Rating: 
Summary: Compelling... Confronting... Convincing
Review: Fact. Fiction. In a world we're living in today, what's the difference? "Left Behind" by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is an outstanding novel. A fictionalized account of the Bible's book "Revelation", it explains exactly what will happen during the Earth's final days. Captain Rayford Steele is piloting a plane when he notices the disappearances of many people. Later he finds that millions of men, women and children across the globe have mysteriously disappeared. Scientists try to find out what happened. Natural disater? Alien attack? Nuclear war? Nobody can find out. Cameron "Buck" Williams, a reporter who is on the plane at the time, finds out the truth about the disappearances: The ancient prophets from 2,000 years back were right. Jesus had come and Raptured the Church. A new man suddenly arises to power, with his global dream to unite the world. This man, Nicolae Carpathia, seems to do EVERYTHING right. He's clean-cut and handsome. He's a genius, who can solve any problem or equation. And, through careful thinking, Rayford, his daughter Chloe, and Buck deduct that this man is the legendary Antichrist, who would soon call himself GOD. These series of books changed my life. While it was an adventure story, trying to destroy the Antichrist while escaping from his subordinants, it was also spiritual, telling you that the only way you can have everlasting life is through God's Son, Jesus. It convinced me that what the Bible says is TRUE, and it CAN convince you, too. I formed a community because of this, and it's THRIVING (...://roadtozion.cjb.net). It's interesting to find out that some "myths and legends" are not fairy-tales, but events that are soon to come...
Rating: 
Summary: Left Me Cold
Review: I got the tape version of this book because my book group decided to read it. I think my first sign of trouble was the name of one of the main characters--Rayford Steele. Sounded like a 'bodice ripper' character to me. And, the anti-Christ character is a very shallow representation of a sort of charismatic, messianic 'baddie'. Why is he Russian? I also kept wondering 'what about Jews', but found they were neatly taken care of by God having appointed Jewish messengers who would convert the poor, unknowing souls to the one, true answer. I really do not understand the enormous appeal of this series of books. I am not a 'non-believer' but find the whole idea very unreal and uninteresting. I also felt I was being set up for the remainder of the series. The plot clanked along to a sort of badly done 'Right Stuff' image of the four saviors, who 'got it', ready to save the world from the Russian 'baddie'. Save me--from the rest of the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Page turning fun
Review: I just finished reading Left Behind and can't wait to start Tribulation Force. I have done my fair share of reading, mostly non-fiction, and don't usually don't enjoy fiction. I was pleasently surprised by Left Behind and had a hard time putting it down. A refreshing read for christians and non-christians alike. Both will find it extremly entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Start To A Long Series
Review: This book takes right off from the beginning. You're briefly introduced to a few of the main characters of the series, and the next thing you know, The Rapture takes place. From then on, it's a rollercoaster of a reading adventure. Most of the characters are shallow, and two dimensional, however there is a part of me does feel compassion for them. The idea of being "left behind", if well written, would send chills down the readers spine. However, this is not the case. The reader cannot identify with the concept of what the author is trying to convey, simply because the author doesn't seem to know how to put it in writing. The whole story line moves rather quickly, yet not too fast paced that you don't know what's going on. Why I gave this book a high of rating as I did is because of the fact that the story is fascinating. Unless you've studied the prophesies, and know what Revelations is all about, you will like this novel, if not for it's opinions on how things will unfold, but just for the way that the presence of evil seems to always be lingering in the air. I'm not saying that these author(s) have their facts wrong, but it does contradict what alot of Christians believe actually happens during, and after The Rapture of the Church. On the other hand, there are a great number of people who will think that this is a very well described "reference book" of how events will actually unfold. In any case, the journey is exciting, and suspenseful. True there are some "slow spots", but they are in the minority. All in all, if you have an interest in "end times", or any of the prophesies that fortell of the 2nd Coming of Christ, and the ruling of Antichrist, then do yourself a favor and start reading this first book in an intriguing series.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Beginning to "The End"...
Review: If you are looking for fine "literature" (as it seems some other reviewers were) this is not your book. As a young teen I saw the movie "Like a Thief in the Night" and again, it was not an Oscar winning movie, but I was memorably moved by it (incidentally, I am trying to find a copy of this movie now-if anyone knows where I can get it...). I was given Left Behind as a gift (I did not actively search it out) and from my experience, if you are looking to have your faith jogged a bit and are comfortable with the overtly religious side of this Christian "Science Fiction"-labeled story (? Never understood this label, but...) - this book could do the job. Jerry Jenkins' later books in this series are better because the plot thickens (Nicolae, for example), but this first book is definitely what started me thinking on the Big Picture level again. If you are completely offended by religious dogma, then this book (and series) may strike you as preachy and could set you off. I would categorize this as a Christian book that has been marketed to a larger general population as Science Fiction. As such I believe it may not be considered good reading by loyal Science Fiction readers who are looking for an end-of-world pure and basic horror genre (like Stephen King's The Last Stand) and who are not open to the message of the book that runs deeper than the imagination of one writer (and one conceiver-of-the-series). When taken in the context of a Book of Revelation "interpretation" in conjunction with entertaining reading I strongly recommend this book. One more thing to people who think this book should not be considered a Biblical Prophecy due to accuracy. Revelation is so symbolic, that I can't imagine anyone being able to successfully argue the Biblical accuracy (or lack of) in this book. Theories are the only thing that can individually unravel the apocalyptic symbols for each individual and everyone has a viewpoint. Enjoy it (and the books to follow), if you decide to read it.
Rating:
Summary: I must respond
Review: After reading the featured comments from readers on this first of the Left Behind series, I felt compelled to respond and give my thoughts on the book. First, I found it amusing that someone thought the book was "pourly" written. I am a Christian, which is why I became interested in starting the series. But, I am also an avid reader and have been a writer, proofreader and copy editor. I sped through "Left Behind" faster than any book I've recently read (with the possible exception of Harry Potter). Once I finished, I had to get my hands on book 2 the very same day. Now at the beginning of book 4 (Soul Harvest), I find that the writing, plot and character development only gets better and better. I'm sorry, I do not read many Best Sellers. I find them horribly tiring drivel. Most are trite, cookie-cutter books. Steven King admits to being a formula writer. Sorry, folks, that's not for me. I have read widely from 16th century literature and poetry to modern fiction, great works and dime store romance novels. I find LaHaye and Jenkins' work to be fascinating and disturbing. I believe the first book is well-written. But keep reading, it only gets better. Disregard those who say "don't read it." Read it, please. Try it for yourself before you toss it out the window due to someone else's literary snootiness. It's well worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Readers need to get out before LaHaye cashes in.
Review: Tim LaHaye has as reputation as a popular and influential evangelist, and his "Left Behind" series proved tremendously popular, so I was curious about his take on the Rapture. Ouch. This novel, conceived by LaHaye and written by Jim Jenkins, is bad in ways that I never would have imagined a novel about such an intriguing subject could be bad. The writing is fourth-rate, at best--it reads like something from a middle school creative writing course taught by an green amateur. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the story would best be enjoyed by elementary school students who haven't the faintest concept of what good writing is, because this is CLEARLY not good writing; it's too spiritless and flat. One particular case of the bland writing that got to me: Jenkins is so want for skill that, rather than describing a supposedly stunning character in detail, he merely says he looks like a "young Robert Redford." Apparently, Jenkins can't even summon up the will to write a description of how a "young Robert Redford" would appear, so he decided to make his readers run out and dig up some photographs to get an idea. The characters, which should have held the story together, were dismal stereotypes, each one a gross simplification of the process of coming to terms with one's faith. I'm sorry, but people do not convert with such ease a few days after witnessing the single most traumatic and earth-shattering event in history. There was no elaboration on the universal grief being felt, nor was there much time given to consideration of the consequences or meaning. Need I mention that all the characters are already believers on only slightly varying levels? There is no diversity to this group of people. The plot is so literal and straightforward that it's boring. There is no way to get interested in these mind-numbing conspiracy theories, particularly when they're being perpetrated and attacked by such dull people. I could handle it better if the story weren't so... well, literal, as mentioned above. Couldn't LaHaye have thought up a more unique and exciting way of telling the story? Would it have killed him to employ methods other than this vapid step-by-step formulae for literary disaster? From all the praise this series had received, I expected powerful metaphors, meaningful symbolism, messages of prevailing spirituality, and a probe into the depths of what draws man to religion. No such luck was to be had. LaHaye seems content to write his evangelism for people who ALREADY agree with him, and this being so, he appears to think he does not need to expand on his views--they are, after all, "the truth," Jenkins writes over and over again. This novel fails in every levels: the characters are annoying, the plot is campy, the descriptive writing desires much polishing, and the dialogue is just... Ugh. The directions some conversations take, and the way Jenkins keeps reminding us that these characters' words are moving and overwhelming to the sense, left me cold. When I purchase a novel about something as monumental as the Rapture, in which many people believe wholeheartedly, I want to read a story about the human condition, not how a "young Robert Redford" from Romania can wow the world by shouting out the names of dozens of nations without using a cue card for assistance. What were LaHaye and Jenkins thinking when they wrote this? Did they just want to cash on on the apocalypse craze? This book does Christianity no service--it all but spits in the face of devout followers who seek out books that will relate something personal about the religious experience. I was, in other words, not impressed with "Left Behind." At all.
Rating:
Summary: Leave This One Behind
Review: First let me state that I am a born-again Pre-trib, pre-mill Christian and I do believe in the bodily rapture that will take the saints to meet the Lord Jesus. After that the Antichrist will come into power. Now onto this book... my wife bought the book to be able to speak intelligently with a young woman in our youth group that loved it. My wife never finished it so I thought that I might as well read it. The positive side is that the book was an easy and quick read - 3 nights and I was done. That was good because the plot and lack of character depth made it seem painful to read. The plot is the standard "Good versus Evil", Revelation-based Christ versus Antichrist. The story moved along quickly because the authors made huge leaps from characters disbelieving and even mocking the Bible to becoming ardent, evangelizing Christians. The depth of characters is again, painfully shallow - at least in this the first book of the series. Possibly a book to give as a gift to someone who has an interest in religion but is not an avid reader. I would not recommend this initial book and personally will not invest any more time or money in continuing the series. But God bless LaHaye and Jenkins anyway!
Rating:
Summary: Good Book, the
Review: I did not get immediately into this book, but by the second chapter it was hard to put down. Very compelling. It does leave you hanging at the end so you will move onto the next book, which I have done. I expect to read all of the series. Perhaps even see the movie. I recommend you read this book. Go with GOD :-)
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining and Nothing More
Review: Christians believe that when Jesus came along the first time, the Jews didn't recognize who he was because they had misinterpreted the prophecies. Those same Christians believe they know almost exactly how the world will end based on their interpretations of Biblical prophecies. Ironic? And this book is based solely on those purely traditional interpretations. With such shaky theology backing a Christian book, Left Behind seems more like a scare tactic for converting non-Christians than a heart-felt presentation of Salvation. This, combined with mediocre writing (in all areas: prose, plot, characterization, layout), virtually guarantees that more educated readers will ignore the series. Don't get me wrong; the book is entertaining. Jenkins (who actually penned the words) has a knack for making the pages turn by themselves. But his writing does little else, which makes the book and the whole series seem like a bag of Lays potato chips--you know it's not good for you, but you just want one more. Yet, even after devouring a whole bag, you still feel empty. So what accounts for the success of the books? Well, if you consider The Readers' Digest and Chicken Soup for the Soul books good reading, then you will probably like this book. If you are a Christian who believes in the Rapture and the fairly literal interpretation of Revelation, you will probably like this book. In other words, LaHaye and Jenkins know how to give the mass public what they want . . . and the rest of us are forced to sit idly by and listen to people sing praises about how good this trash is.
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