Wow, this is one of the best books that I have read in quite some time. Flabbergasted, written by Christian fiction newcomer Ray Blackston, is laugh out loud funny (literally!) and a very good read. Only took me a week to finish, I was so into it. Blackston’s writing style is fantastic, very quick and witty, and it’s easy to picture, and laugh at, the main character, Jay Jarvis, as he has his mis-adventures in love. Even the setting of the book draws you in. Part of the novel revolves around a trip to the beach for a church singles class, which often reminded me of my trips to the beach with college groups. Character development is great, and you can easily relate the characters in Flabbergasted to people you know in your own life, making the story that much more real.

Here’s a summary of the book:

“Jay Jarvis is a single, eligible, stock-broker bachelor who has just recently moved to Greenville, South Carolina. Not interested in church other than to meet eligible bachelorettes, Jay meets the girl of his dreams, Allie, on his first visit to North Hills Presbyterian Church.

Unfortunately for Jay, Allie is not easy to get to know. Jay will embark on a strange journey dominated by the color lime green, a row of numericals, a less-than-punctual preacher, a pirouette of the gospel, and a multi-hour ride into the Equadorian jungle. As Jay learns more about Allie and who she is, he will learn about who He is.

‘Flabbergasted’ is a Christian, coming-to-the-Lord novel. However, this is not your normal salvation tale. Ray Blackston, in his first book, has created a wild and imaginative story that will have you laughing, keep you guessing, and make it difficult for you to put down.”
–courtesy Amazon.com

Anyone looking for a good summer book, this is it. I highly recommend it, giving it 5 out of 5.

The sequel to Flabbergasted, “A Delirious Summer” just came out on May 1st, so be watching for a review of that soon.