BookOpinion

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: I have read many Dean Koontz books, and none have left me feeling as tormented as the author’s latest novel, “The Darkest Evening of the Year“. Koontz offers up an array of hideous antagonists, the worst of which made me literally sick to my stomach. Part of the torment comes from his graphic descriptions of dog abuse and child abuse. Koontz’s beloved dog, Trixie, passed away recently, and that sorrow is obvious throughout the book. Having lost my own beloved dog recently, I thoroughly empathize.

Dogs, specifically Golden Retrievers, are some of the most vivid characters of the novel, which centers mainly on the life of Amy Redwing, whose life revolves around rescuing dogs. The novel opens as Amy and her boyfriend, Brian, are in rescue mode, attempting to save a dog from a wife/child beater who doubles as the killer of the family pets. After saving both the family and the dog, Amy takes the dog in to live with her other beloved Goldens, but Nickie, this new dog, is special, forming unusual bonds and connections with both people and other dogs.

The novel flips back and forth between the protaganists’ (Amy and Brian) story and the villains, an unsavory cast of lowlife private detectivies, hitmen, and two others who will make your skin crawl. I enjoyed getting to know Amy, but I never felt like Brian became a full character. I didn’t feel the sympathy for him that Amy and several others garnered. Some of the book felt a little rushed, unusual for a Koontz book, which can sometimes be a bit overburdened with detail.

This is a dark book, darker still if you are a true dog lover. Anyone who can read this book and not want to rush down to the nearest animal shelter and bring home a couple dogs (or a cat) to love, has a heart of stone. The thing to love about Dean Koontz is that he has no illusion that the world is not a dark and evil place, yet he always offers to the reader protagonists that defy the darkness and manage to find hope and peace. “The Darkest Evening of the Year” is no exception.

I still say “Life Expectancy” (which I just reread for the fourth time) is his greatest work, but any true Koontz fan should enjoy this latest book. Now that I have devoured this latest, I will try to patiently await the release of the next Odd Thomas book, which is scheduled for April, 2008. In the meantime, I will try to convince my husband that we need to make a trip to the local animal shelter in the near future.

– Jane Leisteiner

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: Let’s assume the following scenario: you’re a fairly ordinary person, two kids, soccer mom … you volunteer for political fundraising in your spare time, live in an average neighborhood, have an average income. You live well but not opulently. And then one day, you are assaulted by the most powerful person in the world … and no one believes you, except the “bad guys”. They know you’re telling the truth and are determined no one else will ever find out.

This is the predicament that Kathleen Willey states she was in when she was accosted and assaulted by the President of the United States, Bill Clinton.

After the story was leaked by Drudge, Willey states, “I had aroused the ire of the Clinton administration and was about to bear the full force of its fury. Through their henchmen and minions, Bill and Hillary Clinton would wage nothing less than a media war to undercut my credibility and the credibility of any woman who dared tell the truth about Bill’s sexual advances. That war would reveal the chronic hypocrisy of those who advocate for women’s rights, as none of them -– not Democrats nor feminists nor Hillary Clinton, an alleged promoter of women’s rights -– would come to the aid of the women he had assaulted. It was me versus the machine and I was scared.” Thus speaks Kathleen Willey, a committed Democrat, fundraiser and White House volunteer.

She further states, “After we got caught in Bill Clinton’s trap, we were raked over the coals. All of us –- Juanita, Gennifer, Paula, Monica, me -– we have all been through a lot. We were regular women trying to get by when our paths crossed his. Through no fault of our own, we were smeared in the media, terrorized by thugs, audited by the IRS, followed by strangers, victimized by threats. Our homes were broken into and our pets were killed. And we know that Hillary and her minions were behind the terror.”

Kathleen Willey adds, “I think Bill routinely confesses his infidelities to Hillary. Certainly, he skews the stories. I doubt he admitted that he raped Juanita, assaulted me and abused probably dozens or hundreds of others. But I think he told Hillary that he’d done something with us and it’s likely he said we seduced him. I believe that, as part of their dysfunctional dynamic of addict and enabler, in their ugly, twisted cycle, he tells her some story to relieve his guilt. He screws up, he confesses, he asks forgiveness, she throws lamps, and then they make up and he gives her something –- appoints a woman to the Supreme Court, lets Hillary spearhead the grand health care debacle or campaigns for her presidency. I think it’s been like that since the beginning. To Hillary, it is tightly wound up with her political aspirations. She came out ahead. We lost. Women lost. And feminism lost.” Why would any wife, especially someone as much in the media’s eye as Hillary, behave in such a bizarre manner?

Kathleen also quotes Bernie Nussbaum who states that “he and Hillary shared the view that ‘you should do harm to your enemies…’” as well as Dave Shippers, who spent years investigating the Clintons, who states regarding Hillary, “Nothing is beneath her.” And Dick Morris summed up this insane state of affairs by saying, “If you’re going to be a sexual predator, be pro-choice.”

The first dozen pages or so of the beginning of “Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton” made me whistle in disbelief. If true, I thought, how could any woman be so naïve? We are asked to judge not just her story but her character as well as the characters of the people about whom she writes. I will say, as a political animal, I was astounded by some of the revelations she revealed. Even a hardened truth seeker will tend to be disbelieving of some of the volatile and wholly unacceptable traits exhibited in the White House during this turbulent time.

“Target” is very detailed and extremely explicit. Comments by the other people involved are documented … thus verification of their involvement or observations is possible.

Is this book founded on the truth? Is there a middle ground somewhere? Two sides to every story, right? I don’t know. Kathleen Willey did appear to be utterly sincere and incredibly courageous with no ulterior motives. I do know that this was a fascinating read, although somewhat repetitive at times. I occasionally had to backtrack to recall exactly about whom she was referring. The writing was okay, not great, but well worth the time I spent reading “Target.”

In spite of the flaws of the book, I do highly recommend this book. It was an eye-opener to say the least and will prove to introduce you to the inner workings of a government hopelessly swimming in complete disarray. If this story is true, how very sad … for Kathleen Willey and her family, the other victims, those afraid to speak out and the American people.

– Elizabeth Channery

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: What is the thing that terrifies you the most? Another terrorist attack? An invasion by UFO’s? Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes? Losing your job? Cancer? How about the kidnapping of one of your children? I think that must be one of the most agonizing, terrifying situations that could ever confront us. Imagine the day-in, day-out horror of the “not knowing” whether your child was alive, whether they were being tortured, if you would ever see them again.

Mark Gimenez has used this scenario in “The Abduction” and did it with a chilling plot that is baffling, frightening and will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page. Frankly, this story has so many twists and turns that I was constantly astonished by the brilliant imagination of the author.

Gracie Ann Brice, age 10 years, and an ace soccer player, disappears at the end of winning a tight game against a rival team. Her father, John R. Brice and a brilliant computer geek about to make a billion dollars on a business venture, is on his cell phone at the end of the game when his daughter goes missing. Elizabeth, a tough, controlling attorney and Gracie’s mother, arrives just minutes after her daughter is kidnapped. Bedlam follows as the alert goes out and the frantic search for Gracie begins.

When Ben Brice, Vietnam Vet and Gracie’s grandfather hears the news, he immediately flies from his isolated retreat in New Mexico to the family’s home in Briarwyck Farms, an exclusive conclave in Dallas, Texas. Upon arrival, he encounters not only the FBI but his son, John, who is practically catatonic. And Elizabeth is dealing with the situation in the only way she knows how…forcefully, angrily and outwardly, in complete control.

But Ben Brice has a unique relationship with Gracie…there is a mutual affection, understanding and comradery between them and he is determined to find Gracie and destroy those responsible for her disappearance. A long-shot for an alcoholic grandfather, haunted by memories of torture and murder? Ben Brice has a classified military file with a list of medals as long as your arm. No ordinary grandfather, this.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth has taken matters into her own hands and schedules an interview on national television. She offers to pay the kidnappers $25 million to release her daughter, unharmed. And then, “Because if you don’t take this deal, if you don’t release my daughter by the deadline, if you can’t release my daughter because you’ve already killed her, know this and know it well: you’re a dead man. I’m putting a bounty on your head same as the government put on Osama bin Laden’s head: commencing one minute after midnight Friday, we will pay the twenty-five million to anyone who hunts you down and kills you like the disgusting perverted animal you are. And know this: you’re not going back to prison to serve a few years then get released only to violate another little girl – that is not going to happen! You’re either going to release my daughter or you’re going to die. It’s your choice.”

In spite of this, the only information that arises is from Idaho Falls, Idaho…remote and unlikely. But Ben is convinced that this is the lead he has been waiting for. And surprisingly, John is determined to accompany his father on the search.

Is Gracie still alive? And if so, what kind of hell is she living in? And will they find her in time? And, is this the tip of the iceberg? Is there more to the plot then the kidnapping of a little girl?

Well, actually there is…and the unraveling of this entire plot will have you gasping with shock. “The Abduction” is riveting, the characters are revealed not only by their actions but by their past…and you never know how you feel about any of the players until all is revealed. The construction of this novel is suspense well defined and will appeal to anyone who loves a good thriller. I highly recommend this book!

– Elizabeth Channery

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed reading the third novel in the Restoration Series by Terri Blackstock. ”True Light” is a fast read…it took me about 90 minutes to devour it, but it is honest, well honed and packed with characters that are easy to relate to. This semi science fiction, Christian book has easily become one of my favorites.

Imagine that you are living your life, everything is normal, usual ups and downs and you wake up one morning to find that you have no electricity, no phone, no plumbing and have no clue when any of these facilities will be restored. You cannot even walk to the supermarket to purchase your groceries…there are no supermarkets. And your car is useless…bicycles or horses have become the new normal. Then you hear that a supernova named SN-1999 is emitting electromagnetic pulses every few seconds…which basically renders everything operational on the earth, useless. And no one can predict when this star might burn itself out. Your very survival is threatened. And the best and the worst in human nature are revealed…and the worst seems to have the upper hand.

“True Light” opens with a scene, in Crockett, Alabama, of exultation as Zach Emory shoots a ten point buck, which is necessary to feed his family. Hearing footsteps, the teenager turns, expecting his brother to help him lift the deer into their rickshaw. Unfortunately, the man approaching is not Zach’s brother…the stranger raises his rifle and shoots Zach, and then the shooter and the deer disappear.

The Branning family is initially drawn into this mystery because of Jeff Branning, a close friend of Zach’s. But Deni Branning, a reporter for the Crocket Times, takes a personal interest in finding the shooter when Mark Green, the man she hopes to marry, is arrested for the attempted murder of Zach. Intent upon proving Mark innocent, the entire Branning family becomes involved in this rather complex plot.

During Mark’s time in jail, he struggles not just to survive but to maintain his core of Christian conviction. But incarcerated in a tiny cell with murderers and out of control maniacal convicts, Mark’s situation is not just dire, but desperate. So, what does he do in these circumstances? How is he supposed to react? What would you do? Will Zach survive to identify his assailant and clear Mark’s name?

What I have described is a miniscule outline of a well written novel, filled with intrigue, conflicting relationships and revealing insights into human nature. What I liked best about Blackstock’s ”True Light” is that it makes you really think…not just about how you would react in such a situation but how you would relate to other people…and what role you would play because conforming roles are no longer the norm.

I wholeheartedly give “True Light” a thumbs up approval. If you enjoy light science fiction or Christian situational conflict, then you are going to love the Terri Blackstock books. I cannot wait to read the many other novels that she has penned and look forward to Book Four in the Restoration series.

– Elizabeth Channery

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: In a recent interview, author Judy Blume chose “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” as her personal favorite of her works. The book, which chronicles a year in the life of sixth-grader Margaret Simon, has found itself both lauded and banned. The book’s frank discussions of religion and adolescent issues were considered risque for children’s literature at the time of its publication.

The central character, Margaret, is finding her life very complicated. Born and raised in New York City, her parents have decided to move to the suburbs and she leaves city life and private school for a new life in New Jersey and a public school. Margaret must leave her beloved grandmother and her friends behind.

She does quickly make new friends, all of whom are wrestling with the complications of puberty, especially worrying about when they will get their periods. Each of her new friends attends either church or synagogue, and all are shocked to discover that Margaret is “no religion.”

Margaret’s mother, a Christian, and her father, who is Jewish, eloped against their families’ wishes and decided to raise their daughter without religious education and allow her to make her own choice in the future. Margaret, who speaks with God each now and whenever she feels a need, (her conversations with God always begin with the title phrase) devotes herself to finding the right religion for her. As she searches, she begins to realize that a relationship with God extends beyond the confines of any one religion.

I was ten the first time I read this book, and I really felt the author saw her reader more as a young adult than a child. She understood all our fears and worries, and though she never really tried to solve them, she just kind of showed you that you get through it the best you can.

Margaret does not find all of her answers, but she gains strength as she realizes her own self-worth, and that she does not have to be defined by her religion, her friends or her family. She defines herself, a very empowering thought for a young girl.

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a must-have for anyone who loves Blume’s books. It is the book that Blume says she found her voice in.

– Jane Leisteiner

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: I could not put “Deception” down. The characters are real, complex and shrouded… the plot is unbelievably twisting and turning and takes you down one blind alley to the next. The story is funny, tragic and grips you with its reality and shakes your own confidence to the point of leaving you naked, vulnerable and questioning. And it’s just a work of fiction… but so full of honest life that you feel after finishing the book that a cool breeze has just passed you by and touched your cheek.

“Sometimes I think maybe what’s wrong with this world is that it’s made up of people like me,” thus speaks Ollie Chandler, homicide detective with the Portland, Oregon, Police Department. A complicated but thoroughly human character, occasionally pathetic but always compelling, Detective Chandler is handed a murder case that puts his life in jeopardy and leaves his relationship with fellow detectives at a new low. Chandler suspects that that murderer is someone in his own department, and, after experiencing several blackouts, possibly even himself.

The victim, a Portland State University professor with a roving eye for his female students, is found strangled and shot. Why multiple causes of death? Ollie wades through the evidence and finds the case to be far more convoluted than he originally suspected. He has leads on everyone from the chief of police to fellow detectives that open the door to the possibility that anyone could have committed this crime.

With encouragement from two friends, Clarence Abernathy and Jake Woods, Chandler pushes through the maze of lies and deceit to find the killer and put him behind bars. But Ollie’s first law, “Things are often not what they appear” proves to be only too true in this baffling, politically damaging and personally dangerous situation.

“Deception” is filled with terrific one liners, ”All your life you’re a wannabe, until you wake up one morning, and you’re a has-been,” that you will love. But the Christian-themed story is really not just about a fascinating murder case and how it’s solved. It’s about the man, Ollie Chandler, grieving widower, estranged father, dog lover and keeper of justice down to the bone.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You will laugh, cry and be horrified by this unfolding story of a man trapped in his own web. Written in the first person, this novel quickly draws you into the mind and feelings of a wounded human being, with the frailties and concealed qualities that we all possess.

Don’t wait another moment. Do not go to the library, go directly to your local bookstore and pick up “Deception” today. You won’t regret it.

– Elizabeth Channery

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: If you have read any Craig Parshall novels in the past, then you are going to be delighted with “The Last Judgment.” This is the final book of the Chamber of Justice series, and like Mr. Parshall’s previous novels, it is full of emotional conflict, conspiracy, violent upheavals and resolution.

The primary character, Will Chambers, is an attorney who has been hired by the foster parents of Hassan Gilead Amahn, an Egyptian by birth but raised by a Christian mother who was murdered in Egypt for her beliefs. The situation evolves after Gilead arrives in Cairo and has been preaching on the streets and is arrested. After Will pulls some strings in rather high places, Gilead is released and journeys on to Israel. When Gilead reaches Jerusalem in order to reach out to Muslims there with the love of God, he becomes unknowingly involved in a cataclysmic event…an explosion on the Temple Mount, demolishing the al-Aqsa Mosque and resulting in the death of hundreds of Muslims. It is believed that a group called The Knights of the Temple Mount is responsible for this crime and seemingly, Gilead is their leader.

Gilead is charged with the crime and incarcerated, and Will Chambers is approached again by the parents and requested to defend their adopted son. Will’s lovely wife, Fiona, pleads with Will to not accept the assignment but after researching the case, Will feels this is an opportunity not only to rescue Gilead, but to wreak justice upon a man named Warren Mullburn, a powerful figure who has put Will’s career and life in jeopardy in the past.

Warren Millburn, the owner of a small chain of islands in the Caribbean, has few friends but many allies in the shady world of political intrigue. And now, he is preparing his biggest coup ever — manipulation of events in the Middle East that will ultimately put him in control of a global empire unrivaled in world history.

How is Will going to achieve the release of Gilead considering the turmoil between the Israelis and the Muslims? With the press, President of the United States and the Muslim states screaming for Gilead’s blood, it seems an unlikely event. And behind the scenes, Warren Millburn is assuring his own future as well as Gilead’s death.

An impossible task: An American attorney defending a Christian in one of the most volatile areas of the world. Whichever way this case is resolved, it is going to change the history of the Middle East.

Well, Craig Parshall has done it again. “The Last Judgment” is well written, fast paced, highly detailed and electrifying. This is a must read if you are a fan of political intrigue or law based dramas. However, I highly recommend that you begin with the first book in the Chamber of Justice series, “The Resurrection File” in order to follow the sequence of events leading up to this final chapter of Will’s life.

– Elizabeth Channery