Rating: 
Summary: Peretti's Best--Christian Fiction's Standard Bearer
Review: In The Visitation, Frank Peretti gets real. Sort of. The protagonist is the most vivid, well-developed character I've ever read. Throughout the story, in flashbacks that are well integrated, we see this man's struggles to find himself and God. Peretti paints a wonderfully universal image, encapsulating wide-eyed optimism and idealism, heartache and embarrassment, love and loss, grief and embitterment. The Visitation is the story of an old, bitter preacher and his young, enthusiastic counterpart. The older of the two wants nothing to do with the younger, but a strange camaraderie emerges as a false messiah begins amassing a following from the congregations of the town's churches. Convinced that this messiah is leading the town astray, our protagonist and his young protégé embark to learn the history this messiah. Meanwhile, the false Christ is healing the sick and bringing the once-dead town back to life, creating a media circus and bringing lots of attention to this tiny town. Peretti shies away from the personified spiritual aspects of this story, relying instead on the emotional state of all involved. In each character, we see a roller coaster of ideas and experiences, and each character is easy to identify with and hard to forget. Though Peretti does revert to shades of his previous work, The Visitation is a standout in the genre. It's a shame that more Christian fiction isn't written to this standard. Peretti's work is a tapestry of spirituality, with characters drawn from every walk of Christian life. Unlike his previous work, some of the most evil works in The Visitation are performed by Christian characters. The story of the false messiah's early life is chilling in its plausibility, and Peretti's deft examination of the state of the American church is a haunting incitement of just how far we've strayed. All in all, The Visitation is a must read work that will leave you hungry for more of the same.
Rating: 
Summary: A Long Day's Journey
Review: My only exposure to Mr. Perretti was in his novel, "The Oath," which I found to be an exciting and entertaining blend of "horror" and "spirituality." It did not feel like I was reading a book by an author of Christian literature. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with Christian literature; I love good literature, and embrace a novel that can open my eyes and make me think about my own beliefs and/or doubts."The Visitation" succeeds on that level, as it explores the many doubts and questions of a burned out minister named Travis Jordan. When a charming self-proclaimed Messiah appears in the small town of Antioch, Washington, Travis ultimately is the one called on to get to the bottom of his seemingly miraculous visitor. The novel takes a long time (too long, perhaps) in becoming a "suspense" novel. There are many flashback scenes, and many pages spent on religious theory discussions. By the time the suspense arrives, you may feel you had to wait too long. The second half or so of the book, however, does pick up steam as we learn more about the "Messiah" and the people of the town. Perretti has done a very good job in sketching the townspeople and how these miracles affect their lives. It is very reminiscent of Stephen King's "Needful Things" in that the people get what they wish for, but at a price. Overall, this is not a bad book, but a challenging one. Challenging in its pace, and also in challenging the reader to re-think Jesus, faith, their church, and ultimately, their lives.
Rating:
Summary: He's at it again!
Review: Often times, when I read a second book by the same author, I find that I've gotten my hopes up so high that I just didn't enjoy the story as much because I expected too much. It happens so often that I've finally come to expect it. However, Peretti always bashes those expectations, and this book is yet another example of that. His ability to weave a new story together is incredible. It seems that very little is the same from the other stories. It just comes with a strong Christian theme. In "The Visitation," I found an intriguing story of a false Christ, come to a town to show them how things could change for them if they would just embrace him. I think this book is an excellent reminder of all of the false Christs that are out there right now! The fact of the matter is, we need to be aware that there are many out there trying to mislead us. However, if we will stay in touch with Jesus, we are on the right path. Frank Peretti holds to that theme all throughout his different books. I, for one, applaud him for it, and can't wait to see what he has to offer next!
Rating:
Summary: He's at it again!
Review: Often times, when I read a second book by the same author, I find that I've gotten my hopes up so high that I just didn't enjoy the story as much because I expected too much. It happens so often that I've finally come to expect it. However, Peretti always bashes those expectations, and this book is yet another example of that. His ability to weave a new story together is incredible. It seems that very little is the same from the other stories. It just comes with a strong Christian theme. In "The Visitation," I found an intriguing story of a false Christ, come to a town to show them how things could change for them if they would just embrace him. I think this book is an excellent reminder of all of the false Christs that are out there right now! The fact of the matter is, we need to be aware that there are many out there trying to mislead us. However, if we will stay in touch with Jesus, we are on the right path. Frank Peretti holds to that theme all throughout his different books. I, for one, applaud him for it, and can't wait to see what he has to offer next!
Rating:
Summary: Slow Motion Slam-Dunk
Review: Peretti refuses to be put in a box, tackling different issues in different ways, instead of resorting to the phenomenally successful formulas of his first two books. I like that. Sometimes it works better than others, though--that's the risk he takes. (More power to him.) Here, the risk was seeming shaky at first. I liked the initial premise--and no, the prologue didn't throw me off track as it did some of my friends--but I couldn't tell where this ride was taking me. Then, slowly, I found myself absorbed in the Travis' past, relating to every detail of his church experiences, laughing to the point of poignant tears at some parts. This book tackles some of the spiritual questions the church often avoids. It refuses to give pat answers, refuses to resolve everything in the usual casual manner, and left me feeling refreshed...I'd waded through some of my own struggles with this fictional character and realized others struggle too. Okay, the conclusion in the town streets got a little wacky and melodramatic, but the deeper issues hit home. Don't be put off by the slow-motion start--this book wants to slam-dunk you, if you'll let it.
Rating:
Summary: This book was awesome.
Review: The Vistation was a very good book.It made you think about what happens next and then WHAM you find out something weird about sightings and a cring crucifix on the wall of the church.I am not going to tell you the ending.You will have to read the book to find out.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning - I could relate to the characters in amazing ways!
Review: This book is amazing. Being raised in a pentacostal / non-denominational background, I then grew up and went through a 3 year loooong phase of doubting my faith. Toward the end of this period, my parents gave me "The Visitation". The pastor in this book saw the exact same things I saw growing up, experienced doubt and cynacism, then completely abandonded his faith. Just like me! I was inspired, awestruck, and convicted. I HIGHLY recommend this bood to anyone with a pentacostal background struggling with their faith.
Rating:
Summary: HONEST ASSESSMENT OF CHURCMANSHIP
Review: This book is not what I expected but I'm glad I bought it and read it. It ia a novel about churches, the people who attend or don't because of the differences in beliefs, or the hurts they have received from the "top guns" of the church...the ones in charge of everything and don't want new blood coming in with new ideas, upsetting the status quo. I had to smile at the characters that I have seen in churches I have attended or heard about from others. This small town had more churches per square mile than you find in most towns and truly reflected the problems that even the ministers, pastors or priests sometimes face. But that all changes when some people start seeing faces in the clouds, white robed men looking like Jesus and tears running down the face of Jesus on the crucifix hanging in the Catholic Church. Every one wants to be cured by the tears but why are some healed but not others? The town is swamped with pilgrims seeking the miracles. But the man who finally reveals himself to be the "real" Jesus is one of the false prophets who plans to take over the town for his personal use. Things start coming to a crisis as sides are taken to turn husband against wife, parent against child and friend against friend. Chaos takes over and who is in charge of the situation is slow to resolve it. The ending of the book is horrific and makes the reader stop to think about all that's been said about the end of the earth. This is the first book I have read by Peretti but it won't be the last. Highly recommended for Christian readers who might find themselves among the pages.It is well written with well developed characters that keeps it interesting and suspenseful.
Rating:
Summary: great
Review: This book starts off a bit slow but it gets very good towards the end. As always, Frank Peretti's books deal with good vs. evil. God vs. Satan, angels vs. demons. His books are written smartly and they avoid cheesy Christian cliches. This time around, Frank Peretti decides not to give the reader a background view of angels vs. demons like in "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness" series. This time we only see the point of view from the human characters. Although its still a battle of good vs. evil. The book focuses mainly on one character, Travis Jordan. He's resigned as pastor and he's kind of in a rut. Suddenly, a few strangers come into their small town. One in particular is Brandon Nichols, who performs miracles and healings and leads people to believe that he's Jesus Christ. Other strange things include weeping crucifixes, and people acting out as if their characters from the Bible. Lots of weird stuff is happening. Most of the people in town are buying Brandon Nichols's act, and strangers from all over the country are visiting the small town. But to a select few something is just not right. They don't really believe that Brandon is Jesus. Kyle is the first one to say that he's not fooled and that Brandon's power comes from demons. Something has to be done to expose Brandon and to save their town from a lunatic. So Travis, Kyle and Morgan team up to find out who Brandon really is, and its quite a mystery as the book flashes back to Travis's history with his faith and in the church. A lot of stuff here is exposed about the church that usually isn't discussed, and I like that honesty. Frank Peretti has written another great novel, although its much more slow paced. There is some heavy violence towards the end in this novel, its revealed that a character has been "crucified" and no I'm not talking about Jesus. I would recommend it for older teens and adults. I really liked the conclusion of this book, its well written and Peretti is very imaginative. The book is funny, other times sad, and sometimes romantic while still avoiding the cheesiness factor.
Rating:
Summary: Another Awesome Work of Art by Peretti!!!
Review: This man can draw the Christian or unbeliever into his works with a magical, insightful hand. He is the master of the Christian novel and should be honored as such. He is also a darn good man, honest and humble in real life--that counts for a lot! Keep these novels coming, Mr. Peretti!
|
