Content levels
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
A man walks into a bar; a dispute ensues, and the bartender kills him. The bartender is sentenced to ten years for manslaughter. While in prison, the bartender writes prayers addressed to no particular God. His prayers, whether a request for a girlfriend or a special favour for a fellow inmate, are always answered. When his collection of supplications ('A Handbook of American Prayer') is published, the bartender emerges from prison a celebrity author. In this story about America's conflicting love triangle (celebrity, spirituality, money) Shepard negotiates the thin line between the real and the surreal, expounding upon violence and redemption along the way. This story of an unlikely American messiah shows why 'The Wall Street Journal' has compared Shepard to Graham Greene, Robert Stone, and Ward Just.
A handbook of American prayer: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
Adults only. Contains a murder, prison setting, strong language throughout, and mature themes about violence, redemption, and spirituality. The protagonist's transformation from bartender to miracle-worker to celebrity explores dark aspects of American culture.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include murder, captivity, addiction, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers will appreciate this thought-provoking exploration of faith, celebrity, and second chances told through the unlikely story of a convicted killer whose prayers come true.