Review: Night of the Living Dead Christian by Matt Mikalatos

I don’t ‘get’ zombies. Although I love fantasy fiction, the vampire and werewolf craze also zinged by my head. It’s just not my thing.

But I loved the book Imaginary Jesus so when I heard the author had a new book out, I was intrigued. When I found out it featured not only zombies but also a werewolf and a vampire, I wasn’t so sure. But Imaginary Jesus had made a big enough impact on me that I decided to take a chance.

I thought I might figure out why everyone is so obsessed with zombies these days. I didn’t. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy Night of the Living Dead Christian. The author’s quirky semi-autobiographical style pulled me in as he (the main character) walked a ‘monster beat’ around his neighborhood, ready to whack any monsters with his baseball bat. But what to do when he discovers his neighbor is a werewolf?

But not just any werewolf. In Matt Mikalatos‘ world, monsters represent traits that too many Christians represent. Lest that sound dull, boring, or preachy, let me just say NO! Matt’s fictional beat around his neighborhood is as exciting a journey as you could wish for.

Think about your church. Any ideas who might be a zombie? A vampire? Or a werewolf like Mikalatos’ creation Luther?

If you’re looking for a book to both entertain you and challenge you, I dare you to pick up Night of the Living Dead Christian, published by Tyndale. At least download and read the first chapter. You might find out the monsters aren’t as fictional as you may have thought.

Matt Mikalatos received his BA in writing from the University of California Riverside. Like many future world leaders, he began his career as a clerk at a comic book store. Having discovered that such work caused women to shun him, Matt took control of a high school classroom and taught American literature and drama (although he was best known for his riotous “study halls”). Then Matt, in an unexpected move, joined Campus Crusade for Christ.

In a moment of weakness, his best friend Krista agreed to marry him. He and Krista were briefly expatriated by Crusade to East Asia, where they ministered for three years. Now back in the States, Matt provides leadership to the international ministries of Crusade’s northwest region. Matt has published articles in Discipleship Journal, The Wittenburg Door, Relief, and Coach’s Midnight Diner. Matt and his wife live near Portland, Oregon. They have three beautiful daughters.

For an interesting (and deep!) two part interview with Matt, click here and here.

I downloaded an e-copy of this novel from NetGalley as the copy I’d requested from the publisher didn’t arrive in time for this review.