In Parables for Today, Mike Mulhern reimagines the ancient tradition of parable-telling by placing it in a contemporary context. The book is a collection of modern-day stories, some fictional, some heavily autobiographical, that aim to offer moral or spiritual insights akin to the teachings of Jesus. Mulhern’s tales span themes like fame, forgiveness, grief, addiction, ambition, and redemption. Each chapter presents a different scenario, designed to speak to readers facing the complex realities of modern life while steering them gently toward reflection and self-awareness.

Reading this book felt like sitting across from someone who has lived a lot, thought even more, and now needs to get it all out in one breath. There’s an urgency and rawness in Mulhern’s voice that’s hard to ignore. The opening parable, “The Fame Game,” is a sprawling meditation on the obsessive chase for recognition. It’s part stand-up monologue, part sermon, part social critique, and it’s both hilarious and sad. I found myself laughing one minute, then pausing to reflect the next. Mulhern is clearly passionate, and the prose often reads like a stream of consciousness. But the emotion is real. The man cares deeply about his message, and that sincerity shines through.

What I appreciated most was the book’s earnestness. Mulhern isn’t trying to impress you with vocabulary or literary tricks—he’s trying to reach you. Some stories are deeply touching, like “A Supreme Act of Forgiveness” and “Coping with the Torment of a Drug-Addicted Child.” These resonated with me. You can tell he’s either lived these stories or walked very closely with someone who has. Other parables, like “The Shrink” or “The Sinister Sisters,” are more playful, even theatrical. Occasionally, I wished for tighter structure or more variety in tone, but the underlying ideas stayed with me long after I finished each tale.

This book is best suited for people looking for spiritual comfort or those who enjoy moral storytelling without pretense. Great for folks who read Chicken Soup for the Soul or who tune into late-night philosophical conversations with friends. If you want something honest and always heartfelt, Mulhern delivers. I’d recommend it to seekers, soul-searchers, and anyone who needs a nudge toward hope.

Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0DYQC98SJ