Official Review: WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questi...

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any non-fiction books such as autobiographies or political commentary books.
Post Reply
User avatar
Maria Esposito
Posts: 745
Joined: 23 Nov 2019, 13:04
Favorite Book: The Panhandler and the Professional
Currently Reading: Live from Death Row
Bookshelf Size: 438
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-maria-esposito.html
Latest Review: WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questions for God) by Brooke Jones
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Official Review: WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questi...

Post by Maria Esposito »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questions for God)" by Brooke Jones.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


If you had the chance to meet God, what questions would you ask Him?

A child of the Sixties, Brooke Jones experimented with a wide array of exciting things, such as sex, drugs, and New Age beliefs. God did not cross her mind very often – at least not until the night she overdosed on drugs and had a near-death experience. That night, which she describes as “a Twilight Zone moment on steroids,” she found herself in front of none other than God. For eight minutes, Brooke was clinically dead and standing at God’s front door. She had the opportunity to ask Him the questions that all of us are secretly wondering about: Should we believe in the Theory of Evolution? Why does God allow so much evil? What religion is right? Do miracles still happen? Are ghosts real? Does the Devil exist? What about predestination and free will? God actually answers, and if you’re curious about what He has to say, you should pick up WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questions for God).

This book will make you laugh, chuckle, and wonder why on earth you’re taking yourself, the world, and God so seriously when you could just have a good time while you’re alive. God laughs with and at Brooke, making her wonder if, after all, one of the main reasons for our existence is to entertain God. While this book is humorous, Brooke Jones emphasizes that this is a story that truly happened to her, and I choose to believe her. I loved reading about Brooke’s very personal relationship with God. Her experience is proof that God still speaks to us and that he does so in different ways, meeting us on our individual levels. The author has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, and she mentioned that having God in her life helped her face her diagnosis with the certainty that she did not have to go through it alone.

While the book is lighthearted and comical, it is also extremely thought-provoking. The author approaches complex topics, such as evil and predestination, with disarming simplicity and candor. More specifically, her conversations with God about evolution were quite eye-opening. They made me think about creation and evolution as not mutually exclusive: “In the story of your own life, you can see a microcosm of both creation and evolution.” As a Christian who loves and appreciates science, I found this point of view was quite refreshing and inspirational.

Brooke Jones is a terrific writer. WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questions for God) has been a delightful read, perfect to lighten up the stress of these dark times. I only came across two minor errors that did not affect my reading experience. Hence, the book appears to be professionally edited. I found nothing to dislike about the book, and I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

The author approaches God and religion in quite an unorthodox way that can demystify some religious dogmas. As a practicing Christian, this book gave me the opportunity to explore and deepen my own relationship with God as well as to reflect on complex and controversial issues. I recommend this book to people of all religious beliefs who are okay with reading a lighthearted story about God. However, if you have an orthodox approach to God and religion, this book will probably irritate and offend you.

******
WHY ARE THERE MONKEYS? (and other questions for God)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The strongest impetus a man will ever have, in an individual sense, will come from a woman he admires.

- George Jackson, "Soledad Brother"
MarcellaM
Posts: 245
Joined: 05 Mar 2021, 09:08
Currently Reading: Grey heart
Bookshelf Size: 62
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shillah-a.html
Latest Review: The Fox by M. N. J. Butler

Post by MarcellaM »

I would like to read this book and get familiar with the answers.
Francis Aderogbin
Posts: 999
Joined: 20 Jan 2021, 05:00
Favorite Book: Money Faucet
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 189
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-francis-aderogbin.html
Latest Review: Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe

Post by Francis Aderogbin »

I love knowledge. And I believe this book will open me up to another world of possibilities.
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

It seems like a funny yet deep book, that makes you ask yourself a lot of questions. I am vary curious to find out the answer about the reason for the monkeys' existence. I enjoyed reading your entertaining and touching review!
User avatar
MsH2k
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 4723
Joined: 31 Jul 2019, 11:11
Favorite Book: Crushing
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 366
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-msh2k.html
Latest Review: Lilleah by eelonqa K harris

Post by MsH2k »

I do believe one of the reasons for our existence is to entertain God. Why would He even bother making us otherwise? He doesn’t need our help. :animals-chimp: Thank you for introducing this interesting book. Great review! :balloon:
"Knowing what must be done does away with fear."
Rosa Parks
User avatar
DANAWEB
Posts: 301
Joined: 25 Nov 2020, 02:48
Currently Reading: The Prodigy Slave, Book One: Journey to Winter Garden
Bookshelf Size: 27
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-danaweb.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by DANAWEB »

A book about child's who is initially did not have to consider having faith in God. I love to read this book.Thank you for the detailed review!
markodim721
Posts: 2370
Joined: 25 Feb 2021, 13:23
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 482
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-markodim721.html
Latest Review: The Solution is Political Revolution by Jillion R Rising

Post by markodim721 »

I like the contrast of serious theme and humor that appears in the book.
Post Reply

Return to “Non-Fiction Books”