“Some books tell a story. Others drag you into a chaotic, unrelenting experience that scrambles your brain and leaves you questioning everything. Cleave the Sparrow is the latter. It’s a fever dream wrapped in satire, political absurdity, existential horror, and bursts of unfiltered genius.”

Finalist for the 2025 Readers' Favorite Award in the category of Fiction (Humor/Comedy)

STARRED REVIEW. "Aside from being the title of Jonathan Katz's uproariously funny, incredibly prescient novel, 'cleave the sparrow' is a Zen koan, meant to enlighten spiritual students with its blunt and violent suggestion—devoid of all meaning except for that of the moment and of the action itself. Cleaving the sparrow is exactly what happens in the 300-some-odd pages of this extraordinary book."

"There are books that challenge you, and then there’s Cleave the Sparrow. With a narrative that feels like a fever dream engineered by a rogue AI, this novel is a stunning collision of political satire, psychedelic horror, and existential dread. It revels in its absurdity while dissecting profound truths about power, belief, and the fragility of perception. Daring, unpredictable, and utterly consuming, this is a novel that lingers in the mind long after you’ve closed the cover."

FIVE STARS. "No summary can do this novel justice as its blend of surrealist humor, political satire, sci-fi, and philosophy made it the most unique book I've read in years."

“Successfully pushes satire to the absolute limit, and then some… Smacks of Burroughs, Burgess, and Philip K. Dick, with a good dash of Robert Anton Wilson.”

"At its core, Cleave the Sparrow is a novel about control—over perception, power, and reality itself. It’s a book that weaponizes satire to peel back the layers of human delusion, from political theatrics to the very nature of existence. Wilder Crick’s chaotic vision of the world is terrifyingly plausible, making this a story that is as intellectually provocative as it is disturbing. For those willing to question everything, this novel delivers a philosophical gut-punch unlike any other."

"In a narrative as mind-bending as it is darkly hilarious, Cleave the Sparrow dissects the illusion of reality with razor-sharp wit and philosophical depth. With a plot that spirals from political satire to metaphysical horror, the novel explores the futility of perception and the consequences of enlightenment. Every page brims with biting dialogue, psychological unraveling, and a cosmic punchline that lingers long after the final chapter. A brilliantly unsettling read that demands—and rewards—careful attention."

“Gear up for a wild ride.”

“To read Jonathan Katz’s satirical novel Cleave the Sparrow is akin to being repeatedly struck on the funny bone: every laugh is accompanied by a wistful groan at the pickle the world finds itself in.”

NOTABLE BOOK. “A truly moving ode with a keen sense of place that blends philosophy, elements of humor and science adroitly.”

“Creative and bitingly satirical… Cleave the Sparrow becomes something that, as its plot beats direct, transcends objective understanding in its self-awareness and distinctive choices.”

"Imagine a political thriller, a sci-fi mind-bender, and the weirdest cult documentary you’ve ever seen all mashed together, with a narrator who somehow makes existential horror laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are a mess (in the best way), and just when you think you know where it’s going, it pulls the rug out from under you. If you like your books wild, smart, and just a little unhinged, this one’s for you."

“A vigorous, edifying satirical novel.”

FIVE STARS. “Existential horror, political satire, and absurd comedy in perfect harmony, Cleave the Sparrow pulls readers out of their comfort zone into a realm demanding constant introspection.”

“A captivating, mind-bending ride… Cleave the Sparrow is raunchy, witty, incisive, and provocative. It reads like a mix of Chuck Palahniuk, Garth Ennis, and Neal Stephenson.”