Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: It's ironic that in reading Robert Whitlow's novels to date, the last one I'd get to read would be his first novel. I have to say I've enjoyed all of his novels, each for both the same and different reasons. And while reading his books, you'd think I'd be able to say--oh yes, this was written first and this one written more recently, I honestly couldn't tell which was first, middle or last written except by the date on the copyright page. Whitlow is just that good--and the List is just a great novel. The novel is like a combination of the legal chase thriller that was the Firm or the Pelican Brief with the spiritual warfare made real as done by Frank Peretti. And the good news is--Whitlow puts distills both into a form that is imminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. The List is a book that once I started reading, I found it virtually impossible to put down. I cared about what happened to the characters of Renny and Jo, seeeing where the journey took them. I enjoyed their budding romance--seeing it in the wonders and pitfalls of an emerging relationship. I also liked hearing about the list and the lengths taken to keep it secret and how Renny learns to signing his name to something can have serious consequences. Hearing the spirtitual struggle of Renny and the battle waged for his soul is compelling and outstanding reading. The novel never lags and always keeps you intereted. Whitlow has done a superlative job with all of his books and the only thing that disappoints me is now I've read all of his books that are currently published and must wait for the wonder of discovering his worlds in a new novel. If you're looking for strong, intelligent contemporary Christian fiction, look no farther. Even if you're just looking for a page-turning, moving and enjoyable novel, you can't go wrong here. The List is another great entry from great author. I can't recommend this book or any of Whitlow's other novels enough.
Rating:
Summary: Page turning novel that stays with you
Review: It's ironic that in reading Robert Whitlow's novels to date, the last one I'd get to read would be his first novel. I have to say I've enjoyed all of his novels, each for both the same and different reasons. And while reading his books, you'd think I'd be able to say--oh yes, this was written first and this one written more recently, I honestly couldn't tell which was first, middle or last written except by the date on the copyright page. Whitlow is just that good--and the List is just a great novel. The novel is like a combination of the legal chase thriller that was the Firm or the Pelican Brief with the spiritual warfare made real as done by Frank Peretti. And the good news is--Whitlow puts distills both into a form that is imminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. The List is a book that once I started reading, I found it virtually impossible to put down. I cared about what happened to the characters of Renny and Jo, seeeing where the journey took them. I enjoyed their budding romance--seeing it in the wonders and pitfalls of an emerging relationship. I also liked hearing about the list and the lengths taken to keep it secret and how Renny learns to signing his name to something can have serious consequences. Hearing the spirtitual struggle of Renny and the battle waged for his soul is compelling and outstanding reading. The novel never lags and always keeps you intereted. Whitlow has done a superlative job with all of his books and the only thing that disappoints me is now I've read all of his books that are currently published and must wait for the wonder of discovering his worlds in a new novel. If you're looking for strong, intelligent contemporary Christian fiction, look no farther. Even if you're just looking for a page-turning, moving and enjoyable novel, you can't go wrong here. The List is another great entry from great author. I can't recommend this book or any of Whitlow's other novels enough.
Rating:
Summary: Many spiritual themes underlying brilliant ,enriching novel
Review: Like another reviever, I also read this book after having read Whitlow's The Sacrifice. I finished this 400 page plus book in less than five sittings.
After the sudden passing of his wealthy --though emotionally distant and controlling-- father, Renny Jacobson, a young attorney in his mid twenties, is disappointed to learn the conditions of the will. No estate left to Renny. No millions of dollars, only great disappointment. Jacobson Sr., however, does leave Renny personal belongings and information regarding an inherited share in "the Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.", something Renny is entirely unfamiliar with, having never heard his father mention this.
After securing a cassette left from his father and the contents of a safety deposit box, Renny discovers the List involves a secret society formed during the Civil War by a group of men uniting, in a pact, for the seemingly noble, altruistic purpose of ensuring financial stability for themselves, their families and their descendants. (The book's prologue, actually, describes this intense scene from 1863, one that gives much foreshadowing, with its vivid imagery, conflict, and Scriptural citations, of what is to later come.)
The rights to the List --an organization operating in the utmost secrecy, even with the families themselves-- have been passed from generation to generation to the eldest (or only) son. By joining the List and taking his rightful place and share, all appears that Renny will be guaranteed financial security and wealth beyond his wildest dreams. Yet the devout Christian woman, Jo Johnston, whom Renny is becoming increasingly attracted to, is firmly opposed to Renny joining and becoming an heir to his father in the List, earning what should be rightfully his.
As Renny explores his own roots, the legacy of his devout late Christian maternal grandmother and mother, and is influenced by three remarkable woman, Jo, Mama A (a black woman who helped raise Renny in his youth), and his landlord Mrs. Stokes, to explore his own dormant Christian faith and be "born again", Renny is now internally torn with his own reservations (or really Jo's, rather) about the List versus its enticing allure and endless materialistic promises.
What unfolds is an intense spiritual battle of good versus evil, blessings versus curses, of greed versus selflessness. (Another key theme is the influence of one's ancestors from generations past in shaping one's character and destiny, something that really hit home personally as I attribute a great deal of my own Jewish religiosity to my ancestors' influence and intercession on my behalf, including two great-great-grandfathers, one a Chassidic rabbi in early 20th century Poland, the other, a cantor in early 20th century Denver. The influence of my beloved deceased maternal grandparents, Holocaust survivors, also carries me deeply.)
Renny's real name is Josiah (Renny is only a nickname), after one of the great Jewish kings in the Bible, a name that also speaks a great deal about Renny's purpose and destiny. (Though a Christian novel, I found this, interestingly, consistent with mystical Jewish teachings that one's Hebrew name reflects the essence and purpose of a person's soul. Additionally, I appreciated other Jewish references, including the Star of David, Shabbat [the Jewish Sabbath], and facing Jerusalem in prayer.)
This book affected me a great deal, with its entertainment and many twists and turns, a touch of humor, underlying, most importantly, the many spiritual themes comprising this brilliant and enriching novel.
Rating:
Summary: Suspensful, believable
Review: Master of english. So very enjoyable. Could not put the book down. One of those books that I read in 12 hours. Will always recommend it. Planning to take book to my best friend and tell her to take a day and get lost in this book.
Rating:
Summary: CAN'T PUT IT DOWN!
Review: My only negative comment is that I have lost sleep reading The List. It is a life-changing, brilliant book, and I recommend it highly.
Rating: 
Summary: Suspenseful, intriguing read...
Review: Renny Jacobson is a young lawyer, expecting to receive a sizable estate after his father's death. Instead, he finds his father has given the estate to several charities and leaves Renny possession of "The List". After investigating, Renny finds out The List is a group of old Southern families who united during the Civil War to provide for their families. But this is only what shows on the surface... Renny meets Jo, a dashing woman who wants no part in the list. Through her, Renny begins to view his relationship with God as something special and personal. They discover The List has a powerful evil dark side, will they be able to overcome its grip? Will Renny succomb to the longing for big money? Renny risks everything to resolve the impact of The List. God guides him through every step. This is a powerful book, a good read, and a reminder of the impact of our daily lives on us and others. I'll read more books by Robert Whitlow.
Rating:
Summary: Suspenseful, intriguing read...
Review: Renny Jacobson is a young lawyer, expecting to receive a sizable estate after his father's death. Instead, he finds his father has given the estate to several charities and leaves Renny possession of "The List". After investigating, Renny finds out The List is a group of old Southern families who united during the Civil War to provide for their families. But this is only what shows on the surface... Renny meets Jo, a dashing woman who wants no part in the list. Through her, Renny begins to view his relationship with God as something special and personal. They discover The List has a powerful evil dark side, will they be able to overcome its grip? Will Renny succomb to the longing for big money? Renny risks everything to resolve the impact of The List. God guides him through every step. This is a powerful book, a good read, and a reminder of the impact of our daily lives on us and others. I'll read more books by Robert Whitlow.
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly enjoyable
Review: Robert Whitlow deals with the subject of generational curses in a captivating and edge of the seat way. Definitely a book for all: romance, mystery, and action. I am glad I read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun To Read
Review: THE LIST is a very passable effort by Robert Whitlow that shows a lot of promise. Think: a poor man's John Grisham with some supernatural elements (a la Frank Peretti) mixed in to add a suspenseful edge. There's nothing new or groundbreaking here and, to be honest, others out there do it better. But if you're looking for an entertaining read for the weekend THE LIST is not a bad choice. The characters are nicely written and the romantic sub-plot plays out well. In a world full of some very mediocre Christian fiction, Whitlow shows he's at least a bit above the crowd and that he's got the talent to go much further in the future. Three and a half stars.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read!
Review: This book grabbed my attention from the first page and kept it all the way to the end. Whitlow has crafted a story that reads like a cross between Grisham and Peretti. His legal knowledge adds depth and believability, and the power of prayer in our everyday lives comes through loud and clear.
|
