PLOT: 4.5/ CHARACTERS: 4/5 WRITING: 4/5 ENTERTAINMENT: 4/5
“Sometimes things appear to be dark and hopeless, but if you can just change how you look at them, you’ll see the joy is right there.”
― Whitney Dineen, The Text God
My musings
In the mood for something feel-good and light-hearted, I was once again back to my Storytel app, browsing through new titles to listen to. That’s when I chanced upon Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers’s The Text God, a book that was based on a rather unusual concept. Read on to know more about the book and my experience of reading it.
What to expect?
Expect a medium-length read (about 290 pages). Expect a fun and breezy read that is centered around love, friendship, and family. Expect a female protagonist who is naïve but also innocent and sweet. Expect a romantic pair whom you’ll start rooting for right from the very beginning. Expect a book that can be easily read in a sitting or two.
Who can read?
Since the book is written in easy English, it can be picked up by any level of readers including beginners.
The story as it goes
Jen Flanders is a struggling artist living in New York. Since ‘struggling’ is the key word here, this also means that Jen is strapped for cash. To make ends meet, she does all sorts of odd jobs, including walking other people’s dogs. But it still isn’t enough to keep her afloat in a city like New York, and thus she is always on the lookout for more opportunities.
It is after many disappointments that she begs the universe for a positive sign, and that’s exactly when she receives a text message from none other than GOD.
And what does GOD say?
GOD writes: You can do it, I believe in you!
Rooted in her beliefs and never the one to question signs from the universe, Jen asks GOD for help every now and then – for money, for a job, even for her wardrobe. And so, he provides. Every single time.
It is only later, however, that she comes to know that the GOD in her phone is not the higher power above but a ridiculously handsome Irish lawyer called Gabriel Oliver Daily (GOD).
Gabriel, who turns out to be the man from her dreams. Only now, nothing is remotely possible between the two of them.
For one, she has made a complete fool of herself in front of him, and two, he is already in a serious relationship.
The writing
The concept seems very interesting, especially at the beginning. It is only later that the novelty wears off just a little. The writing is funny and light-hearted though not in a laugh-out-loud way.
More than the intense, passionate kind, The Text God gives us a romance that is full of humour and carefree banter. It is an innocent, naïve kind of romance that is also kind and considerate; a love that is as much about friendship and family.
What did I like?
To say that I like the unique plot is an understatement. I loved it. I also enjoyed the whole Irish family vibe that was introduced through Gabriel’s parents.
Moreover, the book comes with a message. The message of hope, positivity, belief, and goodness that Jen shows through her actions. At the same time, Gabriel’s character throws the spotlight at some important questions –
How far would you go to earn the big bucks?
Would you sell your soul if it means succeeding at your job?
In a profession as competitive as law, where does one draw the line?
What I didn’t like?
Some parts of the book were rushed while some did feel a tad unbelievable. The writing could have been a little more convincing. The romance could have used just a tad more passion and intensity.
In the end
In the end, The Text God narrates a funny and light-hearted story of Jen Flanders who falls in love with an Irish lawyer assuming him to be GOD when she first starts chatting with him. Easy and effortless, the book is a cozy romance, great for a lazy afternoon or a Saturday night.
Pick the book if
- You love innocent romances.
- You enjoy easy and breezy reads.
Skip the book if
- The rationality of thought and concept is what you want in a romance.
- You are looking for an intense and passionate romance read.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Text God using the link below.