Fiction Review

A Secret of the Universe
by Stephen L. Gibson
ISBN: 0-9793880-0-7
Publication Date: October 11, 2007
Review by Heather Froeschl


How do we develop our fundamental beliefs? Why do we hold tight to wishes, prayers, karma, holiday traditions, shooting stars, mythologies and faith? Is it because our parents told us to or because we’ve researched for ourselves, because Wikipedia has an article about it or some great scholar has written a book? In Stephen L. Gibson’s novel, “A Secret of the Universe,” readers are welcome to come to understand some of the reasons we have faith, and our ever changing beliefs, hopefully discovering the secret along the way.

Two friends, Ian and Bill, who went to high school together, have their own views of the universe. Their worlds co-exist, mingle throughout life, and affect the others’ in ways only true friends can comprehend. There is intense joy and pain in each character’s life, and such is reflected on the other. Through tragedy, each is brought to a pivotal point where what they believe leads them to the next step on their life’s path; and, their next step in life effectively leads their beliefs. Into each life a little religion, sex and politics must fall, and these two friends address each topic openly. Their discussions and inner revelations surely reflect those of millions of people who will see themselves in black and white. Bill finds great comfort and support in his faith in God and his Christianity. Ian seeks answers through science and reason. Each of the men finds solid “proof” that reaffirms their views. This is no slight undertaking and the revealed secrets will shock the world as one of the men’s beliefs inspires a seven year, intense, study that becomes very public. On the personal front, each of the friends has complex home situations. Emotional and poignant, questionable and tragic, the events in their love lives are often a catalyst for further inspection of their beliefs and the reasons why they hold those beliefs.

What is most interesting is the meticulous amount of research that was done in the writing of this book. Stephen Gibson offers pages of footnotes for readers to further explore his points and this gives each point of view a strong backbone. Did Jesus Christ, the man, truly exist? Or do we just need him to have? At the very least, this book will inspire readers to examine why they believe the things that they do. It condemns none, but rather embraces the positives of various viewpoints and encourages readers to do the same, no matter what your faith.

The writing is tight and brilliantly executed. The characters are downright human with their thought processes and flaws exposed for all to see. The plot reflects extensive planning and encompasses the warmth of home, and the cold reality of terrorism, all at the same time. It is a story about love, life, religion, science, research, goals, death, terrorists, culture, politics, morals, our fundamental beliefs, and the most important secret the world could discover. It is a book about why we believe the things we believe in, why mythology exists, why we need it to, and its very fundamental purpose. I dare readers to pick up this book and read it with an open mind. You won’t be sorry. I wholeheartedly recommend “A Secret of the Universe.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gushing Praise from this author:

Dear Ms. Froeschl,
Just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for the rapid review, and for the careful and apt description that perfectly captures the essence of my effort. I've often said that a solid book summary is tougher to write than a book, yet you captured the spirit of A Secret of the Universe brilliantly. Very much appreciate it.

Many thanks for your quick turnaround, and for your time, effort, and kind words.

Sincerely,
Stephen L. Gibson
Author, A Secret of the Universe - in bookstores October 11th, 2007!
Latest audiocasts/interviews free at www.truthdriventhinking.com/audioblog.htm
www.asecretoftheuniverse.com www.truthdrivenstrategies.com