Rating: 
Summary: It got my attention
Review: It took me a while to get in to it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. This book is not just a good read, it really makes you think.
Rating:
Summary: RIVETING CONCEPT; COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Review: I must agree with a fellow reviewer in pointing out that this book is underdeveloped; the concepts and themes arising in this book could have received a more profound and complex discussion. Jerry Jenkins' is hardly an accomplished writer, yet the eerie plausibility of the events and global response to them is effectively conveyed.As for Tim La Haye, run a search on the Internet and you will find that his theology and exegesis is controversial at best. This may not be surprising to some, but the teaching of the Rapture does not predate 19th century dispensationalism in America. The Apostles and the Ante-Nicene Fathers NEVER taught such a doctrine, but instead taught of being caught up until the Second Coming of Christ when he shall judge the quick and the dead (see Irenaeus 1.558 and Tertullian 3.455,462). Theological heterodoxy notwithstanding, I found the presentation of the pandemonium from which Antichrist arises is chilling. A handsome, brilliant young man promising peace and order in a time of peril seems to good to be true (of course, we know better). The subtle revelation of his evil nature in the last chaper of the book was haunting. The subject matter of this series makes for promising reading. Despite its many shortcomings, this book can be inspirational for seasoned Christians and believers, and is potentially a catalyst for positive change in seekers of all ages.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Story...Suspenseful Read.
Review: ...one of the most unforgettable books I have ever read. Tim LaHaye conceived the idea of fictionalizing an account of the Rapture and the Tribulation. It is a must read for both christian believers and non-believers. In this book, the reader is introduced to Rayford Steele who has lost his family in the twinkle of an eye. Millions around the world disappear. He is on a mission to find out what happened to his family and eventually the truth as stated in the bible. Believers will applaud this book in a time such as this. With Sept. 11th and other world crisis...it seems as if prophecy is coming to pass. Non-believers may see this as science fiction instead of christian fiction, but should appreciate a well written novel. It may also help them re-think their beliefs. There are over ten novels in this series and also a teen series for kids. You will not want to put this book down and will be rushing to read the entire series.
Rating:
Summary: Sometimes Clumsy But Still An Interesting Read
Review: ...The premise of the novel, the period straight after the Rapture, has always intrigued me. I am not ashamed to admit that reading the Book of Revelation still scares me slightly witless. The pace of the novel is slow, as is inevitable in a series such as this where a very large stage has to be set and the main characters' road to faith explained. Not having read the other titles in the series yet, I can only hope the pace quickens. Unfortunately the characters, the Steeles, Williams, Barnes et. al. are not developed enough in this novel to raise them above factory-made fiction cliche status. At times there are glimmers of increased character development, particulaly Rayford and Chloe, but not enough to made them fully rounded people. The dialogue is very clunky at times also, and the fact that it takes everyone so long to realise that Carpathia is the villain defies belief (no pun intended) for some time. I found the transformation of the United Nations too sudden, when it could have been more subtle. In the event it wasn't explained very well given the importance this has to the story to come. Nevertheless, despite these criticisms I liked this novel. It was a compulsive read and certainly raised questions in my mind that I will have to find answers to. The fact that Christian fiction is now breaking over into the "mainstream" says something is happening. The first of the Left Behind novels is a good start to a series I intend to continue to read in the hope of answering some of the questions it has already posed.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely succeeds in what it sets out to do.
Review: LEFT BEHIND is poorly written, but it's easy to read and surprisingly hard to put down. The text is scripturally sound according to what I was always taught in church regarding "the end times." The book blasts the reader with too much negativity, but that goes with the territory. I read LEFT BEHIND, the first in the series, to see why the series is so popular -- and I found out! When you close the book you're ready to start the next one! The authors make no apology for their blatant proseletyzing. That's the book's whole purpose. It successfully incorporates actual Biblical prophecy (as the authors interpret it) with "What if" scenarios. It's all very cleverly done, and is at times tense and page-turning. I'm assured that subsequent books in the series are better written. The authors did what they set out to do. And I must say, in the annals of Christian fiction this is the best at what it tried to achieve.
Rating: 
Summary: Underdeveloped
Review: This book had me intrigued in the beginning, but as the plot progressed the complexity of the story stagnated. I think the authors were attempting to craft this work without reference to any present day church, but it's simply ludicrous to think that, if the Rapture actually occurs (also a matter of debate), there will be no commentary or response by such institutions as the Vatican, the Patriarch of Constantinople, the Coptic Church, the Metropolitan of Moscow, the twelve bishops of the Methodist church or any of the leaders of other main-line, established Christian denominations. Or, for that matter, any other of the worlds large religious bodies. There is no mention made of any recognized Christian church leaders - the reader receives the religious "viewpoint" on events through "New Hope Church", a small and apparently non-denominational church in Illinois that is the only church anywhere that understands what is occurring. This is a simply ridiculously thin plot basis. The main characters, despite their education and life-experience (airline pilot, top reporter at the fictional equivalent of TIME, a college student) never even question or mention someone like the Pope who, if he was not taken away in the Rapture, would certainly have something to say about it! The dialog as others have noted, is stilted and not imaginative. This book will appeal to readers whose Christian viewpoint is uninfluenced or unexposed to others outside their denomination. Anyone with a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of Christianity - Roman Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox Catholic - will have observe conspicuous gaps in the storyline that ultimately undermine "Left Behind's" believability as a work designed to speak authoritatively to the masses.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read, keeps you interested
Review: I bought this book on a monday, and by tuesday I had to go back to the bookstore to buy the next 3. This book was a good read, even if you are like myself and don't have a strong religious background. Other reviews have said the characters were to simple, or that the author's did a poor job describing things. I for one was happy to read a book that was more simple and more in tune with real life. I'm finishing up book 2 and happily looking forward to continuing the series. A must read for fans that like a book about real life that you can relate too.
Rating: 
Summary: Abysmal
Review: Search on Tim LaHaye and you will find dozens of web pages that examine how his theology is shaky. Now combine that with Jerry B. Jenkins who writes on a third grade (if that) level. Judy Blume develops toddlers better than this man develops full grown men and women. The book is all exposition that barely has a purpose. The double stories are carefully wrapped around each other so the more interesting sub plot of a newspaper reporters search for the truth behind millions of disappearances forces you to read the torturous tale of an airline pilot who finds God and Jesus and must convert the world like a one man army of Hare Krishnas. If this first in a series is any example, all the books can be condensed to a novella.
Rating:
Summary: Great Novel of the Last Days
Review: This book is wonderful, a great read for people of all ages. I will say that it's obvious it's written by born again Christians, but it's very interesting to read the fictional account of the last days. The Book of Revelation has always been one of my favorites and that's why I picked this book up. I don't necessarily agree with some of the doctrinal interpretations in this book because I'm from a different sect of Christianity, however, I didn't find it overly preachy or "anti-anything-but-what-they-believe" which irks me to no end when I encounter it. I thought it was great that they mentioned the difference between those who profess themselves to be Christians and those who model their lives after Christ. It's a great adventurous book for all Christians and non alike. Pick it up, you'll enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: a gripping series, but don't look to it as prophecy
Review: The entire Left Behind series, including this first book, is excellent reading. However, you must begin reading this book with the knowledge that it is FICTION. This is the authors' perception of the end of the world. No where do they claim to follow scripture to a t. If you do not expect a biblical-like story, you will have an enjoyable reading experience. I don't think any other novel or series of novels have grasped my attention as completely as this.
| 
