For all my coders and programmers out there, whether you are deep into the C language with pointers and classes or writing the basics of HTML code, you are creators in your own write. In many ways, you are doing the very thing God was when He created the world. By no means do I intend to put myself or you on a godlike status, far from it, but we make something amazing when we are given a blank document.
It truly is amazing.
But what if that document that you can change attributes to the CSS file or alter the database values would actually directly impact the world? That’s where we find Martin Banks at the beginning of the amazing book Off to Be the Wizard.
Off to Be the Wizard
This book is the first in a science fiction series called Magic 2.0 where Martin is a nerd stuck in an office cubical with a job he hates and too much time. He finds a document that allows him to alter reality however he wants. Fun ensues but he finds himself in trouble with the authorities pretty quickly and needs to go back in time to avoid getting arrested. But no spoilers as this is actually where the fun begins.
The book on the surface inherently asks the question “If you had God like powers, what would you do?” But at a deeper level is a story of morals, ethics, self-esteem, and an understanding of creativity, love be creating, as well as responsibility.
The book references nerd culture regularly and yet completely shifts how we could perceive much of the historical nerdy fiction if any of this were true.
I have to give this book a 5 out of 5 rating, it truly is amazing and a must get for any coding nerd out there!
Let me also say that the audiobook is SUPERB. So in light of that, I am giving away ten copies of this audiobook via Audible’s sharing program. If you’d like a copy, leave a message in the comment letting me know you want one. (Also, answer the other question below too!)
Tim Barber says
You’re kidding! This sounds amazing!
I’d love it someday for my kids, too… I have always wanted something that would affirm my own geekiness as well as my kids, while still encouraging this kind of thing.
I’d love one!
Tim Barber says
Sorry, I totally missed the ask.
At the risk of double-posting, let me answer:
If I had the ability to edit a coded document that would allow me to do nearly everything, the first thing I would change is the world’s natural orientation to God.
I understand that there are heavy theological implications to that, and it also is something that… well, you know, GOD would do if that were part of the plan. It’s not. So it hasn’t.
If Paul can wish that he could sacrifice himself for the eternal sake of his beloved Jewish countrymen, I can wish that I could sling some code to save an entire generation of billions.
Jeremy Smith says
No worries on double posting. The book (and the whole series) does not actual get into what individuals are changing, so that may require further investigating into the code, but that’d be interesting.
Jeremy Smith says
Can you send me via email to Jeremy at churchm.ag the email address you use for Audible and it will be on its way. To confirm, you have not get accepted a free audible book? (You only get one)
Eden says
Hi, if your offer of a free copy is still standing i would appreciate a copy 🙂 . Thanks!
Carlos says
I would change the Work week to be 5 hours a day for two days. The rest of the week would be FUN! (I hope its not too late to get the free book.)
Jeremy Smith says
It’s honestly been long enough, I don’t remember. I’ll need your Audible email to send it.