Rating:  Summary: Not the best writing, but a good story Review: Honestly, I was torn between giving this three stars or four stars, but (and I'm almost embarrassed to admit this) I had to choose four since I probably am getting hooked on the series. Each time I start to read one of the books, I think, "This is definitely the last one I'm reading," because the writing is so hokey and preachy. The characters all speak with the same voice, and the dialogue is really contrived.Yet, I keep reading. Even if the authors have not captured the essence of how people speak and relate to each other, they do know how to tell a story and to make you want to know what's going to happen next. And it is a fast read. Really fast. Easy to get through in a weekend. So, all things considered, I would recommend borrowing it or getting it out of the library if you want something fun and entertaining with a little bit (or rather, a whole lot) of Christianity thrown in. Probably excellent beach reading.
Rating:  Summary: Something better to read Review: I highly recommend reading "End Times Fiction A Biblical Consideration Of The Left Behind Theology" by Gary DeMar, instead of anything having to do with this series or with any notion of a theological thinking that was never part of the early church. In this book, DeMar demonstrates the flawed interpretation of pretribulational/premillennialism and instead lets the biblical text speak for itself.
Rating:  Summary: Read It and Learn about the future. Review: If you enjoy your walk and faith in Christ... These are books that must be read... and of course talked about at your local coffee house etc...
Rating:  Summary: Interesting, but it's meant to instill fear in unbelivers Review: The "Left Behind" series -- and author Tim LaHaye's philosophy --can best be summed up in one sentence: "Repent, or you'll go to Hell." So if you're not turned off by the "fire-and-brimstone" school of Christian evangelism, you might get a kick out of these stories; but they will probably annoy more thoughtful Christians who don't like the Message being talked about with the ever-present spector of Hades lurking in the background.
Rating:  Summary: Fascinating...Thrilling...Addicting Review: I have just completed the 8th book in the Left Behind Collection. Those new to the series may find the first book somewhat overwhelming. As I read through the second, third, fourth, and so on, it kept me on the edge of my seat. My congratulations to Mr. Lahaye and Mr. Jenkins for bringing Revelation into a more "current" scenario.
Rating:  Summary: Troubling but Lessons can Be Learned from Left Behind Review: I've read the series through the ninth book and continue reading even though I have strong reservations about the theology and political implications. What motivates my reading is a desire to learn how a conservative Christian may see the world. I've learned there is a language and different way of thinking. The biggest surprise was that much of the series is based on fear -- fear of God, fear of our neighbor, fear of the future, etc... One positive thing is that it shows that whole-hearted devotion takes commitment and work. While the writing style is simple, I don't think I would be willing to commitment to a "deeper" writing style to learn this. The journey of reading Left Behind is troubling, quick, yet challenging because I have to learn to suspend my own thinking as a Christian to understand a point of view shared by many, many people.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent book for a new or old Believer Review: This set of books have been setting on my library shelf for two years, the wife reads them religiously. On Christmas Day, instead of watching TV, I picked this book up off the shelf and couldn't put it down! Yes, it is easy reading, maybe too easy, but the authors did a great job in establishing a story line. At one point, I had my Bible in one hand and "Left Behind, Vol. 1" in the other! LaHaye knows his stuff. I'll be the first to remind you that the book is a ficticious account of events from a non-fiction Book, an excellent gift for anyone with a curious mind and a desire for a better understanding of the Bible.
Rating:  Summary: Simply the BEST!! Review: I loved these books! Let me explain: I am new to Christ, and so I identify with the books. They are NOT written so that you need a dictionary and a translator to read them for you, and I'll admit they are pretty elementary. This is NOT a downside! This simply means that they can be shared with your family...and it also means that they are quick, easy, and painless. This is not a before-bed time read if you aren't into being on the edge of your seat though. I stayed up all night pouring over the pages, and when I woke up, I wanted to read the excitement all over again. The characters are simple people, and yet they are not one-dementional. They are you and me, our friends, our neighbors, our leaders. They could be people we run into on the streets. The books are definately written to spell it out for Christians, and to tell others a version of what we believe. This IS, however, fiction. This means that it is not going to corrupt you into believing, or anything like that. Before you read these books realize that they are CHRISTIAN FICTION, and if Christianity isn't your thing, then maybe you're better off with something else. I will have to warn you, however that you will be missing an exciting ride. The books are genreless to those of us who believe--I am a diehard romance reader, and they draw me; I have friends who are diehard scifi readers, and they love them. They contain politics and intrigue, romance and cynicism, God, Jesus and Faith! They have everything and anything you'd want from a book, except the complexity that one might wish for grammatically. Hope this helps!
Rating:  Summary: Leaving behind a plethora of religions Review: I had anticipated an apocalypse-type book of the likes of Stephen King's THE STAND. I wasn't anticipating a bigoted book of "only Christians need apply." As most people know (and why half the world is envious), the Jews are "God's chosen people." How embarrassing for him that he didn't give them train tickets. The premise hooked me in the beginning but the dumbed-down writing attempts to only hook middle school-aged kids. The "down on your knees and worship" message made this Catholic feel like she was being harassed by the Hari Krishnas at the airport or the Jehovah Witness glued to my doorstep. My mistake was that I was expecting an exciting futuristic fiction tale but got an unneeded lecture series instead.
Rating:  Summary: for devout Christians only Review: I was given this book by a well-meaning devout church member who no doubt thought I would add my voice to the raves from many Christians who love it. Being a Christian carries a certain responsibility in my mind, and as such, I cannot in good conscience give other than the truth of my opinion inasmuch as lying does not fall within the guidelines of my faith. This book is one of the most poorly-written and amateurishly contrived works I have ever read and I am amazed it took two people to create this train wreck. Perhaps this proves the principle that a Camel is a Horse designed by a committee. There are so many errors in plot development and continuity, unrealistic human character reactions and dialogue and overall silliness that one shudders to contemplate even categorizing them, let alone pointing out specifics. Suffice it to say that individuals who base their lives on the principle of blind faith will no doubt accept the book regardless of it's quality due to it's harping on the basic theme of God-fearing people being saved and lambs who have strayed being forlorn, something you hear every Sunday without respite along with the unsubtle threat to put more money in the collection plate or else. However, true aficianados of genuine literature will come away from this pathetic work with approximately the same expression on their faces as when biting into a particularly sour lemon. I really dislike having to pan any books, always hoping for a pearl among swine, but at least now true lovers of artful, quality writing have been warned not to pursue this particular series which makes L. Ron Hubbard's efforts actually seem professional in comparison. -Barker Reviews
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