Child and God

A lyrical, polyphonic debut about a brother and sister growing up in a Black Pentecostal Church in Detroit, exploring themes of revelation and concealment; desire and its sublimation; and the ultimate cost of belief from a major new literary voice

Here is the perfect godly family: a stoic father, his dutiful wife, and their two children, a daughter and a son. On the surface, they are a shining example within their church—a beacon of God’s many promises. But the sister, older and more knowing than anyone suspects, quietly resists their religious context while the younger brother, not yet in middle school, appears destined for unwavering devotion—that is, if he can excise those parts of himself he fears God will not accept.

Told in tight, alternating narratives—Him, Her, and Them—Child and God captures both the intimacy of their individual selves and the fraught terrain of their shared world. What emerges is a haunting meditation on the American Black church—a testament to the beauty and terror of belief, the sanctity of family, and the profound psychological toll of devotion. At the novel’s heart is the child who is told he must be "trained in the way he should go," and the perilous cost of such training on the soul. In the literary tradition of James Baldwin and Douglas Stuart, Child and God is a searing, transcendent treatment of faith, identity, class, and sexuality.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs