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Summary: The Series -- On a Positive Note
Review: As a Christian, it has always been a challenge to find books with true entertainment value. I received the first 4 books as a gift, and couldn't seem to read fast enough. Understanding that different people view things through different eyes, I have been extremely surprised to see negative reviews about these books. Always thinking of myself as a strong Christian, these books, albeit they are fiction and do not reflect my personal religous beliefs 100%, are a true wake-up call and a must read for believers and non-believers alike! I realized just what a lazy Christian I had become. I now have so much joy and energy from reading the first 4 books that I can hardly wait for the next 3 to be delivered! I have been so moved by the books, I plan to purchase several "Left Behind" books to give away to others because I know people will certainly hear their own "wake up" call on a very personal, spiritual basis. These may not be a 100% accurate accounting of the end times as prophecied in the Bible, but anything that fires Christians and non-Christians alike, is worth every praise we can give to BOTH Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins for their inspiration, foresight and for partnering their writing strenghts to bring such a challenging plot and rivetting characters to today's entertainment arena. There's never been a better time for such good books. I believe most people will NOT be disappointed that they took the time to read the entire series!
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Summary: A "B" rated thriller
Review: ... [T]his book wasn't worth the money. The plot was like a "B" movie - predictable and stilted. Who didn't have it figured out by page 30? And why would anyone care. The shallow, stereotyped characters are only there to play out the author's purpose which is to sermonize the reader. What a bore!
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Summary: Good book if you're into religion
Review: This is a good book if you're interested in examining a fictitious look at how Revelation would come to fruition. I don't think it's for everyone though. It is slow, but picks up about 3/4 of the way through. Once I was finished, I was hooked. I've got to go on to Tribulation Force now to find out what happens to the people left behind.
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Summary: Fiction with a prophetic overtone.
Review: This novel tells of the Rapture. This signals the end of the world. Briefly stated, before the end of time, Jesus will quietly claim the true church of believers and take them to Himself in Heaven. The book describes this eerie event in terms of those left behind in the world. The thoughtful persons left behind begin a spiritual quest to understand their fate. The Tribulation period begins with the coming of the personified Anti-Christ and his impact on an unsuspecting world.This book examines the grim consequences of unbelief, and the lack of true spiritual commitment. Christians may disagree about a literal Rapture, but a day of the Lord is certain. The novel stresses the solid Biblical teaching that all are sinners, and all need the Savior. Finally, all are justified by grace through faith in the atoning suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Numbering our days and applying our hearts to wisdom and understanding of God is the theme of this fictionalized end-time story. The book is smoothly written. Christian fiction can include unintentional humor. One exasperated character angrily exclaims, "Darn it!" A waffling husband considers the feasibility of an affair, but doesn't act on his impulse before Heaven intervenes. There is some violence related to plot developments. Considering the negative Christian bias of many movies and TV programs, a positive portrayal of the urgent need for repentance and forgveness is welcome. Read and ponder. ;-)
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Summary: a very realistic thriller-a must read!
Review: want to know how good a book this is? i'm not even a Christian and I love the series. these 2 authors weave together characters, places, and things from present day, and manage to convert it into biblical prophecy unfolding. no matter what your reading level, this book, and all the others is an easy read, and I have even read them in less than 12 hours, pretty much non-stop. Rayford Steele is a terrific character, a great anchor for the book. this series has political intrigue, light humor, suspense, action, and a heart at the middle of it. even if you are not a Christ-believer, I feel you will find this book to be very entertaining and informative at the same time. do not pass up this phenomina! if any other book besides the Bible could convert a non-believer, this would be it!
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Summary: Leave this Behind or Enter Literary Hell....
Review: I read a lot, and a lot of what I read (particularly that written within the last decade) is simply poorly-written garbage. The authors lack knowledge of basic grammar and composition. They peddle incoherent plots and cardboard characterization. Worse, they can't even turn a phrase to make the experience a pleasure for the wordsmiths among their readership. And that's pretty much all there is to say about "Left Behind." I've always rather enjoyed apocalyptic fiction, served up straight as in "The Omen" or with a wink as in "Good Omens." LaHaye and Jenkins' writing is so weak (I believe LaHaye came up with the concept and Jenkins actually wrote the thing) that I couldn't slog through a hundred pages without throwing the book in the trash for the god awful dialogue, the truck stop proselytizing, the paper-thin characterization and plot. Unfortunately, I've bought 6 paperbacks, believing that something this popular couldn't possibly be drivel. Live and learn... An example for those of you who are inclined to think I'm given to hyperbole in describing how wretched this book is: we all know the story concerns the conflict between God and the Antichrist. How do the authors introduce their Antichrist? By having a character remark about how he's heard about this charismatic guy in Romania who seems to be gathering quite a following.... I could go on, but that was the point at which the book hit the can. Stay away from this as though it were cursed, my friends. I'll get time off in Purgatory for providing you with this advice.
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Summary: An End Time book by Chistians - for Christians
Review: Christians believe that as the End Time comes, God will gather all the real Christians around his throne in Heaven, body and soul. This book centers on those 'left behind' on earth. It shows the chaos that emerges as millions of people disappear, how people try to figure out what happend, how some re-find their fate in God, and how the Anti-Christ emerges. It's a well structured, swift paced book that focusses on world events as well as on personal experiences of people. I could not put it down, even though I wanted to. The downside of the book is that (though cleverly hidden behind all the action) it still will be felt by the non-believer, that the authors are hoping to persuade people to their Christian believes. That spoils some of the uncomplicated fun of reading this. On the upside: for those who DO believe in Christ this will make the book a warm bath that will strengthen their beliefs. On the whole I liked Beauseigneur's Christ Clone Trilogy better, because it offered more food for the mind, appeared better researched in worldly matters such as the United Nations politics, and didn't seem so focussed on the conversion of people in the book and outside of it.
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Summary: One of the best books I have ever read!
Review: I received the Left Behind series for Christmas this year. When I read that it was about the end of the world, I figured that it was science fiction, which I have always enjoyed reading. Once I started reading the first book, though, I realized that it was above and beyond any science fiction I had ever read. I finished it in 2 days, reading until 2a.m. unable to put it down. I have just started the second in the series and hope that they continue to hold my attention the way that this first one did. I recommend this to everyone. It was a wonderful read!
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Summary: It really makes you wonder..."What if....."
Review: I think a lot of you miss the point of this book, it was not written to be a literary classic or a sci-fi thriller. It was written to make you wonder "What if..." What if the book of Revelations is true? What if the Rapture occurs, will I be left behind? I found this book interesting and scary at the same time...Imagine waking to find your baby's crib empty except for the pjs you put him in the night before...That is the point of the story...Get yourself ready.
Rating:
Summary: An attractive thriller
Review: Although I'm not frequently have a fiction on my hand, "Left Behind" really kept me sticking to it for a week or so to finish it (too slow, right?). In the context of its interpretation of Bible texts, I was agree with Dave Zampiro's comments. It is still largely unknown, or actualy quite controversial, for the actual scenarios described in eschatological passages such as those in Revelation or Thessalonians. I enjoyed the overall layout of the story, and it may raise one's interest to look into the Bible. One of my friends really did this and she started to ask me more about the contents of the Bible. As a scientist, I always doubt about what I saw or read. "Left Behind" initiated my study on the related Bible contexts, and that, at least, made me spending more time on my Bible. The character I like the most is Buck, but I could not express too much about the creamy relationship between Ray and Hattie. I've already bought "Tribulation Force" and I think I would enjoy Nicolae more as the story goes on. I suddenly found that there are about 1500 comments to this books already, and the eighth (or the ninth?) book of this series is coming! Gee, I may have to spend another months to complete the series!
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