Rating: 
Summary: Ouch
Review: I began the Left Behind series a few years ago when I was in college. I enjoyed it but failed to keep up with all the new books as they came out so I was left behind (pun intended). Now that I have finally gotten all the books, I have started over...And boy is it tough to keep going. Listen, I am no "wolf in sheep's clothing" as so many people who review this book poorly obviously are. I am a Christian, and when I see a good quality Christian product, I will support it. But if something is done poorly, I can't pretend it's great. I should clarify, I am early still in the first book of this series so it may get better (my memory escapes me, but I do remember enjoying it when I read it for the first time). But to be perfectly honest, this is just horrible. It's not the plot or characters that I have a problem with (those are probably what keep one going, honestly). It's the juvenile writing style that makes it almost unbearable. I know there is a children's version of the Left Behind series so there is no excuse for this. The dialogue is unconvincing. It was so obviously written by a conservative Christian. What he doesn't realize it that nobody talks this way. Nobody thinks that way. I tell you what, inferior Christian products really make my blood boil. There is no reason for it. God gave us talents and abilities and we should be able to do better than this. I really hope, for my sake - because I'm not one that gives up easily - that this gets better in a hurry.
Rating: 
Summary: A PLEASANT SURPRISE!
Review: What's left to say? The Left Behind series has been such a phenomenon and elicited so many reviews from fans and critics alike that just about every positive or negative angle has been previously explored. Let me just say that I was so influenced by the poor reviews of this series and its authors' theology that I balked at even giving it a chance. Plus, "Left Behind" itself is merely the first installment of a very lengthy series, and my reading experience has been that most epic novels or series are usually plodding, padded, and boring. Fortunately, I finally took the plunge despite all that and am I glad I did! "Left Behind's" plot--what if God were to suddently take up all the world's believers to spare them the coming end times tribulation leading up to the climactic battle of Armageddon--is inherently fascinating, and one the authors' play out with unflagging drama. However, it is the characters which pull the reader along as we experience this awesome story through their personal tragedies and triumphs. This human side to the story is rendered with great care and believability. The reactions from media and intelluctual elite to what has happened to all the world's Christians are handled far more accurately than some would like to admit, as is the interaction between the several protagonists as they struggle to come to grips with being "left behind" and what they must face up to now. Contrary to some negative reviews, the writing is quite good. It may not be Shakespeare, but Jerry Jenkins's prose is fluid, easily digested, and keeps you turning the pages. I also find the dialogue quite realistic, and in fact it accurately recreates the conversations many Evangelical Christians routinely find themselves in. On purely theological grounds, even if one is not necessarily in agreement with Tim Lahaye concerning the interpretation of Last Things and the book of Revelation, "Left Behind" nonetheless gives you a lot to think about and is a great faith-booster to any denomination of Christian reader. Even Christians from groups which do not believe in the Rapture (as modern Evangelicals use the term) certainly believe in a Second Coming of our Lord, and "Left Behind" is simply one possible literary interpretation of how that might develop. As for non-Christians, I should hope they will still be able to enjoy the story and that it will make them carefully consider how valuable their soul really is. As to Mr. Lahaye's motivation for creating this series, I am no mind reader and will not take a guess at an ulterior motive when there is as yet no proof of that. Certainly, he has created a series which has helped many strengthen their faith and given great encouragement to those struggling day-to-day to live Godly lives, and indeed has given some readers their first glimpse of the eternal Gospel. Overall, the good certainly seems to outweigh the bad, at least in this first book of the series. By the end of the book I was hooked and ready to start the next installment ("Tribulation Force") ASAP, the first series book to have that effect on me in a long while. I certainly recommend "Left Behind" and hope any reader will find it as entertaining and inspirational as I did.
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Summary: An Absolutely Amazing Series (Books, & Audio Book's)
Review: I don't know how anyone couldn't love these books. The depth of the characters, and the story is incredible. I'll admit, with the first book I was not yet hooked. Wasn't completely sure if I'd even read the next one in the series. But I am sooo glad I did. Half way through, I knew I was hooked. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A CHRISTIAN FICTION LOVER TO LOVE THESE BOOKS! Even for those non-believers, that are looking for a great on the edge of your seat adventure/thriller to read, this is a GREAT read!!! And who knows, by the time you get half way through the series you may see things differently about life.
And for those who are believers, this series will make/help you understand revelations so, so much better and easier. To anyone who loves to read and really get into the books they're reading, this series is a MUST READ!
As highly as I recommend the Left Behind Series to Readers, I have an even HIGHER recomendation regarding this series. THE UNABRIDGED AUDIO BOOKS read by RICHARD FERRONE. Even if you have read the entire series, go back and listen to these done on audio by Richard. He is amazing! As incredible as LaHaye and Jenkins are at creating the characters, Richard is absolutely amazing at bringing them to life, and drawing you into the story. Richard Ferrone is the best audio book reader I have ever heard by FAR! Listening to the story being read to you and acted out by ferrone puts an entirely different spin on enjoying this series. (don't confuse the unabridged version with the abridged however. Frank Muller does the abridged version, and I kid you not, he's terrible.)
I listen to these tapes when I go out for my daily walks, and not wanting to turn it off, I just walk and walk and walk. Great excercise for the body and the brain at the same time!
Whether you are reading the books or listening to the unabridged tapes, you will not want to put the book down or turn the tapes off, and each book will leave you dying to start the next. I'm just starting book 10 and I am on the edge of my seat to know whats going to happen next. The Left Behind Series is so worth getting into on so many levels. ~~~~~
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE 3rd MOVIE!!!! ~~~~ Have you checked out the Dramatic Sound and Drama Series yet? Gotta check it out!
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Summary: Matt's Review
Review: Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins make a great team. Left Behind is a story of a huge disaster in which millions disappear. The book then tells how the those left behind must band together in order to survive. Left Behind is a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Helped me figure out what I really believe in
Review: I was first introduced to this book when I was bedridden during a pregnancy in 1996. Bored -- and a friend loaned me a copy of this book. WOW -- talk about hold your attention and can't put it down. And you can argue about writing style, interpretation of the end times, etc, etc -- but what the book did for me was to make me stop and think about where my own heart was with God. It made me really look into myself and work out what I REALLY believe. Even if it's just read from the perspective of simply being a good story, it's still a good read. But it helped me settle for myself where my spiritual life really is. I recently gave a copy to someone who is very dear to me, but has stated that they don't know what they believe. I'm hoping the book will do for them what it did for me -- settle once and for all what they believe in. I think that's the purpose of these books, even more than presenting a view of the end times. I think there's an evangelical undertone that many people miss. Don't focus on where you think this book is taking you -- just read it and let it help you examine what you believe in.
Rating:
Summary: Left Behind No. 1
Review: This was a great book. If reading Revelation in the Bible is hard for you or hard to understand then reading this book and the rest of the series will help you to form a clearer picture of the end of days. But whether you are reading this from a religious or christian perspective or simpley for enjoyment. This book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. When I finished this book I immediately openned up the second book of the series and started reading it. Wow, what a ride!!!
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Summary: The enemy is strong, make up your own mind!
Review: The enemy is strong and apparent in many of the reviewrs who obviously are non-believers yet act like they have read the Bible (IE, quote:""taking literally what was meant metaphorically, while taking metaphorically what was meant literally". This series is an example of both defects at once. If taken at all seriously, it is an intellectual and spiritual insult to Christians") but obviously haven't had an inch of understanding it. As if they'd know what was insulting to Christians. That review is what is insulting to Christians. You either believe the Bible or you don't. If you don't your a non-believer. God gave us free will. Make up your own mind. If you have a mind to read these novels, do so. See what might be laid on your own hearts through it. Don't be afraid. I would say that first review is trashy, not the books' message. Yes, it's fiction, no it's not wacky. Even if your not a believer, it's a great series.
Armageddon has obviously not happened yet, we don't need a reviewer to tell us that. But the research of Biblical Prophecy and timelines in this series is of experts. The story is touching and real in so many aspects that brings our own humaness to light throughout these prophecyies so that we can relate to the characters. Don't be caught unprepared due to the enemy. Make up your own mind. Read. Enjoy. God Bless and Happy Reading!
Rating: 
Summary: Protesting too much?
Review: It is apt that this book begins on an airliner as this is just the kind of trashy novel you'd take with you on a long flight. The characters are thin and cliched and the plot is a bit predictable. But then again, if I wanted heavy Christian theology, I'd look elsewhere. I'd read one of CS Lewis's essays or something. The scriptural evidence for the rapture (although I believe the word 'rapture' is never actually used in the Bible) is strong. The evidence for Christ's existence and the truth of what is written about him in the New Testament is staggering to the point of undeniability (though billions deny it). In which case, its good that we have this series of books to present a mundane earthly account of what the rapture and the aftermath might look like.
My overwhelming thoughts on reading the book was that those Left Behind are extremely fortunate. Fortunate in that unlike any other generation of sinners, they get a second chance.
Anyhow, its trashy, not all that well written, but extremely well researched Biblically and, like many trashy books, utterly compelling!
Rating:
Summary: Goog Clean Fiction
Review: Some very poor reviews have been written on this book that read more like the reviewer was criticizing a college text than a book of fiction. So, I felt compelled to lend an opinion as well. I have read ten of the books in this series and look forward to reading the last two. "Left Behind" does start out a little slow and there is at times some long dialogues, but I found myself bonding with the character Rayford Steele, his family and their circumstance. The series is well written from a Christian perspective and is very exciting; full intrigue and
mystery. It should be remembered that this is a work of fiction and not a religious treatise. It is how LaHaye and others view the end times might occur. It is also sufficiently based in the truths of Christianity to instill someone to seek out more information.
As a serious reader with broad interest in literature and various subjects of fiction I find these works to rate along side Jack Higgins or Edgar Rice Burroughs, maybe not on Robert Jordan's level but still excellent. Oh and if one is wondering, I don't think Revelation will play out this way, I just liked the story.
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Summary: Left Behind: The Vanishings
Review: I read the first book of the series, Left Behind. The full name is Left Behind: The Vanishings. The authors of the book are Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye.
The Vanishings is about four kids who disrespect their parents and all of life. Their names are Judd Thompson Jr., Vicki Byrne, Lionel Washington, and Ryan Daley. They all have done things that are not right, things like running away and lieing.
As a big result in their wrong doings, people around the worldstart vanishing, right out of their clothes. All four kids loose their families.
Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan find themselves alone and left behind to face an uncertain future. Before all of the disappearances started, all four knew eachother, but never really talked. Now they need eachothers help to get through it. When you read what the story's about, many questions come to mind. My biggest question was, "Has the world come to an end?" I would recommend people of all ages to read this book, and I plan to keep reading the whole series.
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