BookOpinion

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: When I began reading “Jack Bauer’s Having a Bad Day,” I was not sure exactly what I expected with such an enticing title. Tim Wesemann explicitely states in the first chapter that it is his desire “to investigate twenty-four unexpected faith truths, using a bridge point from each of the twenty-four episodes from the first season of the hit TV show 24.” In other words, “learn more about what it means to live a life of faith in God in the process.” Okay, so far, so good.

The reader is taken on a journey with a brief review of each individual episode of 24 illustrating the similarities or the differences between what Jack Bauer is experiencing and walking through the Christian life. Tim Wesemann explores the turmoils of compassion, greed, healthy ambition, fear, etc., etc., etc. and attempts to relate Jack’s emotional situations to what we encounter in our own rather humdrum existence.

Frankly, I think this entire endeavor was a rather dismal failure. “Jack Bauer’s Having a Bad Day” read on its own philosophical merits, minus the Jack Bauer connection, is enlightening and relates well to the confusing, and sometimes frightening confrontations that we meet on a daily basis. The sincerity of Tim Wesemann is obvious and the idea is highly original but frankly, I do not believe that the intended goal was met.

If you choose to read “Jack Bauer’s Having a Bad Day,” I suggest you check out your local library first. The lack of cohesiveness and the disjointed connections make this book a disappointing purchase.

– Elizabeth Channery