MESSIAH OF MORRIS AVENUE: A Novel

From the bestselling author of Father Joe, a slyly comic, deeply spiritual novel that imagines the Second Comingùand an unlikely, lovably human new saviorTony HendraÆs Father Joe became a new classic of faith and spiritualityùeven for those not usually inclined. Now Hendra is back with a novel set in a very reverent future where church and state walk hand in hand. Fade-in as Johnny Grecoùa fallen journalist who nurses a few grudges along with his cocktailsùstumbles onto the story of a young man named Jay whoÆs driving around New Jersey preaching radical notions (kindness, generosity) and tossing off miracles. How better, Johnny schemes, to stick it to the Reverend Sabbath, AmericaÆs #1 Holy Warrior, than to write a headline-making story announcing Jay as the Second Coming? Then something strange happens. Died-in-the-wool skeptic Johnny actually finds his own life being transformed by the new messiah. Alternately hilarious and genuinely moving, The Messiah of Morris Avenue brings to life a savior who reminds the world of what Jesus actually taught and wittily skewers all sorts of sanctimoniousness on both sides of the political spectrum. Writing with heart, a sharp eye, and a passionate frustration with those who feel they hold a monopoly on God, Tony Hendra has created a delightful entertainment that reminds us of the unfailing power of genuine faith.