A Bitch for God

It’s 1991. Tyler St. George is not the kind of person to ignore pressing problems. Instead, he raises difficult questions about everything he observes, particularly the things he is strongly associated with, such as Christianity and the NGO Manna From Heaven, which provides meals to people with AIDS. Lakshmi Steinmetz is destroying the organization by maintaining a cultish and totalitarian leadership. People get fired without cause, and the group frequently runs out of cash, despite her belief that God will provide. Tyler refuses to look away after being pushed to the edge and confronts Lakshmi about her harsh management. Is Tyler ready for the scathing backlash that awaits him? Clark T. Carlton’s A Bitch for God is a comic and highly dramatic narrative about a gay man’s struggle with fulfilling a meaningful calling and his experience of religion, New Age ideals, draining relationships, and inhumane humanitarian work.

This is one of the funniest books I’ve read this year! I looked forward to Tyler’s witty, sardonic quips on numerous issues throughout the book. He poses several thought-provoking questions concerning Christianity, such as “Why does God allow Satan to have so much power?” Furthermore, he provides many unique and frank opinions and descriptions of the individuals he meets in the first person.

The book has a busy, tightly packed storyline, the reader would have to pay close attention to keep up with the story’s direction. The NGO is always experiencing chaotic situations, such as a fire outbreak, employees being fired, needing to decide who gets a raise, and so on. Additionally, there are various nuances of absurd New Age activities and what some may consider as fanatical religion throughout the book. One noteworthy character is reported to use his magic breath to expose “the blue light” to those he believes have advanced enough to perceive it. Additionally, Tyler’s life as a homosexual man is depicted in natural, realistic settings, such as wondering what his boyfriend’s parents would think of his sexual orientation.

I disliked the hurried pace of the book. I felt it did not provide enough opportunity for familiarization since it rushes through several names, themes, and events every few pages. Getting to know the other characters better would have made my experience more enjoyable.

Clark’s book is best suited for readers who try to find humor in everything. Tyler’s unique, funny, and frank perspective on numerous subjects will have you hooked—especially if you can digest a lot of information rapidly. I kept laughing out loud and telling myself, “No, he didn’t,” as I followed his candid comments. The book’s dark humor and caustic conversations got my funny bone tickled and my thoughts scrambled in a mostly good way.