There was a lot to like about for me: it felt like a late night conversation you had with your roommates freshman year in the dorm. It felt vaguely academic, philosophical and collegial. I could understand the main character and his quest both to write the right book and to solve his life conundrums. I was immediately taken under the author's wing, the writing style feeling comforting and compelling at the same time.

Unfortunately, I really disliked how the book turned, maybe 80-85% in. It felt rushed, tacked on, and to me, just didn't fit the rest of the story's tone.

Even so, I quite liked this journey. Would I read more from the author? Absolutely.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

God and Sex is about writing a book about writing a book about trees. It is also a love story and an in ternal debate about belief in God. Arthur, a kind of naturalist author, whose previous book was about light (?). It is also a graphic and erotic novel about love, sex and friendship. It takes place in Oregon, where Arthur is living in his other's old house and researching a book following a less than well-reviewed previous tome. Arthur meets Phil, a professor at a local university and they become friends. Arthur also meets and falls in love with Phil's wife, Sarah.

The only really gripping portion of the novel describes a fast-moving forest fire. Much of the information about the life of trees and the reclamation of meadows left me skipping pages and fighting boredom. The other somewhat interesting and thought-provoking writing are the chapters dealing with negotiating with God. This novel may appeal to some readers, but it was not, unfortunately, my cup of tea.

Thanks to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for the chance to read this strangely titled ARC. (But I guess I can see why Jon Raymond chose it.