“Leaper” was listed on the reviewers list as an inspirational book, but the blurb sounded more like a fantasy adventure, so I was intrigued.  As it turns out, this book was all of the above, although I hesitate to call it a fantasy adventure.  Perhaps ‘faith adventure’ is a better term. 

James is a recently divorced coffee shop attendant living from boxes in a tiny unfurnished apartment.  One day while being acupunctured, he thinks about the cutting board his ex-wife is demanding, and suddenly he’s in his ex-garage beside the box he packed it in before moving out.  

Of course no one believes him, including his priest.  But unlike everyone else, Father Chavez listens and supports, leaving the door open for James to come back and try to figure this ‘leaping’ thing out. 

The leaping happens again and again, until James figures out that the power came from God and he can somewhat control it.  But while he’s intrigued and excited by his new skill, his life is spinning out of control.  He’s wanted by a persistent police detective, he’s inadvertently become a thief and he’s lost his job.  When a last ditch attempt to control the power and come to some acceptance fails with catastrophic results, James goes over the edge and divorces God.   

I loved this book.  It made me laugh out loud yet feel such empathy for James.  The first person writing was brilliant, making the reader share James emotional rollercoaster.  The message is obvious, but it’s not given to you; rather you experience it with James.  The story makes you look at your own hesitations as much as your commitment while providing an entertaining read. 

I honestly hope that first time author Geoffrey Wood is working on another novel.    

Reviewed for The Road to Romance by Sue Waldeck

February 5, 2008