dusty roads, the quiet pauses in conversation, the weight of family history gave us so much to talk about.
One of our favorite discussion moments came from Chapter 4, when Jacob’s reflections hinted at deeper emotional scars. It made us wonder just how much of the story is about healing versus simply enduring. We couldn’t help but recommend this to other clubs in our network.
August 15, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Charlotte Evans- Our group at The New Chapter has read many family dramas, but And Ye Shall Be as Gods is shaping up to be one of the most honest portrayals we’ve seen in a while.
By the time we reached Chapter 5, we had already argued (in the best way!) about Jacob’s choices, Grace’s dependence, and whether his sense of duty is selfless or quietly self-destructive.
The writing is gorgeous clean yet lyrical, with moments that make you stop and re-read just to appreciate the craft. The funeral scene in Chapter 2 was a standout, stirring up memories for many of us and sparking a heartfelt conversation about how people process loss differently.
We left our last meeting buzzing with theories about where the story might go. One member summed it up perfectly: “It’s like Notzon is peeling back layers of the human heart, one chapter at a time.” We’re hooked.
By the time we reached Chapter 5, we had already argued (in the best way!) about Jacob’s choices, Grace’s dependence, and whether his sense of duty is selfless or quietly self-destructive.
The writing is gorgeous clean yet lyrical, with moments that make you stop and re-read just to appreciate the craft. The funeral scene in Chapter 2 was a standout, stirring up memories for many of us and sparking a heartfelt conversation about how people process loss differently.
We left our last meeting buzzing with theories about where the story might go. One member summed it up perfectly: “It’s like Notzon is peeling back layers of the human heart, one chapter at a time.” We’re hooked.
August 14, 2025
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.
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.
August 13, 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.
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.
August 12, 2025
And Ye Shall Be as Gods
Ethan Fisher- Reading Chapters 1–5 felt to The New Chapter like being drawn into a photograph that slowly comes to life. Every scene felt tangible the way the air shifts at a funeral, the silence in a hospital room, the unspoken words between family members.
Jan Notzon’s skill lies in capturing these quiet truths and making them resonate. As a group, we were struck by how deeply we already care for Jacob and Grace. There’s a tenderness in their relationship, even when unspoken, that makes the stakes feel incredibly high.
We’ve read plenty of books where it took half the story to get invested; here, it took five chapters. This is exactly the kind of read we crave one that makes us impatient to keep going.
Jan Notzon’s skill lies in capturing these quiet truths and making them resonate. As a group, we were struck by how deeply we already care for Jacob and Grace. There’s a tenderness in their relationship, even when unspoken, that makes the stakes feel incredibly high.
We’ve read plenty of books where it took half the story to get invested; here, it took five chapters. This is exactly the kind of read we crave one that makes us impatient to keep going.
August 11, 2025
Review by Gina Rae Mitchell
Suffer Not the Mole People is a haunting, deeply human novel that explores what it means to leave everything behind—and the emotional legacy such a choice carries. Jan Notzon doesn’t sugarcoat the immigrant experience. He allows space for the fear, the grief, the shame of feeling like a stranger in your new home—and the silent pride in surviving it all anyway.
This story may be historical in setting, but its emotional truth feels current. For anyone who has lived between cultures, questioned their place, or carried the burden of unspoken trauma, this book speaks volumes.
This story may be historical in setting, but its emotional truth feels current. For anyone who has lived between cultures, questioned their place, or carried the burden of unspoken trauma, this book speaks volumes.
August 9, 2025
Review by Samantha Turley
To Sing Like a Mockingbird:
I thought this novel was an excellent fusion of depth and suspenseful twists.
The storyline and characters were captivating.
It's clear the author invested a lot of effort into crafting this book, with every twist adding to its unique appeal.
I thought this novel was an excellent fusion of depth and suspenseful twists.
The storyline and characters were captivating.
It's clear the author invested a lot of effort into crafting this book, with every twist adding to its unique appeal.
July 23, 2025
Suffer Not the Mole People
From: "Sarah reads"
What an absolutely fantastic book this is. Everytime I picked this up I was amazed how better it got. I also know that this book will be with me for a long time.
I have never read this author before but this will be changing. The imagination of this author is something out of this world and he has a great talent for being a great storyteller.
What an absolutely fantastic book this is. Everytime I picked this up I was amazed how better it got. I also know that this book will be with me for a long time.
I have never read this author before but this will be changing. The imagination of this author is something out of this world and he has a great talent for being a great storyteller.
July 21, 2025
Review by Gina Rae Mitchell
Notzon’s writing doesn’t pull any punches. He digs into his characters’ flaws and complexities, making sure no one comes out looking like a saint. Even Justin, with all his good intentions, wrestles with disillusionment and doubt. The book takes a hard, honest look at what it means to believe in change and if that change is even possible in today’s world.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story where justice wins and everything wraps up neatly, this isn’t it. To Sing Like a Mockingbird is raw, complex, and sometimes painful, but it’s the kind of novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It’s also one that would make for an incredible book club discussion. See below for a list of possible discussion questions to get you started.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story where justice wins and everything wraps up neatly, this isn’t it. To Sing Like a Mockingbird is raw, complex, and sometimes painful, but it’s the kind of novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It’s also one that would make for an incredible book club discussion. See below for a list of possible discussion questions to get you started.
