Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Thought provoking and an eye opener. Review: Having read some of the criticisms of this book, I would agree that I have read books that had much better writing, but I've thoroghly enjoyed a lot of books which failed to win any awards. It's criticized for not accurately portraying the prophecies in the books of Daniel and Revelation, but I've thoroughly enjoyed other books which did not necessarily follow the facts or events to the letter.If you are looking for theology, stick with the inspired word in the Bible. If you are looking for an interesting page-turner which makes you think, "What if..." or "How might these events play out in the world as we know it?", then this book is for you. I hungrily read through this first volume and look forward to the reading the remaining volumes. I was made to care enough about the characters that I want to find out what happens to them. It also makes one think, "What would I do?", or "Am I right with God, or would I have been left behind?" These books should be enjoyed for what they are. They're stories. One should also recognize that there is enough truth in them that you may be inspired to seek a closer relationship with God and to seriously study His Word. I know I've been inspired.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Left Behind Review Review: I have never read a book by Tim Lahaye or Jerry Jenkins before,but after reading this I want to read the entire series. The book ends in such a way that it seems like it's only the beginning. It was impossible to put the book down once I got into it and I wanted to just read the entire series right then just to see what happens. The best part was trying to figure out who was going to be saved and who wasn't. I found the end a little suprising. I have only read one other christian fiction book. It was at a third grade level. I definitely have to say that this book is much better. It really makes me think and is perfect for any teenager or young adult. I could not think of a better christian book. Even though this is the only book I've read of the series I suggest that everyone reads the series. Besides, if they were to read the first book they would want to read the rest of the series anyways. The Book has good imagery. The description shows all the horror and craziness of what has happened. The plot is good and its hard to believe that this will actually happen someday. It makes me glad that I'm not going to be left behind. The rapture is always a good topic to base anything on because it is such an interesting topic. The book also has quirky characters. There are a few main characters and it all jumps around througout the book, but it all comes together at the end. It is interesting to see who will end up where in the end. I do believe that everyone should read this book but I know a lot of people would not understand it. The reason why I understood it so much is because I have studied revelations and the rapture. I think it is a definite book for all christians to read it really helped me in my faith. Also, If millions or billions of people ever dissiapear off the earth, the ones left should definately read the book. Also it is mostly suspensful but there are a few parts that are a little long. Although there has been better writing, the type of writing fits the book perfectly and it gets the point across loud and clear. It drives it into you like a nail whether you believe in the rapture or not. I have never read a book by Tim Lahaye or Jerry Jenkins before,but after reading this I want to read the entire series. The book ends in such a way that it seems like it's only the beginning. It was impossible to put the book down once I got into it and I wanted to just read the entire series right then just to see what happens. The best part was trying to figure out who was going to be saved and who wasn't.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Bad literature, bad theology, bad book. Review: This book wouldn't be so bad if it had bad theology but good writing, or good theology but bad writing. The problem is that it suffers in both areas. The theology put forth is premillenial dispensationalism at its "best", relegating the core issues of Christianity (sin, grace, and redemption) to mere side issues while fantastic events as supposed prophecy fulfillment take center stage. This ham-fisted treatment of world events ignores the complexities of regional politics, science, and culture that shape them. If this book's theology were a model, a Christian do nothing but watch the news and retrofit Scripture to fit the headlines (or vice versa) rather than live in the world as a redemptive community, as Jesus commanded. And then there is the writing. The characters in the book are as wooden and one-dimensional as their theology. I came away from the book with absolutely no reason to care about why these characters did anything or what might become of them. It galls me that books like this can sell a million copies and become identified with "Christian fiction" while there are authors out there -- C.S. Lewis, Dostoevsky, Frederick Buechner, Flannery O'Connor to name just a few -- who write moving, powerful works of fiction that are much more in touch with the REAL concerns of Christianity that go untouched by the majority of American Christians. One's time would be better spent reading the Bible first, the aforementioned Christian authors next, and leaving _Left Behind_, behind.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: P.U. Review: Sorry but this one went south fast. Had nothing to do with the subject, I'm a Christ follower myself. But, the authors desperiately need a lesson on formulating plots. Yes this is fiction, but half the fun is believing that for a moment it is not...no way of making that mistake on this one. I could not get beyond half of the text before I gave up. Sorry for thoose that liked it :-\
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: It's your choice Review: My first experience with the book of Revelation was reading it at a slumber party in high school before I became a Christian. It scared me to death. Twelve years later I accepted Christ but hen all my friends started reading these books I wanted nothing to do with reading them! As our church secretary, I was often the go-between for people who traded their volumes. One day this book sat on my desk and I decided to read the first chapter just to see if they were as good as everyone said. Well, when the person came to retrieve it, I was already hooked, so I went and bought my own copy. I have now read all 6! This series deals with the book of Revelation in a non-threatening way that it easy to read and understand. Of course, I encourage those of you who are skeptics to read the Bible to verify what is written in these books. And remember to believe or not believe is a choice we all have. God does not demand anyone's loyalty. These books were not written to brow-beat anyone into choosing Christ. They were written to communicate what COULD happen during the time of Christ's return. Certain events are based completely and accurately on Scripture, characters and plot devices are merely conjecture. Whatever you choose to believe, remember your choices have consequences, good or bad. For the sake of argument, if I choose to believe these things and they turn out to be untrue, what have I lost? If I choose not to believe them and they turn out to be true, I will be LEFT BEHIND.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Comic books for the ignorant Review: First, the theological basis of this series, dispensational premillenialism, is ridiculously flawed. For people who want a much saner approach to the "end times," I recommend a little masterpiece by theologian Ray Summers, Worthy Is The Lamb. Apart from its bad theology, Left Behind is poorly written: laughable plot development, cardboard characterization--we need Mark Twain to come back and write "The Literary Offenses of Tim LaHaye." In short, Left Behind is a comic book without the pictures. If you want to buy a well-written book that will truly stretch your mind and soul, try Walker Percy's novel, Second Coming.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Worth The Time To Read Review: I would highly recommend studying the Book of Revelation first in order to compare notes and to also appreciate the emotional depth of events in "Left Behind" more. It's portrayal of the Rapture and Tribulation, rise of the Antichrist seems pretty on target with the Bible, which admittedly was a surprise. Aside from that, good character development and a good fictional book that should keep your interest. Writing was a little shaky in a few places, but I still enjoyed it. Especially intriguing was the development of the Antichrist character, and the depth of deceit and betrayal that quietly builds up through the book to it's climax at the end. Thought-provoking and a fun read at the same time.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Don't get Left Behind Review: Left Behind deals with the christian version of the rapture. It really captures the imagination of the reader from the very start. Rayford Steele and Buck are two of the main characters that are left behind in the rapture and begin dealing with their loved ones who have vanished. This book stimulates the questions in all of us,espeacialy the question - what is it all for? The authers have done a great job of blending ideas from the Bible and fiction based on what it would be like for the rature to happen in todays times. I recommend this book for those who are searching for good biblical stories that are put in modern times.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Oh wow, what a book! Review: Buck and Rayford are the most compelling fictional heroes since Wilson in The Triumph and the Glory--devoted to do right no matter what the cost, courageous, and believers. Still the best book of the series, the rest I'm afraid haven't quite met its standard, maybe the last five or six will pick up the slack and finish this fascinating series in fine style.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Something beyond imagination - almost realistic Review: I had never heard about this series. I started to read this series until I heard my aunt, who is also my best friend, talk about them in church, one night. Well, she let me borrow the first one and then the rest of them. They were great. We would sit in her kitchen during the week to discuss them. We would talk about our favorite parts in the books. Lately, we have been talking about them in church and things that have been happening - are getting strange. There are school shootings and church shootings - there have been a lot of planes crashes, too. The people that don't believe in God are turning against those of us that are Christains. They don't like you; because you are a Christain and it isn't funny. It would be nice to be able to go somewhere without someone making fun of Christains. These books are something beyond anyone's imagination. We have even the kids in our children's choir, reading the kids' series of these books. And they love them. I don't care what anyone else thinks about this review. These books make you wake up. This is real, people. God is going to come one day and He isn't going to be very happy with leaving the majority of His people here. You had better get straight with Him, now. Before it is too late.
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