“What Is God? A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” by Joyce Bolton has received acclaim from Carolyn Davis of the US Review of Books. Carolyn highlighted that:
“The story discloses a process that is neither “preachy” nor dogmatic. Rusty’s spiritual journey is encouraged by caring, intelligent people who share their experiences, helping him find his own answers. This story is suitable for anyone of faith or seeking it and would make a good entry point for a discussion about one’s beliefs.”
Joyce Bolton lives in Florida, where she enjoys running, biking, golfing, and all water sports in the beautiful warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico—not to mention the pleasures of wearing shorts every day of the year. Joyce graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University and spent the first eleven years teaching and coaching before transitioning to the business world for the last thirty years; however, she says teaching was her true calling. Her daily motto is to listen to great music, fill your day with laughter, and always do the right thing.
The message of What is God? by Joyce Bolton is that understanding God is a personal journey that begins with curiosity, grows through relationships, and deepens with love and reflection. Through the eyes of a child, the book gently explores profound spiritual ideas—such as God being the source of life, love, power, and truth—without forcing a single definition. Instead, it emphasizes that asking questions, listening to others, and experiencing love are all part of discovering what God means to each of us.
Whether you’re a believer, a seeker, or somewhere in between, this story is a beautiful reminder: sometimes, the best way to understand the divine is through the honest curiosity of a child. The story teaches that God is not just a concept to define but a presence to experience—through kindness, friendship, joy, and especially through love.
Recently, “What Is God? A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” by Joyce Bolton was among the books showcased by ARPress during the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025 held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme, “Food Culture · Future Living,” served up a rich menu of tastily themed programming. Culinary literature from around the world was showcased, offering insights into food’s role in traditions, health habits, and even the future of dining through tech innovations.
This masterpiece was also featured at the 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), held from June 18 to 22, 2025, unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of literary innovation, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration. Hosted at the China National Convention Center, this year’s fair showcased over 400,000 titles and introduced groundbreaking initiatives that highlighted the evolving landscape of global publishing.
Also, a book trailer for What is God? A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series has been released. This video trailer offers a glimpse into the world of the story’s characters. Readers will love how the novel, written by the author, comes to life through this trailer. Watch the trailer here at https://youtu.be/7F2UwbFEHNw .
Joyce Bolton was also interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Bolton’s inspiration for writing What Is God? stems from a lifelong relationship with God and a profound desire to help others find the same comfort and joy in faith. She recalls falling in love with God at four years old, and that enduring connection has inspired her to share the knowledge and emotional sustenance she’s received throughout her life.
You can watch the full interview below:
This uplifting story is perfect for readers of all ages, especially for those who are searching for answers, struggling to put their beliefs into words, or seeking a way to explain the concept of God to children or loved ones. Whether you’re asking the question yourself, think you already know the answer, or simply want to be able to articulate it more clearly, What Is God? offers a gentle, meaningful exploration of one of life’s biggest questions.
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends “What is God? A Rusty’s Neighborhood Series” by Joyce Bolton. Here’s the review from the USRB that highlights:
“Exploring a topic important to all age groups, this gentle tale is extremely rewarding. Readers will enjoy and take comfort in the caring ways in which Rusty and his mother pursue their project. The two are eager to hear their friends’ definitions, learn about other people’s beliefs, and discuss their thoughts. Rusty seeks faith, rather than formal religion. The peaceful way in which he comes to a conclusion, which he then shares with his mother, comes across as realistic. The story discloses a process that is neither “preachy” nor dogmatic. Rusty’s spiritual journey is encouraged by caring, intelligent people who share their experiences, helping him find his own answers. This story is suitable for anyone of faith or seeking it and would make a good entry point for a discussion about one’s beliefs.”