The Very Last Friday

Rating:
Summary: THE VERY LAST FRIDAY
Review: I am the author of five books, and am very particular which books I read. This novel dealing with the possibility of a nuclear holocaust, and the aftermath is outstanding. Of the many novels in this genre that I have read, only two before this one still stands out in my memory. 1. Tomorrow 2. Alas Babylon. These two classics are now joined by another. 3. The Very Last Friday. After finishing this book, I found myself pondering the events portrayed, and wondered how close the author came to reality, in the event that this ever happened. The terrifying reality is that he is correct. Each character in the book is cast in the role of a realistic 'flesh-and-blood' participant in the plot. The action is as real as any book that I've read, and best of all is that it is not 'overcooked' as action scenes often are. During and after all of the action scenes, and there are many, I constantly asked myself, 'Is this how it would really be?'-YES. That was my answer each time. The different personal characteristics of all of this author's characters are a big part of what keeps the pages turning. I am working on a new book, but read this one non-stop because I had to find out what each character was going to do. Just when I thought I could lay it aside, and get back to my writing-BINGO-another sub plot-another character exploitation by Mr. Shanabarger. The ending was such a surprise that I literally sat stunned for several minutes, then re-read it. I am seldom completely satisfied after finishing a book. This was one of those rare moments. I have contacted every author that I'm in contact with, plus every reader that I know, and sent them this message. "Read THE VERY LAST FRIDAY."

Rick Magers
Author of: BLUE WATER ADVENTURE. based on a true story.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of action, but needs some polish.
Review: I found this book's premise appealing, as "end of the world" stories are to me. Though I would not rate it at the top, I certainly enjoyed it more than "The Stand". It is fast-moving but could stand some slowing down and exploring character interactions and motives more.

The characters are easy to care about and he leaves no loose ends. I wanted to know more about other characters on Ponce that were glossed over. He is very fond of exclamation points (!), and this was very distracting in the first 50 pages. It seemed like characters were always yelling at one another.

The intimate scenes seemed more 'male fantasy' than deepening the relationships involved. The dialogue at intimate times was adolescent in its limits on occassion. I liked what he was trying to do with the characters, but it seemed awkward.

I will tell you to get it from the library, but you don't need to own it unless you collect these types of books.

My top picks of this genre are: "Earth Abides" by George Stewart and "The Wall" by Marlen Haushofer. I would also include "Into the Forest" by Jean Hegland in this list.

Rating:
Summary: Lots of action, but needs some polish.
Review: I found this book's premise appealing, as "end of the world" stories are to me. Though I would not rate it at the top, I certainly enjoyed it more than "The Stand". It is fast-moving but could stand some slowing down and exploring character interactions and motives more.

The characters are easy to care about and he leaves no loose ends. I wanted to know more about other characters on Ponce that were glossed over. He is very fond of exclamation points (!), and this was very distracting in the first 50 pages. It seemed like characters were always yelling at one another.

The intimate scenes seemed more 'male fantasy' than deepening the relationships involved. The dialogue at intimate times was adolescent in its limits on occassion. I liked what he was trying to do with the characters, but it seemed awkward.

I will tell you to get it from the library, but you don't need to own it unless you collect these types of books.

My top picks of this genre are: "Earth Abides" by George Stewart and "The Wall" by Marlen Haushofer. I would also include "Into the Forest" by Jean Hegland in this list.

Rating:
Summary: It could happen, couldn't it?
Review: In today's world, the events described as fiction could easily become reality. The characters were wonderful and I found myself cheering them on through each challenging ordeal they encountered right through the very last chapter. It was hard to put down, a real page turner. Wonderfully entertaining, yet it causes you to comtemplate our global situation. I hope this first time author is planning a sequel. I can't wait to read what happens next!