The Nimbus starts with a gripping premise: a child who inexplicably begins to glow, though only some can see it, not even his mother at first. The opening hooked me immediately with its sense of mystery and urgency. While the story didn’t quite maintain that same level of momentum throughout, the central concept remained compelling and kept me curious to the end.

A metaphysical tragicomedy takes place on a university campus in Chicago and gives us a peek into themes of marriage, faith, and parenthood.

Adrian, an aloof (arrogant) divinity school professor, witnesses his young son Luca begin to glow, a phenomena that leaves him and doctors alike speechless. The catch is that not everyone can see the glow aka “the nimbus”, including the boy’s mother Renata. We then follow Adrian and Renata, who’re trying to manage their two kids while working amidst this new phenomena and see their slow disconnect bubble over. Paul, a never-ending grad student under Adrian’s guidance, and Warren, a librarian born under a bad sign, both get sucked into the hubbub.

I felt like I was back in college, having new (but actually really old) ideas thrown at me left and right. This book has a lot of philosophical pondering enmeshed with religious theory and teachings, but at no point did I ever really feel like it was trying to influence or convert the reader. The various religious references also didn’t make me feel isolated and I could still generally follow the trains of thought despite them being obscure to me. Even if I did skim a few parts knowing I personally wasn’t going to follow up on these references, I enjoyed learning something new. The plot is slower in some parts but then definitely comes to a head at the end.

This is a unique book that doesn’t come off as trying to be unique, if that makes sense - and that works to its benefit!

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the gifted copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

Nimbus is an inventive look at how a child's mysterious, spontaneous glowing properties can have amazing repercussions in his family, and with the novel take on how it can stir up trouble in the academic world of divinity school. Many of these types of phenomenon stories lean heavily into medical and scientific fields, but after quickly ruling out any health issues for the child or those around him, this moves solidly into a revisiting of Biblical phenomena and faith healing movements. It's also does a great job exploring the ramifications, especially on his mother who can't see the glow and is less gung ho on doing something with it as the father, as well as his brother and others around. It's an interesting take and well-executed.

This is an intellectual book with verbose vocabulary and academic discussions about religious theology. (See what I did there?)

The story starts with introductions to the four main characters and their points of views through different chapters expressing their individual backgrounds and beliefs regarding how theology, religion, and academics intersect in their lives. At points I liked each character, and most the time, I found them a little pretentious and lacking in integrity. The discussions regarding how theology and religion impacts their lives, whether as religious people themselves (which none really are), and how the advent of the nimbus disrupts their lives is interesting without any real resolution. Which is on par for many theological discussions.

One of the more interesting parts of the story is the idea that the Nimbus had an ability to provide comfort and good fortune to those who had seen the phenomenon. Not everyone can see it which also creates a dilemma of if this is a reality for some. The actions each character takes because of this devolves quickly into chaos and very questionable actions by Adrian, resulting in tragic consequences.

What I take away from this story is that I would 100% attend a lecture from this author and would probably enjoy his classes if I were to return to university. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for an ARC of this novel for a review.

The Nimbus by Robert P. Baird was a great idea in theory but the execution fell flat for me. It was well written, and the plot concept was great, but the execution fell flat for me, because of its ambiguity. But, if you don't mind the ambiguity presented in The Strange Case of Jane O, then you will love this book.

The Narration by André Santana was stellar, bring all characters to life and giving them each their own unique voice. I will be looking for him as a narrator in the future.

Thank you Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co. and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read this ARC and listen to the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4 Stars
Pub: Jun 10 2025

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Thank you Henry Holt and Co and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Nimbus was an interesting read. The premise was great but I really struggled with the text. It felt cumbersome and it pulled me out of the story quite often. It became a chore to read, and in the end the payoff didn't really ever get there for me.

Thanks again for the ARC!

What a wonderfully odd and thought-provoking debut—The Nimbus is a clever, luminous read (literally) that blends academic depth with dry humor and emotional insight. Centered on a glowing four-year-old and the baffled adults around him, the novel balances theological musings with rich character development, from the tightly wound divinity professor to the scene-stealing man-child grad student and the haunted library fixture with a moving backstory. Yes, some passages dive deep into esoteric spiritual terrain, and the language can be dense—but the story never loses its heart or humor. The author’s sharp, stylish writing and ability to explore wonder, belief, and absurdity within the framework of modern family life make this a standout. If you’re in the mood for something different in the best way, this one’s for you. Four stars.

The Nimbus by Robert P. Baird is a thought-provoking debut novel that blends intellectual satire, family drama, and metaphysical mystery into a compelling narrative. Set on a university campus in Chicago, the novel follows Adrian Bennett, a divinity school professor whose toddler son mysteriously begins to glow. The phenomenon—dubbed "the nimbus"—defies scientific explanation and appears only intermittently, unsettling those who witness it. As news of the nimbus spreads, Adrian, his wife Renata, and his graduate student Paul Harkin find their lives entangled in a web of faith, ambition, and existential uncertainty.

Baird’s writing is sharp, satirical, and deeply philosophical, offering a nuanced exploration of belief in a secular age. The novel critiques academia while weaving a family drama that is both intimate and expansive. The characters are flawed yet compelling, each grappling with their own crises as they navigate the mystery of the nimbus. The novel’s blend of humor and existential inquiry makes it stand out. The shifting perspectives allow readers to see how different characters interpret the nimbus, adding layers to the novel’s central mystery.

I found The Nimbus to be a brilliantly crafted novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction with philosophical depth. If you appreciate novels that challenge conventional thinking while delivering an engaging story, this one is worth picking up.

Thank you Netgalley & Henry Holt and Co. for an eARC ♥️

Okay, so imagine this: a toddler starts randomly glowing. 😳Not like, "Oh my kid’s so cute he lights up my life" glowing—like, actual soft, weird, can’t-explain-it light coming off his skin. That’s the wild premise of *The Nimbus*, a book that’s equal parts funny, smart, and surprisingly emotional.
The kid’s dad, Adrian, is a divinity professor who’s *way* too into analyzing the glow like it’s some holy sign. His wife, Renata, can’t even see it, which is hilarious (and also kind of heartbreaking). Then there’s Paul, Adrian’s grad student who’s basically professional chaos in human form, and Warren, a washed-up librarian who thinks the glow might save him. Everyone reacts differently—some want to worship it, some want to study it, and some just want it to stop ruining their lives.
The book nails the absurdity of academia (so many pretentious arguments about the "meaning" of the glow) while also making you care about these deeply flawed people. There’s no big sci-fi explanation, no tidy ending—just a bunch of messy humans trying to make sense of something magical in a world that’s lost its wonder.

Weird, witty, and weirdly touching. 4.5/5 stars—would read again just to watch these characters spiral.🤗

On an otherwise ordinary fall day on a university campus in Chicago, the toddler son of an ambitious divinity school professor named Adrian Bennett mysteriously starts to glow. Not everyone can see the soft light, or nimbus, around the boy.....Luca's mother is one of the ones who can not see anything, and she is frustrated not only by the fact that she can't see what others claim they can, but by the way her husband seems to be using their son for his own glory. Every test imaginable is run on Luca, but they all come back negative. No one has any idea why this is happening. Many see it as a sign from God,. Some claim that just being in Luca's presence when he is glowing changes them for the better. Warren Kayita is a down-on-his-luck librarian with the university and aging divinity school alumnus on the run from a violent criminal. When he finally catches up to him, he offers him a deal - take him to Luca and let him spend a few minutes in his presence, and he will wipe his debts clean and never hear from him again.

I have a like/dislike relationship with this book. So let me just lay out what I liked and didn't like and let you make your own decision to read from there.
Like:
It was an interesting concept
Was not expecting it to end the way it did
Dislike:
The book was a slow burn for most of the book
The book was 352 pages but felt like a lot longer than that. I don't know if it was the slow burn, lack of action, the pacing (sometimes it was exciting but more often than not it just seemed to plod along)
There weren't any likeable characters in the book

Ovreall I would give this a 3.5 rounded up to a 4

quite fun and well done read! the religious history of various different religions, both past and present, were intersected well, though at points terms were a bit annoying. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

What is most important to you? Your ultimate concern, using Paul Tillich’s nomenclature? What grounds your life, takes up your energy, brings meaning?

The Nimbus is the story of a group of people who respond to an unexpected phenomenon, a miracle one could say, and their responses reveal what is most important to them. Furthering a career, protecting a family, hope for a life altering miracle, proof of God and a basis for faith.

Adrian is a professor of divinity. He asked his grad student Paul to watch his son for a few minutes. Paul noted that the child was glowing. When he returned, Adrian saw it, too. But Adrian’s wife Renata couldn’t see the glow. Their older son Max complained to his parents, asking that Luca turn off his light.

Renata wanted to seclude Luca, to protect him. Adrian was excited, wanted to see how people reacted, what might happen, wanted to study this ‘nimbus’. It could jump start his career to a new level.

When the nanny saw the phenomenon she rushed the babe to church. It was there that Warren, a failed divinity student who worked on campus, first saw the nimbus. Some seemed to worship the babe, while others realized that every encounter with the divine is also monstrous.

Complications arise. Adrian and Renata’s marriage is strained. Warren is pursued because of unpaid debt, hiding out on campus.

Using humor and suspense, and informed by theological thinking from across history, this original novel entertains while exploring the human need to believe.

Warren realizes that every day offers mystery in the seasons and the flow of time. We are surrounded by daily miracles.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

I really liked the concept of the book and appreciated the author's intention but the tone and writing style just weren't a great fit for me personally. I had a hard time connecting with the story but it would definitely be enjoyed by people who enjoy satire with a metaphysical flavor.

This is a strange book. The premise is that the young son of a divinity school professor at an elite university on Chicago's South Side (think U of C where the author was a divinity school student -- did not know that until after I read the book) begins to glow. The illumination is not visible to all, but becomes known and publicized creating chaos for the family and those around them. Lots of theories about what the "nimbus" (as it begins to be referenced as) is and why it is occurring with medical professionals, theologians, laymen citizens and the media weighing in. Certainly, there are themes of faith, belief and family here, but also ambition, fame and what we do in our own self-interest, even at the expense of others. I would not call this a must-read, but it was intriguing and thought=provoking. 3-1/2 stars-ish.

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley. If you like a lot of higher mind concepts and big words, then this will probably appeal to you. I liked the basic story and characters who came to life for me, but I was a bit bored by about 25% of the pages and was wishing the book was a bit shorter. I was reading this for entertainment and not to be back in grad school reading dissertations. The action mostly comes near the end of the book so try to hold on. I did want an explanation for why some people couldn't see it and why the phenomenon was happening to Luca in the first place, but as the book delves into the mysterious, there are some things that none of us get answers to.

First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley and Holt for giving me an opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review.


I am not sure what to make of this one. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Was I at times confused? 100%. Did I get lost by some of the theology? Yes, for sure. Is it like anything I've read before? Not quite. This is a unique book for a number of reasons. It is quite well written, relatively funny, and at times philosophically meaningful. However, it can also be frustrating, hard to read, and feel oddly paced. I think the core of it - a glowing boy - is fascinating. The characters all find their own forms of misery, which is both hard to watch and wildly entertaining. The religious overtones make sense most of the time, and it makes for a very entertaining read. All in all, I am happy to have read this and can recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Holt for the early reader of this book.
For all intents and purposes, this book fits so many of my qualifications for a book I’d like- family issues and a little bit of magic. I did very much enjoy this book, but like so many books it dragged a little in the middle. Loved that it was set in Chicago. Loved all
the considerations surrounding religion at the divinity school. At the end of the day this book really answers the question about what humans are willing to do when they believe they are encountering something superhuman.

What a fascinating tale with lots of unexpected twists and turns. This could be considered a page tuner. Robert Baird has delivered a well-developed storyline with a concept that is highly unusual.

A professor of religion at a small campus in Chicago is a regular guy, with a family, two boys and a wife that is a bit resentful as she is saddled with more of the childcare then he is. Kinda typical, but he does try and she supported him to get his PhD and therefore she is a bit over it, but she does love him.

The story, which I don’t want to give away as it will spoil the read, is steeped in deep discussions about religion and signs, meaning about how one deals with God. Except everything is changing for our professor Adrian Bennett as one day he sees his little son glowing with a head Nimbus. That’s all I am going to say.

It is a wild story with so many crazy characters - I almost read it in one sitting. It is well researched, almost like taking a class, but more fun.

A two year old boy, Luca, spontaneously begins to glow. It is a soft glow, translucent, framing him in light and is wispy, rustling around him. This is the Nimbus. Normally this premise would be right up my alley so I was excited to start reading. Although I ultimately enjoyed the novel I found it arduous to get through it. There is quite a bit of religious history from different faiths. I don’t mind that so much as I am a Christian and enjoy religious history. What was cumbersome was the language. Many of the religious references were so obscure that I had to spend time looking them up if I wanted to understand the context. In addition to that the author has an extensive vocabulary. So extensive that there were words I had never encountered before. I don’t mind seeking definitions for words I am unfamiliar but when having to do this and google the religious references it just became too much. It slowed down the pace of reading. I wonder sometimes why authors choose particular words not commonly used when there are synonyms that are more easily recognized. Setting these issues aside, I did enjoy the characters who were fleshed out extremely well, the family dynamics, and how those who were exposed to the Nimbus reacted to it. It was an interesting concept to explore. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt Publishing for the opportunity to read this.

The Nimbus reminded me a lot of Kevin Wilson's "Nothing to See Here" infused with the dense, dry humor of Terry Pratchett. The magical realism (a child begins to have a literal radiant glow) is fairly mild; the real star of the show is the trenchant wit and banter between characters. If you're someone who likes witty writing, this may be a good title for you, but I personally struggled to engage with the actual story as I found the writing simply too much.