God and Mr. Gomez

By: Jack Smith

Narrated by: William Dufris

When Jack and Denny Smith decided to build a vacation dream house in Baja, California, they had no idea they were entering a phase of their lives "that would capture the fancy of readers throughout the United States". Through a series of strange and whimsical adventures, they would find that building a house takes God and Mr. Gomez.

As their house took form first in their imaginations and then on paper, little things went wrong along the way. The building site had a way of moving slightly each time they visited it, and by the time the foundation was laid, it had moved to the middle of the road. Gomez got around that by simply moving the road. Fortunately, Gomez was always on hand to provide the solution, with the philosophy that all practical problems can be solved with a little time and a little tequila.

©1997 Denise Smith Surviving Spouse's Trust (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"[A] bizarre variety of adventures." (Los Angeles Times)

The Baja mindset

For anyone with an interest in Baja, this classic captures the contrast of the American mind and the serene and relaxing Baja “manana” attitude where everything works out fine...in time - Baja time. I read this over 20 years ago and the narration captures the feel of the book magnificently.

delightful interlude

Would you listen to God and Mr. Gomez again? Why?

I might listen again to enjoy a companion's experience of the story.

What other book might you compare God and Mr. Gomez to and why?

NA

Have you listened to any of William Dufris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely not. We couldn't bear the idea that it would ever end!

Any additional comments?

The writer put us in the picture. We lived it with him every step of the way.

great story of a Baja adventure

the story about building and living in a house in a remote town in Baja California. it brings back memories of the Baja in the 70's and is very authentic. the town is real and exists today much as it did then. very enjoyable stort.

Recently moved Baja

This book really captures the Baja lifestyle. I live on the other side in San Felipe but it relates perfectly. Loved it! Great writer, great narrator.

Loved Jack Smith

Have read this before, but this reading was just as enjoyable. We have friends who bought a condo in Mexico and experience much the same today. It was such fun to read this saga.

This is the story of my childhood

Every person in this book holds a special place in my heart. I was the new addition to the Luczynski household that Jack mentioned. I remember being at the store at LA bocana and being given candy, gom and sodas. I remember Delia's tortillas and have never found any that can compare. When I was was injured in a motorcycle accident, it was Pablo that put me in his pickup and took me home, and Sergio that mended my wounds. I don't remember Jack and Denny very much as it seems we may have just been missed each other in our trips to Baja, but I figured do remember that it was Jack's daughter in law and that provided my first experience with escargot. It was at Gordon and Opel's house that I first tried abelone (my mom convinced me it was chicken fried steak). As a child the tide pools were a wonder, all filled with life and ever changing with each tide. By the time I reached my teens though, I became bored of the place, which is unfortunate. It was around this time that my parents decided to sell their house, and with no argument ftom myself or Ken there was no opposition. If only I had a time machine so I could go back and experience it all over again. However, since I don't, I would like to thank Jack for this book.

a good read

I enjoyed the story. I'd recommend it to any of my friends. Easy to read vacation book.

Ah… Baja

I loved listening to the audible God and Mr. Gomez. I first read this book 25 years ago on the patio of our little casita a few kilometers North of Ensenada. I laughed so hard … we had many of the same experiences! An old truck delivered water, rattlesnakes and mice, fireworks, wonderful Mexican and American neighbors, and amazing sunsets. The narrator was so excellent I could imagine Jack Smith telling his story himself.

very accurate and funny

We are currently in the process of buying a home in Baja and this nails the process and adds the humor that we find along the way

Loved this!

We have been exploring the Baja, and really enjoyed this story. We were part way though it when we drove by the road to La Bocana. We had to turn off and do the drive in to see it. Now that we've finished the story, we know we will go back again to see the things we apparently missed! Highly recommended!!