Badbadbad, a lurid, powerful book by Jesus Angel Garcia
An erotic book review by DelovelyOlive
Let go of your assumptions and enter unafraid into the dark and gritty world of Jesus Angel Garcia; a semi-virtual, strange land where nothing and no one is what it seems…
New Pulp Press has gifted us with a brand new literary adventure. Allow me to introduce to you Badbadbad, a (transmedia) novel written by Jesus Angel Garcia. Jesus hails from San Francisco and is, what I consider to be, a triple threat: musician, filmmaker, and immensely talented writer. If you would like more information regarding Jesus, his book, appearances—and a sampling of the wicked cool soundtrack—visit www.badbadbad.net.
A funny feeling crept over me as I gazed upon the cover of this book. It was unidentifiable at first, something misty I just couldn’t put my finger on…then suddenly, it hit me… it was a feeling of nostalgia. The colorful and graphic art, reminiscent of a 1930s gas station dime novel, dances with the promise of some good, old fashioned, pulp fiction trashiness; and the book delivers.
Set in the Deep South, this frightening and fascinating tale centers around JAG, the morally challenged protagonist, and his slow descent down the throat of madness. Severed from the life of his young son by his estranged ex-wife, JAG is alone and adrift. He finds some solace among the cult-like religious sect of the First Church Before Church; one of the many Born Again Christian groups that populate the area. Quickly he is befriended by the Reverend and Reverend’s electrifying and kindhearted wife, Ms. Charlotte, and is offered employment to “modernize the ministry” by designing and maintaining a website for the church. As business builds, redemption seems close at hand, until JAG meets Cyrus, his musical soul mate, and the Reverend's only begotten son.
Through Cyrus, JAG is lured into a manic underground realm where sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll reign supreme. As JAG immerses himself deeper and deeper into this eccentric subculture, he becomes entangled with fallenangels, an online community for “fetishists and extreme desires.” Desperately lonesome, JAG reaches out for meaningful connections, but as he attempts to heal himself through the sexual service of others, he heads recklessly down the path of self destruction; leaving bit sand pieces of his soul along the way. Will JAG save himself before it’s too late? Or will he succumb to the ultimate sin?
This slickly written novel delves deep into the emotional complexities of what it means to be a human being in a world where we are increasingly isolated by technology. It is a gateway, of sorts, for personal examination—a chance to roam the secreted in-between of our hearts and minds, and uncover our own truth, layer by unsettling layer. It will challenge what you think you know about sexual morality, fear, and religion.
The characters are authentic, razor sharp, and believable. The sex scenes are straightforward and hardcore. “I gazed at her features, twisted beyond recognition: the face of ecstatic annihilation. I was awed by her desire, her self knowing, her need, frightened by the beast she called to service within me” (p. 66). Brilliant.
As I read this book, an age-old expression sprang to mind: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” It could very well be the mantra for this story, and some very sound advice for JAG. JAG, the sweet, sexual savior of our story, whose identity is torn between righteousness and obsession, is the narrative voice for this journey through the landscape of hypocrisy, addiction, love, and longing. There is a certain vulnerability about JAG that at times seems almost palpable; a searing intensity that burns through the pages of this book, leaving your inhibitions singed and your preconceived notions of right and wrong riddled with little blackened holes. “I didn’t think I could live without giving all of me. I still feel the same. I need to give, but it’s more than this: I need to be received” (p.42). Embracing his calling as a self ordained healer, JAG begins seeking deliverance through role-play. Warped by dependency and confusion, he is unrelenting in his quest, devoted to playing a dangerous game that ultimately pushes him over the edge.
This lurid and powerful tale probes the hidden underbelly that lies beneath us all. It sparks revelation and shows us that we are not alone in our human experience, but simply that we are all walking together through the deep dark tunnel of life, and hoping to find salvation on the other side.
This book is a must read mindfuck that will make you sick to your stomach, laugh out loud, and perhaps even cry. So go forth, my blessed readers, read on, and “FEAR NOT.”
Badbadbad, by Jesus Angel Garcia, is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as other book sellers and through Kindle and Smashwords.
Copyright December 2011, DelovelyOlive
Published with permission from author on OystersandChocolate.com. Copying or reprinting this work in part or in whole without permission is illegal.
This product was provided free of charge to the reviewer. This review is in compliance with the FTC guidelines.