Escape from Heaven
A provocative novel from Jerry Marcus & Marion Estelle Gold
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Even In Heaven... No one can escape the reality on Earth. Two men from different eras. Both intensely believing in something far beyond themselves. When Moses and Jesus meet in Heaven, they decide to work together for the sake of all humanity. In this powerful, provocative and insightful novel, Moses and Jesus painstakingly discuss faith, tolerance, religion, and bigotry, and the evil committed throughout history in the name of religion.
Together, they explore the everyday challenges of life and death, and our relationships with God. And, together, they discuss free will and the theological question of whether it is fate, free will, or the hidden hand of God that guides humanity. Would Moses and Jesus really gain a true understanding of Man's inhumanity to man? Would they solve the eternal question of why mankind and womankind chose evil over good? Could they really bring Heaven to Earth? Will they find a way to end antisemitism and prevent another holocaust? Through a series of vignettes that add depth and understanding to the story, Moses and Jesus follow the lives of a variety of people on Earth—From Window Rock and Scottsdale, to Chicago, to Milwaukee, to Jerusalem and Netanya in Israel... readers will meet ordinary people who struggle with good versus evil, politics, friendships, religion and spirituality, the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. Some will make you angry. Others will bring tears to your eyes. All will reveal the complexity of the human condition—as seen through the eyes and voices of Moses and Jesus, and Marcus’ popular characters, The Righteous Ones and The Laughing Angels. Moses and Jesus understood the wonders and genius of God. How each individual has the potential to live a life of honest reflection, faith and good works. Religion, with all its limitations and unbridled power, has never been looked at with more clarity than through the eyes of Marcus and Gold. “Escape from Heaven” was a finalist in the 2023 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards in both the Philosophy and Religion Categories. It also received Honorable Mention in the 2024 Illinois Woman’s Press Association Mate E. Palmer Communications Contest in the Adult Fiction Novels Category. The IWPA is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW). ~ They faced impossible barriers. Two men in Heaven from different eras, each a person of faith who believed in something far beyond themselves. They wanted to understand more about mankind’s choice between good or evil―But how? Could they really prevent another Holocaust? Moses & Jesus chose to try… In the novel, “Escape from Heaven,” you are invited to go on a journey with this unique duo, as they learn more about each other, while exploring life on Earth through a series of vignettes. Some stories will make you smile. Some will make you angry. And some characters might bring a tear to your eye. Each different story will hold your attention and make you anxious to turn the page to see what happens to each of the unforgettable characters you will meet along the journey of Moses and Jesus. ..The 4-year-old giggling Young Buddha who lived in Paradise Valley, Arizona. His parents knew they were challenged to raise with the growing maturity of a man of wisdom—And who had captured the hearts and minds of so many around the world. ..The unpredictable, often comical, and complex lives and friendship of Rob Christian and Jerry Messiah. .. Why was a novel about Zev Segal’s life so important to Moses and Jesus? Was there really a library in Heaven with a “Local Author Collection?” .. Edward Johnson, who owned a growing communications agency. His business is good; he loves his wife and family—And then fears for his life from an unlikely enemy. Where would Edward seek help? And who would come to the rescue of Edward and his family? ..The beautiful young singer at Carnegie Hall, Golda Rosen—And the Broadway star who encouraged young Golda to pursue a singing career against so many odds. ..The links between the life history of Reb Yerucham of Netanya—How he got his name, his love of the Navajos in Arizona, his relationship with the mysterious Israeli lawyer, Jacob Stein, and an unexpected meeting with Vladimir Putin after his speech at Yad Vashem in Israel—And Putin’s surprising request to the Reb. ~ “Escape from Heaven” is a unique and thought provoking novel about the friendship that grows between Moses and Jesus—And delves into their philosophical conversations about the concepts of free will, good vs evil and the complexities of the human condition. Their journey is followed closely through the tearful eyes, and fervent and hopeful prayers of the Righteous Ones, who sit at God’s Throne—While the Laughing Angels, with their evil ways, conspire to intervene, always striving for chaos and destruction. Copyright (c) 2022 Jerry Marcus & Marion Estelle Gold. All rights reserved. $24.00 . ISBN13 978-0941394-10-9 . ISBN 0-941394-10-7 SHIPPING IS FREE TO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES |
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL JERRY MARCUS' CONTROVERSIAL AND POPULAR NOVELS!
Marcus is acclaimed for his ability to create compelling fiction about thought-provoking issues
such as anti-Semitism, political corruption, and religious hypocrisy.
Whether he writes about religion, murder, politics, or basketball --
the overpowering underlying theme is the battle between good and evil.
Marcus is acclaimed for his ability to create compelling fiction about thought-provoking issues
such as anti-Semitism, political corruption, and religious hypocrisy.
Whether he writes about religion, murder, politics, or basketball --
the overpowering underlying theme is the battle between good and evil.
ESCAPE FROM HEAVEN
FINALIST IN THE 2023 NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS IN THE PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION CATEGORIES
HONORABLE MENTION IN THE 2024 MATE E. PALMER COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST OF THE ILLINOIS WOMEN'S PRESS ASSOCIATION
Reader Comments:
“From the intriguing title, I wondered—Who would want to "Escape from Heaven?"
Isn’t that where we all ultimately want to end up? To the beautiful cover depicting a glowing full moon glimmering upon a calm ocean…
I was certain the full moon and the title had special meanings—and they do! And I thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter.
The thought-provoking vignettes were meaningful and informative. The conversations between two unexpected friends…Moses and Jesus were truly
a match made in heaven, both hoping for a new age of reason—with an absence of bigotry and intolerance.
An interesting editorial feature were the creative conversations and commentaries between
the "Laughing Angels" and the "Righteous Ones" at the end of the discussions between Moses and Jesus.
They added surprising and sometimes comical touches to the stories…
Kudos to Marcus and Gold’s fresh and thoughtful approach to understanding the complexities of the gift of free will--
and how it influences all that we do, both good and evil, all in the name of God and religion!”
“Escape from Heaven is written with wisdom and thought provoking insight to our human condition on earth.
The novel motivates us to live up to our highest potential as humanitarians on a daily basis in every interaction.”
“Daringly Profound!!! Jerry brings the characters to life without prejudice!
The details of conversation between Jesus and Moses makes one wonder if this is really happening.
Jerry and Marion both capture the realism of todays events and past difficulties of religion.
I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. So much thought, creativity and understanding of faith is in this story.
An absolute must read…I'm truly sorry it is Jerry's last.
Although the book is classified as religion/philosophy, Escape from Heaven's stories feel less like grandiose theological debates
and more like intimate everyday reflections and dialogues about everyday struggles.
The authors weave together vignettes in a way that feel deeply personal and lived-in.
The themes and motifs of this book also tie in well with the authors' previous works, so Escape reads as a culminating layer to a 40-year arc.
Whether you're familiar with the authors' earlier works or picking this up for the first time,
this book offers a unique mix of thoughtful and approachable insights.
“Regardless of where you fall on the theism/deism/atheism continuum, there is plenty here to interest and provoke the reader.
It is with sadness that I read Jerry Marcus' last book.”
DAUGHTERS OF GOD
WINNER OF THE 2018 NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS IN THE PHILOSOPHY CATEGORY
Reader Comments
"I loved the suspense and the characters. The story line drew me in right away and held me.
This was a great book to curl up and read and get lost in for hours...
"So wonderful a read! I didn't want it to end!"
"Just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out,
the twist sent me into another direction. A great who-done it."
SHOSHANA'S SONG
A FINALIST IN THE 2013 NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS
"Masterfully told coming-of-age story... Jerry Marcus interweaves discussions of faith, marriage, intellectual freedom, and the roles of women throughout their lives.
It will help both young and mature readers explore how women gain strength in their faith journey."
Mary Lou Henneman, Congregational Libraries Today, Church and Synagogue Library Association
BROKEN TRUST - THE MURDER OF BASKETBALL STAR JACK MOLINAS
"Jack would have loved how you portrayed him." Bill Tosheff, 1951-52 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year
"Great book..." Sam Amico, Editor and Senior Writer, ProBasketballNews.com
"Besides writing a gripping tale of a powerful, rich, highly competitive industry, Marcus delivers a high-impact, no holds barred, picture of modern social
establishments - both religious and secular..." Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman, Torah Outreach Program, Jerusalem, Israel
THE LAST POPE
"A creative and provocative...suspense-filled novel." The Chicago Tribune
"A wonderful premise...a great plot." Naples Daily News, Florida
"Prophetic...Gripping...and Enlightening." Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman, Torah Outreach Program, Jerusalem, Israel
"An intriguing story...An intellectual thriller." Marquee, San Diego
"A provocative tale that kindled my imagination..." Mary Harris, Minister, United Church of Christ, Boonville, Missouri
Chicago Columnist ANNE GERBER said Marcus' 1997 book has a "gripping premise"
and compared it to The DaVinci Code, which was published AFTER The Last Pope.
THE SALVATION PEDDLER
"A master of the suspense novel." Abilene Reporter-News, Texas
"I enjoyed The Salvation Peddler." President Bill Clinton
ABRAHAM ISAAC, JACOB and ZEV
Morton Teicher, Book Editor for The Jewish Floridian, compared Marcus to Chaim Potok,
Marcus “Caused us to care about the characters he created.”
"A significant and moving novel...An important addition to books about the Holocaust and Jewish people." American Jewish Congress
"Original and compelling." The Chicago Tribune
"An extraordinary book...that deals with the agony of morals." Dorothy Fuldheim, News Analyst, Scripps-Howard Broadcasting Company
FINALIST IN THE 2023 NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS IN THE PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION CATEGORIES
HONORABLE MENTION IN THE 2024 MATE E. PALMER COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST OF THE ILLINOIS WOMEN'S PRESS ASSOCIATION
Reader Comments:
“From the intriguing title, I wondered—Who would want to "Escape from Heaven?"
Isn’t that where we all ultimately want to end up? To the beautiful cover depicting a glowing full moon glimmering upon a calm ocean…
I was certain the full moon and the title had special meanings—and they do! And I thoroughly enjoyed reading each chapter.
The thought-provoking vignettes were meaningful and informative. The conversations between two unexpected friends…Moses and Jesus were truly
a match made in heaven, both hoping for a new age of reason—with an absence of bigotry and intolerance.
An interesting editorial feature were the creative conversations and commentaries between
the "Laughing Angels" and the "Righteous Ones" at the end of the discussions between Moses and Jesus.
They added surprising and sometimes comical touches to the stories…
Kudos to Marcus and Gold’s fresh and thoughtful approach to understanding the complexities of the gift of free will--
and how it influences all that we do, both good and evil, all in the name of God and religion!”
“Escape from Heaven is written with wisdom and thought provoking insight to our human condition on earth.
The novel motivates us to live up to our highest potential as humanitarians on a daily basis in every interaction.”
“Daringly Profound!!! Jerry brings the characters to life without prejudice!
The details of conversation between Jesus and Moses makes one wonder if this is really happening.
Jerry and Marion both capture the realism of todays events and past difficulties of religion.
I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. So much thought, creativity and understanding of faith is in this story.
An absolute must read…I'm truly sorry it is Jerry's last.
Although the book is classified as religion/philosophy, Escape from Heaven's stories feel less like grandiose theological debates
and more like intimate everyday reflections and dialogues about everyday struggles.
The authors weave together vignettes in a way that feel deeply personal and lived-in.
The themes and motifs of this book also tie in well with the authors' previous works, so Escape reads as a culminating layer to a 40-year arc.
Whether you're familiar with the authors' earlier works or picking this up for the first time,
this book offers a unique mix of thoughtful and approachable insights.
“Regardless of where you fall on the theism/deism/atheism continuum, there is plenty here to interest and provoke the reader.
It is with sadness that I read Jerry Marcus' last book.”
DAUGHTERS OF GOD
WINNER OF THE 2018 NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS IN THE PHILOSOPHY CATEGORY
Reader Comments
"I loved the suspense and the characters. The story line drew me in right away and held me.
This was a great book to curl up and read and get lost in for hours...
"So wonderful a read! I didn't want it to end!"
"Just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out,
the twist sent me into another direction. A great who-done it."
SHOSHANA'S SONG
A FINALIST IN THE 2013 NEW MEXICO-ARIZONA BOOK AWARDS
"Masterfully told coming-of-age story... Jerry Marcus interweaves discussions of faith, marriage, intellectual freedom, and the roles of women throughout their lives.
It will help both young and mature readers explore how women gain strength in their faith journey."
Mary Lou Henneman, Congregational Libraries Today, Church and Synagogue Library Association
BROKEN TRUST - THE MURDER OF BASKETBALL STAR JACK MOLINAS
"Jack would have loved how you portrayed him." Bill Tosheff, 1951-52 NBA Co-Rookie of the Year
"Great book..." Sam Amico, Editor and Senior Writer, ProBasketballNews.com
"Besides writing a gripping tale of a powerful, rich, highly competitive industry, Marcus delivers a high-impact, no holds barred, picture of modern social
establishments - both religious and secular..." Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman, Torah Outreach Program, Jerusalem, Israel
THE LAST POPE
"A creative and provocative...suspense-filled novel." The Chicago Tribune
"A wonderful premise...a great plot." Naples Daily News, Florida
"Prophetic...Gripping...and Enlightening." Rabbi Yaakov Fogelman, Torah Outreach Program, Jerusalem, Israel
"An intriguing story...An intellectual thriller." Marquee, San Diego
"A provocative tale that kindled my imagination..." Mary Harris, Minister, United Church of Christ, Boonville, Missouri
Chicago Columnist ANNE GERBER said Marcus' 1997 book has a "gripping premise"
and compared it to The DaVinci Code, which was published AFTER The Last Pope.
THE SALVATION PEDDLER
"A master of the suspense novel." Abilene Reporter-News, Texas
"I enjoyed The Salvation Peddler." President Bill Clinton
ABRAHAM ISAAC, JACOB and ZEV
Morton Teicher, Book Editor for The Jewish Floridian, compared Marcus to Chaim Potok,
Marcus “Caused us to care about the characters he created.”
"A significant and moving novel...An important addition to books about the Holocaust and Jewish people." American Jewish Congress
"Original and compelling." The Chicago Tribune
"An extraordinary book...that deals with the agony of morals." Dorothy Fuldheim, News Analyst, Scripps-Howard Broadcasting Company
~
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THE NON-FICTION WORKS BOOKS BY MARION GOLD!
Marion Estelle Gold is a writer, book author, and publicity consultant
with a distinguished history of communications and creative marketing excellence.
Marion is the author of the award-winning TOP COPS: PROFILES OF WOMEN IN COMMAND,
which was endorsed by former Governors George Ryan (Illinois), George Pataki (New York),
and Janet Napolitano, former US Secretary of Homeland Secretary, and Governor of Arizona.
She also wrote THE PERSONAL PUBLICITY PLANNER – A GUIDE TO MARKETING YOU,
and co-authored (wrote two chapters) Skirting Traditions: Arizona Women Writers & Journalists 1912-2012.
Marion’s essay on “The Heart and Soul of Communications” was also published
in the centennial “Anthology” published by
the Illinois Woman’s Press Association, an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women.
ESCAPE FROM HEAVEN, co-authored with Jerry Marcus, is her first novel.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THE NON-FICTION WORKS BOOKS BY MARION GOLD!
Marion Estelle Gold is a writer, book author, and publicity consultant
with a distinguished history of communications and creative marketing excellence.
Marion is the author of the award-winning TOP COPS: PROFILES OF WOMEN IN COMMAND,
which was endorsed by former Governors George Ryan (Illinois), George Pataki (New York),
and Janet Napolitano, former US Secretary of Homeland Secretary, and Governor of Arizona.
She also wrote THE PERSONAL PUBLICITY PLANNER – A GUIDE TO MARKETING YOU,
and co-authored (wrote two chapters) Skirting Traditions: Arizona Women Writers & Journalists 1912-2012.
Marion’s essay on “The Heart and Soul of Communications” was also published
in the centennial “Anthology” published by
the Illinois Woman’s Press Association, an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women.
ESCAPE FROM HEAVEN, co-authored with Jerry Marcus, is her first novel.