The Life We Have


Fiction - Visionary
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/10/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

The Life We Have by T.D. Holt is a thought-provoking story that follows Bodock Rouget, a talented AI designer and CEO of a startup, on a journey of self-discovery. Driven by a desire to connect with the courage of his great-grandfather, Digger, an Australian cowboy who fought in World War II, Bodock travels to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He is joined by his business partner, Daniel, and their local guide, Afa. Their mission is to find Digger's remains, but as Bodock engages in conversations with Afa, he learns about faith, loneliness, courage, and the importance of connection. Upon returning home, Bodock is transformed—more forgiving, loving, and understanding of life's beauty. He discovers devastating secrets about his mother’s past, yet he finds the grace to embrace her and rebuild their relationship. Inspired by his girlfriend, CJ, who proposes a compelling idea related to climate change and individual responsibility, Bodock decides to create an AI that is more sentient and aware of human values, including notions of right and wrong.

The Life We Have is a unique story that prompts reflection on the potential future of AI and the significance of faith and social responsibility. It contrasts various aspects of life, including the brutality of war and the beauty of nature, with artificial reality and the intelligence of AI, and the complexities of faith and belief against the logic of technology. The narrative encourages readers to ponder the impact of AI on society, exploring issues that many may not have considered before. The emotional journey of Bodock’s development is remarkable, taking readers along as he learns values such as humility, trust, gratitude, courage, and grace. T.D. Holt uses vivid imagery, introspective musings, and spiritual reflections to highlight the universal quest for purpose, belonging, and an understanding of life's sacredness. I truly enjoyed this book and feel transformed by its messages about ethics and morality. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the moral implications of AI, the complexities of faith, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world.

Pikasho Deka

The Life We Have by T.D. Holt follows the story of a talented young tech CEO named Bodock Rouget. Feeling stressed by the demands of his new AI company, Inquit, Inc., and the departure of his influencer girlfriend, CJ, Bodock travels to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, alongside his business partner and best friend, Daniel, in search of his great-grandfather's remains. Bodock's great-grandfather, Geoffrey Digger, perished somewhere in Papua New Guinea's jungles during the Battle of Isurava in 1942. With the help of his guide Afa, Bodock completes an arduous journey, finds Digger's remains, and develops a new outlook toward life. After he returns home, however, his mother shares a family secret that disrupts his life again.

In this captivating novel, author T.D. Holt masterfully merges faith with futuristic technology as an overarching theme. The narrative unfolds like a slice-of-life drama, while touching upon some relevant topics about the contemporary world we live in today. Packed with adventure, romance, and drama, The Life We Have is a must-read for literary fiction aficionados. At its heart, it's a character-driven narrative with a focus on faith, illustrating how biblical teachings can play a key role in incorporating AGI tech for the betterment of humanity. The relationship dynamics between the different characters were the highlight of the book for me. I also enjoyed the philosophical musings that Holt delves into through his characters. The book ends on a hopeful note, which I'm very much grateful for. If you enjoy character-driven dramas, this is the perfect book for you.

Olga Markova

The Life We Have by T.D. Holt is a riveting blend of travel adventure, sci-fi, and psychological thriller. Bodock Rouget is a Gen-Z co-founder and CEO of Inqit Inc., a new technology start-up. Just off the receiving end of a spectacular fallout with his girlfriend, Bodock is on a holiday trek in a Papua New Guinea jungle, accompanied by his friend and colleague, Daniel, and a local guide, Afa, an Oxford-graduate Papua native. Bodock’s mission on this trek is to recover the remains of his great-grandfather, killed in 1942 in the Battle of Isurava. Meanwhile, Bodock’s colleagues at Inqit Inc. are developing breakthrough AI guardrails, ethics, and a sentience wrapper. Will Bodock find his great-grandfather’s remains? And what lies ahead for Bodock personally and professionally?

I had not a single dull moment reading T.D. Holt’s The Life We Have. The Papuan jungle and the tensions at Inqit Inc. were absorbing. I also appreciated how the story portrayed the ethical and sentient limitations of AI, the topical concerns of Gen Z, especially climate change, and the impact of the jungle trek on Bodock’s personal and professional relationships. But what resonated with me most was the wondrous blend of technology, philosophy, and religion, both throughout the novel and in the Author’s Note featuring the author’s chat with Claude, an AI. I would love to reunite with Bodock and his Inqit Inc. team in a new adventure and highly recommend this brilliant story to technothriller fans. Pervasive adult musings make this novel inappropriate for a younger audience.