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Call Me Joe
The world is on the brink of disaster.
The environment, society and mankind itself are facing extreme challenges in a world that is both more connected, and yet more divided than ever before. Fear and confusion seep into all parts of everyday life now, more than ever, the world needs one voice, one guide...
One day the Earth is plunged into darkness and when light appears again so does a man - call him Joe - claiming to be the son of God.
Can Joe bring the world's most creative thinkers and leaders together to tackle the ills of mankind?
Can he convince us all to follow him before it's too late?
In this compelling and prescient novel, Martin van Es and Andrew Crofts highlight the key concerns of our time and imagines a future where we, at last, all work together to ensure the future of our world and all the life that calls it home.
The environment, society and mankind itself are facing extreme challenges in a world that is both more connected, and yet more divided than ever before. Fear and confusion seep into all parts of everyday life now, more than ever, the world needs one voice, one guide...
One day the Earth is plunged into darkness and when light appears again so does a man - call him Joe - claiming to be the son of God.
Can Joe bring the world's most creative thinkers and leaders together to tackle the ills of mankind?
Can he convince us all to follow him before it's too late?
In this compelling and prescient novel, Martin van Es and Andrew Crofts highlight the key concerns of our time and imagines a future where we, at last, all work together to ensure the future of our world and all the life that calls it home.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2020
5 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Martin Van Es
3 books4 followersMartin van Es is a Dutch entrepreneur, father and grandfather. Born in 1959, the youngest of three children, he studied clinical psychology in Groningen, but got distracted by partying and a permanent lack of money.
In 1986, he became a father to his daughter, and his son joined the world in 1989, spurring him forward to quit studying, focus on working and start living more seriously.
After graduating in international marketing, Martin took a job as a purchasing director, enabling him to travel the world.
He then became director of a packaging wholesaler in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Over 14 years he developed the company alongside his team to create a leading player in the international packaging industry, working on more sustainable packaging concepts. In 2005, Martin sold the company to the largest distributor in the packaging world, and he ventured into volunteering, investing and advising companies. Martin is particularly proud of father-and-son outdoor events company, MooiWeer, on the beautiful island of Terschelling.
Between 2013 and 2017, Martin was director and co-owner of a large, international group of packaging wholesale companies specialized in environmental issues. The role, as well as the birth of his first two grandchildren, have had a massive influence on Martin.
He started writing Call Me Joe in 2017, and asked Andrew Crofts, as a prolific ghostwriter, to join him as co-writer in 2019 to make the story the best it could possibly be. Martin hopes the book will provoke conversation, challenge the status quo, and encourage people to question more about what is happening in the world, to question their leaders, and to consider their role in the future of the planet.
In 1986, he became a father to his daughter, and his son joined the world in 1989, spurring him forward to quit studying, focus on working and start living more seriously.
After graduating in international marketing, Martin took a job as a purchasing director, enabling him to travel the world.
He then became director of a packaging wholesaler in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Over 14 years he developed the company alongside his team to create a leading player in the international packaging industry, working on more sustainable packaging concepts. In 2005, Martin sold the company to the largest distributor in the packaging world, and he ventured into volunteering, investing and advising companies. Martin is particularly proud of father-and-son outdoor events company, MooiWeer, on the beautiful island of Terschelling.
Between 2013 and 2017, Martin was director and co-owner of a large, international group of packaging wholesale companies specialized in environmental issues. The role, as well as the birth of his first two grandchildren, have had a massive influence on Martin.
He started writing Call Me Joe in 2017, and asked Andrew Crofts, as a prolific ghostwriter, to join him as co-writer in 2019 to make the story the best it could possibly be. Martin hopes the book will provoke conversation, challenge the status quo, and encourage people to question more about what is happening in the world, to question their leaders, and to consider their role in the future of the planet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 3, 2020
Sophie is in the playground with her pupils when suddenly everything turns black, she ushers the children back into school. When the light appears twelve minutes later a man walks out of the woods. Dressed only in a white robe and without shoes. This is a man like no other, charismatic and kind with a message that the world should listen to. Hopefully he is not too late to save mankind.
This is a book about faith and the dangers of global warming and greed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Literally PR Ltd for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book about faith and the dangers of global warming and greed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Literally PR Ltd for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2020
My review on my website. www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
The sun went down, suddenly Sophie was in darkness. She had responsibilities to the school and to the parents who entrusted the care of their children to her. Her duty was to safe guard the children. With the outside going black The headmaster thought maybe it’s some sort of eclipse without any warning from the radio that morning. What was happening? The whole world had gone dark, everyone around the world was experiencing the same blackness. Africa had no moon, no clouds.
Major traffic pile-ups were happening in the few seconds between the sudden full of darkness. Many major people like powerful government in the spotlight didn’t know themselves what was going on.
Scientists and everyone were searching for an explanation and soon mad theories began.
Religious experts started debating saying the sun was a sign from God that mankind. And God stopped sun and the moon during the battle between the Israelites and the Amorites.
We are all excited when we get an eclipse, but imagine during the day experiencing total blackness without any explanation. There is a lot more to this story with the world on the brink of disaster, but it’s a great one with a mixture of fiction, science fiction, even a bit of fantasy into the mix.
I recommend Call Me Joe as this is a brave, story to write, with the easy flowing fact that readers can use their imagination and be able to picture the chaos all over the world of darkness.
I don’t want to spoil too much of what happens, but what I can tell you is that as the story progresses there is far more to draw your attention into this book much further.
The sun went down, suddenly Sophie was in darkness. She had responsibilities to the school and to the parents who entrusted the care of their children to her. Her duty was to safe guard the children. With the outside going black The headmaster thought maybe it’s some sort of eclipse without any warning from the radio that morning. What was happening? The whole world had gone dark, everyone around the world was experiencing the same blackness. Africa had no moon, no clouds.
Major traffic pile-ups were happening in the few seconds between the sudden full of darkness. Many major people like powerful government in the spotlight didn’t know themselves what was going on.
Scientists and everyone were searching for an explanation and soon mad theories began.
Religious experts started debating saying the sun was a sign from God that mankind. And God stopped sun and the moon during the battle between the Israelites and the Amorites.
We are all excited when we get an eclipse, but imagine during the day experiencing total blackness without any explanation. There is a lot more to this story with the world on the brink of disaster, but it’s a great one with a mixture of fiction, science fiction, even a bit of fantasy into the mix.
I recommend Call Me Joe as this is a brave, story to write, with the easy flowing fact that readers can use their imagination and be able to picture the chaos all over the world of darkness.
I don’t want to spoil too much of what happens, but what I can tell you is that as the story progresses there is far more to draw your attention into this book much further.
September 5, 2020
I recieved a copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Call Me Joe
is an extraordinary read where you will be plunged into the problems of our current lifestyles. The author boldly explains all the flaws in our system and way of life.
One day the whole world is in darkness for 13 minutes before the sun appears again. Sarah is a school teacher and she loves her students. They meet a stranger in white robes who claims to be the son of god. The children later decide to call him Joe. Poltical leaders all over the world are exasperated and in mayhem. Joe's appearance and the sun's short dissappearance makes them all fear that their leash on people would break and that their power will be extinguised.
Charecters
Apart from Joe and political and religious leaders, the charecters of the books seemed undevoloped. Sarah is an intruiging charecter but she falls for the son of god too soon and I really didn't think her relationship with Joe was necessary. It seemed unnatural and awkward. The 12 acolytes' charecter development was okay.
Plot
The plot is fast and very intersting. I loved the idea of this story and the way the author expresses our concerns in a strong willed and confident way.
World Building
The world building was vast but lacking a bit. Although the potrayal of the world if such an incident were to occur, would be exactly as the book has conveyed.
Relationships
Joe is a humble man and the idea of the son of god in a relationship was a bit uncomfortable to read, as he and sophie are not truly in a romantic realtionship. But the way the other charecters relationship with one another and the accuracy of the way politicians would react, was accurate and entertaining.
Conclusion
What I like was the guidelines they proposed and I would definitely recommend it for everyone who is interested to be given a morale to which our life should be based upon. Changes cannot happen with an individuals effort. It has to be all of us united against the doom that we are creating just by existing.
I am rating it 3 stars for the lack of charecter building and because Joe's invlovement in consumption of drugs and acceptance to society's need for lust. This didn't sit well with me nor Sophie.
https://reckless8reveries.wordpress.c...
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi
One day the whole world is in darkness for 13 minutes before the sun appears again. Sarah is a school teacher and she loves her students. They meet a stranger in white robes who claims to be the son of god. The children later decide to call him Joe. Poltical leaders all over the world are exasperated and in mayhem. Joe's appearance and the sun's short dissappearance makes them all fear that their leash on people would break and that their power will be extinguised.
She had discovered that when powerful people become fearful they tended to lash out.
Charecters
Apart from Joe and political and religious leaders, the charecters of the books seemed undevoloped. Sarah is an intruiging charecter but she falls for the son of god too soon and I really didn't think her relationship with Joe was necessary. It seemed unnatural and awkward. The 12 acolytes' charecter development was okay.
“Don’t waste your time reading other people’s opinions of this,” Joe said, kindly. “They will either flatter you or annoy you. You know what happened; you don’t need to know what other people think about it.”
Plot
The plot is fast and very intersting. I loved the idea of this story and the way the author expresses our concerns in a strong willed and confident way.
World Building
The world building was vast but lacking a bit. Although the potrayal of the world if such an incident were to occur, would be exactly as the book has conveyed.
Relationships
Joe is a humble man and the idea of the son of god in a relationship was a bit uncomfortable to read, as he and sophie are not truly in a romantic realtionship. But the way the other charecters relationship with one another and the accuracy of the way politicians would react, was accurate and entertaining.
“Treat nature like you treat the people you love.”
Conclusion
What I like was the guidelines they proposed and I would definitely recommend it for everyone who is interested to be given a morale to which our life should be based upon. Changes cannot happen with an individuals effort. It has to be all of us united against the doom that we are creating just by existing.
I am rating it 3 stars for the lack of charecter building and because Joe's invlovement in consumption of drugs and acceptance to society's need for lust. This didn't sit well with me nor Sophie.
“It is harder to persuade people to do what we want if they are all united,” he spat the final word out like it was poison.
https://reckless8reveries.wordpress.c...
June 28, 2020
Review originally posted on The Bibliophile Chronicles.
Call Me Joe is the moving tale of a world that suddenly goes dark. With no light people begin to panic and question what is happening to the world. When the light returns so does a man who claims to be the son of god. Working with some of the best minds in the world can he tackle the greed and corruption that is destroying the world before it’s too late?
Call Me Joe is a powerful story with a well executed plot and brilliant writing. It was an easy story to sink into, and be gripped by the action. It’s a well paced story, and I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading it. I thought the premise was such a fascinating idea – what if Jesus returned today? How would people react? I’m not a religious person but I found this a really interesting subject. The story also tackles a number of prevalent issues in society from climate change to corrupt leadership.
One of the things I liked most about this book are the characters. We are treated to multiple points of view, which gives the reader an opportunity to see things from different perspectives. I really liked Sophie, she’s a school teacher and every day person and it was fascinating seeing her reactions to Joe, questioning his identity and watching as that relationship develops and changes. It’s a compelling read and one I did not want to put down.
Call Me Joe is an brilliantly thought-provoking read. It’s incredibly relevant to our time and a book you do not want to miss.
Call Me Joe is the moving tale of a world that suddenly goes dark. With no light people begin to panic and question what is happening to the world. When the light returns so does a man who claims to be the son of god. Working with some of the best minds in the world can he tackle the greed and corruption that is destroying the world before it’s too late?
Call Me Joe is a powerful story with a well executed plot and brilliant writing. It was an easy story to sink into, and be gripped by the action. It’s a well paced story, and I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading it. I thought the premise was such a fascinating idea – what if Jesus returned today? How would people react? I’m not a religious person but I found this a really interesting subject. The story also tackles a number of prevalent issues in society from climate change to corrupt leadership.
One of the things I liked most about this book are the characters. We are treated to multiple points of view, which gives the reader an opportunity to see things from different perspectives. I really liked Sophie, she’s a school teacher and every day person and it was fascinating seeing her reactions to Joe, questioning his identity and watching as that relationship develops and changes. It’s a compelling read and one I did not want to put down.
Call Me Joe is an brilliantly thought-provoking read. It’s incredibly relevant to our time and a book you do not want to miss.
June 21, 2020
Ontstaan uit een samenwerking tussen Martin van Es en Andrew Crofts begint deze uiterst actuele roman met duisternis; 12 minuten van duisternis. En net als de lezer de griezelt van wat een complete duisternis voor de aarde zal betekenen; o.a. de gemiddelde temperatuur die daalt tot -30C binnen een week en bevroren zeeën die daar op volgen, gaat het licht weer aan. Want dit boek gaat niet over het einde van de wereld. Nee, Zeg maar Joe zit daar nog net iets voor.
Zodra de zon weer verschijnt, verschijnt als uit het niets ook een man, Joe, die beweert de zoon van God te zijn…
In de kern is Zeg Maar Joe een vlotlezende roman over een vraag en een ideaal; wat is er nodig om alle krachten te bundelen? Op Books & Macchiatos is nu mijn volledige recensie te lezen!
Zodra de zon weer verschijnt, verschijnt als uit het niets ook een man, Joe, die beweert de zoon van God te zijn…
In de kern is Zeg Maar Joe een vlotlezende roman over een vraag en een ideaal; wat is er nodig om alle krachten te bundelen? Op Books & Macchiatos is nu mijn volledige recensie te lezen!
June 10, 2020
What would happen if Jesus returned to Earth today?
A man walks out of the woods, shoeless and dressed in a white robe. Hopefully, he is not too late to save mankind.
Most people will know the story of Jesus and of his time on Earth.
The story deals with some of the most challenging matters of our time from unscrupulous leadership, different religious beliefs, environmental issues including climate change, Artificial Intelligence, the outcast and poverty-stricken, etc..
An interesting thought-provoking read.
I want to thank NetGalley and RedDoor Press and author Martin van Es; Andrew Crofts for a copy to review.
A man walks out of the woods, shoeless and dressed in a white robe. Hopefully, he is not too late to save mankind.
Most people will know the story of Jesus and of his time on Earth.
The story deals with some of the most challenging matters of our time from unscrupulous leadership, different religious beliefs, environmental issues including climate change, Artificial Intelligence, the outcast and poverty-stricken, etc..
An interesting thought-provoking read.
I want to thank NetGalley and RedDoor Press and author Martin van Es; Andrew Crofts for a copy to review.
May 25, 2020
Call Me Joe asks the question what would happen if Jesus returned to help to put everything right? Jesus and the many protagonists in this story take us on a ride through solutions to corrupt leadership, diverse religious beliefs, climate change, Artificial Intelligence, the homeless, etc. etc. This is the first novel by Martin van Es with the help of ghost writer Andrew Crofts.
The world goes dark for 12 minutes. Out of the darkness a longhaired man walks up to a private school where Sophie works as a teacher. When Sophie’s students ask his name he tells them Jesus. He can see that that makes people uncomfortable so he suggests that he should use a different name. The students come up with Joe and he agrees. One of Sophie’s students, Hugo, befriends Sophie and Joe and invites them home for the weekend. Hugo’s mother is a world renown scientist who lives in a very large house where Joe meets 12 of her colleagues who are trying to decide how the world can become be a better place. Joe ends up working with this group, as well as, church and political leaders around the world. Joe makes as everlasting impact on all the groups and significant change begins to take place.
The authors do an excellent job of following each of the characters as they go through the process of recognizing Joe and then dealing with their skepticism. Joe’s character is very interesting. Although he is the sons of God, he is also a man and exhibits many of the traits that one would expect from an ordinary man. This dichotomy keeps the story from falling flat.
The plot is also compelling. The story deals with some of the most difficult issues of our time. Although most people know the story of Jesus on earth, this story has unexpected twists and surprises and is presented in such a way that it almost seems plausible. Joe’s way of dealing with the church and political leaders who oppose him is interesting and unexpected.
I recommend this book to religious and non-believers alike because it starts a discussion about what would happen if…? Are these solutions feasible? I give it a 4 on 5. I want to thank Net Galley and Literally PR Ltd. for providing me with a digital copy of the novel in exchange for a fair review.
The world goes dark for 12 minutes. Out of the darkness a longhaired man walks up to a private school where Sophie works as a teacher. When Sophie’s students ask his name he tells them Jesus. He can see that that makes people uncomfortable so he suggests that he should use a different name. The students come up with Joe and he agrees. One of Sophie’s students, Hugo, befriends Sophie and Joe and invites them home for the weekend. Hugo’s mother is a world renown scientist who lives in a very large house where Joe meets 12 of her colleagues who are trying to decide how the world can become be a better place. Joe ends up working with this group, as well as, church and political leaders around the world. Joe makes as everlasting impact on all the groups and significant change begins to take place.
The authors do an excellent job of following each of the characters as they go through the process of recognizing Joe and then dealing with their skepticism. Joe’s character is very interesting. Although he is the sons of God, he is also a man and exhibits many of the traits that one would expect from an ordinary man. This dichotomy keeps the story from falling flat.
The plot is also compelling. The story deals with some of the most difficult issues of our time. Although most people know the story of Jesus on earth, this story has unexpected twists and surprises and is presented in such a way that it almost seems plausible. Joe’s way of dealing with the church and political leaders who oppose him is interesting and unexpected.
I recommend this book to religious and non-believers alike because it starts a discussion about what would happen if…? Are these solutions feasible? I give it a 4 on 5. I want to thank Net Galley and Literally PR Ltd. for providing me with a digital copy of the novel in exchange for a fair review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
*I received this book with the intention of taking part in a blog tour, also in exchange of an honest and unbiased review of the book*
Call Me Joe opens on the world that is about to go into complete and total darkness out of nowhere, with the blacking out of the Sun. Everyone around the world is left wondering what is happening, if this is some form of attack and if the light is going to come back. Twelve minutes later, everything comes back to normal, but now it has left people wondering what has happened and what will happen if the sun goes out again. Permanently this time. Then out of the darkness, a man appears, who says his name is Jesus, but you can call him Joe.
I do want to give a little heads up for people who are about to go into this book, if you couldn’t tell from the synopsis, there is a religious undertone to this book, which can be a turn off for some readers. I wouldn’t have said that this was a book that I would’ve been primarily aimed at me because of the religious aspects to it, but it did surprise me. I am not a religious person, but I do enjoy learning about and understanding different people’s beliefs, which is why I studied Religious Studies, so I actually enjoyed that aspect of the book. Although there is a religious element to this book with Joe “claiming” to be the Son of God, that’s not the entirety of this book. You get a perfect balance of science and religion and how they work in harmony with each other and to fix some of the problems we have on Earth, which is ultimately what the actual storyline of this book is. Saving the Earth from our stupidity and greed, before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed the writing style of the book and it did suck me right into the story, especially one as realistic as this story, with where this Planet is currently heading. I was actually shocked to discover that this was a debut novel for this author and this is one of few translated novels I’ve actually enjoyed, so that’s a massive thumbs up! I would be interested to see what this Martin is going to do next and is an author I’ll be keeping my eye on.
The story itself was a little different from what I was expecting and I take back my Goldilocks similarity expectation. This book does hit on some very true facts, which is scarily true, which is that we do need to make some serious changes before it’s too late to do anything about it and we’re left with nothing. So this book did make me open my eyes more clearly and think about what I can be doing.
Call Me Joe opens on the world that is about to go into complete and total darkness out of nowhere, with the blacking out of the Sun. Everyone around the world is left wondering what is happening, if this is some form of attack and if the light is going to come back. Twelve minutes later, everything comes back to normal, but now it has left people wondering what has happened and what will happen if the sun goes out again. Permanently this time. Then out of the darkness, a man appears, who says his name is Jesus, but you can call him Joe.
I do want to give a little heads up for people who are about to go into this book, if you couldn’t tell from the synopsis, there is a religious undertone to this book, which can be a turn off for some readers. I wouldn’t have said that this was a book that I would’ve been primarily aimed at me because of the religious aspects to it, but it did surprise me. I am not a religious person, but I do enjoy learning about and understanding different people’s beliefs, which is why I studied Religious Studies, so I actually enjoyed that aspect of the book. Although there is a religious element to this book with Joe “claiming” to be the Son of God, that’s not the entirety of this book. You get a perfect balance of science and religion and how they work in harmony with each other and to fix some of the problems we have on Earth, which is ultimately what the actual storyline of this book is. Saving the Earth from our stupidity and greed, before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed the writing style of the book and it did suck me right into the story, especially one as realistic as this story, with where this Planet is currently heading. I was actually shocked to discover that this was a debut novel for this author and this is one of few translated novels I’ve actually enjoyed, so that’s a massive thumbs up! I would be interested to see what this Martin is going to do next and is an author I’ll be keeping my eye on.
The story itself was a little different from what I was expecting and I take back my Goldilocks similarity expectation. This book does hit on some very true facts, which is scarily true, which is that we do need to make some serious changes before it’s too late to do anything about it and we’re left with nothing. So this book did make me open my eyes more clearly and think about what I can be doing.
November 5, 2020
First of all let me apologise to the publishers and netgalley, I have had this ARC on my shelf for far too long but am very grateful for the opportunity to review it. I would like to add that I have read this book from my POV as a committed Christian.
The narrative starts by plunging the world into darkness for a period of 12 minutes (the number 12 will become important to the continuing narrative) the return of light is accaompanied by the arrival of a man dressed in strange clothes with long hair and beard, variously described as tramp or hermit. In fact this man turns out to be the Son of God returning to the Earth as promised in Religious scripture .
The first half of the book for me felt like a "chintzy" portrayal of the return of Jesus more on a par with the "kitch" of Cath Kitson, Laura Ashley or the Moonlight and Roses of Romantic film. The Son of God felt too imperturbable and I was really not a fan of the drawing out of his sexuality in his relationship with Sophie. I also felt there was an over reliance on the number 12 - which in my reading of the bible only refers to the apostles, many more numbers are important in those sacred writings. Jesus spent 40 days in the dessert facing 3 temptations, He performed 28 miracles and importantly in this storyline revealed only 10 commandments to Moses.
I was prepared to dislike the book, it felt full of incongruities, at one point I very nearly gave up but I can now admit to being rather hypercritical. The Author(s) draw together an excellent account of events in the second coming to show that the world is becoming (or already is) a place where we have created bubbles around ourselves that fail to see the needs of others or the affects of our actions on the world as a whole. They show a loving god who encountering things in the modern world such as homosexuality, abortion and euthanasia creates a reasoning where such things can be accepted. Along with world and religious leaders a new 12 (again) Agreements are drawn up to show how the world could flourish if everyone agreed upon their necessity.
In the end it is a truly visual and unique way to highlight the need for us to pull together. I don't know whether I would call it a Christian or an ecological / environmental narrative but it certainly does work well. It is not a book I will forget in a hurry. The staying of something in my mind after reading it would usually merit a very high rating but I am struggling to give this 4 or 5 stars because of its very slow start. I do wish rating could include fractions as I would definitely say more than 3.
The narrative starts by plunging the world into darkness for a period of 12 minutes (the number 12 will become important to the continuing narrative) the return of light is accaompanied by the arrival of a man dressed in strange clothes with long hair and beard, variously described as tramp or hermit. In fact this man turns out to be the Son of God returning to the Earth as promised in Religious scripture .
The first half of the book for me felt like a "chintzy" portrayal of the return of Jesus more on a par with the "kitch" of Cath Kitson, Laura Ashley or the Moonlight and Roses of Romantic film. The Son of God felt too imperturbable and I was really not a fan of the drawing out of his sexuality in his relationship with Sophie. I also felt there was an over reliance on the number 12 - which in my reading of the bible only refers to the apostles, many more numbers are important in those sacred writings. Jesus spent 40 days in the dessert facing 3 temptations, He performed 28 miracles and importantly in this storyline revealed only 10 commandments to Moses.
I was prepared to dislike the book, it felt full of incongruities, at one point I very nearly gave up but I can now admit to being rather hypercritical. The Author(s) draw together an excellent account of events in the second coming to show that the world is becoming (or already is) a place where we have created bubbles around ourselves that fail to see the needs of others or the affects of our actions on the world as a whole. They show a loving god who encountering things in the modern world such as homosexuality, abortion and euthanasia creates a reasoning where such things can be accepted. Along with world and religious leaders a new 12 (again) Agreements are drawn up to show how the world could flourish if everyone agreed upon their necessity.
In the end it is a truly visual and unique way to highlight the need for us to pull together. I don't know whether I would call it a Christian or an ecological / environmental narrative but it certainly does work well. It is not a book I will forget in a hurry. The staying of something in my mind after reading it would usually merit a very high rating but I am struggling to give this 4 or 5 stars because of its very slow start. I do wish rating could include fractions as I would definitely say more than 3.
July 31, 2020
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op Verhalen uit de Stiltecoupé
De zon ging uit. Twaalf minuten lang. En toen er weer licht was, was daar ook een man: Joe.
Joe is de Zoon van God – Jezus dus, maar dan aangepast aan de hedendaagse namen – teruggezonden naar de aarde om een laatste poging te doen de mensheid te redden van de ondergang. Tijdens de duisternis verschijnt hij op het schoolplein van de school waar Sophie les geeft en Hugo leerling is. Twee personen die een belangrijke rol zullen spelen in Joe’s missie. Sophie is uitverkoren om de Zoon van God te begeleiden op zijn weg. Komt het even mooi uit dat Hugo één van haar leerlingen is en dat Hugo de zoon is van een Chinees echtpaar dat zich inzet voor het redden van de wereld, koste wat kost. Via Hugo komt Joe in contact met Hugo’s moeder Yung en een aantal mensen van over de hele wereld die nauw met haar samenwerken. En zo vond de Zoon van God zijn nieuwe apostelen.
Uiteraard zijn de grote wereldmachten niet blij met de komst van een man die de gevestigde orde op zijn kop lijkt te zetten. Amerika, Rusland en China proberen te doorgronden wie Joe nu eigenlijk is en hoe ze hem uit de weg kunnen ruimen, voordat hij een echte bedreiging gaat vormen voor hun macht. Ook de grote religieuze leiders voelen zich in het nauw gedreven, maar worden door Joe al snel overtuigd. Kun je het je voorstellen? De Paus, de Groot Imam, de Opperrabbijn, en ga zo maar door, in één ruimte?
Joe’s populariteit groeit en groeit, zeker wanneer hij wonderen verricht, van genezingen tot opwekkingen uit de dood. Zal het hem lukken om zijn missie te voltooien? Of zal hij, zoals Sophie vreest, net als bij zijn eerdere tijd op aarde een martelaarsdood sterven?
Roman, thriller of pleidooi?
Zeg maar Joe is een roman die af en toe leest als een thriller. Het boek is geschreven in een vlotte stijl en bestaat uit korte hoofdstukjes waarin de perspectieven elkaar afwisselen. Van Sophie en Joe, via de wereldleiders, naar Yung en haar volgelingen. Een boek dat ook boordevol kritiek op de huidige samenleving zit en dat grote problemen aankaart als klimaatverandering. Dit boek is eigenlijk meer een pleidooi dan een roman. Heb je het boek uit, dan vind je aan het eind geen dankbetuiging, maar een soort call-to-arms. “Sluit je aan bij The Joe Project!” Het doel is de manier van leven radicaal te veranderen en zo te streven naar internationale solidariteit. “The Joe Project wil wereldleiders uitdagen die belangrijke eerste stappen te zetten. De roman ‘Zeg maar Joe’ is een eerste aanzet tot het denkproces.” Op de website www.thejoeproject.eu kun je meer informatie vinden.
Over de auteurs
Ergens verwachtte ik ook wel dat dit een verhaal met een moraal zou zijn. Dat wordt al duidelijk wanneer je de auteurs van dit boek bekijkt. Aan de ene kant hebben we Martin van Es, succesvol ondernemer en strategisch adviseur. Een zakenman dus. Aan de andere kant staat Andrew Crofts, een ghostwriter. Iemand die boeken schrijft waar een ander dan zijn naam op zet. Het meest bekende voorbeeld van één van Crofts boeken is Ghost van Robert Harris. Twee auteurs die je niet direct verwacht op een cover van een roman en je dus meteen al aan het denken zetten. Nu is dit boek ook prima te lezen als losstaande roman, dus losgekoppeld van The Joe Project. Dan is het gewoon een roman waarin actuele thema’s besproken worden aan de hand van de komst van de Messias.
Terugkeer naar religie
Over de Messias gesproken, ik moest tijdens het lezen meermaals denken aan de Netflix serie Messiah die nog niet zo lang geleden verscheen. Ook hier lijkt Jezus teruggekeerd te zijn, al wordt het volgens mij niet door de persoon in kwestie bevestigd. Ook hier keren de wereldleiders zich tegen hem. En ook hier worden wonderen verricht. Welke van de twee er eerder was? Geen idee. Het zegt misschien wel iets over de tijd waarin we leven. Keren we weer iets meer weg van seculariteit en meer richting religie?
Als laatste nog even dit. Sinds het boek op mijn deurmat viel en mijn man de titel heeft gezien, spookt er telkens een begroeting door mijn hoofd: “Joe joe!” Wat las mijn man? “Zeg maar ‘joe’“. En dus zei hij: “Joe joe!” in navolging van de DJ en presentator Bram Krikke. Dank je wel hè? Elke keer als ik de cover zie… Joe joe!
De zon ging uit. Twaalf minuten lang. En toen er weer licht was, was daar ook een man: Joe.
Joe is de Zoon van God – Jezus dus, maar dan aangepast aan de hedendaagse namen – teruggezonden naar de aarde om een laatste poging te doen de mensheid te redden van de ondergang. Tijdens de duisternis verschijnt hij op het schoolplein van de school waar Sophie les geeft en Hugo leerling is. Twee personen die een belangrijke rol zullen spelen in Joe’s missie. Sophie is uitverkoren om de Zoon van God te begeleiden op zijn weg. Komt het even mooi uit dat Hugo één van haar leerlingen is en dat Hugo de zoon is van een Chinees echtpaar dat zich inzet voor het redden van de wereld, koste wat kost. Via Hugo komt Joe in contact met Hugo’s moeder Yung en een aantal mensen van over de hele wereld die nauw met haar samenwerken. En zo vond de Zoon van God zijn nieuwe apostelen.
Uiteraard zijn de grote wereldmachten niet blij met de komst van een man die de gevestigde orde op zijn kop lijkt te zetten. Amerika, Rusland en China proberen te doorgronden wie Joe nu eigenlijk is en hoe ze hem uit de weg kunnen ruimen, voordat hij een echte bedreiging gaat vormen voor hun macht. Ook de grote religieuze leiders voelen zich in het nauw gedreven, maar worden door Joe al snel overtuigd. Kun je het je voorstellen? De Paus, de Groot Imam, de Opperrabbijn, en ga zo maar door, in één ruimte?
Joe’s populariteit groeit en groeit, zeker wanneer hij wonderen verricht, van genezingen tot opwekkingen uit de dood. Zal het hem lukken om zijn missie te voltooien? Of zal hij, zoals Sophie vreest, net als bij zijn eerdere tijd op aarde een martelaarsdood sterven?
Roman, thriller of pleidooi?
Zeg maar Joe is een roman die af en toe leest als een thriller. Het boek is geschreven in een vlotte stijl en bestaat uit korte hoofdstukjes waarin de perspectieven elkaar afwisselen. Van Sophie en Joe, via de wereldleiders, naar Yung en haar volgelingen. Een boek dat ook boordevol kritiek op de huidige samenleving zit en dat grote problemen aankaart als klimaatverandering. Dit boek is eigenlijk meer een pleidooi dan een roman. Heb je het boek uit, dan vind je aan het eind geen dankbetuiging, maar een soort call-to-arms. “Sluit je aan bij The Joe Project!” Het doel is de manier van leven radicaal te veranderen en zo te streven naar internationale solidariteit. “The Joe Project wil wereldleiders uitdagen die belangrijke eerste stappen te zetten. De roman ‘Zeg maar Joe’ is een eerste aanzet tot het denkproces.” Op de website www.thejoeproject.eu kun je meer informatie vinden.
Over de auteurs
Ergens verwachtte ik ook wel dat dit een verhaal met een moraal zou zijn. Dat wordt al duidelijk wanneer je de auteurs van dit boek bekijkt. Aan de ene kant hebben we Martin van Es, succesvol ondernemer en strategisch adviseur. Een zakenman dus. Aan de andere kant staat Andrew Crofts, een ghostwriter. Iemand die boeken schrijft waar een ander dan zijn naam op zet. Het meest bekende voorbeeld van één van Crofts boeken is Ghost van Robert Harris. Twee auteurs die je niet direct verwacht op een cover van een roman en je dus meteen al aan het denken zetten. Nu is dit boek ook prima te lezen als losstaande roman, dus losgekoppeld van The Joe Project. Dan is het gewoon een roman waarin actuele thema’s besproken worden aan de hand van de komst van de Messias.
Terugkeer naar religie
Over de Messias gesproken, ik moest tijdens het lezen meermaals denken aan de Netflix serie Messiah die nog niet zo lang geleden verscheen. Ook hier lijkt Jezus teruggekeerd te zijn, al wordt het volgens mij niet door de persoon in kwestie bevestigd. Ook hier keren de wereldleiders zich tegen hem. En ook hier worden wonderen verricht. Welke van de twee er eerder was? Geen idee. Het zegt misschien wel iets over de tijd waarin we leven. Keren we weer iets meer weg van seculariteit en meer richting religie?
Als laatste nog even dit. Sinds het boek op mijn deurmat viel en mijn man de titel heeft gezien, spookt er telkens een begroeting door mijn hoofd: “Joe joe!” Wat las mijn man? “Zeg maar ‘joe’“. En dus zei hij: “Joe joe!” in navolging van de DJ en presentator Bram Krikke. Dank je wel hè? Elke keer als ik de cover zie… Joe joe!
June 17, 2020
I have to say I have found reading this novel rather a rollercoaster of emotions. I was so intrigued by the synopsis and was really looking forward to reading it. It was one of those books that was calling to me from my TBR pile and I was excited once it came to the top. I sat down with that warm feeling you get when about to immerse yourself into something wonderful. And it is wonderful, for so many different reasons. Lately the state of the world, these troubing times along with the hate and intolerance that I see in the news, on social media and pretty much everywhere you choose to raise your head up, has made my heart ache. At times the future feels hopeless but then I read Call me Joe and it really lifted me up and gave me hope. It highlighted so much of what is wrong with the way we live now and the governments that lead us. And it showed me how simply we can all make the changes needed.
The story begins with the sun going out. Literally as though someone has flipped a switch. The world is in darkness, even the moon has disappeared without the light from the sun to illuminate it. 12 minutes later it comes back again and along with it a man called Joe. Sophie, a teacher, is at school when it happens and her whole classs sees this strange man appear outside her classroom. Something about him feels familiar and she goes to him – showing kindness and willing to cast aside her suspicious nature to help him. A lifelong atheist she questions his sanity when he proclaims to be called Jesus, oh and the son of God.
As news of Joe’s arrival begins to spread, the world’s leaders become nervous of this man. It isn’t long before he trends on social media as people begin to believe in him. Unnerved, the leaders become keen to discredit him, perhaps even remove him for good. How dare he challenge their leadership?
Yet there are people who have been fighting for change on this planet of ours. Fighting to change the destructive course we are taking. Fighting to protect the earth and mankind for generations to come. Shaken by the incident with the sun our vulnerability becomes even clearer. Soon Joe has followers who are willing to assist in his quest to help humankind learn to save themselves, but will he be heard over the loudness of power and wealth? Can kindness, honesty, wisdom, and hard work help bring the planet back from the brink of darkness?
I realise my review is a little heavy, this novel does after all bring a very serious subject matter to light. But I also found it an incredibly engaging read, The authors obviously have a great deal of love for the world we live in and the people that inhabit it. As so many of us are coming to realise, it’s future is in danager. As humans we have perhaps been too caught up in our own brilliance and need to progress and achieve to see the damage we are leaving in our wake. Yet each and every one of us has the power to save the world. Every small act matters. Every voice to save it must be heard. Call Me Joe is not only a thoroughly enjoying adventue about a world turned on it’s head but it is also thought-provoking and challenges us to look at our own role and that of those in power – a power that we have given them. Can we save the world?
https://talesbeforebedtime.co.uk/2020...
The story begins with the sun going out. Literally as though someone has flipped a switch. The world is in darkness, even the moon has disappeared without the light from the sun to illuminate it. 12 minutes later it comes back again and along with it a man called Joe. Sophie, a teacher, is at school when it happens and her whole classs sees this strange man appear outside her classroom. Something about him feels familiar and she goes to him – showing kindness and willing to cast aside her suspicious nature to help him. A lifelong atheist she questions his sanity when he proclaims to be called Jesus, oh and the son of God.
As news of Joe’s arrival begins to spread, the world’s leaders become nervous of this man. It isn’t long before he trends on social media as people begin to believe in him. Unnerved, the leaders become keen to discredit him, perhaps even remove him for good. How dare he challenge their leadership?
Yet there are people who have been fighting for change on this planet of ours. Fighting to change the destructive course we are taking. Fighting to protect the earth and mankind for generations to come. Shaken by the incident with the sun our vulnerability becomes even clearer. Soon Joe has followers who are willing to assist in his quest to help humankind learn to save themselves, but will he be heard over the loudness of power and wealth? Can kindness, honesty, wisdom, and hard work help bring the planet back from the brink of darkness?
I realise my review is a little heavy, this novel does after all bring a very serious subject matter to light. But I also found it an incredibly engaging read, The authors obviously have a great deal of love for the world we live in and the people that inhabit it. As so many of us are coming to realise, it’s future is in danager. As humans we have perhaps been too caught up in our own brilliance and need to progress and achieve to see the damage we are leaving in our wake. Yet each and every one of us has the power to save the world. Every small act matters. Every voice to save it must be heard. Call Me Joe is not only a thoroughly enjoying adventue about a world turned on it’s head but it is also thought-provoking and challenges us to look at our own role and that of those in power – a power that we have given them. Can we save the world?
https://talesbeforebedtime.co.uk/2020...
June 25, 2020
Zeg maar Joe – oorspronkelijke titel Call me Joe – is een boek wat ik gewoonlijk niet snel zou pakken. Toch sprak de achterkant mij aan en ik ben blij dat ik het gelezen heb. Zeg maar Joe is een fictief verhaal over de terugkomst van de zoon van God. En hij komt hier met een reden; we hebben er met zijn allen een puinzooi van gemaakt. Met de puinzooi wordt er gerefereerd naar zaken waar we ons vandaag de dag allemaal enorm bewust van zijn: milieuvervuiling, overbevolking, oorlog, corruptie en ongelijkheid.
Hoewel het verhaal fictief is, raakt het boek veel actuele onderwerpen. Er wordt ook met regelmaat naar recente gebeurtenissen verwezen, zoals de aanslag op de moskee in Christchurch of de protesten van Greta Thunberg. Het boek vertelt wat er allemaal nodig is om te komen tot verandering, tot revolutie. En voornamelijk ook dat het huidige politieke systeem daarvoor in de weg staat, doordat politieke grootleiders voornamelijk gericht zijn op het vergaren van macht. Er wordt meer geldt besteed aan defensie dan aan zorg, onderwijs of verduurzaming.
De meeste stukken van het boek worden beschreven vanuit het perspectief van Sophie, de vriendin van Joe. Maar ook de Amerikaanse president, de paus en wetenschapper Yhung komen aan bod. Op sommige momenten wordt het beschreven alsof je onderdeel van de situatie bent, op andere momenten is het meer beschrijvend; alsof iemand jou verslag doet en de gebeurtenissen even voor je samenvat. Dit maakt dat personages zelf wat minder diepgang krijgen. Tegelijkertijd blijft de boodschap daardoor misschien wel beter tot hun recht.
Het sterkste aan dit boek is dat het aanzet tot nadenken. Ja, we maken met zijn allen de wereld kapot en ja, we zijn er met ons allen ook bewust van. Veranderen we er iets aan? Amper, terwijl we allemaal donders goed weten dat het zo niet veel langer kan. Het boek zet aan tot nadenken wat je als individu wél kan doen om een bijdrage te leveren, al is het nog zo klein. Zeg maar Joe is een product van The Joe Project, een organisatie die zich inzet voor een betere wereld. Het boek Zeg maar Joe is een eerste stap om bekendheid, bewustzijn en aandacht te werven.
Conclusie: ik zou wensen dat iedereen dit boek zou lezen en meer bewust gaat nadenken over hoe we met de wereld – en elkaar – om gaan. Het verhaal zet aan tot denken en dat is precies wat de schrijvers er mee wilden bereiken.
Hoewel het verhaal fictief is, raakt het boek veel actuele onderwerpen. Er wordt ook met regelmaat naar recente gebeurtenissen verwezen, zoals de aanslag op de moskee in Christchurch of de protesten van Greta Thunberg. Het boek vertelt wat er allemaal nodig is om te komen tot verandering, tot revolutie. En voornamelijk ook dat het huidige politieke systeem daarvoor in de weg staat, doordat politieke grootleiders voornamelijk gericht zijn op het vergaren van macht. Er wordt meer geldt besteed aan defensie dan aan zorg, onderwijs of verduurzaming.
De meeste stukken van het boek worden beschreven vanuit het perspectief van Sophie, de vriendin van Joe. Maar ook de Amerikaanse president, de paus en wetenschapper Yhung komen aan bod. Op sommige momenten wordt het beschreven alsof je onderdeel van de situatie bent, op andere momenten is het meer beschrijvend; alsof iemand jou verslag doet en de gebeurtenissen even voor je samenvat. Dit maakt dat personages zelf wat minder diepgang krijgen. Tegelijkertijd blijft de boodschap daardoor misschien wel beter tot hun recht.
Het sterkste aan dit boek is dat het aanzet tot nadenken. Ja, we maken met zijn allen de wereld kapot en ja, we zijn er met ons allen ook bewust van. Veranderen we er iets aan? Amper, terwijl we allemaal donders goed weten dat het zo niet veel langer kan. Het boek zet aan tot nadenken wat je als individu wél kan doen om een bijdrage te leveren, al is het nog zo klein. Zeg maar Joe is een product van The Joe Project, een organisatie die zich inzet voor een betere wereld. Het boek Zeg maar Joe is een eerste stap om bekendheid, bewustzijn en aandacht te werven.
Conclusie: ik zou wensen dat iedereen dit boek zou lezen en meer bewust gaat nadenken over hoe we met de wereld – en elkaar – om gaan. Het verhaal zet aan tot denken en dat is precies wat de schrijvers er mee wilden bereiken.
June 25, 2020
Here's an apt book for the times!! So much of this struck true with me of the world we currently find ourselves living in, that it made it so much easier to connect with and understand! If only we had a Joe.....
This is a book told through the eyes of a few characters, all part of the world but all living very different lives. Except they all soon share a common experience when the world goes black for 12 minutes... there was no warning, there are no contingency plans in place for such an occurrence - and how people react around the world is a fascinating insight into humanity!
Sophie is a school teacher when this event happens so has to try and keep her pupils calm while this madness is going on. When light returns she sees a man walking across the school fields who says he's just arrived. She finds herself talking to him and feeling that she needs to help - the pupils in her class are even more fascinated by him and I loved the innocence of children and their questions to him. If only adults had such an open mind! For Joe he is openly questioning why humans do so much harm to their planet and one another. It makes no sense to him - he's not the only one who wonders why!!
Meanwhile, Governments all around the world are showing their true colours. Suspecting one another of having a hand in what has happened, trying to work out how to deal with what has happened. And the more they hear about 'Joe' and the effect he has on people that he meets in person or via videos, the more they soon pull together to try and discredit him as he baffles them. Is he for real?
This book does a brilliant job of showing up the role of 'fake news', the word of the media vs the experiences of people, and how those in favour of the status quo are rattled by this new prescence spouting new ideals and reaching people in a different way to the norm. It shows up the inequality, the greed, the overpopulation, the climate issues. the intolerance that humanity faces day in, day out and how trying to change people and their ways leads to resistance and underhanded tactics by those not in favour.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, especially with its' relevance to the present time! The battle between those who don't want change against those who would prefer a kinder, more fair world was fascinating and this book gives you a lot to think about!
This is a book told through the eyes of a few characters, all part of the world but all living very different lives. Except they all soon share a common experience when the world goes black for 12 minutes... there was no warning, there are no contingency plans in place for such an occurrence - and how people react around the world is a fascinating insight into humanity!
Sophie is a school teacher when this event happens so has to try and keep her pupils calm while this madness is going on. When light returns she sees a man walking across the school fields who says he's just arrived. She finds herself talking to him and feeling that she needs to help - the pupils in her class are even more fascinated by him and I loved the innocence of children and their questions to him. If only adults had such an open mind! For Joe he is openly questioning why humans do so much harm to their planet and one another. It makes no sense to him - he's not the only one who wonders why!!
Meanwhile, Governments all around the world are showing their true colours. Suspecting one another of having a hand in what has happened, trying to work out how to deal with what has happened. And the more they hear about 'Joe' and the effect he has on people that he meets in person or via videos, the more they soon pull together to try and discredit him as he baffles them. Is he for real?
This book does a brilliant job of showing up the role of 'fake news', the word of the media vs the experiences of people, and how those in favour of the status quo are rattled by this new prescence spouting new ideals and reaching people in a different way to the norm. It shows up the inequality, the greed, the overpopulation, the climate issues. the intolerance that humanity faces day in, day out and how trying to change people and their ways leads to resistance and underhanded tactics by those not in favour.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, especially with its' relevance to the present time! The battle between those who don't want change against those who would prefer a kinder, more fair world was fascinating and this book gives you a lot to think about!
June 8, 2020
Let me start by saying I’m probably the last person this book is aimed at. I’m a non believer of nearly everything this book is about. Anti religion anti politics anti climate change. Why you may ask, well let me explain. I see how they are all run and I don’t like it. I much prefer my way of life which is to just be the best person you can and try to look after where you live and it’s surroundings. I’m not perfect but I try, my daughters on the other hand shout about injustices, use social media as a voice and they will be the generation that brings about change.
I will say though I do really enjoy reading books featuring religion and books that make you think or question your beliefs.
This book starts with a school teacher called Sophie and the world going dark. 12 minutes later a man appears along with the sun claiming to be the son of God. He is given the name Joe and together they meet with the heads of science,religion and world leaders to challenge them to save the world from climate change and the greed and corruption that is destroying us.
There are many pros and a few cons regarding this book. The characters are definitely one of the highlights for me, especially Sophie, and the use of multiple narration means you get to see differing points of view. Although these did switch suddenly which confused me a couple of times. Another pro was the descriptive writing and the almost apocalyptic start which had real impact. Considering the subject matter it never came across as preachy either which was my biggest concern, it just used a religious figure almost as a good vs evil which really worked.
Now to the cons, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be as easy as it became in the book. Heads of religion giving up their long held beliefs and people giving up their power to someone they don’t know. Christ I can’t even get my kid to clean her room. Some people will be sheep and follow or even lemmings and jump off a cliff. But there will also be those that question, those that think they know better and even those that just fear change. But I know we can be better.
I will say though I do really enjoy reading books featuring religion and books that make you think or question your beliefs.
This book starts with a school teacher called Sophie and the world going dark. 12 minutes later a man appears along with the sun claiming to be the son of God. He is given the name Joe and together they meet with the heads of science,religion and world leaders to challenge them to save the world from climate change and the greed and corruption that is destroying us.
There are many pros and a few cons regarding this book. The characters are definitely one of the highlights for me, especially Sophie, and the use of multiple narration means you get to see differing points of view. Although these did switch suddenly which confused me a couple of times. Another pro was the descriptive writing and the almost apocalyptic start which had real impact. Considering the subject matter it never came across as preachy either which was my biggest concern, it just used a religious figure almost as a good vs evil which really worked.
Now to the cons, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be as easy as it became in the book. Heads of religion giving up their long held beliefs and people giving up their power to someone they don’t know. Christ I can’t even get my kid to clean her room. Some people will be sheep and follow or even lemmings and jump off a cliff. But there will also be those that question, those that think they know better and even those that just fear change. But I know we can be better.
June 6, 2020
Ik heb dit boek gelezen voor de Hebban Buzz. Ik heb het ervaren als een bijzonder, en origneel verhaal.
Toen ik begon aan het boek had ik enigzins wel mijn twijfels of ik er doorheen zou komen, want ik moest heel erg wennen aan het onderwerp van dit verhaal.
Hoe meer het verhaal vorderde, hoe leuker het werd. Het is dus echt een bijzonder verhaal, en zo is het ook geschreven. Het brengt ook de nodige humor en spanning met zich mee.
Het is een verhaal wat je aan het denken zet, en het laat je fantasie de vrije loop. Er wordt op een gegeven moment gesproken van de Amerikaanse en Russische president; hier denk je misschien ook meteen aan Trump en Poetin.
Zelf ben ik niet gelovig, maar ik vond dat dit verhaal op een leuke manier het geloof onder de aandacht wist te brengen.
Er komt ook een gedeelte over de Bijbel in terug, en hoe het allemaal een beetje tot stand is gekomen. Dit is op een leuke manier in het verhaal verwerkt, en niet saai of standaard.
Dit boek heeft mij ook wel een andere kijk op de wereld gegeven. We zouden inderdaad wat meer bezig moeten zijn met het mileu en met elkaar.
Het is wel een goede eye-opener. Je kunt niet de hele wereld willen verbeteren, maar je kunt er wel zelf een steentje aan bijdragen.
Het is overigens wel echt een verhaal waar je feeling voor moet hebben en misschien ook moet krijgen naarmate het verhaal zich voortzet.
Het is geen alledaags verhaal, dat maakt het ook weer erg leuk, maar het is ook wel erg wennen.
Toen ik begon aan het boek had ik enigzins wel mijn twijfels of ik er doorheen zou komen, want ik moest heel erg wennen aan het onderwerp van dit verhaal.
Hoe meer het verhaal vorderde, hoe leuker het werd. Het is dus echt een bijzonder verhaal, en zo is het ook geschreven. Het brengt ook de nodige humor en spanning met zich mee.
Het is een verhaal wat je aan het denken zet, en het laat je fantasie de vrije loop. Er wordt op een gegeven moment gesproken van de Amerikaanse en Russische president; hier denk je misschien ook meteen aan Trump en Poetin.
Zelf ben ik niet gelovig, maar ik vond dat dit verhaal op een leuke manier het geloof onder de aandacht wist te brengen.
Er komt ook een gedeelte over de Bijbel in terug, en hoe het allemaal een beetje tot stand is gekomen. Dit is op een leuke manier in het verhaal verwerkt, en niet saai of standaard.
Dit boek heeft mij ook wel een andere kijk op de wereld gegeven. We zouden inderdaad wat meer bezig moeten zijn met het mileu en met elkaar.
Het is wel een goede eye-opener. Je kunt niet de hele wereld willen verbeteren, maar je kunt er wel zelf een steentje aan bijdragen.
Het is overigens wel echt een verhaal waar je feeling voor moet hebben en misschien ook moet krijgen naarmate het verhaal zich voortzet.
Het is geen alledaags verhaal, dat maakt het ook weer erg leuk, maar het is ook wel erg wennen.
June 13, 2020
I read this book for a blog tour, so thank you to the blog tour organiser and the author for inviting me to take part in this tour and for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I reviewed this book on my blog a few days ago, and I ranted about it profusely, if you feel like checking out the full version, please feel free to do so here: https://readtoramble.com/book-review-...
This book was really interesting, disturbing, real, scary and just generally very thought-provoking. The writing style and the plot were quite good and they just kept me turning the pages, but the execution maybe wasn't the best. I completely understand where the authors are coming from, but I felt quite a bit of confusion about this book, about the genres you can fit it into but also the things it is asking us to do. Some of the elements of this book were done with the right intentions, but not pulled off to the best of their abilities and I think that assuming that God will save the world was a bit of a bad way to go about things. However, I do get that it is possibly a metaphor and that we all have to look into ourselves to find the thing we believe in the most and use our wisdom and kindness to change things.
This was a really important and inspirational book on climate change, political circles, science, but also the individual side of living in a world that is slowly being decimated by human beings. I think it had a really important message and although it wasn't my cup of tea, I found it to be an enjoyable read. I don't know how to rate this book because for me it doesn't feel like a book I can rate, so I've given it 3-3.5 stars.
I reviewed this book on my blog a few days ago, and I ranted about it profusely, if you feel like checking out the full version, please feel free to do so here: https://readtoramble.com/book-review-...
This book was really interesting, disturbing, real, scary and just generally very thought-provoking. The writing style and the plot were quite good and they just kept me turning the pages, but the execution maybe wasn't the best. I completely understand where the authors are coming from, but I felt quite a bit of confusion about this book, about the genres you can fit it into but also the things it is asking us to do. Some of the elements of this book were done with the right intentions, but not pulled off to the best of their abilities and I think that assuming that God will save the world was a bit of a bad way to go about things. However, I do get that it is possibly a metaphor and that we all have to look into ourselves to find the thing we believe in the most and use our wisdom and kindness to change things.
This was a really important and inspirational book on climate change, political circles, science, but also the individual side of living in a world that is slowly being decimated by human beings. I think it had a really important message and although it wasn't my cup of tea, I found it to be an enjoyable read. I don't know how to rate this book because for me it doesn't feel like a book I can rate, so I've given it 3-3.5 stars.
September 30, 2020
Bij het zien van de schitterende cover van Zeg maar Joe van Martin van Es & Andrew Crofts wil je weten voor wat voor ramp de vogels wegvliegen of waar ze van zijn geschrokken. Bij het lezen van de titel wil je weten wie Joe is en wat zijn verhaal is. De titel wordt al heel snel duidelijk tijdens het lezen.
Zeg maar Joe van Martin van Es & Andrew Crofts is een verhaal met een boodschap. Een verhaal dat heel erg actueel is. Het is een verhaal dat je geregeld aan het denken zet zoals bijvoorbeeld over ons koopgedrag en het milieu. Het is een verhaal dat je de ogen opent, over hoe we anders zouden kunnen omgaan met de aarde, hoe we die kunnen redden. Het verhaal laat ook zien wat de overeenkomsten zijn van de diverse geloven en dat veel van wat er in bijvoorbeeld de Bijbel staat, niet meer van deze tijd is, dat veel inmiddels anders is zoals bijvoorbeeld hoe men met vrouwen omgaat.
Als je eenmaal in Zeg maar Joe van Martin van Es & Andrew Crofts bent begonnen, dan kan je niet meer stoppen met lezen. Je wilt weten hoe het verhaal verder gaat, wat er precies is gebeurd, wie Joe is, waarom hij er is, wat de groep van twaalf precies wil, wat diverse mensen zoals bijvoorbeeld de wereldleiders en geloofsmensen ervan vinden, en hoe het verhaal zal eindigen.
Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.com/2020/... .
Zeg maar Joe van Martin van Es & Andrew Crofts is een verhaal met een boodschap. Een verhaal dat heel erg actueel is. Het is een verhaal dat je geregeld aan het denken zet zoals bijvoorbeeld over ons koopgedrag en het milieu. Het is een verhaal dat je de ogen opent, over hoe we anders zouden kunnen omgaan met de aarde, hoe we die kunnen redden. Het verhaal laat ook zien wat de overeenkomsten zijn van de diverse geloven en dat veel van wat er in bijvoorbeeld de Bijbel staat, niet meer van deze tijd is, dat veel inmiddels anders is zoals bijvoorbeeld hoe men met vrouwen omgaat.
Als je eenmaal in Zeg maar Joe van Martin van Es & Andrew Crofts bent begonnen, dan kan je niet meer stoppen met lezen. Je wilt weten hoe het verhaal verder gaat, wat er precies is gebeurd, wie Joe is, waarom hij er is, wat de groep van twaalf precies wil, wat diverse mensen zoals bijvoorbeeld de wereldleiders en geloofsmensen ervan vinden, en hoe het verhaal zal eindigen.
Lees verder op https://surfingann.blogspot.com/2020/... .
June 21, 2020
Thank you to @reddoorbooks @the_joeproject my #gifted copy of Call me Joe.
.
This is a genre that I would not normally choose but every now and again I like the challenge of reading something new to spice things up a bit! .
Having said that I would have definitely been drawn straight in by the stunning cover, just look at it!! 😍
.
This story is about a teacher Sophie who is outside in the playground with her pupils when suddenly the world blacks out for 12 minutes and nobody knows why! .
Mysteriously a handsome man arrives on the school grounds and calls himself the son of God! He is given the name Joe by a Hugo who is a student at the school.
.
This book is heavily religious which is something I am not, however it is not off putting and I actually like the way it made me sit and reflect on my opinions and perspectives.
.
This story is told by different POV’s, this happens quite suddenly and without warning so can be a little bit confusing at times.
.
At times I found the story quite frustrating and unrealistic- for example a teacher going to stay at her students house for a weekend with a stranger she has only just met! .
However there were also many great aspects of the book too, it’s easy enough to read and does get you sucked in straight away! .
I really liked Sophie’s character but thought she was slightly naive to be swept away by a random stranger so suddenly! #blogtour
.
This is a genre that I would not normally choose but every now and again I like the challenge of reading something new to spice things up a bit! .
Having said that I would have definitely been drawn straight in by the stunning cover, just look at it!! 😍
.
This story is about a teacher Sophie who is outside in the playground with her pupils when suddenly the world blacks out for 12 minutes and nobody knows why! .
Mysteriously a handsome man arrives on the school grounds and calls himself the son of God! He is given the name Joe by a Hugo who is a student at the school.
.
This book is heavily religious which is something I am not, however it is not off putting and I actually like the way it made me sit and reflect on my opinions and perspectives.
.
This story is told by different POV’s, this happens quite suddenly and without warning so can be a little bit confusing at times.
.
At times I found the story quite frustrating and unrealistic- for example a teacher going to stay at her students house for a weekend with a stranger she has only just met! .
However there were also many great aspects of the book too, it’s easy enough to read and does get you sucked in straight away! .
I really liked Sophie’s character but thought she was slightly naive to be swept away by a random stranger so suddenly! #blogtour
July 5, 2020
Book Review for Call Me Joe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I am left lost for words, in awe of their authors' creativity and imagination, and full of open minded hope.
This is a book that will stay with me.
"When the world is on the brink of disaster if not extinction, can the one person who created it, help to save it to. One day the world is plunged into total darkness for 12 minutes. When it wakes again it's surrounded by sunshine and a mysterious man, claiming to be the Son of God. Joe, turns the world as we know it upside down and reunites, combines and brings together every leader, lover and creative thinker, to change the world for the better"
Call Me Joe beautifully depicts religion and spirituality, that you dont have to be religious, to understand and appreciate the message. It links each religion to eradicate the discrimination we as a world have made, and made us whole again.
I loved how the characters in this book all linked loosely to those you associate with Jesus' story, and how the author describes with the stories from all religions, into a believable concept.
Of course some areas are 'unbelievable and far fetched' but you take want you want to from this book. After all, our beliefs, religious and spiritual opinions all differ, because we chose want we want from them to suit our own lives.
Such a deep, and incredibly thought provoking storyline, that made me challenge my own spiritual beliefs, curl up on the sofa and never want to return to normal existence again.
"A place where everyone is equal, no one starved, or allowed to live in poverty. A place where there is no more threat of self inflicted extinction".
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I am left lost for words, in awe of their authors' creativity and imagination, and full of open minded hope.
This is a book that will stay with me.
"When the world is on the brink of disaster if not extinction, can the one person who created it, help to save it to. One day the world is plunged into total darkness for 12 minutes. When it wakes again it's surrounded by sunshine and a mysterious man, claiming to be the Son of God. Joe, turns the world as we know it upside down and reunites, combines and brings together every leader, lover and creative thinker, to change the world for the better"
Call Me Joe beautifully depicts religion and spirituality, that you dont have to be religious, to understand and appreciate the message. It links each religion to eradicate the discrimination we as a world have made, and made us whole again.
I loved how the characters in this book all linked loosely to those you associate with Jesus' story, and how the author describes with the stories from all religions, into a believable concept.
Of course some areas are 'unbelievable and far fetched' but you take want you want to from this book. After all, our beliefs, religious and spiritual opinions all differ, because we chose want we want from them to suit our own lives.
Such a deep, and incredibly thought provoking storyline, that made me challenge my own spiritual beliefs, curl up on the sofa and never want to return to normal existence again.
"A place where everyone is equal, no one starved, or allowed to live in poverty. A place where there is no more threat of self inflicted extinction".
June 22, 2020
I finished this book late last night but needed to sleep on it before reviewing. It seemed to take me forever to finish, yet I did enjoy it. The subject matter and ‘what if’ actually kept me awake several nights, it played on my mind, and I think it drives home the whole religion v science argument. It was possibly an unsettling read during our current Covid-19 pandemic. At one point in the book, the protagonist says God (collective) gave us evolution! Who knows!? This story incorporates global warming and many worries / current affairs of the world, and it was an intriguing read. It flowed well, I enjoyed Joe and Sophie’s story, and although needed, I felt the prime minister(s) parts dragged a bit - I think that’s because of the romantic in me, I wanted back to the main characters!
This was a very different type of novel which manages to pull fact and fiction together quite nicely. I know I am left thinking and deliberating (with myself!) over it. There is plenty food for thought on all levels. I’m not sure that everyone in my book group would enjoy this book (or read it!), but I think it would be a great book club read as there is a lot to talk about. I would certainly like to read other books by this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Literally PR Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This was a very different type of novel which manages to pull fact and fiction together quite nicely. I know I am left thinking and deliberating (with myself!) over it. There is plenty food for thought on all levels. I’m not sure that everyone in my book group would enjoy this book (or read it!), but I think it would be a great book club read as there is a lot to talk about. I would certainly like to read other books by this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Literally PR Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 5, 2020
For the first 100 pages of this book I couldn't work out if I was enjoying this book or whether to DNF it. It's so different to anything else I've read, but it turned out to be in a totally good way. This is heavy and requires a lot of thinking. You catch yourself questioning so much about the current situations in the world, that before you know it you're off researching climate change and population crisis (Well I did anyway) Overall a great read. Slow burner but the last quarter made up for it
Read
August 12, 2022I couldn’t really finish this book as it just smacked of themes and stories I have read before and way too obviously based on Jesus. I couldn’t focus on the climate change issue which to me was more interesting rather than the weird lovey dovey situation that was going on. It just feels a bit too ott.
November 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this read. It can be a tad religious in parts, however I didn’t feel the author was intending to preach, I embraced those parts.
Everyone should read this, it is very thought provoking and highlights some interesting topics and concerns.
It also had a little love thrown in too. ♥️
More detailed review to follow.
Everyone should read this, it is very thought provoking and highlights some interesting topics and concerns.
It also had a little love thrown in too. ♥️
More detailed review to follow.
June 11, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced copy for review.
I am not completely sure how I feel about this book. I found it easy enough to read and despite the different characters and locations, it was straightforward enough to follow. The core characters were clearly expressed and as someone who works in a boarding school, there were elements that I recognised in terms of some of the leads in that setting. At the same time, there were some bits that, despite this being a work of fiction (maybe science-fiction?), I found kind of unbelievable - like going to stay at the house of a kid you teach... Nope. Like it was set in a real life backdrop but it seemed a bit naive. I don't know. It's hard to explain. I kind of guessed right from Joe's first appearance who he was going to end up being, but then the relational aspect of him seemed inappropriate and off kilter. It was like Jesus Christ Superstar...without the songs. I sort of felt that although some good points could have been explored it was too heavy handed in its approach and resulted in something that didn't feel quite right. Anyway. It was fine, but not really my thing.
I am not completely sure how I feel about this book. I found it easy enough to read and despite the different characters and locations, it was straightforward enough to follow. The core characters were clearly expressed and as someone who works in a boarding school, there were elements that I recognised in terms of some of the leads in that setting. At the same time, there were some bits that, despite this being a work of fiction (maybe science-fiction?), I found kind of unbelievable - like going to stay at the house of a kid you teach... Nope. Like it was set in a real life backdrop but it seemed a bit naive. I don't know. It's hard to explain. I kind of guessed right from Joe's first appearance who he was going to end up being, but then the relational aspect of him seemed inappropriate and off kilter. It was like Jesus Christ Superstar...without the songs. I sort of felt that although some good points could have been explored it was too heavy handed in its approach and resulted in something that didn't feel quite right. Anyway. It was fine, but not really my thing.
May 27, 2020
I actually loved this story way more than I thought I would. It was great to see how fiction and religion have been intertwined and how religion was put across. Would highly recommend
September 4, 2023
Published during lockdown, Call Me Joe was, rather incredibly, written three years before the global pandemic, yet it's a suspenseful read looking at what the world would do if it were suddenly plunged into a global crisis... how the world leaders would react, what the people would do/say. It's fascinating and entertaining at the same time, and given what's happening at the moment, the fact it is a novel set at a time when the world is on the brink of disaster really does seem so fitting.
March 18, 2021
Really loved the premise of this book and the start was so enthralling.
I do object to being preached too via fiction though...and the veganism and pollution talks and saving the planet was all a bit too much. I was hoping for a closer look at humanity and human nature rather than just being lectured on what we are doing wrong with the planet.
At the beginning, I found it difficult to take Sophie seriously given her relatively comfortable lifestyle...it is easy to judge others....she is doing her bit but people can hardly be blamed for wanting to be comfortable in their life and not wishing to forfeit their own livelihoods by getting factories closed down etc.
However as the story moves on it does thankfully become less about preaching and more about discussion. When Joe is asking people questions...the answers are ones that we would find quite interesting to know. ...and Joe is such an enigmatic charismatic character that it is easy to get swept up in his story.
The rewriting of the Bible was very interesting and loved everything on the island of Teiti. I loved that some stories were picked out and some were false...it was a very clever weaving of such a huge religious ideology and a new story they were telling here.
I think the story faltered with a few aspects...the main one being Joe and Sophie's relationship...I was disappointed in the way it unfolded and wish it had been more rounded...as it was so pivotal to our understanding of the story.
The other one was we didn't get enough about the Twelve...we needed to know them better than just a glancing introduction and then them just being mentioned....I would have preferred to know more about then Twelve than what World Leaders were thinking...which felt like putting words into people's mouths and didn't work for me....although no one was named..it was very clear who they were and it felt uncomfortable...we don't know how those leaders would react in this situation and would rather have focused more on the real fiction side.
There was also some confusion about whether heaven existed....at one stage it was categorically said no as you live for the now and later that some people would be rewarded in heaven....this was a bit too important for mixed messages given the tone of the rest of the book.
I enjoyed that the authors did not shy away from hard issues...they stated the answers to the big questions in a very forthright manner and I enjoyed that. Alot of these types of books shy away at the last minute of actually saying anything controversial and although the ideas were completely unattainable and going from one extreme to another...I appreciated that they stated the answers so strongly.
I did love the across the board acceptance of sexuality and lust...and how it came across as completely authentic and obvious as to why there wouldn't be equality in such matters.
However I was really disappointed with the ending and the preaching going further than we thought....I did feel to some extent I had been duped into reading the book...I am all for fiction making us think but I do object to being preached too and for being manipulated to a degree and maybe the book should be marketed as a plan to save the planet rather than fiction and at least people can go into it actually understanding what they are reading.
I would like to read a similar book...that is as intelligent and creative as this one..but without the hidden message and attempt at indoctrination. Even if it is for the greater good...it doesn't make it okay.
I think many of us would come to the same conclusion of the save the planet message when reading the book without the attempt to recruit us and show that there was an ulterior motive to the book. I just wanted to read an interesting piece of fiction that made me think about wider issues...I didn't need the extra sermons and thought the overall message was diluted hugely because of these.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I do object to being preached too via fiction though...and the veganism and pollution talks and saving the planet was all a bit too much. I was hoping for a closer look at humanity and human nature rather than just being lectured on what we are doing wrong with the planet.
At the beginning, I found it difficult to take Sophie seriously given her relatively comfortable lifestyle...it is easy to judge others....she is doing her bit but people can hardly be blamed for wanting to be comfortable in their life and not wishing to forfeit their own livelihoods by getting factories closed down etc.
However as the story moves on it does thankfully become less about preaching and more about discussion. When Joe is asking people questions...the answers are ones that we would find quite interesting to know. ...and Joe is such an enigmatic charismatic character that it is easy to get swept up in his story.
The rewriting of the Bible was very interesting and loved everything on the island of Teiti. I loved that some stories were picked out and some were false...it was a very clever weaving of such a huge religious ideology and a new story they were telling here.
I think the story faltered with a few aspects...the main one being Joe and Sophie's relationship...I was disappointed in the way it unfolded and wish it had been more rounded...as it was so pivotal to our understanding of the story.
The other one was we didn't get enough about the Twelve...we needed to know them better than just a glancing introduction and then them just being mentioned....I would have preferred to know more about then Twelve than what World Leaders were thinking...which felt like putting words into people's mouths and didn't work for me....although no one was named..it was very clear who they were and it felt uncomfortable...we don't know how those leaders would react in this situation and would rather have focused more on the real fiction side.
There was also some confusion about whether heaven existed....at one stage it was categorically said no as you live for the now and later that some people would be rewarded in heaven....this was a bit too important for mixed messages given the tone of the rest of the book.
I enjoyed that the authors did not shy away from hard issues...they stated the answers to the big questions in a very forthright manner and I enjoyed that. Alot of these types of books shy away at the last minute of actually saying anything controversial and although the ideas were completely unattainable and going from one extreme to another...I appreciated that they stated the answers so strongly.
I did love the across the board acceptance of sexuality and lust...and how it came across as completely authentic and obvious as to why there wouldn't be equality in such matters.
However I was really disappointed with the ending and the preaching going further than we thought....I did feel to some extent I had been duped into reading the book...I am all for fiction making us think but I do object to being preached too and for being manipulated to a degree and maybe the book should be marketed as a plan to save the planet rather than fiction and at least people can go into it actually understanding what they are reading.
I would like to read a similar book...that is as intelligent and creative as this one..but without the hidden message and attempt at indoctrination. Even if it is for the greater good...it doesn't make it okay.
I think many of us would come to the same conclusion of the save the planet message when reading the book without the attempt to recruit us and show that there was an ulterior motive to the book. I just wanted to read an interesting piece of fiction that made me think about wider issues...I didn't need the extra sermons and thought the overall message was diluted hugely because of these.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2020
For the Hebbanbuzz I have already read the book Call me Joe ahead. This book will be released on June 4.
It is dark for twelve minutes. All over the world it seems like the sun has disappeared. Scientists face a mystery. A global solar eclipse seems illogical, but what was it? Political leaders also face a huge dilemma. Suppose this happens more often, what do they have to do, what dangers does this entail for their country? Nobody knows exactly what happened. Is this the announcement for something big or was it just a coincidence?
When the sun returns in Christchurch, New Zealand, to Sophie's shock, a rather attractive bum wanders around. Sophie is a teacher at a heavily guarded school. How did this man get onto the property? She decides to talk to him and lets him go into hiding in her apartment. But as soon as she goes back to her apartment after school, a few curious students of hers are soon at the door. They all start asking the man questions and that's how they find out that this man claims to be Jesus. They decide to name him Joe, but question his status as the Son of God. But when Joe turns out to be able to work miracles, this doubt is quickly gone.
During a weekend visiting the mother of Hugo, one of Sophie's students, Joe behaves the same way. He tells the twelve in attendance that he has chosen them to help him, that one of them will betray him and that person already knows this. The twelve look at each other strange for a moment, but have no doubts. Together they are committed to changing the world. In doing so, they must ensure that the religious leaders get aligned and in addition do the same with political leaders. Will they succeed in changing the world and getting everyone aligned? What will all come their way?
Call me Joe is full of life questions, morals, differences and is based on the Bible story. Joe is the Jesus in the story and has therefore chosen twelve disciples to accompany him. Each of them is an expert in a different part, each of them intends to improve the world in that area. Together they make twelve guidelines to replace the ten commandments. These guidelines are a lot more realistic for the time in which we now live than the Ten Commandments.
Joe is not a typical Jesus at all, as most imagine him. In the story he is depicted as a hippie. Like a celebrity, he enjoys all the attention and already has a solution ready for every problem. He has a very down-to-earth attitude, which sometimes comes across as arrogant to me. He already knows everything about what is going to happen, and it happens.
Call me Joe contains some mockery at just about every religion. For example, the Bible stories about the birth of Jesus are brushed off the table and many aspects are seen by Joe as invented by man. However, I personally find the image that Joe creates of God much more beautiful than the image of God that most beliefs have. One of Joe's goals is to unite all beliefs in points of view. Many atheists and perhaps even believers have doubts about the Bible story or the existence of god. I am pleased to see that the authors involve not only the believers in the story, but also the people with doubts. Because of this you are still involved in the story, regardless of your faith.
The writing style is very smooth, although in the beginning the story is told from different countries. This quickly becomes a whole, and this means that switching between countries is much less.
The authors' ultimate goal is to visualize a way in which we could improve the world. This purpose is clearly visible in the story, but also ensures that the story is not a typical novel. I would personally describe it as a revolutionary novel, although this is not an existing genre as far as I know.
All in all, Call me Joe is a book to reflect on because of the many life questions and the great main purpose that occur in the story. I give Call me Joe 4 stars.
If, after reading this review or Call me Joe, you are very curious about further developments. A project called TheJoeProject has been set in motion for you to follow.
It is dark for twelve minutes. All over the world it seems like the sun has disappeared. Scientists face a mystery. A global solar eclipse seems illogical, but what was it? Political leaders also face a huge dilemma. Suppose this happens more often, what do they have to do, what dangers does this entail for their country? Nobody knows exactly what happened. Is this the announcement for something big or was it just a coincidence?
When the sun returns in Christchurch, New Zealand, to Sophie's shock, a rather attractive bum wanders around. Sophie is a teacher at a heavily guarded school. How did this man get onto the property? She decides to talk to him and lets him go into hiding in her apartment. But as soon as she goes back to her apartment after school, a few curious students of hers are soon at the door. They all start asking the man questions and that's how they find out that this man claims to be Jesus. They decide to name him Joe, but question his status as the Son of God. But when Joe turns out to be able to work miracles, this doubt is quickly gone.
During a weekend visiting the mother of Hugo, one of Sophie's students, Joe behaves the same way. He tells the twelve in attendance that he has chosen them to help him, that one of them will betray him and that person already knows this. The twelve look at each other strange for a moment, but have no doubts. Together they are committed to changing the world. In doing so, they must ensure that the religious leaders get aligned and in addition do the same with political leaders. Will they succeed in changing the world and getting everyone aligned? What will all come their way?
Call me Joe is full of life questions, morals, differences and is based on the Bible story. Joe is the Jesus in the story and has therefore chosen twelve disciples to accompany him. Each of them is an expert in a different part, each of them intends to improve the world in that area. Together they make twelve guidelines to replace the ten commandments. These guidelines are a lot more realistic for the time in which we now live than the Ten Commandments.
Joe is not a typical Jesus at all, as most imagine him. In the story he is depicted as a hippie. Like a celebrity, he enjoys all the attention and already has a solution ready for every problem. He has a very down-to-earth attitude, which sometimes comes across as arrogant to me. He already knows everything about what is going to happen, and it happens.
Call me Joe contains some mockery at just about every religion. For example, the Bible stories about the birth of Jesus are brushed off the table and many aspects are seen by Joe as invented by man. However, I personally find the image that Joe creates of God much more beautiful than the image of God that most beliefs have. One of Joe's goals is to unite all beliefs in points of view. Many atheists and perhaps even believers have doubts about the Bible story or the existence of god. I am pleased to see that the authors involve not only the believers in the story, but also the people with doubts. Because of this you are still involved in the story, regardless of your faith.
The writing style is very smooth, although in the beginning the story is told from different countries. This quickly becomes a whole, and this means that switching between countries is much less.
The authors' ultimate goal is to visualize a way in which we could improve the world. This purpose is clearly visible in the story, but also ensures that the story is not a typical novel. I would personally describe it as a revolutionary novel, although this is not an existing genre as far as I know.
All in all, Call me Joe is a book to reflect on because of the many life questions and the great main purpose that occur in the story. I give Call me Joe 4 stars.
If, after reading this review or Call me Joe, you are very curious about further developments. A project called TheJoeProject has been set in motion for you to follow.
June 13, 2020
Zeg maar Jezus .... uhhh Joe
(spoilers)
Ik mocht voor de Hebbanbuzz dit boek ontvangen en lezen. Nog dank daarvoor.
De cover is prachtig en kleurrijk om te zien. De omslag beloofde een interessant mysterieus en uiterst actueel verhaal in de trant van Dan Brown. Dus dat beloofd wat.
Let op de recensie kan spoilers bevatten.
Het boek begint met een mooie quote van Mahatma Gandhi.
" Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
De wereld is inktzwart en gehuld in duisternis gedurende 12 minuten. Wat is er aan de hand?
Tijdens deze 12 minuten leren we enkele personages in het boek kennen. De ietwat naïeve docent Sophie die weer op het matje is geroepen bij de directie. Haar leerlingen. Waaronder Hugo een intelligente jongen met een turbulent gezinsleven.
De Chinese activist Yung Zhangs, die later de moeder van 1 van de leerlingen nl Hugo blijkt te zijn.
En wat wereldleiders die gedurende het verhaal als karikaturen duidelijke overeenkomsten vertonen met voor ons zeer bekende leiders.
Als de zon weer terug is verschijnt er ook op het schoolplein een man die eruit ziet als een kluizenaar. Sophie valt als een blok voor deze charmante mysterieuze en aparte man. Ook de leerlingen zijn onder de indruk. Ze noemen hem Joe.
Hij geeft aan Jezus te zijn die terug is gekomen om de wereld en de mensen daarop te helpen. Let wel Jezus in een moderner jasje. En soms wat te menselijk.
Het begin van het boek leest weg als een roman en is prettig om te lezen. Sophie vind ik soms wel erg naïef en soms wat ongeloofwaardig. Later is haar rol in het boek niet meer zo belangrijk.
Joe haalt het ene na het andere wonder uit waardoor hij al snel veel volgelingen krijgt. Lang leve de sociale media.
Er komt ook nog wat spanning in het verhaal doordat er een Oekraïner is die Joe wilt vermoorden.
Het cijfer 12 lijkt een belangrijke rol te spelen in het boek. De 12 minuten, de groep van twaalf of kortweg De Twaalf. Met een verwijzing naar de 12 apostelen.
Veel verwijzingen naar de bijbel, milieu vraagstukken etc.
Jammer dat sommige situaties en personages niet alle aandacht krijgen waardoor sommige delen wat oppervlakkig blijven. Dat is een gemiste kans.
Ik had bijvoorbeeld graag meer willen lezen over verschillende leden van De Twaalf. Sommige zijn nu niet eens benoemt.
Soms wat belerend en voor de hand liggend.
Het einde voelt ook een beetje aan als een open einde.
Dus al met al .... leuke en fijn lezende stukken en soms wat minder. Maar zeker geen slecht boek. 3.5 sterren
#hebbanbuzz
#ZegMaarJoe
#CallMeJoe
#bookstagrammer
https://www.thejoeproject.eu
Facebook: @TheJoeProject.eu
Twitter: @the_joeproject
Instagram: @the_joeproject
https://www.hebban.nl/!/inge-37
https://www.instagram.com/inget1970
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
(spoilers)
Ik mocht voor de Hebbanbuzz dit boek ontvangen en lezen. Nog dank daarvoor.
De cover is prachtig en kleurrijk om te zien. De omslag beloofde een interessant mysterieus en uiterst actueel verhaal in de trant van Dan Brown. Dus dat beloofd wat.
Let op de recensie kan spoilers bevatten.
Het boek begint met een mooie quote van Mahatma Gandhi.
" Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
De wereld is inktzwart en gehuld in duisternis gedurende 12 minuten. Wat is er aan de hand?
Tijdens deze 12 minuten leren we enkele personages in het boek kennen. De ietwat naïeve docent Sophie die weer op het matje is geroepen bij de directie. Haar leerlingen. Waaronder Hugo een intelligente jongen met een turbulent gezinsleven.
De Chinese activist Yung Zhangs, die later de moeder van 1 van de leerlingen nl Hugo blijkt te zijn.
En wat wereldleiders die gedurende het verhaal als karikaturen duidelijke overeenkomsten vertonen met voor ons zeer bekende leiders.
Als de zon weer terug is verschijnt er ook op het schoolplein een man die eruit ziet als een kluizenaar. Sophie valt als een blok voor deze charmante mysterieuze en aparte man. Ook de leerlingen zijn onder de indruk. Ze noemen hem Joe.
Hij geeft aan Jezus te zijn die terug is gekomen om de wereld en de mensen daarop te helpen. Let wel Jezus in een moderner jasje. En soms wat te menselijk.
Het begin van het boek leest weg als een roman en is prettig om te lezen. Sophie vind ik soms wel erg naïef en soms wat ongeloofwaardig. Later is haar rol in het boek niet meer zo belangrijk.
Joe haalt het ene na het andere wonder uit waardoor hij al snel veel volgelingen krijgt. Lang leve de sociale media.
Er komt ook nog wat spanning in het verhaal doordat er een Oekraïner is die Joe wilt vermoorden.
Het cijfer 12 lijkt een belangrijke rol te spelen in het boek. De 12 minuten, de groep van twaalf of kortweg De Twaalf. Met een verwijzing naar de 12 apostelen.
Veel verwijzingen naar de bijbel, milieu vraagstukken etc.
Jammer dat sommige situaties en personages niet alle aandacht krijgen waardoor sommige delen wat oppervlakkig blijven. Dat is een gemiste kans.
Ik had bijvoorbeeld graag meer willen lezen over verschillende leden van De Twaalf. Sommige zijn nu niet eens benoemt.
Soms wat belerend en voor de hand liggend.
Het einde voelt ook een beetje aan als een open einde.
Dus al met al .... leuke en fijn lezende stukken en soms wat minder. Maar zeker geen slecht boek. 3.5 sterren
#hebbanbuzz
#ZegMaarJoe
#CallMeJoe
#bookstagrammer
https://www.thejoeproject.eu
Facebook: @TheJoeProject.eu
Twitter: @the_joeproject
Instagram: @the_joeproject
https://www.hebban.nl/!/inge-37
https://www.instagram.com/inget1970
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
November 21, 2020
Twaalf minuten lang wordt de hele wereld donker, na deze 12 “donkere” minuten zal de wereld nooit meer hetzelfde zijn.
Sofie, lerares op een kostschool, maakt kennis met Joe.
Joe beweert de zoon van God te zijn, en heet dus Jezus, maar “Zeg maar Joe”.
Sofie vangt Joe op in haar kleine appartement en al snel ontstaat er een intense band tussen hen.
Joe is naar de aarde teruggekomen in de hoop dat hij de aarde nog kan redden van de gevolgen van al het kwade dat hier aan de gang is. Denkend aan de opwarming van de aarde, milieuvervuiling, ongelijkheid tussen de mensen,... Met “De Twaalf” wereldverbeteraars hoopt hij richtlijnen te kunnen uitwerken waar de bevolking zich kan aan houden en waardoor de wereld kan gered worden. Dit loopt natuurlijk niet van een leien dakje, want Joe krijgt ook tegenstanders, regeringsleiders die hem willen uitschakelen.
Het boek leest vlot, maar hier en daar zitten echt stukken in waar je je als lezer echt moet doorbijten. Gevaarlijke zones waarbij je zou stoppen met lezen in dit boek. Na 3/4 boek, komt er gelukkig weer wat spanning in.
Het is een boek met een heel duidelijke boodschap. Als lezer word je even met de neus op de feiten gedrukt. De bevolking van de aarde zal zich moeten herpakken om “ons leven” te redden. (Heel toepasselijk deze periode).
Met momenten had ik het gevoel dat ik een moderne versie van de bijbel aan het lezen was. Het begin van het boek las echt vlot en boeide mij ook, ik was precies een leuke roman aan het lezen. Het tussenstuk was eerder aan de saaie kant, en naar het einde toe kwam er weer spanning.
Ik sluit dit boek niet af met een wow-gevoel,maar het is een boek met veel realiteit in en het schudt de lezer eens wakker over de gang van zaken in onze wereld, daarom geef ik het een 3-sterren recensie.
Sofie, lerares op een kostschool, maakt kennis met Joe.
Joe beweert de zoon van God te zijn, en heet dus Jezus, maar “Zeg maar Joe”.
Sofie vangt Joe op in haar kleine appartement en al snel ontstaat er een intense band tussen hen.
Joe is naar de aarde teruggekomen in de hoop dat hij de aarde nog kan redden van de gevolgen van al het kwade dat hier aan de gang is. Denkend aan de opwarming van de aarde, milieuvervuiling, ongelijkheid tussen de mensen,... Met “De Twaalf” wereldverbeteraars hoopt hij richtlijnen te kunnen uitwerken waar de bevolking zich kan aan houden en waardoor de wereld kan gered worden. Dit loopt natuurlijk niet van een leien dakje, want Joe krijgt ook tegenstanders, regeringsleiders die hem willen uitschakelen.
Het boek leest vlot, maar hier en daar zitten echt stukken in waar je je als lezer echt moet doorbijten. Gevaarlijke zones waarbij je zou stoppen met lezen in dit boek. Na 3/4 boek, komt er gelukkig weer wat spanning in.
Het is een boek met een heel duidelijke boodschap. Als lezer word je even met de neus op de feiten gedrukt. De bevolking van de aarde zal zich moeten herpakken om “ons leven” te redden. (Heel toepasselijk deze periode).
Met momenten had ik het gevoel dat ik een moderne versie van de bijbel aan het lezen was. Het begin van het boek las echt vlot en boeide mij ook, ik was precies een leuke roman aan het lezen. Het tussenstuk was eerder aan de saaie kant, en naar het einde toe kwam er weer spanning.
Ik sluit dit boek niet af met een wow-gevoel,maar het is een boek met veel realiteit in en het schudt de lezer eens wakker over de gang van zaken in onze wereld, daarom geef ik het een 3-sterren recensie.
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