Teaneck Author Blows Past Kickstarter Goal For Latest Book

TEANECK, NJ — Children's book author J.R. Becker couldn't have written his latest series without his kids, literally.

Becker took inspiration from his two children, Annabelle and Aiden, for his six-book series which follows characters of the same name. His seventh book in the series, "Oh My Gods! A History of Belief," is available for pre-order on Kickstarter now.

Becker has sold over 30,000 copies of the Annabelle and Aiden series since its inception four years ago, and the excitement is clearly at a high-water mark.

The Kickstarter campaign set a modest goal of $6,000, and launched March 1. As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, Becker has already tripled that pledge, with 411 backers already pledged $18,640.

The series deals in topics at the intersection of science and philosophy. Books focus on the Big Bang, evolution and even life's most certain aspect: death.

Becker has won awards and drawn praise from noteworthy thinkers and writers for his previous books in the series.

Of his book titled "What Happens When We Die?" Scientific American columnist and New York Times bestselling author Michael Shermer said:

"The most deeply moving account I’ve ever come across on the ultimate question of life, death, and meaning. In only 200 words this beautiful story captures what 2000 years of wisdom writing could not."

In the seventh book, titled "Oh My Gods! A History of Belief," he explores world religions and cultures chronologically, from animism and shamanism and beyond.

Becker holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law.

A trademark lawyer by trade, when he’s not practicing law, he's playing drums or enjoying the great outdoors.

His first novel was "The Spider & the Ant," which preceded the Annabelle and Aiden series.

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