I enjoyed this novel very much. Creston Mapes does a fine job weaving together two dissimilar plot: one about a troubled man who is stalking Jack Crittendon’s family, particularly his wife, Pam; and a second involving the disappearance of a pastor, whose suicidal tendencies suggest he may have taken his life. How these two unrelated story lines eventually merge is potential for an intriguing tale, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Mysteries abound, and journalist Jack is up to the task, using his investigative skills to unearth the truth. Meanwhile, the stalker ups the stakes, and Jack must become more aggressive to keep his family safe. When the unthinkable happens, his faith in God is put to the ultimate test. Creston is an author to watch. His masterful pacing starts from the first page’s home invasion and rarely, if ever, slows down. The adrenaline-laced plot is tight, and the characters—even the…
Read more
See Part 1 and Part 2. Some Christian reviewers have praised The Hunger Games because it describes good versus evil without moral ambiguity. I would have to disagree. There’s more gray than black and white in this novel (see Part 2 for my discussion of killing in the story). Katniss is also a very gray character. She has good qualities (self-sacrifice), but she does some bad things too (euthanasia). She is likable, but she doesn’t always do the right thing—which, by the way, is typically of what makes for a memorable character. Readers don’t like a character who is too perfect. Katniss is flawed, but is she too flawed? To be fair, Katniss doesn’t act like a believer for the very reason that she isn’t one. She doesn’t know any better. But I do think there is value in considering her situation and evaluating what a believer might do if he…
Read more
See Part 1. This novel made me think. A lot. What if my name were drawn in an annual death lottery and I was released into an arena where twenty-three other people wanted me dead? What would I do? What would you do? Would you try to kill them before they killed you? Would you fold your arms across your chest and refuse to play in the Games (and very quickly be killed)? Or would you—like little Rue—run, hide, and simply try to stay alive? Anyone who gives this chilling dilemma serious consideration can’t help but sympathize with Katniss in her plight. Yes, The Hunger Games offers a very dark and disturbing premise most of us would rather not consider. And the premise is even more disturbing because teens—in some cases, children—are the ones doing the killing. But all things considered, The Hunger Games is a story about war, except kids are the ones…
Read more
Right away, I want to be clear that just because I’m reviewing this novel (I haven’t seen the movie) doesn’t mean I would recommend it to everyone. I do believe discerning adults can benefit by reading the novel and considering its message in light of a Christian worldview. But I would hesitate to recommend it to my almost-twelve-year-old daughter, Laura. I will explain why. What Is the Novel About? In the future nation of Panem, which has displaced the current North America, a “boy” and “girl” (ages twelve to eighteen) from each of the poor twelve districts are chosen by annual lottery to participate in the live-televised Hunger Games. In this competition the youth, called “tributes,” must battle each other to the death while imprisoned in an outdoor arena of many acres until only one person survives. The winner becomes rich. The Games, really a twisted reality TV show, provide sadistic…
Read more
