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The Infinite Jeff: A Parable of Change (Part 1)
by
Stanley, an out of work tech writer, is unsatisfied with the meaning in his life. Of the three places he feels should have meaning,religion,work and family,only one gives his life purpose: family. In PART 1 this starts to change. Out of desperation to support his family, he takes a contract job across the country. He can't afford to fly so he takes a cross-country journey.
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Paperback, 180 pages
Published
February 28th 2019
by Havens Publishing
(first published May 30th 2012)
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Start your review of The Infinite Jeff: A Parable of Change (Part 1)

I really enjoyed this book. The main character had some of the same questions I have had all my life. The author, Will Holcomb offers some insightful answers to my religious questions through an entertaining story about an unusual man that is picked up by the main character. I can't wait to read part 2.
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Some may find The Infinite Jeff: Part 1 to be a well written buddy road trip book, some may feel it is a christian leaning religious tome, some may think it is a supernatural or science fiction morality tale… and in all those cases, it would be a very entertaining read worthy of one’s time. But there is more, much more to Will Holcomb’s thought provoking book.
This modern day parable was like a gentle, but powerful gut punch to my essence as I, like Stanley, am in the journey to find out just who ...more
This modern day parable was like a gentle, but powerful gut punch to my essence as I, like Stanley, am in the journey to find out just who ...more

I immediately identified with Stanley as Part I opened with his blog. So I sat back and smugly prepared myself to join him on his journey to explore the great “cosmic fluke” of life. However, as his relationship with Jeff started evolving, I initially found myself thinking, “No he’s not going there, is he??” Just as Stanley was not prepared for Jeff, I wasn’t sure I was either. However, by the end of Part I, I found myself highlighting sentences and contemplating the possibility of Jeff’s missio
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Jul 02, 2013
Will Holcomb
rated it
it was amazing
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
One piece of advice given to authors is to write the book you want to read. I just re-read parts 1 & 2 of The Infinite Jeff (TIJ) to get ready to edit parts 3 & 4, and I found myself so caught up in the story that I was not taking notes. So I took the advice to heart and wrote the book I wanted to read. To me, it is very relevant to the transition humankind is in today. TIJ looks into many aspects of religion/spirituality, economics, work life/purpose, family relationships, human nature, etc., a
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Really enjoyed the read. Just kept on reading after the first book - through the second and third- following the story and marveling at the insights of the author- wanting to meet him some day since he is a local author- finally got a chance to meet him in a group discussion setting which itself was awesome. I hope Will sees that meeting as a beginning and schedules more "Discussions"- I would come back for more!
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I received this entire series of books from Gavin my son-in-law as a Christmas gift and what a wonderful gift. I have always enjoyed getting books as gifts as you feel compelled to read them even though they might not be what you would have chosen for yourself. Jeff giving away books to those that needed to leazrn some aspect of each book he gave was certainly apropos. The books touched on several religious topics but appraoched them in a spiritual way that would translate into any religion. The
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I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but my husband had read it and said I should as well as he thought I would enjoy it. We usually have wildly differing tastes in books, but he was right! This book is a fun, quick read that also makes you stop and think deeply. It touches on religion without being preachy and gives you an interesting way in which to look at everyday happenings ("it's all part of the experience"). I just finished it, and have already ordered part two. Jeff helps you reg
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I absolutely am intrigued by this story. One of the things I like most about it is that though there are religious aspects to it, it is not heavy handed with the same things I have heard my whole life about faith. It makes you think and view life from a different perspective. Stanley is such a relatable character that I easily put myself right into his shoes and experienced his exciting story with him. This book has great humor, heartwarming moments, and just can't wait to find out what happens
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What a beautiful adaptation of Christian philosophy from a gnostic and syncretic understanding. If you appreciate moral applications of scripture without the historical and fantastical interpretations, this book is brilliant. It is wonderful to see religion described as a tool for growth- as a means for improving your life experience and not an end in itself. This dialect bridges gaps for people divided on religion and science in an enjoyable story that reads fast and fun.

Exceptional story and truly intriguing. Anticipating the next "book" as the follow up to the first. Definitely written to pertain to a "normal" person in the current circumstances.
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What a great book! Easy to read, hard to put down but certainly pertinent to the lives of many during these days. The characters are easy to identify with and forced me to really reflect on events that have occurred in my life. Now I see, it’s all part of the experience and I am who I am because of the experiences. Looking forward to reading the next book!

While I enjoyed the Jeff character and the situations, the 'deeper learning' was barely incremental at the end.
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Stanley is an unemployed tech writer driving cross country on his last dime in hopes of an opportunity that will put him back on his feet. He picks up a mysterious hitchhiker who forces himself to re-evaluate the nature of life and religion.
A well written, and interesting perspective on the nature of religion in the context of the reasoning mind of the modern person. It is not a religious book, per se, but is rich with philosophical inquiry about the relevance of "that old time religion" and it ...more
A well written, and interesting perspective on the nature of religion in the context of the reasoning mind of the modern person. It is not a religious book, per se, but is rich with philosophical inquiry about the relevance of "that old time religion" and it ...more

This book was refereed to me by a friend and was pleased when the pages stated to fly by. One of the main characters was clearly a real person and some one I could relate too. Stanley and I share many of the the same personally traits (sorry Stanley) so it was easy follow. Jeff (also main character) crazy man or super hero? Who knows you decide. He has something for everyone. Stanley and Jeff's journey across the country explores the questions we ask every day about faith and love and can you ta
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The thing about this book is that many people will relate to Stanley's plight in having been laid off and getting desperate to find work to pay the bills. The adventure of his life and maybe our own is when he opens himself up to Jeff, a stranger, who rides along with Stanley on a cross-country trek to a new job. Jeff's unique perspectives on life, truth, humanity and love transform Stanley and begin to set him free from the defensive barriers he's built around himself and readers will find them
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The author has created an inspired ascension journey of a modern day American man named Stanley. Stanley is in the right place at the right time to begin his inword journey to enlightenment.
The Infinite Jeff: Part 1 is a gloriously painful, humorous read with mind bending experiences which carries the reader into exciting anticipation. I read this book all night, dozed off at dawn with 40 pages left to read. I couldn't begin my day until I finished it.
Including the brilliance of the story, I al ...more
The Infinite Jeff: Part 1 is a gloriously painful, humorous read with mind bending experiences which carries the reader into exciting anticipation. I read this book all night, dozed off at dawn with 40 pages left to read. I couldn't begin my day until I finished it.
Including the brilliance of the story, I al ...more

I always felt like there was a lot more to this world... I had this deep understanding that I was living in some sort of illusion since I was a little girl. I didn't get along with the kids at school and felt more drawn to older people and I always felt bothered by the horizontal, reptilian ways that the kids I was surrounded by were acting. This book really verifies all these deep things I have always thought about that I could never verbalize. And I think that there should be more Jeffs in thi
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I bought this book after watching Will Holcomb's's play, Clinically Undepressed. Will has an incredible talent for highlighting everyday magic that I immediately recognize, but somehow had forgotten was there in plain sight. This mysterious mentor story reminds me a bit of the Donald Shimoda character from Richard Bach's book Illusions. Maybe upon reading Infinite Jeff, you'll find your mentor in the next stranger you meet.
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I love a book that makes me feel good about the world and now and then I come across stories that really make me reflect on myself and the world around us that help me become a better person. This book ticks both of these boxes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the sequel. Really, one of my favourite books of all time! I highly recommend!
Can't wait for the next part! ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the sequel. Really, one of my favourite books of all time! I highly recommend!
Can't wait for the next part! ...more

This parable, though unfinished, was a sheer delight to read and held my attention unlike The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Celestine Prophesy. The story, lessons and truths flowed beautifully, with humour, at a time I needed to hear them again. Thank you, Will, for sharing your gift and Infinite Jeff with me. I look forward to reading about the rest of Stanley's journey...
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Only wish I would have read this book much sooner! So ready to dive into part 2.

Worth a Read
I enjoyed the book. It was grounding. Very similar to a couple of other books read. They were better. I do want to read most of the books Neff talked about...that's a really convenient resource list. ...more
I enjoyed the book. It was grounding. Very similar to a couple of other books read. They were better. I do want to read most of the books Neff talked about...that's a really convenient resource list. ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Goodreads Authors...: Spiritual but not religious | 1 | 20 | Dec 17, 2014 01:24PM |
Will Holcomb is a software engineer, writer and playwright, among other things. His four part book The Infinite Jeff, explores questions facing both the individual and society/humanity. It takes a fascinating look at religion and human potential. He is currently editing part 4 of The Infinite Jeff, and working on a new play. His first play,Shakespeare Rocks, was written for a youth troupe as a f
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