The God Cookie, by Geoffrey Wood

What a refreshing entertaining novel!  The God Cookie is a delightful read, with a bit of inspiration thrown in.  When Parrish, a twenty-something coffee shop owner, decides to tell God he's "all in" for obeying him, he's not sure how to interpret his fortune cookie message: "Take the corner."  He decides the message is from God, goes to the corner bus stop, and has a series of encounters that bring him to a better understanding of God in his life.

I should say up front that besides the theme of hearing and obeying God, much of the plot is a pretty standard romantic comedy.  He and Audra meet cute, mix like oil and water, warm up to each other, he seems to get the girl, the girl pushes him away, he thinks she has another boyfriend, they have a falling out, and they get together in the end.  (I hope I'm not giving anything away by telling you that he gets the girl.)

The romantic subplot and the witty banter with the love interest and with his employees, old buddies of his who work at his shop mostly so they can hang out and drink coffee, help tie the book together, but the main thrust does remain.  When we commit to hearing God and obeying him, our lives are changed.  I love the way Wood puts a practical face on Parrish's obedience.  As a result of his commitment, he meets his neighbors and forms relationships with them.  Fortune cookie or not, one of the primary ways we can live in obedience to God is by simply looking at the people around us with his eyes, and seeking ways to meet needs, whether physical or relational.  What a great message.

I liked Wood's insight on hearing God.  Parrish reflects on his reaction when people question his hearing from God.  "'When God speaks to you, is it in an audible voice?' they'd inevitably ask. . . . "  He compares it to nonverbal responses, like a nod of the head indicating a response.  "Like that.  A speaking in the head.  The response to a gesture.  One you don't see, but has happened.  More than an intimation, less than audible.  But words appearing, surprising ones, answers to questions I wasn't asking, hadn't even thought of yet, but they fit perfectly.  And there's peace."

Later, when Audra, who isn't sure what to make of God and her new boyfriend's claim to hear from him, is trying to decide whether to pray, she thinks, "When everything all in a moment comes together, surprisingly perfect, it doesn't prove there's a loving God; but if there is, isn't it perfect when all in a moment, God proves how surprisingly he loves?"

The God Cookie isn't really an evangelistic novel; there's no explicit presentation of the gospel, and the characters are taking baby steps in faith and obedience.  But Christians and non-Christians alike will enjoy the story and can relate to the questions raised.  You might even be prompted to listen a little more closely to the voice of God every day!

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