Into the Fire

Quite some time ago on this blog I expressed that I didn’t do book “reviews”, and the reason I gave was because they were too much like doing a book report. Unlike many of you, anything that reminds me of school is not a fond memory for me. I have always loved reading, and I have always loved writing—as in fiction or about things that interest me. So to classify my thoughts on the books I’ve read as “reviews” is insulting to those who get really really serious about book reviews and expect them to comment on certain criteria ranging from cover art to type/style of writing, careful to point out the negatives in any aspect of the book/story/writing.

Well, I’ve finally retrained myself to read for pleasure, for entertainment, for the joys which different writers can bring to a story by their unique voices and imaginative plots or their complex characters, and I have no intention of ruining my novel reading by dissecting an author’s published work. I’ll do my best to give you my honest opinion of the books I choose to “review”, but I think it’s wise to keep in mind I admire different styles and formats and don’t necessarily have uncompromising respect for the “rules” of writing. Novice writing doesn’t generally turn up in those books published by the bigger and well known publishing houses, but certain inexperienced writers seem to notice every time a “rule” is broken.

I’ve read a wonderful bunch of books this summer. Really. Good stories. Characters that drew me into their lives in all kinds of ways. I was involved with them and as a result have been drawn into their diverse locations, conflicts, pain and difficulties, and the loves of their lives whether it was another individual or a career. The writing has been clever, creatively informative, stylish, full of beauty and grace, and representing the gospel either overtly or with the slight of hand of a slick magician. “Old” standbys, such as James Scott Bell’s two latest novels introducing us to Ty Buchanan, seemed to have hit a fresh stride with this first person new voice which is just too good to pass up. “New” author Chris Fabry has demonstrated his prowess with the language, and legal military thriller author Don Brown has continued his exciting streak of contemporary novels right in the heart of danger. Robert Liparulo has engaged a six book series to entice the young adult crowd with the Dreamhouse Kings novels, expressing a special fondness for them, and he has completed a sequel to his last adult novel Deadfall which I believe will be titled Deadlock. Davis Bunn continues his amazing streak of entertaining stories—always different and exciting with those flawed protagonists one can’t help caring about. Claudia Mair Burney captures an irresistible in-your-face tone on the issues of racism in a story wrapped around a romance and “fake” churches with flat out honesty in Zora and Nicky, really a must read.

Anyway, I use the term “review” loosely, as one of convenience. On this blog it simply means a basic report on a novel (mostly) which I probably liked. So that’s my small clarification.

Father, I thank you for the efforts of all of these writers who have truly exhibited the skills you have given them. What a pleasure to read from the hands of those blessed by your creative gifting. As always, apart from you we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.