Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Germ, by Robert Liparulo
Don't Breathe
Even though I only just joined the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Germ after receiving it at the International Christian Retail Show.
I was intrigued because the back cover stated that the concept of the novel was so unique that six Hollywood producers were bidding on the film rights before the completion of the manuscript.
How could I not read it?
The unique concept is a virus that has been altered to only attack specific DNA. This book is definitely a 'man's book.' It reminded me of a high-packed action film. Cars exploding. Bullets hitting people. Unstoppable assassins. Impossible odds.
Recently there was an outcry in the CBA about books having too much violence in them. I wondered if Germ had started the debate.
My thoughts are that a writer has to write to the crowd of people he is ministering to. Has anyone watched a video game lately? That group isn't going to pick up a Beverly Lewis novel, but they might just read Germ.
I ended up finishing the novel in about two or three days. (I have to admit, I skimmed huge chunks of action. Cars and bullets just don't do it for me.) I liked the novel overall, and think Mr. Liparulo is a fabulous writer. I hear he's a really nice guy to boot.
About a month ago, I tuned into an old episode of Star Trek, The Next Generation and the crew of the Enterprise was trying to figure out what caused an ambassador to die. It turns out, the ambassador was contaminated with a genetically engineered germ programmed to attack his DNA. Go figure.
Ah well, nothing's new under the sun, anyway.
Robert is an award-winning author of over a thousand published articles and short stories. He is currently a contributing editor for New Man magazine. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Travel & Leisure, Modern Bride, Consumers Digest, Chief Executive, and The Arizona Daily Star, among other publications. In addition, he previously worked as a celebrity journalist, interviewing Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Charlton Heston, and others for magazines such as Rocky Road, Preview, and L.A. Weekly. He has sold or optioned three screenplays.He is currently working on his third novel.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Give Your Imput on a Book Cover?
Here's your chance to tell a publisher your opinion:
http://www.faithinfiction.com/phpsurveyor/index.php?sid=8
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
If the Shoe Fits, Marilynn Griffith
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about If the Shoe Fits (Steeple Hill Cafe', 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother.)
Have Glass Slipper, Need Prince...
If the Shoe Fits is the second book in the Sassy Sistahood Novels. The first in the series was Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006).
In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back!
Have Glass Slipper, Need Prince...
If the Shoe Fits is the second book in the Sassy Sistahood Novels. The first in the series was Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006).In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back!
The book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373785763
Marilynn's website link: http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/
About the Author:
Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and Tangerine (Revell, January 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith@gmail.com.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Start of the Harry Potter Critiques
As promised--not that I'm sure anyone is even reading this blog--I'm about to start dissecting Harry Potter.
I read books 1-6 last month, and then started them again. To really understand a book, it's important to read it more than once. Normally, I allow more time to pass between reading—so as to enjoy the story "fresh" again, but in this case, I wanted to dissect theses novels, and so I started anew.
There is a divide between some Christians and Harry Potter. I, myself, waited years to read these books, despite my curiosity about them. It's difficult to bridge the mind of a Christian to a secular mind, but I shall attempt it.
The reason many Christians won't read this series of novels can stem from different roots. The strongest is that the Bible forbids God's children to have contact with witchcraft, and these books clearly have witchcraft in them.
Additionally, while not all Christians believe there really is such a thing as witchcraft, others believe that witchcraft is very real and its power fueled by spiritual forces who are God's enemy. So besides the fact the Bible forbids witchcraft, many Christians believe a person who reads these books are walking a dangerous line—one that threatens to entangle them with demonic forces.
The argument of "it's only a novel" to such a person as believes this, is like saying, "I can't understand why you won't allow your child to play a video jihad. I know the goal is for the game-player to enter synagogues and churches to blow up as many people as they can, but it's only a video game. Their response might be, "That may be so, but it's a very dangerous video game, one that myself and my children will have no part of."
Whether you agree or disagree with what I've written above, doesn't concern me. I'm not here to defend or argue points but rather to bridge the gap between mindsets.
I know that before I read Harry Potter, I bombarded Christian who had read the series with questions. Therefore, I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was, when I became bombarded with questions by Christian who learned I was reading the series.
For those who love books, it's difficult to know there's a worldwide phenomenon that they can take no part in. For writers, it's doubly so. There's a book that is making billions, that people love, and they want to know why.
So, as a writer I intend on dissecting these books and offer my opinion as to what makes them tick. As I've stated before, I can't separate the fact that I'm both a Christian and a writer, so I will also address my thoughts.
I thought it might be interesting to share an e-mail, a friend of mine sent me (before I'd read the books.)
In an upcoming post, I'll start with book one—Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
I read books 1-6 last month, and then started them again. To really understand a book, it's important to read it more than once. Normally, I allow more time to pass between reading—so as to enjoy the story "fresh" again, but in this case, I wanted to dissect theses novels, and so I started anew.
There is a divide between some Christians and Harry Potter. I, myself, waited years to read these books, despite my curiosity about them. It's difficult to bridge the mind of a Christian to a secular mind, but I shall attempt it.
The reason many Christians won't read this series of novels can stem from different roots. The strongest is that the Bible forbids God's children to have contact with witchcraft, and these books clearly have witchcraft in them.
Additionally, while not all Christians believe there really is such a thing as witchcraft, others believe that witchcraft is very real and its power fueled by spiritual forces who are God's enemy. So besides the fact the Bible forbids witchcraft, many Christians believe a person who reads these books are walking a dangerous line—one that threatens to entangle them with demonic forces.
The argument of "it's only a novel" to such a person as believes this, is like saying, "I can't understand why you won't allow your child to play a video jihad. I know the goal is for the game-player to enter synagogues and churches to blow up as many people as they can, but it's only a video game. Their response might be, "That may be so, but it's a very dangerous video game, one that myself and my children will have no part of."
Whether you agree or disagree with what I've written above, doesn't concern me. I'm not here to defend or argue points but rather to bridge the gap between mindsets.
I know that before I read Harry Potter, I bombarded Christian who had read the series with questions. Therefore, I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was, when I became bombarded with questions by Christian who learned I was reading the series.
For those who love books, it's difficult to know there's a worldwide phenomenon that they can take no part in. For writers, it's doubly so. There's a book that is making billions, that people love, and they want to know why.
So, as a writer I intend on dissecting these books and offer my opinion as to what makes them tick. As I've stated before, I can't separate the fact that I'm both a Christian and a writer, so I will also address my thoughts.
I thought it might be interesting to share an e-mail, a friend of mine sent me (before I'd read the books.)
In an upcoming post, I'll start with book one—Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
An Interesting E-mail on the Subject
To: Jessica Dotta
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 9:45 PM
Subject: Hi!
(Posted with Permission)
Hey Jessica!
Since we discussed Harry Potter the last time we talked, and I've just completed the 3rd one, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts.
I think in some ways a Christian's take on Potter will have much to do with how he sees Halloween. If a Christian thinks Halloween is evil, he will think the same of these books.
At one time, I did, and we still do not celebrate Halloween. -- mostly because we know there is real evil in the world and real witches, and they are not to be toyed with.
We want our children to understand that there is real evil in the world, and I'm not sure a young child can appreciate the difference. Every family has to make their own decisions about what they think is appropriate. We have many friends who celebrate Halloween, and we do not condemn them. But we didn't feel comfortable personally, and our general rule of thumb is, "when in doubt, don't." (That's one of the reasons we've avoided Potter, too)
However, I remember the fun I had as a child dressing up and getting candy, and I think that's how most families who participate in Halloween see it.
And even most adults don't take the scary part seriously.
However, I don't like scary things -- particularly ones that are evil, because I know real evil exists. And like Lewis said, there are two dangers in which one can approach the devil - one is an unhealthy interest, the other is disbelief.
One could argue that Rowling may be encouraging the second. Are you surprised I didn't say the first? That has been the most surprising thing for me so far. She creates a fantasy world, and the entire time I'm reading, even when I'm turning pages with interest (and that really hasn't happened until the end of the third one), I'm completely aware I'm in fiction. In fact, in some ways her world seems less real than Narnia. With Narnia, part of me always feels like what's happening really is happening or has happened.
I've never felt Rowling's world was real. Don't know why -- if that's something she's done intentionally as a writer, or if it's just happened. I remember reading several Stephen King books when I was in high school. His books terrified me. I couldn't put them down because from page one he scared me to death and I couldn't stop until the end when finally gave resolution and I could breathe again.
Rowling also pokes fun at the most common metaphysical practices we see -- like she has a teacher who is supposed to be psychic, but it's apparent she's just making stuff up. And she uses things that I don't think any real witches believe in, like time travel and corridors that take you to places humans can't see. Kind of like L'Engle. In many ways the books are just fun because they are fantasy -- magic. It's almost like a cartoon with broomsticks and wands and things. Do witches in real life use wands? Reminds me in some ways of Bewitched. I'm not saying there's no real metaphysical stuff -- the psychic teacher does have one lapse where she really predicts the future, but she doesn't even realize she's done it. And because that kind of thing is the exception to most of the witchery in the books, it didn't bother me.
Put it this way, would you have enjoyed the Narnia stories even without all the strong Christian symbolism and excellent way of teaching so much truth? If so, you probably won't mind Potter.
She does have a fear factor, but the fear isn't from evil, but the same sort of fear you get from a good suspense.
Second, to be honest, on one hand, I'm not crazy about Rowling's writing. Critiquing and reading writing books has done its damage! I find myself wanting to edit while I read. I want to write her and tell her how good her books could be if she'd just join Penwrights. We could really help her.
On the other hand, I am thoroughly impressed with her imagination and her ability to bring so many seemingly meaningless details together in the end. She is excellent with characterization. I have laughed out loud several times. I also love how smart the books are in the way of using Latin in spells and names, and how everything means something. And, her endings are so satisfying. She does an excellent job misleading the reader. I'm always surprised at the end.
So, there you have it. Hope those thoughts help you as you decide whether or not to take the Potter plunge.
Blessings,
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 9:45 PM
Subject: Hi!
(Posted with Permission)
Hey Jessica!
Since we discussed Harry Potter the last time we talked, and I've just completed the 3rd one, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts.
I think in some ways a Christian's take on Potter will have much to do with how he sees Halloween. If a Christian thinks Halloween is evil, he will think the same of these books.
At one time, I did, and we still do not celebrate Halloween. -- mostly because we know there is real evil in the world and real witches, and they are not to be toyed with.
We want our children to understand that there is real evil in the world, and I'm not sure a young child can appreciate the difference. Every family has to make their own decisions about what they think is appropriate. We have many friends who celebrate Halloween, and we do not condemn them. But we didn't feel comfortable personally, and our general rule of thumb is, "when in doubt, don't." (That's one of the reasons we've avoided Potter, too)
However, I remember the fun I had as a child dressing up and getting candy, and I think that's how most families who participate in Halloween see it.
And even most adults don't take the scary part seriously.
However, I don't like scary things -- particularly ones that are evil, because I know real evil exists. And like Lewis said, there are two dangers in which one can approach the devil - one is an unhealthy interest, the other is disbelief.
One could argue that Rowling may be encouraging the second. Are you surprised I didn't say the first? That has been the most surprising thing for me so far. She creates a fantasy world, and the entire time I'm reading, even when I'm turning pages with interest (and that really hasn't happened until the end of the third one), I'm completely aware I'm in fiction. In fact, in some ways her world seems less real than Narnia. With Narnia, part of me always feels like what's happening really is happening or has happened.
I've never felt Rowling's world was real. Don't know why -- if that's something she's done intentionally as a writer, or if it's just happened. I remember reading several Stephen King books when I was in high school. His books terrified me. I couldn't put them down because from page one he scared me to death and I couldn't stop until the end when finally gave resolution and I could breathe again.
Rowling also pokes fun at the most common metaphysical practices we see -- like she has a teacher who is supposed to be psychic, but it's apparent she's just making stuff up. And she uses things that I don't think any real witches believe in, like time travel and corridors that take you to places humans can't see. Kind of like L'Engle. In many ways the books are just fun because they are fantasy -- magic. It's almost like a cartoon with broomsticks and wands and things. Do witches in real life use wands? Reminds me in some ways of Bewitched. I'm not saying there's no real metaphysical stuff -- the psychic teacher does have one lapse where she really predicts the future, but she doesn't even realize she's done it. And because that kind of thing is the exception to most of the witchery in the books, it didn't bother me.
Put it this way, would you have enjoyed the Narnia stories even without all the strong Christian symbolism and excellent way of teaching so much truth? If so, you probably won't mind Potter.
She does have a fear factor, but the fear isn't from evil, but the same sort of fear you get from a good suspense.
Second, to be honest, on one hand, I'm not crazy about Rowling's writing. Critiquing and reading writing books has done its damage! I find myself wanting to edit while I read. I want to write her and tell her how good her books could be if she'd just join Penwrights. We could really help her.
On the other hand, I am thoroughly impressed with her imagination and her ability to bring so many seemingly meaningless details together in the end. She is excellent with characterization. I have laughed out loud several times. I also love how smart the books are in the way of using Latin in spells and names, and how everything means something. And, her endings are so satisfying. She does an excellent job misleading the reader. I'm always surprised at the end.
So, there you have it. Hope those thoughts help you as you decide whether or not to take the Potter plunge.
Blessings,
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Cat's Meat Shop
The Cat's Meat Shop --- Ha! The owner of one of the best websites about Victorian London has started a blog! Check it out.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
The Lady and the Unicorn
Tracy Chevalier continues to amaze me with her unique writing style. The Lady and the Unicorn is reminiscent to Girl with Pearl Earring. The story centers around a work of art, and like Girl with Pearl Earring, she weaves a tale about how those involved with the work of art were forever affected. Perhaps at times, it was a bit too reminiscent, but Ms. Chevalier has proven herself capable of writing well, the semblance between the books does not detract.
Tracy Chevalier includes parts of history that many writers shy from, such as toothaches, body odors and a true representation of how women were treated and acted during earlier times.
Throughout the book three distinct sets of people were followed—the family who commissioned the tapestry, the artist and merchant overseeing the commission, and the family of weavers who wove it.
There was only one set of characters I wished to spend time with. The other's, were I to meet them in real life, were people I'd decline a continued acquaintance with. The weaver's story absorbed me into the story. The blind girl's dilemma of trying to stay useful enough so that her parents wouldn't marry her to an inbred man who always smelled of sheep's urine (as it was used in dying material blue,) held my interest. Otherwise, there would not have been a character I could have clung to and rooted for.
Yet, this is one of the charms of Tracy Chevalier's writing. One feels as though she's dropped her readers in the life of real people, as they would have been. Not as they should be. Not as we imagine ourselves to be. Not as we imagine how we would act were we to step back into history.
Labels: Recommended -- 4 Stars
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Writer's Quote
C'mon people! If you're not spending time every month curled up under your computer desk sucking your thumb because of the pain of rejection, you can't even call yourselves writers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
---Mary Connealy, author of Petticoat Ranch
---Mary Connealy, author of Petticoat Ranch
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Harry Potter, One Writer's Critique
During my Christmas vacation, I read the Harry Potter books, 1--6, and over a series of posts plan to dissect the books here on The Haunt.
There's no secret that many Christians have an objection to the Harry Potter books, and since I can't separate me into parts--the writer and the Christian--there's little point in trying. I shall explore what about this series made it the phenomenon it is and my thoughts as a Christian on the matter.
My schedule is a bit tied now, but as my workload lightens, full critiques will be up on each book soon.