The Unlikely Prophet, by Dan Joyce, combines poetry, spirituality, biography and social commentary into an entertaining and emotionally affecting story. It follows a man who struggles with mental illness as he finds his voice, as both an artist and a mental health advocate. It introduces the modern prophet of the title with Joyce’s signature wit, and ancient Biblical stories are retold in a series of moving poems. The story offers harsh critiques of the American mental health care system and organized religion, balanced with hefty doses of political satire. The Unlikely Prophet is an unflinching portrait of a man facing life’s challenges with intelligence, humor and heart.