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Meals From Mars
Today most people find it easier to remain in their own ethnic, political, and socioeconomic tribes. Meals from Mars doesn't allow that to happen. This unique book grips readers with a riveting plot, compelling characters, and squeamishly awkward (albeit needed) conversation between diverse and divergent people. This book entertains, enlightens, and educates.
230 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 18, 2020
Perhaps prejudice runs both ways....
I think the intent of the book is to start a valid discussion about race. I think the book presents a superficial problem set.... that at a quick glance seems to support both sides and their contradictions.
So I had to let this book settle to get a better perspective of what I actually thought of it. Pull it apart and look at what it offered. I agree that it presents EVERYTHING in the pot and both sides of the issue... with an emerging third... Do we really hate each other because of the color of our skin?
The book used some of the defensive rhetoric of both sides by simply tossing it out there for the reader to take as they will.... it is used to support one side and is deflected by the other... but it represents a deeper problem. Of course, crime is generally committed against the same race... crime happens where it happens. So the statement that black crime happens on black victims and white on white is relatively misleading. The question is why is there more violent crime there...
Well asked and answered... Sciacca gives the stereotypical answer in line with the statistics... Milak is the one with the gun .... so presenting two possibilities that follow statistics... could it be true that Black males use more violent means as the fastest way to access opportunity ... and the other observation is that I (white) don't take a gun to the store to get milk and the rationalization is that it is not necessary in my neighborhood.
so the question morphed into why is one community is more violent than the other community.....
So the take away for me from Sciacca is this... rich neighborhood vs. poor neighborhood...?? Because there is no doubt that both characters come from loving homes with good values... oh... well... drugs happen everywhere... If we accept racial differences ... what's left?
Could it be that we simply confuse race for poverty or inequality?
I saw a sign held by a Black female protester of about my age.. it said "It is not Black vs. White...... it is about equality" and this is, at least part of the point I took away from Sciacca after thinking about it.
I think the intent of the book is to start a valid discussion about race. I think the book presents a superficial problem set.... that at a quick glance seems to support both sides and their contradictions.
So I had to let this book settle to get a better perspective of what I actually thought of it. Pull it apart and look at what it offered. I agree that it presents EVERYTHING in the pot and both sides of the issue... with an emerging third... Do we really hate each other because of the color of our skin?
The book used some of the defensive rhetoric of both sides by simply tossing it out there for the reader to take as they will.... it is used to support one side and is deflected by the other... but it represents a deeper problem. Of course, crime is generally committed against the same race... crime happens where it happens. So the statement that black crime happens on black victims and white on white is relatively misleading. The question is why is there more violent crime there...
Well asked and answered... Sciacca gives the stereotypical answer in line with the statistics... Milak is the one with the gun .... so presenting two possibilities that follow statistics... could it be true that Black males use more violent means as the fastest way to access opportunity ... and the other observation is that I (white) don't take a gun to the store to get milk and the rationalization is that it is not necessary in my neighborhood.
so the question morphed into why is one community is more violent than the other community.....
So the take away for me from Sciacca is this... rich neighborhood vs. poor neighborhood...?? Because there is no doubt that both characters come from loving homes with good values... oh... well... drugs happen everywhere... If we accept racial differences ... what's left?
Could it be that we simply confuse race for poverty or inequality?
I saw a sign held by a Black female protester of about my age.. it said "It is not Black vs. White...... it is about equality" and this is, at least part of the point I took away from Sciacca after thinking about it.
July 3, 2019
***SPOILERS***
1. At first I really wasn’t into this book but it caught me about halfway through.
2. I hated the dialogue. It wasn’t believable and sounded stunted.
3. The author used the word tuft in two different ways within two pages. NO.
4. I feel like the author took a class on setting description 101. It was too cookie cutter.
5. To me, Malik made way too big of a deal out of this whole situation. I understand the desperation point, but Malik was different and told himself he wouldn’t be that way. It just seemed blown out of proportion, especially the car jacking and driving in the middle of nowhere.
6. The symbolism of Edgewood, Stonebrook, and Mars chapel were a little too on the nose. Edgewood=edge of society, Stonebrook=like a rock but also unmoving in their opinion, and Mars chapel=out of touch with reality of Edgewood.
7. The places where the stories were being told (italics) between Malik and Jim felt weird. Because they were told like that, I wasn’t as invested in the main storyline. It felt like stories within stories rather than characters telling about their life.
8. I like this quote:: “It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to rob and hurt someone like that-it makes even less sense when people rob and hurt the very folks who are trying to help them.”
9. I learned the word merk means to kill or verbally or physically attack someone.
10. Gee let’s put every single racist thing we can in one book for discussion purposes; ex: The Confederate Flag.
11. This quote made sense to me and made me think about things differently, “Most crimes are committed against people of the same ethnic origin. Most black crimes are against black people. Why? Because most black people live in an all-black neighborhood. But the same is true of white crime. We don’t hear much about white-on-white crime or Korean-on-Korean crime, do we? But white people commit most of the robberies, drug deals, and murders that take place in white neighborhoods...And statistically, crime rates in black and white neighborhoods are relatively the same per capita. Just as many drugs are sold in the suburbs as are sold in the hood.”
12. An annoying quote that kept showing up: “I don’t get it.”
13. Ending: BUT DID MALIK GET OFF? Probably since the storekeeper woke up. I hope Malik and Jim become friends.
14. Loved this in the afterward: “To live as if we are all the same is to be foolish and irresponsible. We acknowledge variety in the animal kingdom. A zebra is beautiful because of its design. It’s admired because it’s different from the stallion. We appreciate the variations of the seasons in a year. We don’t ignore the snow when it falls. Many in the faith community are well-meaning people who desire unity across racial and cultural lines. Therefore they declare they are ‘colorblind’. However, the declaration of colorblindness doesn’t remove the tension. It perpetuates a dangerous narrative that how God created me isn’t fascinating enough to acknowledge. The simplest indication of ethnic importance is the fact that God made us this way. All his creation was good!”
15. This book provided a great conversation between my husband and me.
16. I also liked what the book had to say about desperation and how that drives behavior of the black community.
1. At first I really wasn’t into this book but it caught me about halfway through.
2. I hated the dialogue. It wasn’t believable and sounded stunted.
3. The author used the word tuft in two different ways within two pages. NO.
4. I feel like the author took a class on setting description 101. It was too cookie cutter.
5. To me, Malik made way too big of a deal out of this whole situation. I understand the desperation point, but Malik was different and told himself he wouldn’t be that way. It just seemed blown out of proportion, especially the car jacking and driving in the middle of nowhere.
6. The symbolism of Edgewood, Stonebrook, and Mars chapel were a little too on the nose. Edgewood=edge of society, Stonebrook=like a rock but also unmoving in their opinion, and Mars chapel=out of touch with reality of Edgewood.
7. The places where the stories were being told (italics) between Malik and Jim felt weird. Because they were told like that, I wasn’t as invested in the main storyline. It felt like stories within stories rather than characters telling about their life.
8. I like this quote:: “It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to rob and hurt someone like that-it makes even less sense when people rob and hurt the very folks who are trying to help them.”
9. I learned the word merk means to kill or verbally or physically attack someone.
10. Gee let’s put every single racist thing we can in one book for discussion purposes; ex: The Confederate Flag.
11. This quote made sense to me and made me think about things differently, “Most crimes are committed against people of the same ethnic origin. Most black crimes are against black people. Why? Because most black people live in an all-black neighborhood. But the same is true of white crime. We don’t hear much about white-on-white crime or Korean-on-Korean crime, do we? But white people commit most of the robberies, drug deals, and murders that take place in white neighborhoods...And statistically, crime rates in black and white neighborhoods are relatively the same per capita. Just as many drugs are sold in the suburbs as are sold in the hood.”
12. An annoying quote that kept showing up: “I don’t get it.”
13. Ending: BUT DID MALIK GET OFF? Probably since the storekeeper woke up. I hope Malik and Jim become friends.
14. Loved this in the afterward: “To live as if we are all the same is to be foolish and irresponsible. We acknowledge variety in the animal kingdom. A zebra is beautiful because of its design. It’s admired because it’s different from the stallion. We appreciate the variations of the seasons in a year. We don’t ignore the snow when it falls. Many in the faith community are well-meaning people who desire unity across racial and cultural lines. Therefore they declare they are ‘colorblind’. However, the declaration of colorblindness doesn’t remove the tension. It perpetuates a dangerous narrative that how God created me isn’t fascinating enough to acknowledge. The simplest indication of ethnic importance is the fact that God made us this way. All his creation was good!”
15. This book provided a great conversation between my husband and me.
16. I also liked what the book had to say about desperation and how that drives behavior of the black community.
September 10, 2017
I am really happy to see a novel like this one being published by a Christian publishing company, because it is a very good book to use to start discussions over racism in the church. First of all, it is an intriguing story, which is in part due to the fact the author works on staff in an urban church, and so it is true to life. I was definitely caught up in the story, in spite of the fact that it is not especially well-written from a technical perspective (too much "head-hopping" in POV). The story involves a rich white lawyer, and a poor black high school kid from an economically depressed neighborhood. They are thrown together by happenstance. Jim, the lawyer, delivers food for Thanksgiving to a black grandmother, but then has to stop for gas in what he considers to be a dangerous neighborhood. At the same time Malik, who is the grandson of the woman who received the food, goes to the neighborhood grocery. While Malik does not like to consider the neighborhood dangerous, he takes the precaution of carrying a gun with him on the errand. While both main characters are there, three black thugs come in and mug the store owner, who Malik considers to be a friend. Because Malik fears being implicated in the crime because of his race, and because he fears reprisal from the three black thugs, who view him as an unwanted witness, he runs away, using his gun to highjack Jim's black Lexus. They drive a long way, ending up almost out of gas at a hunting shack. There they fight the bitter cold and their hunger, as there is little to eat in the shack. With little else to do, they end up talking to each other. Malik talks about what it is like to see friends and family members attacked and profiled because of their race, while Jim talks about his fear of entering a predominately black neighborhood known for its crime rate. This is exactly the conversation the author seeks to encourage in the church between people of different racial backgrounds. While the ending was somewhat unsatisfying to me at first, it is an open ending which seeks to encourage discussion. I highly recommend this book for that purpose.
February 5, 2022
This is a solid enough read, and its terminology as a parable seems appropriate. While it does weave a solid tale, there are some leaps and gaps that one might find. The close scenes- those of the two characters talking of their experiences a la a Christian take on the Cormac McCarthy work The Sunset Limited work well enough. Their justification of their views play like ones we have heard various voices use in media and online. The familiarity of these views gives the work sufficient tone and heft as a conversation starter.
Where the book does seems to derail slightly for me as a reader is the framing mechanism. The pathway that takes theses characters into the isolated woods and then out seems a little forced. Segments of it work, but other segments seem to be driven by a need to get to those conversations and then to close the story. As a parable meant to convey a moral or spiritual point about the need to address inequalities and bias, it works well. As a novel of its own accord, some leaps and gaps become apparent.
Still, the book is enriched by a solid afterword wherein the author explains the driving force behind the work, his own experiences in church settings after the then recent concerns of brutality and racially informed treatment that populated the news. Meals from Mars is a parable worth considering and the afterword strengthens its attempt at ministry, but you may find it still is relatively uneven and does not delve into the historic and social pressures beyond the surface. But, again, as a starting parable hoping to lead to larger conversations, it is effective enough and engaging.
Where the book does seems to derail slightly for me as a reader is the framing mechanism. The pathway that takes theses characters into the isolated woods and then out seems a little forced. Segments of it work, but other segments seem to be driven by a need to get to those conversations and then to close the story. As a parable meant to convey a moral or spiritual point about the need to address inequalities and bias, it works well. As a novel of its own accord, some leaps and gaps become apparent.
Still, the book is enriched by a solid afterword wherein the author explains the driving force behind the work, his own experiences in church settings after the then recent concerns of brutality and racially informed treatment that populated the news. Meals from Mars is a parable worth considering and the afterword strengthens its attempt at ministry, but you may find it still is relatively uneven and does not delve into the historic and social pressures beyond the surface. But, again, as a starting parable hoping to lead to larger conversations, it is effective enough and engaging.
December 9, 2020
Hello friend perhaps you have given some thought to the fact that wealth inequality is an issue that is not going away in America and is getting measurably worse and also that the lines of inequality are drawn pretty heavily along racial identities which means that some form or forms of racism almost certainly contributes to the continued failure of many black and brown people to have any share in the access to wealth and security which is a part of the American dream and the related fact that Christians with traditionalist leanings appear to be hostile to the idea that race has anything to do with wealth inequality or that wealth inequality is anything other than the Lord being gracious to his faithful people with the implication that those who are not wealthy or secure are unfaithful and thereby unworthy of further attention
if not read this book
if not read this book
December 15, 2017
This book took me on a journey. I grew frustrated as Malik talked about issues in his community and how others weren't trying to help him and his family get out of their situation, but perpetuating it. I grew wiser hearing Jim challenge Malik with his own experiences, making me realize we can't blame just one side for all the problems. By the end I'm grateful for the call to action at the end. We need to talk about these issues and not shy away from these hard topics. I'm eager to start this discussion in my community.
August 11, 2023
One of the best ways to bridge the gap of ignorance is to hear stories. This book addresses real-life scenarios and realities about which we might be prone to misunderstanding. As followers of Jesus, what are we doing to mirror the way He loved others and honored the differences designed with intention by our Creator God... I was challenged and encouraged by this book and plan to use this in a group study. The reflection questions will be a great starting point.
November 12, 2023
This is a parable— a story told not for itself, but to make a point. I think the point it was trying to make us that a helpful starting place is to listen. I agree that listening is really important, and this novel presents multiple viewpoints. However, for me, other books have been more useful than this one in helping me to begin to understand systems of inequity and issues of racism and economic injustice.
August 20, 2017
This book is a quick read about an unlikely encounter between a white man and a black teenager and the dialogue that ensues. It's fascinating and covers several topics that are being debated in our nation. I highly recommend this to anyone hoping to further understand the racial divide in a story-formed way.
December 30, 2017
A novel that tries to paint a picture that honestly shows the unacknowledged ignorance of both sides of the racial fence, but without lessening the gravity of the inequities that our brothers and sisters of color experience daily. The tension so often experienced in cross racial encounters is felt through the entire book.
December 8, 2019
This book started slow for me. It was not exceptional writing. But I kept reading and it grew on me. I don’t think readers should read the book as a novel. Rather read it as an exposition on issues of race and privilege written in narrative form. The book raises many issues for discussion and offers multiple perspectives and world views. So as a discussion starter, it succeeds at its purpose.
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought before I cracked it open! I heard good things but they didn’t equate to how good this book is.
The writing was fantastic. They words the author used to paint a picture put the reader in the moment.
The topic is really good to discuss and this parable/novel is a great tool!
I will recommend this book!
The writing was fantastic. They words the author used to paint a picture put the reader in the moment.
The topic is really good to discuss and this parable/novel is a great tool!
I will recommend this book!
June 10, 2017
Very captivating, quick read. The story asks questions of both sides in racial relations, but I anticipated more directive and advice then the book presented. The story itself is interesting and well written, but it is not philosophical in nature.
January 29, 2018
Written by my friend and executive director of Restoration Academy. A great primer for addressing racial issues in America. Ben wrote it primarily to begin fruitful conversations with high school students of different demographics. I would recommend for any high school student or adult.
June 6, 2021
Be slow to speak.
This is a very powerful book. If we could all remove the labels of Democrat or republican, liberal or conservative and just talk and truly listen then the narrative would change. I’m willing to listen. Are you?
This is a very powerful book. If we could all remove the labels of Democrat or republican, liberal or conservative and just talk and truly listen then the narrative would change. I’m willing to listen. Are you?
January 16, 2022
This is definitely a book that made me think. While I don't agree 100% with the idea being shared here, I also am left with a lot of self examination and thoughts on how I might think and act differently.
August 25, 2017
A quick read touching on the many racial issues our country is facing. Would be excellent book for discussion with those who really want to understand the "other side"
October 8, 2017
Great story on present day problem. Must read.
November 7, 2017
It's fiction, but this book brings up the conversations that we MUST start having regarding racial differences. It's a quick read but full of extremely important points.
May 11, 2019
An engaging, empathy-building read.
October 8, 2019
Really good book on race, on Christian assumptions and responses of charity, on racial reconciliation. Easy, engaging read.
November 29, 2023
This parable does not have a predicted ending. It doesn't have a comfortable ending either. Please use the discussion questions with your circle of friends. We need to have these conversations.
June 1, 2026
The book was fine. To the right audience it could be a great conversation starter, or help them open their eyes to see things from another perspective.
January 13, 2017
I was thrilled to get this book, since it deals with a sensitive subject that needs to be talked about more. While I really enjoyed parts of the story. like Malik's uncle and his thoughts, as well as the parts about the meals and how to actually help people. I felt like the story has some holes in it and I would of personally liked to see a little more conclusion to the story. I know it would be pat to give it a happy ending, but I finished the book feeling like "Wait, that's it?!". These are just my personal thoughts on the story. I do think that there are a lot of difficult subjects tackled in this book and it's an interesting read.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
February 20, 2017
I'm not sure what I expected going into this book but I feel completely changed by it. I have a ton of different feelings and thoughts going on right now. Many of these emotions are uncomfortable and yet needed in the current political climate we face now. I'll be posting a full review on my blog Glorious Panic once I have my thoughts more organized. Much appreciating to Tyndale for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2017
Malik is a young man on a mission: a mission to stop by a neighborhood convenience store, pick up some butter and milk for his grandma, and stay as safe as possible. Jim, a lawyer, is a man on a mission: a mission to drop off some groceries for a family in need, buy a couple gallons of gas, and get out of this neighborhood as quickly as possible. But a dangerous incident at the gas station puts a major hitch in both Malik's and Jim's plans in Meals from Mars: A Parable of Prejudice and Providence by author Ben Sciacca.
I read the subtitle and some blurbs for this book beforehand, seeing their conspicuous statements about the book's purpose. Even as my decision and desire to read the book were immediate, I'll admit I was a little nervous. Nervous that this "parable" might be heavy-handed, using its characters as obvious pawns to preach a message, and to preach it hard, more so than, you know, telling a compelling story with believable characters.
Once I started reading the book, it did away with my nervousness. Yes, the ideas in it are blatant, barefaced, but not at the expense of story (which includes some beautiful imagery and a dash of humor, by the way.) And it raises questions without trying to tell the reader exactly what to think.
Sure, Malik's style of speech didn't seem the most consistent to me in some places. I also thought the story's pattern might become redundant, if one character kept raising valid points while the other one mainly sat there, stumped.
Yet, the story ultimately balances itself out. And it doesn't sugarcoat or tie up its message in a nice, neat bow on its way to bringing hope. I think many Christian readers, especially in the U.S., would do well to read this book.
__________________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from NavPress for an honest review.
I read the subtitle and some blurbs for this book beforehand, seeing their conspicuous statements about the book's purpose. Even as my decision and desire to read the book were immediate, I'll admit I was a little nervous. Nervous that this "parable" might be heavy-handed, using its characters as obvious pawns to preach a message, and to preach it hard, more so than, you know, telling a compelling story with believable characters.
Once I started reading the book, it did away with my nervousness. Yes, the ideas in it are blatant, barefaced, but not at the expense of story (which includes some beautiful imagery and a dash of humor, by the way.) And it raises questions without trying to tell the reader exactly what to think.
Sure, Malik's style of speech didn't seem the most consistent to me in some places. I also thought the story's pattern might become redundant, if one character kept raising valid points while the other one mainly sat there, stumped.
Yet, the story ultimately balances itself out. And it doesn't sugarcoat or tie up its message in a nice, neat bow on its way to bringing hope. I think many Christian readers, especially in the U.S., would do well to read this book.
__________________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from NavPress for an honest review.
Read
February 20, 2017A fictional account that looks at our problems with racial bigotry in this country. A good and intellectually stimulating read.
January 18, 2017
This is a very thought provoking story. There is a lot of tension in our world today and a lot of it is focused on race. It’s hard to go through an entire day without hearing or reading some form of racial issues going on, and it comes from both sides. Black people complain about white people and white people complain about black people. It seems that everybody has a problem and nobody will listen to the other point of view. That’s where this book comes in.
This book shows both sides of the scale. A white lawyer from the suburbs and a black man from a rough neighborhood share their views and the problems they have faced with each other and both are forced to realize that both sides have a point and there is a bigger issue at hand than what either of them thought.
The point of this book is to get people talking about race and to show both side of the spectrum. I think the author did a very good job at doing that.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
This book shows both sides of the scale. A white lawyer from the suburbs and a black man from a rough neighborhood share their views and the problems they have faced with each other and both are forced to realize that both sides have a point and there is a bigger issue at hand than what either of them thought.
The point of this book is to get people talking about race and to show both side of the spectrum. I think the author did a very good job at doing that.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
April 5, 2017
This book is fantastic, phenomenal, and challenging. The engaging narrative or "parable" gives a cast of characters with whom readers from all backgrounds can empathize, creating space for conversations about ethnicity, culture, and diversity and what reconciliation might really look like.
April 18, 2017
A fast read that will jump-start conversations about race. Rather than an in-depth take, this book will offer a platform from which to begin deeper conversations about our own closely held prejudices.
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