THE GREAT GOOD THING: A SECULAR JEW COMES TO FAITH IN CHRIST
An illuminating journey from spiritual darkness into Christ’s light.
The Worldview
The book presents a very strong Christian, pro-Bible worldview. Klavan’s autobiography describes his movement from secular Judaism and an All-American patriotism, through despair and various competing ideologies, to faith in Jesus Christ. It treats the Bible and Jesus as the answer to the questions that other systems cannot resolve.
The book refutes atheism, agnosticism, Zen Buddhism, and many other aberrant religions. It also presents the author’s spiritual journey as a movement out of darkness and into light. Its central conviction is that identity and meaning are not finally found in patriotism, philosophy, romance, or personal achievement, but in Christ.
That conviction aligns with Jesus’ words: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The book’s journey points readers toward Christ as the source of spiritual health and ultimate meaning.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAndrew Klavan recounts his life growing up in a secular Jewish family in Great Neck, Long Island, and becoming a renowned novelist. His search for love, identity, and meaning leads him through despair and several competing philosophies.
Along the way, he confronts the ideas that shaped his thinking and considers what they can—and cannot—offer. The autobiography follows his journey from spiritual darkness toward faith in Jesus Christ.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own reader.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, pro-Bible worldview refuting atheism, agnosticism, Zen Buddhism, and many other aberrant religions, with a great story of author’s journey from secular Judaism to faith in Jesus Christ; minor obscenities; descriptions of youthful violence; very light descriptions of sexual encounters; and, nothing else objectionable.
Is the Writing Any Good?
Four stars means this is a powerful, mind-bending, revealing autobiography that is almost impossible to put down once you start reading. Klavan’s story is fascinating because it joins his obsession with writing to his search for meaning and spiritual health.
The book also succeeds as an examination of ideas. Its discussion of atheism, agnosticism, Zen Buddhism, Freudianism, and other false ideologies reveals their flaws while making the need for Jesus Christ central. It is compelling, purposeful nonfiction with a clear destination.
Talk About It
Four questions for the dinner table, the car, or a parent and teen reading it together.
Klavan’s story follows a search for identity and meaning. Where do people commonly look for those things, and what does Scripture say gives a person lasting identity?
Psalm 139:13–16 · Ephesians 2:10The book examines several ideologies that promise answers. How can you test an idea against the truth of Christ?
Acts 17:11 · John 14:6Klavan’s journey moves from despair toward spiritual health. What is the difference between temporary relief and the hope Scripture gives?
Romans 15:13 · 2 Corinthians 4:16–18The book presents Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. What would it look like to trust Him with your own questions?
John 14:6 · Proverbs 3:5–6The Final Word
Andrew Klavan’s autobiography offers a powerful account of a search for identity, love, and meaning that culminates in faith in Jesus Christ. Its minor content concerns do not outweigh its revealing story and strong Christian worldview. For older children and adults, this book is WORTH THE TRIP.
