The Freedom of Will

by Ken Clatterbaugh

Coming of age can be an adventure. No one knows this better than William James Tillit, an abandoned child from east Texas raised by his loving aunt and uncle, devout evangelical siblings who are determined to do their best by their young nephew. Will has his own conversations with God, but his god sounds nothing like that of his guardians. Will's deity is insightful, but he's also sarcastic, and down right grouchy. Needless to say, Will keeps these conversations to himself. The day arrives for Will to leave home and make his own way in the world. His ticket out? A job at the Bible-inspired Galilee Theme Park in west Texas, run by none other than Reverend Shister. But Will's passage to Galilee is far from a simple A to Z trip. Sidelined by a tornado, a beautiful young woman, and a group of religious doomsday preppers bent on surviving-or ushering in-Armageddon, Will comes to realize that perhaps faith-like life-is not about the destination; it's about the journey. The Freedom of Will is an absurdly comic coming of age tale about falling in and out of faith and how we come to be who we are through the influence of those around us. Whether kindly aunts and uncles, a possibly atheistic hamster, lesbian nuns committed to social justice, likeable convicted felons, or a gourmet chef who claims to get his recipes from outer space, there's something to learn from everyone, if only we have the grace to accept the people life throws our way, and the will to listen.

318 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2016

Reviews

[Adedayo Adewunmi-Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing!

Reading this book changed my life. It felt like I was on the same journey of self discovery as the protagonist, and the cross section of intelligent arguments were both fascinating and enlightening. Redemption versus Works, Psychological Certainty versus Proven Knowledge etc. I appreciate the clarity of the text, the colorful cast of characters, and the humor. I'm almost certain I will be reading this book again, or at least going over those unforgettable discussions on religion. Highly recommend it to anyone in the mood for an exceptionally written book, who isn't easily offended by intelligent and thought-provoking discussions surrounding people's belief systems.

[Linda Sweeting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to start by saying that "The Freedom of Will" is unlike any book I have ever read. If you are looking for a book where you can delve into the mindset of many different characters and also follow their path in life this is definitely the book for you. I was totally blown away by the many topics in the book when it comes to religion. At times I found my self laughing and other times in deep thought about certain things being discussed. This book will definitely make you think. I really enjoyed this read and wish it was much longer. I can't wait to check out more from this author Ken Clatterbaugh. Don't hesitate to put "The Freedom of Will" on your must read list!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features a unique perspective of God's character and his communication with Will, who is starting a new chapter in his life. He meets various people and discusses various subjects about life, religion, and death.


I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.

[David López · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely piece of fiction that would classify as a secular fable. The narrative is simple but elaborated and the characters are believable and most of them pretty enjoyable.
I really praise the philosophical capacities of the author, the philosophical conversations portrayed in the book have solid arguments, are fluent and are easy to understand and still you can believe those words in the mouth of a young boy as Will.
I found this reading really comforting because you know that the characters are going to do well in the end but you'll keep learning and laughing trough their adventures.