Rating:  Summary: Great books! Review: I've read all the books thus far in this series (from Left Behind to The Mark). I love this series.What I don't understand are the negative reviews toward this book. Maybe if these readers would read the entire book instead of the first 10 pages, their reviews would have been much higher. This series isn't meant to be fact. It's a work of fiction based on fact (Book of Revelations). Some have said that the book is geared toward the "5th" grade mind set. This may be true as the average reading level of a United States citizen is 5th grade. The authors did the correct thing and that is to take a very complex and complicated book like Revelations and explain it to people, as you would explain it to a child -- in a very easy story form. No matter your reading level, this book is a great read. I recommend it to everyone and will recommend it again and again.
Rating:  Summary: Very compelling and entertaining at the same time Review: Yes, this is just one possible interpretation of Revelations, but it is told in a very entertaining, compelling fashion. I have had Revelations "explained" to me several times and it all seemed to foreign that I just didn't get it. This book really helped me get a visual idea of what it might be like... and it did it in real-world terms. For that, I am really grateful. There's lots of dialog, which makes it a pretty quick read. I couldn't put it down. I'm pretty picky (I have a dozen half-read books on my shelf right now to prove that) and I admit I almost didn't read this because it was "Christian", but now I am so glad I did. I found the storyline to be gripping and suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoy the main characters and look forward to reading more about them (I already got the second book and can't wait to get into it). Be forewarned though, if you're the type of person who doesn't like to hear about what you need to do to "get into heaven" then you might not like some of the statements in this book. Overall, I found this book inspiring, educational, exciting and very good. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Book Review: I think this was an excellent book. It took some diligence to make it through the first half, which I believe was written somewhat poorly (I would say it was really cheesy). But when I got into the second half of the book I couldn't put it down and finished that second half within a day. I was ready to pick up the second book in the Left Behind series the very moment I finished this one. This book really makes you look into yourself. I came away having learned something from it. If and when you read this book, I advise you keep in mind that this is only Fiction based on the prophecies of the Bible and not what will actually happen. Please keep an open mind. The countries, organizations, people, and situations are only used to help us picture this story and make it more realistic for us as the reader. As for the main two issues I have heard that offend people in this book, I found nothing in it stating anything about Catholics, much less them having been left behind - the only thing I saw was where, in a conversation between two of the characters, it was mentioned that the Pope himself was gone. And the other issue, concerning Christians in this book lying and it being ok? Where in the book did anyone see this? I haven't yet read through the rest of the series, so maybe these people got the books in this series confused? I honestly think everyone should read this book. It will take a little patience getting through the first half of the book, but it is well worth it in the end.
Rating:  Summary: Captivating on so many levels Review: After being urged by countless friends and family members to do so, I read this book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It touched me on so many levels and forced me to look at myself and my life in a new light. I did not get the feeling I was being pushed into giving my life to Christ; however, I did feel more educated about the choice that is available to me. I am encouraged by the fact that so many people have made the choice to read not only this book, but to continue with the other books in the Left Behind series. I don't see how this work could offend anyone unless they are unsure of their place in eternity. If you do not agree with the thoughts and ideals of this book, then take comfort in the fact that you are now educated about the opinions and beliefs of another group in society. From what I read, education is the primary purpose of this book; and that is what I felt when I walked away from this book - truly educated and inspired.
Rating:  Summary: Christian Pulp Fiction. Review: I didn't read this book until several years after it first came out. Many of my friends read it not long after its first appearance and tried to get me to read it, too. However, I resisted saying that I was probably going to wait until all 7 of the books in the series were published (now there are going to be at least 12). Then I found out there was going to be a movie based on the book and I gave in and read it. I wasn't disappointed. This is an engaging story and I read the entire book in a day. I found the most of the characters interesting and was impressed at how the writers weaved an intriguing tale around the Rapture. However, do not be mistaken. This is not great literature. In fact this really isn't literature at all (if what you mean by literature is the sense of the word that most people use it as). This is only a story. It isn't much more than a comic book tale disquised in religious clothing. I realize that the authors aren't interested in just telling a story, but are trying to evangelize as well. It is because of this that there are so many conflicting views concerning the novel. People either seem to hate it or love it, with very few falling in between. Please do not take things the wrong way. Yes, there is a religious message here and the authors of the book are concerned about saving souls. However, if that troubles you (and perhaps it should), don't let it take away from enjoying a good story. By the same token, this is not great literature. It is a story told within a Christian context. I hate to admit it, but I must agree with one reviewer who believes more people will be offended rather than converted. However, that is no fault of the authors. If people are too close-minded about religious beliefs to even consider them, then too bad for them. The authors have done nothing more than tell a good story (well, they are guilty of cashing in, too) and should a few souls be saved along the way that's even better. Nevertheless, if you want to read some "Christian" fiction that is great literature, intelligent, and full of religion but not too preachy, try something by C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, or Walt Wangerin. They leave out the pulp in their fiction.
Rating:  Summary: Left Behind Review: Since the inferior literary skills of the authors have been exhaustively exposed in these reviews, I will mention another concern that I have regarding this series -- that is, the Christians in the books often lie without hesitation to save their own lives. If the authors consider that acceptable, then at least some kind of justification, perhaps through one of the characters, is needed. Many non-Christians and new Christians read these books, and I do not think that it is wise to have the characters lie for self-preservation without an adequate explanation.
Rating:  Summary: Captivating For Any Political & Religious Background Review: Politically Intriguing, Spiritually Captivating, Surprising...or should I say Shocking. Also Mysterious & Wonderous, Thought Provoking... You get your Politics, Budding Romance, Thriller, & Spiritual Mystery all wrapped up in one. I highly Recommend it! Enjoy! :-)
Rating:  Summary: Thought Provoking Review: Whether or not you agree with the authors interpretation of end-time events, you'll find this book thought provoking and stimulating. If you agree with the authors, you find the book spiritually liberating and it will draw you close to God. Read it - today!
Rating:  Summary: A very good introduction to the subject Review: I've read all eight book in the Left Behind series, and highly recomend them. I know that some people criticize them for their simplicity- be it in character, plot, dialouge, or theology- and I can understand why they might do so. But my perspective is that these novels are open to all people. The theology and themes are apropriate for all ages and don't exclude people who know very little about Biblical themes. If people are looking for a more complex, mature takes on the subject, there are several such books available, the best of which is We All Fall Down, by Brian Caldwell, but there is certainly room for diffirent takes on the subject, and Left Behind is a very good introduction to the subject for many people
Rating:  Summary: You will not be able to "leave behind" this book! Review: This is the best book I have ever read, and I am sure that you could like it too!:) It is the greatest inspirational book you could ever read! You will not be able to put it down... or leave it behind whenever you go somewhere! Although it may be the slowest of the LEFT BEHIND series, it is still really good! If this book is too slow for you, I would urge you to at least see the new left behind movie, and then read the rest of the LB series!
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