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The Harvest
John David Krygelski's suspenseful debut novel - The Harvest - is a stunning tour de force! Whether tackling the epic battle between good and evil, or answering the subtle and persistent questions which haunt us all, Krygelski writes a compelling and startling story centered around the mysterious arrival of a man who claims to be The Creator.
Clearly not a mortal, Elohim - as the stranger prefers to be known - astounds those he meets with unexplainable miracles and reality-altering answers. All of this is but a prelude to his announcement that he has come to do something...something which will affect every person on Earth...something which will occur in five days.
Against the backdrop of a world reacting to the announcement that God has arrived, a hastily assembled group of interviewers question and test Elohim...while hidden forces emerge to thwart his plans.
The Harvest is a gripping page-turner - a book which will change your view of the world.
Clearly not a mortal, Elohim - as the stranger prefers to be known - astounds those he meets with unexplainable miracles and reality-altering answers. All of this is but a prelude to his announcement that he has come to do something...something which will affect every person on Earth...something which will occur in five days.
Against the backdrop of a world reacting to the announcement that God has arrived, a hastily assembled group of interviewers question and test Elohim...while hidden forces emerge to thwart his plans.
The Harvest is a gripping page-turner - a book which will change your view of the world.
452 pages, Hardcover
First published November 22, 2010
28 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 14, 2024
In The Harvest the FBI has Anthropology /psychology/philosophy professor meet a man that boldly announces to be our Creator. Certainly a most delicious proposition, and it starts out fine by having the main character give a university lecture (you have to discount God as a character, of course). Within the lecture the author has the protagonist , said professor, point out some intriguing shortfalls of contemporary academic institutions. This intro also serves well as a character description and personal history of the protagonist. However, in the second part, when he finally meets God that is, things go a bit downhill - at least in my humble opinion. First and foremost, it becomes pretty much immediately clear that the man in the flowing white hair and beard is the real McCoy. (Created in my image has been taken a bit far here.) Hello, Michelangelo. Then, the Creator tries to sell us an absolutist version of a free will world. Of course, that point of view is quite imperative in order to be able to buy into the whole judgement and rapture catechism - no matter how unlikely to be true. But seriously, I mean considering what we have learned from the determinism vs free will debate, it seems a bit preposterous to subscribe to such an absolute notion. So, frankly speaking this just doesn’t fly, in my book.
From then on it becomes a long dialogue in which “God” explains human history and the kind of morality he expects from
mankind, all within the context of his creative principle. This is not only a bit tedious but also - coming to the part when the author produces certain analogies to explain the physics and chemistry of creation - controversial to say the least.
There are logical errors. Example: He makes an inference from a Narcissistic individual to a group of individuals which when having similar traits would not be narcissistic since it would be a kind of “group special”. To me that would be simply tribal and not any better than that.
Another point of offense is the explanation that the soul made it possible for humans to band into groups, societies. Well, don’t animals band together too? I believe Wolfpack’s have a fairly complex societal order, and I don’t think the Creator as described in the book has given souls to animals.
Also, the author just regurgitates long disproven cliched analogies to have God make his point -
He tries to sell us the Million monkeys on million typewriters typing analogy never being able to write a play worthy of Shakespeare. This analogy is incorrect for its oversimplification when making a case for the necessity of intelligent creation for forming proteins. We know that certain amino acids can only connect with others. It is, therefore, much closer to the probabilistic truth to propose a washing machine in which you have parts (amino acids) that have Velcro connectors which are then mixed up and have to fall together to form a protein. The connectors, and this is crucial, can often only connect in a certain way. This increases the probabilities for the formation of a protein quite a bit, so much so that it becomes an entirely different ball game in terms of probability. So, please can we just drop the monkey business - it’s as old as it is just wrong.
Another fallacy proscribed to is when God says that time is an illusion, yet later on claims he doesn’t know the future , merely the past and present. Hmmm. If the vector of time does not progress in only one direction and if time is then just a fourth dimension, it is then of a block character (proposed by Einstein) if so then it has to be quite predictable, especially for God. Of course, this inconsistency is again necessary as he claims this world to be an absolutist free will world. Be that as it may, this just won’t fly either.
Moreover, the author’s Creator claims scientist invent subatomic particles in their mind, as to believe them into existence. Well, the author seems not to know that such subatomic particles follow mathematical rotation geometry that calculates to perfection within the symmetry principle and so are not invented but proposed according to strict mathematically principles. Many, then, have subsequently been proven through black box interaction.
Finally, the Creator claims that numbers such as pi or the alpha value can be expressed in exact finite values in other number systems other than the decimal system. This has absolutely no basis.
In sum, this book is a great effort. However, the author has chosen an all encompassing topic, and quite literally so. I believe it is quite impossible for an author to manifest a God figure and attendant knowledge base to the satisfaction of an educated reader on the pages on a novel, for the author can only project what he (humankind) knows, and that must always fall infinitely short of any hypothetical god. Read this book and you will do some serious thinking.
From then on it becomes a long dialogue in which “God” explains human history and the kind of morality he expects from
mankind, all within the context of his creative principle. This is not only a bit tedious but also - coming to the part when the author produces certain analogies to explain the physics and chemistry of creation - controversial to say the least.
There are logical errors. Example: He makes an inference from a Narcissistic individual to a group of individuals which when having similar traits would not be narcissistic since it would be a kind of “group special”. To me that would be simply tribal and not any better than that.
Another point of offense is the explanation that the soul made it possible for humans to band into groups, societies. Well, don’t animals band together too? I believe Wolfpack’s have a fairly complex societal order, and I don’t think the Creator as described in the book has given souls to animals.
Also, the author just regurgitates long disproven cliched analogies to have God make his point -
He tries to sell us the Million monkeys on million typewriters typing analogy never being able to write a play worthy of Shakespeare. This analogy is incorrect for its oversimplification when making a case for the necessity of intelligent creation for forming proteins. We know that certain amino acids can only connect with others. It is, therefore, much closer to the probabilistic truth to propose a washing machine in which you have parts (amino acids) that have Velcro connectors which are then mixed up and have to fall together to form a protein. The connectors, and this is crucial, can often only connect in a certain way. This increases the probabilities for the formation of a protein quite a bit, so much so that it becomes an entirely different ball game in terms of probability. So, please can we just drop the monkey business - it’s as old as it is just wrong.
Another fallacy proscribed to is when God says that time is an illusion, yet later on claims he doesn’t know the future , merely the past and present. Hmmm. If the vector of time does not progress in only one direction and if time is then just a fourth dimension, it is then of a block character (proposed by Einstein) if so then it has to be quite predictable, especially for God. Of course, this inconsistency is again necessary as he claims this world to be an absolutist free will world. Be that as it may, this just won’t fly either.
Moreover, the author’s Creator claims scientist invent subatomic particles in their mind, as to believe them into existence. Well, the author seems not to know that such subatomic particles follow mathematical rotation geometry that calculates to perfection within the symmetry principle and so are not invented but proposed according to strict mathematically principles. Many, then, have subsequently been proven through black box interaction.
Finally, the Creator claims that numbers such as pi or the alpha value can be expressed in exact finite values in other number systems other than the decimal system. This has absolutely no basis.
In sum, this book is a great effort. However, the author has chosen an all encompassing topic, and quite literally so. I believe it is quite impossible for an author to manifest a God figure and attendant knowledge base to the satisfaction of an educated reader on the pages on a novel, for the author can only project what he (humankind) knows, and that must always fall infinitely short of any hypothetical god. Read this book and you will do some serious thinking.
July 29, 2016
Was very interesting. It made me think of my life in a new way. I can't accurately describe it. It is not a book for everyone.
April 21, 2012
When I was told of The Harvest and how it involved God’s appearance on Earth, I was prepared for a preachy book. That’s what I get for prejudging!
The Harvest is an exceptional thought provoking and insightful story with characters that made the plot plausible. Mr. Krygelski, through these characters, incited in me laughter, rage, pity, and respect. Given the time, I could have spent a couple of days reading this story, possibly less. As it is, my leisure time is limited so, with the exertion of a fairly great amount of will power, I had to put the book down. That level of will power required is a testament to the quality of this story.
John David Krygelski is an author I want to meet. He not only created an intriguing story with real characters, he built that story with scientific and theological twists. The majority of these were beyond me, especially the mathematical portion, but this did not detract from the story. What each of these segments did was to remind me of how much I do not know. At the same time, I developed a great respect for the man who could blend so much of what I know so little about into an interesting story.
For anybody reading this article who has not yet picked up The Harvest, I can only say, “Do not delay!” Begin as soon as you can and I hope you have the time to do what I was not-read the book in one sitting.
***********************************************************************
In addition to my previous comments, I am adding this: while the story was about the return of God to Earth, it did not preach. This was one man’s tale and it involved his perceptions. He did not overtly or, from my experience, covertly try to sway my beliefs.
While the author’s portrayal of God or Elohim as he is called does not conform to my idea of God, it fulfills the need for the story. The God of the Bible is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. My problem with the Bible is, and Mr. Krygelski addresses this to a point, it is the Word of God by way of Man. Much as a computer is as infallible as its human programmer, the Bible is as accurate as the perceptions and biases of the men who wrote it. Whether the details of the Bible are what they are due to human editing or the manner the information was presented to them by God, as the author purports, the Bible is not an absolute. For the purpose of the story, though, what the author uses works. It is, after all, a work of fiction.
The interaction of Elohim with several specialists was, at times, difficult. The conversation was often more a lecture that a conversation; however, I realized during one of the scenes that this is God talking to someone far more educated in this subject than me. For God to convince this specialist of his knowledge, he would obviously have to converse on that persons level, which is far above mine. So instead of trying to understand the principles being discussed, I took the technical points on faith, much as if I was reading of some other cultures customs in an anthropology article. What I credit is the fact that the author did not extend these technical tangents to an extreme. Rather, they were addressed enough to support the fact that this scientist was not the all knowing individual, which scientists these days all too often credit themselves as, and through these mini dissertations, convinced this character that he had much to learn. Also, I credit the fact that the author has the knowledge to include this type of interaction. Without actually researching the facts discussed to verify them, I can accept that they are plausible and thereby worthy of the story.
What I do not want to do is analyze each facet of the story. No doubt it is controversial, especially to the religious conservatives. Remember though folks, that Mr. Krygelski is not presenting a new religious version of God. He is telling a tale. Much like an old Star Trek episode, “Who Mourns Adonis?” you do not have to believe in Greek mythology to enjoy the story.
The Harvest is an exceptional thought provoking and insightful story with characters that made the plot plausible. Mr. Krygelski, through these characters, incited in me laughter, rage, pity, and respect. Given the time, I could have spent a couple of days reading this story, possibly less. As it is, my leisure time is limited so, with the exertion of a fairly great amount of will power, I had to put the book down. That level of will power required is a testament to the quality of this story.
John David Krygelski is an author I want to meet. He not only created an intriguing story with real characters, he built that story with scientific and theological twists. The majority of these were beyond me, especially the mathematical portion, but this did not detract from the story. What each of these segments did was to remind me of how much I do not know. At the same time, I developed a great respect for the man who could blend so much of what I know so little about into an interesting story.
For anybody reading this article who has not yet picked up The Harvest, I can only say, “Do not delay!” Begin as soon as you can and I hope you have the time to do what I was not-read the book in one sitting.
***********************************************************************
In addition to my previous comments, I am adding this: while the story was about the return of God to Earth, it did not preach. This was one man’s tale and it involved his perceptions. He did not overtly or, from my experience, covertly try to sway my beliefs.
While the author’s portrayal of God or Elohim as he is called does not conform to my idea of God, it fulfills the need for the story. The God of the Bible is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. My problem with the Bible is, and Mr. Krygelski addresses this to a point, it is the Word of God by way of Man. Much as a computer is as infallible as its human programmer, the Bible is as accurate as the perceptions and biases of the men who wrote it. Whether the details of the Bible are what they are due to human editing or the manner the information was presented to them by God, as the author purports, the Bible is not an absolute. For the purpose of the story, though, what the author uses works. It is, after all, a work of fiction.
The interaction of Elohim with several specialists was, at times, difficult. The conversation was often more a lecture that a conversation; however, I realized during one of the scenes that this is God talking to someone far more educated in this subject than me. For God to convince this specialist of his knowledge, he would obviously have to converse on that persons level, which is far above mine. So instead of trying to understand the principles being discussed, I took the technical points on faith, much as if I was reading of some other cultures customs in an anthropology article. What I credit is the fact that the author did not extend these technical tangents to an extreme. Rather, they were addressed enough to support the fact that this scientist was not the all knowing individual, which scientists these days all too often credit themselves as, and through these mini dissertations, convinced this character that he had much to learn. Also, I credit the fact that the author has the knowledge to include this type of interaction. Without actually researching the facts discussed to verify them, I can accept that they are plausible and thereby worthy of the story.
What I do not want to do is analyze each facet of the story. No doubt it is controversial, especially to the religious conservatives. Remember though folks, that Mr. Krygelski is not presenting a new religious version of God. He is telling a tale. Much like an old Star Trek episode, “Who Mourns Adonis?” you do not have to believe in Greek mythology to enjoy the story.
January 7, 2016
DNF at 65%
I have never been so disappointed and annoyed about the route a book has gone down.
I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, I should have stopped reading at the point that the gay rights movement was completely belittled and homosexuality was compared to paedophilia!!!
This book had so much potential. What started out as a thought-provoking, interesting read about religion, morality, the interpretation of the bible & what would happen to the world if it was proven that God is real, quickly devolved into right wing, republican propaganda.
I was so excited to read this book & thought I was on to a five star read when we began with the lecture on the role of religion in society and then the conversations about evolution, creation etc. but I soon found myself becoming irritated with basically reading the republican manifesto.
A lot of what is said in this book is offensive but to have some of these opinions come from God really is appalling. I really rolled my eyes hard when climate change was denied & God got misty-eyed about the military
God apparently does not support welfare/charity
God, for some reason, even though he did not create the borders between nations, does not support immigration
God apparently supports "America the Saviour Nation" coming to the aid of less fortunate countries bringing democracy to all (no mention of drone strikes, or the 200, 000+ Iraqi, Afghan & Pakistani civilians who have been killed in the "War on Terror")
Almost every character who believes in science or does not believe in God is vilified
The final straw for me was the completely racist, ill-informed discussion between 2 FBI agents on the threat of Islam & how Muslims are planning to take over democratic nations such as The UK & France through mass immigration.
According to the agents (who happen among The Chosen, the good people God will take to heaven with him) the Muslims are planning to use democracy against us by having so many Muslim citizens they can vote to "put their own people in power" & implement religious law. Also according to the agents the Muslims "have damn near a majority in those countries", a quick google search will tell you that the Muslims make up approximately 4.5% of the population in the UK & 5-10% of the population in France.
It got to a point where I thought I was reading a transcription of a Fox New broadcast. I'm sure if I'd continued we would have found out that God is against gun control.
Sadly, I think the only person I could recommend this book to is Donald Trump, I'm sure this is right up his alley.
I have never been so disappointed and annoyed about the route a book has gone down.
I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, I should have stopped reading at the point that the gay rights movement was completely belittled and homosexuality was compared to paedophilia!!!
This book had so much potential. What started out as a thought-provoking, interesting read about religion, morality, the interpretation of the bible & what would happen to the world if it was proven that God is real, quickly devolved into right wing, republican propaganda.
I was so excited to read this book & thought I was on to a five star read when we began with the lecture on the role of religion in society and then the conversations about evolution, creation etc. but I soon found myself becoming irritated with basically reading the republican manifesto.
A lot of what is said in this book is offensive but to have some of these opinions come from God really is appalling. I really rolled my eyes hard when climate change was denied & God got misty-eyed about the military
God apparently does not support welfare/charity
God, for some reason, even though he did not create the borders between nations, does not support immigration
God apparently supports "America the Saviour Nation" coming to the aid of less fortunate countries bringing democracy to all (no mention of drone strikes, or the 200, 000+ Iraqi, Afghan & Pakistani civilians who have been killed in the "War on Terror")
Almost every character who believes in science or does not believe in God is vilified
The final straw for me was the completely racist, ill-informed discussion between 2 FBI agents on the threat of Islam & how Muslims are planning to take over democratic nations such as The UK & France through mass immigration.
According to the agents (who happen among The Chosen, the good people God will take to heaven with him) the Muslims are planning to use democracy against us by having so many Muslim citizens they can vote to "put their own people in power" & implement religious law. Also according to the agents the Muslims "have damn near a majority in those countries", a quick google search will tell you that the Muslims make up approximately 4.5% of the population in the UK & 5-10% of the population in France.
It got to a point where I thought I was reading a transcription of a Fox New broadcast. I'm sure if I'd continued we would have found out that God is against gun control.
Sadly, I think the only person I could recommend this book to is Donald Trump, I'm sure this is right up his alley.
August 4, 2012
I finally finished. I'm not sure how to describe it. There were moments of enlightment by which I was able to see religious beliefs from a different perspective, namely the authors view point, and I did enjoy that. I liked reading his opinion on certain religious traditions and interpretations of written biblical text. However, I did not care much for all the technical explanations, though I do believe it to be necessary to explain how things work or why, it just felt way over the top and more often than not I would have to skip a few pages because I just wanted to know what happened next.
Overall it was a great read, great information, thought provoking. I'm sure I'll read more by this author.
Overall it was a great read, great information, thought provoking. I'm sure I'll read more by this author.
November 8, 2014
I totally forgot to mark this book as read, I probably read it even 3 years ago or something like that so my review is goingto be very short.
The book was plainly awesome and I totally recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.
The book was plainly awesome and I totally recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.
April 26, 2012
The concept of the book was fascinating. I got a little bit lost with the physics and science talk between characters. It would be interesting to see this book made into a screen play.
January 29, 2015
WOW! I would give this book 10 stars if I could. I don't know how it could have been written without divine intervention. As you are reading you can appreciate how brilliant John Krygelski's mind is, and then, often with people with such deep thoughts, they cannot express them to a person of average mind, without turning a reader off. Or being offputting. But this book, is fast paced, interesting, and phenomenal.
It feels like the next book, the one after revelations. I actually had goosebumps at one point. This book just moved me.
I want to go on a mountain and declare that people should read it. Just so that I can have stimulating conversations with them.
Now to decide which of his books to read next?!
It feels like the next book, the one after revelations. I actually had goosebumps at one point. This book just moved me.
I want to go on a mountain and declare that people should read it. Just so that I can have stimulating conversations with them.
Now to decide which of his books to read next?!
September 15, 2013
I recently read this book and can honestly say it was a profound experience. The Author delivers such a realistic presentation of what God may be like if he did indeed walk the Earth, I was captivated by every word he spoke. Is Elohim God, the Devil pretending to be God, or something entirely new - the Author kept me guessing and puzzling over it throughout. This book is a work of fiction and not preachy in any way and yet it had a profound impact on my life and the choices I have made and how I will live my life in the future. A Fascinating side effect of enjoying this story is that it may actually change your life - as it did mine.
July 31, 2012
This book was fantastic. I bought this book on a whim thinking I might read here and there while on vacation in Jamaica but once I started it I couldn't put it down. It was extremely thought provoking and an all around good read. I'm not normally a religious person but religion fascinates me, as does the whole "good vs. evil" thing. I can't even begin to explain the depths of this book but it really struck a chord deep inside me. I highly recommend it!
August 1, 2012
This was such a wonderful book! It is most definitely a mind opener! So many religious and scientific theories that work together. I read this book during my tour in Afghanistan, and it was so hard to pull away from it. John really did an awesome job with creating his characters, and their stories. I was laughing, crying, and saying "Oh my God!" While reading this book. I am referring this book to everyone I can. I loved it!
May 12, 2013
If you read just one book this year, make it this one! The author's brilliance brings together science, religion, and philosopy into one fascinating story. You will have trouble putting this book down. Things you took for granted will be discussed in ways that will have you wondering why you never thought of that? Basically, it is a look into what would happen if a God figure came to Earth. How would he explain why things have happened they way they have?
October 16, 2023
I'm on my third reading of this book! I have found it insightful, illuminating and thought-provoking. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or background. The author has approached all religious beliefs with an open mind and deals with each in a respectful way. It is sometimes difficult to remember that this is a work of fiction, like The Da Vinci Code but far far better!
January 22, 2015
This book is so profound. I can't stop thinking about it. If I didn't feel so dumbfounded from all of the insight I received by reading it, I may be able to give a more thorough review. I'm going to re-read it (probably more than once) and continue to ponder over my life while I do so. This book changed my whole outlook on life as I knew it! Exceptional book....please read...you won't regret it!
August 19, 2012
This was a really well written book. It gave me a lot to think about during and after reading. I learned quite a lot about physics and religions. This would be awesome as a movie.
July 13, 2014
An interesting and thought provoking read. At times tedious to get through but definitely gave me a lot to think about.
August 9, 2015
blaaa. can't finish, over simplistic human spin on Creator and creation.
September 4, 2012
Amazing book. I thought enough of it to give a copy to a friend. I hope to read it again soon.
November 18, 2019
I review conservative nonfiction books. However, every once-in-a-while, I may review a fiction book. As long as it's on the right side of the aisle, I'm cool with it.
You could call THE HARVEST, published in 2007 by John David Krygelski, to be religious science fiction or a religious thriller. Take your pick. This incredible book is not only spiritual but philosophical, scientific, and conservative.
Novelist Krygelski is a semi-native of the southwestern desert. Besides THE HARVEST, he has authored many novels, including THE MUTATUS NULLIFICATION, THE MUTATUS PROCEDURE, THE AEGIS SOLUTION, and more.
In THE HARVEST, we're introduced to a figure who magically appears on Earth. He looks like a human male with thick white hair and blue eyes. We soon learn that his name is Elohim, and he claims to be The Creator, otherwise known as God. (Elohim means "God" in the Hebrew Bible.)
Read the rest of the review here - https://www.conservativebookreviews.c...
You could call THE HARVEST, published in 2007 by John David Krygelski, to be religious science fiction or a religious thriller. Take your pick. This incredible book is not only spiritual but philosophical, scientific, and conservative.
Novelist Krygelski is a semi-native of the southwestern desert. Besides THE HARVEST, he has authored many novels, including THE MUTATUS NULLIFICATION, THE MUTATUS PROCEDURE, THE AEGIS SOLUTION, and more.
In THE HARVEST, we're introduced to a figure who magically appears on Earth. He looks like a human male with thick white hair and blue eyes. We soon learn that his name is Elohim, and he claims to be The Creator, otherwise known as God. (Elohim means "God" in the Hebrew Bible.)
Read the rest of the review here - https://www.conservativebookreviews.c...
October 16, 2017
An original take on religion and God's intervention on earth. Parts of the novel were exciting and kept my attention and other parts were long sections of dialogue. I enjoy philosophy, but did not enjoy reading the biased views of the author in this dialogue painting a rosey picture of facets of religion he personally liked and critiques parts of religion that he didn't like. This was more of a personal critique of religion masqueraded as a fiction novel. It took me a long while to trudge through this book. I think I continued because I normally enjoy fictional novels using Biblical themes. This is absolutely Christian fiction, as in, written with a Christian slant and some people may like that. If you do, give it a try.
January 30, 2019
A bit long, detailed, and drawn out … but … considering the subject, it was necessary and provided a high degree of believability to the story - enough to make you go hmmmmm. With deep concepts so much so I will go back to some portions and highlight for the purpose of adding to my ideas on this subject.
Read
January 5, 2021A most enjoyable thriller, intelligent read. How would you interview a man that said he was the creator of all. Is he who he says, or is he the devil? What questions would you ask to find out?
This was a terric read , great characters, anf a very intriguing thiller. A true page turner!
This was a terric read , great characters, anf a very intriguing thiller. A true page turner!
December 19, 2015
I met John Krygelski while at FT Irwin California where he was doing a book signing on post and I bought this book. I appreciate that he took about 10-15 minutes out of his day and we had a nice chat. Not just about this book but about other things. Thank you for sharing.
I found this book to be a very fascinating and enjoyable read. As a fan of the Left Behind series, Frank Peretti's writing, and books in the Christian Fiction Allegory genre like the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons this book had it all, even some great points from the old philosophers. For those who like physics and math it had some interesting chapters. I personally struggled with these chapters possibly because it was to technical for me and I had difficulty believing it. I find it interesting that the author choose this genre because of the sensitivity of those and their religious biases. What a dangerous topic!
This book will challenge the readers belief system and could easily be found offensive to some. The author, in many cases insults the scientist, the Christian, the Catholic, the Jewish, the Muslim and even the Atheist along with a few more religions out there. However, it also gives credence to some of the religions. When reading this simply go in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. One interesting fact about this book as being focuses on religion as it is there was no quoted scripture. There is scripture but one would have to know the bible or other religious texts that the author put it in the book. It is not a big deal just an interesting choice by the author compared to other books of similar genre.
There were several great analogies and stories that were used throughout the book, some an avid reader may have heard before others that were new to me. I found myself underlining several of them to go make and review at a later time.
The only downside to this book is that it seemed long especially near the end. There were chapters that I just couldn't understand or comprehend such as the whole physics part. Clearly the author did his homework and covered several topics in detail that provided a significant amount of realism to story. I also believe the author was trying to be thorough but in the process may lose a few readers.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone out there who would like to allow for a different and fresh perspective.
I found this book to be a very fascinating and enjoyable read. As a fan of the Left Behind series, Frank Peretti's writing, and books in the Christian Fiction Allegory genre like the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons this book had it all, even some great points from the old philosophers. For those who like physics and math it had some interesting chapters. I personally struggled with these chapters possibly because it was to technical for me and I had difficulty believing it. I find it interesting that the author choose this genre because of the sensitivity of those and their religious biases. What a dangerous topic!
This book will challenge the readers belief system and could easily be found offensive to some. The author, in many cases insults the scientist, the Christian, the Catholic, the Jewish, the Muslim and even the Atheist along with a few more religions out there. However, it also gives credence to some of the religions. When reading this simply go in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. One interesting fact about this book as being focuses on religion as it is there was no quoted scripture. There is scripture but one would have to know the bible or other religious texts that the author put it in the book. It is not a big deal just an interesting choice by the author compared to other books of similar genre.
There were several great analogies and stories that were used throughout the book, some an avid reader may have heard before others that were new to me. I found myself underlining several of them to go make and review at a later time.
The only downside to this book is that it seemed long especially near the end. There were chapters that I just couldn't understand or comprehend such as the whole physics part. Clearly the author did his homework and covered several topics in detail that provided a significant amount of realism to story. I also believe the author was trying to be thorough but in the process may lose a few readers.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone out there who would like to allow for a different and fresh perspective.
May 24, 2015
I'm what you might call a habitual reader. I can read 2-3 books a week depending on how I pace myself. I bring this up because I don't usually spend a lot of time reflecting on one book before I dive into the next. The Harvest by John David Krygelski marks a significant change from my normal reading pattern. It forced me to REALLY think about what I was reading. It challenged me.
The story centers on a Professor from the University of Arizona who is summoned to Washington DC to help authenticate a man who claims to be our creator. The man, who asks to be called Elohim, possesses a vast knowledge of mathematics and physics as well as paranormal abilities. he clearly isn't a mortal being. Is he truly our creator or something even stranger? How will his visit and the true reasons behind it going to affect human civilization?
Profound is not a word I would normally ascribe to the books I read. With The Harvest, it fits. If an author's work inspires you to ask questions and have discussions that transcend the book itself then he or she has done more than simply spin a good yarn. Mr. Kygelski has accomplished this.
Will this book appeal to everyone? It SHOULD, but sadly it won't. I'm not afraid to have my worldviews and philosophies questioned. I like being challenged. Many others do not. This is a book that asks big questions. It holds a mirror up to our collective human identity and asks us to take a long look. It isn't easy. No challenge worth meeting is.
The story centers on a Professor from the University of Arizona who is summoned to Washington DC to help authenticate a man who claims to be our creator. The man, who asks to be called Elohim, possesses a vast knowledge of mathematics and physics as well as paranormal abilities. he clearly isn't a mortal being. Is he truly our creator or something even stranger? How will his visit and the true reasons behind it going to affect human civilization?
Profound is not a word I would normally ascribe to the books I read. With The Harvest, it fits. If an author's work inspires you to ask questions and have discussions that transcend the book itself then he or she has done more than simply spin a good yarn. Mr. Kygelski has accomplished this.
Will this book appeal to everyone? It SHOULD, but sadly it won't. I'm not afraid to have my worldviews and philosophies questioned. I like being challenged. Many others do not. This is a book that asks big questions. It holds a mirror up to our collective human identity and asks us to take a long look. It isn't easy. No challenge worth meeting is.
May 20, 2015
I was completely enthralled at the beginning of the book and didn't want to put it down. But about a third of the way through, there were sections when the dialogue and explanations were too wordy, or too scientific, and I couldn't picture the characters he had saying them being the ones to say it. I had the feeling that he was finding a way, as I was with Broken Pottery, to come to grips with some of the questions he may have about his own beliefs. And he touched on many of the same questions and then some! I'm not sure what his beliefs are - probably Christian. And if so, he definitely sees eternity as a works based salvation instead of grace based as I do. I also felt the end of the book was not satisfying. What would life on earth be like with Lucifer banished? Too much like heaven? Then what was the point of all of it? In the end, I am glad I read it and would recommend it to people who like to look for new ways of looking at things.
April 30, 2020
This one is definitely one that leads to spirituality questions, our view of God and how we truly fit into his plan. I have a signed copy of this on my shelf. I tend to pick this up when my spiritual life needs a bit of a push, without it feeling preachy. I wouldn't calls this a book for the strictly religious. It paints God as a much more realistic, and forgiving, God.
July 31, 2013
I very much enjoyed reading The Harvest. The way in which Mr. Krygelski addressed key points in differing belief systems is respectful and his reconciliation of those differences is both interesting and intelligent. I especially found the conversations between Elohim and the key characters enjoyable and relatively easy to follow despite my lack of familiarity with advanced scientific and mathematical theories. Elohim is quite relatable to these modern times and believable. Mr. Krygelski also demonstrates a firm understanding of the psychology of individual and group behavior in various situations. All in all, an enjoyable and thought provoking read. I very much look forward to reading his other books.
April 13, 2013
This book started off promisingly enough, but the continuous conversation of "God" and the people took up half of the book. There were actually a lot of strong moral points, but the dialogue went on and on to the point where I was continuously checking my Kindle for how much more I had to read. (I have a hard time not finishing a book.) I also feel it necessary to say that this book in no way reflects Christianity and its teachings, which should go without saying in a book of fiction, but don't use this one to learn how to save your soul. Actually, do yourself a favor and don't read it at all. It's far too long and has an extremely long and boring middle.
August 9, 2013
The Harvest is a wonderful book. Mr. Krygelski's first book is an amazing story. I. Think one of the highest compliments a reader can give an author is to enjoy the writing so much that you read their creation more than once. I am pleased to admit that The Harvest is so well written and so thought provoking that not only have I read it more than once ( a status held by only two other novels in my 59 years) but i have also purchased for others to enjoy. Mr. Krygelski's writing and logical presentation of complex and controversial material is second to none. He is outstanding. As I read this a second time, I am actually taking notes. This is a must read! Enjoy!
November 18, 2012
The concept of this book- God coming back to earth- seemed like it would make for an interesting read, but it was not. It had a lot of physics lectures and blah blah blah. Took me forever to get through it.
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