How Like a God

How Like a God is a fantasy novel. Rob Lewis, an ordinary computer programmer with a wife and two kids suddenly develops superpowers. He discovers he can read other people's minds. He soon discovers he can influence others and even change their memories. After inadvertently causing an injury and a death, as well as finding himself unconsciously influencing his children, he runs away to, first lose, and then find himself.
This novel has an interesting premise. What would an ordinary man do when given extraordinary powers? The author uses Jungian concepts and references to the story of Gilgamesh which adds some depth to the novel. I enjoyed some of the characters, especially Edwin Barbarossa, a scientist who befriends and helps Rob. The show more intriguing premise, some interesting references and characters almost were enough for me to overlook some faults. However, there were some aspects of the novel that I didn't like as much. Rob makes some very stupid choices. I know he is supposed to represent the "everyman" but a bit more intelligence would have engaged me more in caring what happens to him. His wife was particularly unlikable and made me question his judgment in continuing to love her. His decent into madness, and moral bankruptcy, was far too quick and appalling to be believed. I realize the author was trying to show that everyone has a light and a dark side but I don't believe that everyone has an inner pedophile rapist. The ending was a bit abrupt, but apparently there is a sequel. show less

A fascinating look into what happens when an ordinary guy gets extraordinary abilities. I was a bit puzzled with the outdated tech talk, until I realized that the book was written over 15 years ago, then it all made sense.
My only mental snag was the lack of concern whether his wife and family would be there when he got back. Mortgage, two kids, car payment...an awful lot to swing for a suddenly single income mom left behind.
I really liked how the other issues of his power were addressed, and I'm definitely going to look for the sequel!

I loved this book! I had no idea what the story line was, had not read a review. One reason I love Goodreads so much is the opportunity to find a jewel like this.

Brenda W. Clough's 'How Like a God' is quite easily the most entertaining and captivating book I've read in a long time. GREAT character development, particularly the two main characters Rob and Edwin.

Rob Lewis is an average suburban husband of father of toddler twins, who suddenly finds himself with the amazing power of mind control. At first it is an oddity and he tests it a bit. Then tells his wife who has grandiose ideas for his powers.

To gain some sort of control and protect other and himself from these powers, he walks away from humanity and lives the life of a homeless show more man. A chance encounter with an NIH microbiologist, Edwin Barbarossa, gives him an ally with the intelligence and training to him him understand what has happened and how to control it.

Add to it ancient history and plausibility, along with a super fast pace writing - and you have a fine book. What a great ride! show less

Intriguing premise of suddenly developed, unexplained super powers and the journey of learning to understand, use and control them within an ethical framework. The novel’s main protagonist is an everyman character, easy to relate to and capable of both good and evil. His reaction to the discovery of his powers and the process of adapting to them is well told and believable and the conclusion is ultimately satisfying. Enjoyable and thought provoking read.

I was intrigued by the blurb because I love superhero comics and I’ve never come across a modern fiction author before who writes about Gilgamesh.

The good: I enjoyed the way Clough explores the crushing impact of sudden power. It was particularly fun to see Rob being a thoroughly normal person who at first abuses his talent and then runs from it.

The way Rob hides from everyone and tops up on food and shelter by occasionally using and abusing the rich was particularly wonderful. I also liked the way he got his humanity back by working with his hands.

Edwin, the clever and helpful scientist who acts as an external conscience, is a caricature but I thought he was perfect considering this is a story about the birth of a superhero. As a show more sidekick, I liked Edwin.

The not so good: I thought the reason for Rob leaving home wasn’t very convincing. He didn’t even make an effort to see if he could control his powers; he just upped and went.

I also wondered why Rob wasn’t more upset by his wife’s relative lack of interest. When he reveals his “gift” she doesn’t really consider what it means to him; she just focuses on what he can do for her. She also spills his secret to several people within 24 hours. She came across as a nasty, selfish type and yet Rob doesn’t seem to notice.

Finally, the appearance of Gilgamesh was disappointing. He came across as a cartoon bad guy and was disposed of in a classic good versus evil battle. It was expected as part of the superhero story but I would have liked that part more if Gilgamesh had been a more rounded character.

Verdict: I enjoyed this. It’s fun, interesting read that’s a little out of the ordinary. I’d give it a three and a half but as I can’t, it’s a four.

Note: Received as a free copy in return for a review. show less

Thanks to the Librarything Early Reviewers program for the opportunity to read this.
"How Like a God" is a fresh and exciting fantasy novel. Well-written characters and a compelling plot made this an excellent read. The protagonist wrestles with truly extraordinary events. Thought provoking writing made this a novel I thought about after I was done with it. I'll look for more books by this author.

"How Like a God" is an urban fantasy about a normal suburban man who suddenly develops godlike mental powers.

It's apparently an ebook reprinting of a book originally published in 1997. That causes a few technological and social anachronisms, but not enough to be a problem. The premise is interesting, and explored in unexpected ways. The writing style is quite readable; dialog is often stiff and unrealistic, but again not enough to be a real problem.

One thing I found unusual for a genre book was the presence of a Christian character who wasn't blinded by religion, evangelistic, or hostile to science. It was simply a facet of the character, presented without proselytizing for or against religion.

The book is a quick and easy read and I'd show more have no problem recommending it to a friend, though I wouldn't put it on any "must read" lists. I'd be interested in reading more from this author. show less