Rating: Summary: Deepok? Review: Basically mediocre thriller where bubble-headed New Age hokum is spouted for many pages by fish-tank bred feminist messiah. Someone has read too much Deepok Chopra. The new parables are a real hoot. A more intelligent philosophy can be learned from any Hyde Park sermonizer. When not pouring vitriol on the Catholics, the novel bores readers with the love lives of the stale characters. There's a lot going on and none of its very interesting. The concept of this novel is fascinating and one wonders what a good writer could do with it. Unfortunately, the knowledge and insight needed to tackle important issues is not in evidence here, nor the talent to tell a story.
Rating: Summary: A great novel! A different revelation than you expect! Review: This was a very entertaining book, I couldn't put it down, a must read, especially with the millenium coming!
Rating: Summary: Not for everybody Review: Although hampered by some so-so writing and superficial investigation of ideas which have been hotly debated for hundreds of years, this novel is a compelling read. Most readers will be swept along by this imaginative parable which even in its slapdash handling of plot manages to keep you engrossed. Great literature? Not hardly. However, Kleier does lay out a strong point of view regarding what it might take for humanity to enter a "a new age". His story contains much unpleasantness regarding organized religion. I think it a safe bet that any messiah would certainly have a few choice words for may of self annointed bastions of faith. This point of view of course is not much of a news flash, but it is unusual to see this view presented in starkly black and white terms. I was personally encouraged by this book. So, if you are the kind of reader who has a yearning for the simpler spiritual truths many instinctively know to at be the root of all religous points of view (a la Stranger in a Strange Land), read the book. If you are the kind reader who believes in the goodness of most organized religions, who believes the Bible is actually "the word of God", stay away. And if you live in any kind of theological or academic ivory tower, for heaven's sake, mow the lawn, take out the garbage or repaint your home; this book will only upset you.
Rating: Summary: The best epic thriller written to date! Review: This book is now my measuring stick for all thrillers that I read in the future. Every book I've read since has fallen short. Says what people only think about religion and the Church. Thought provoking and exciting right from page one. Great characters and a great story line. The ultimate mix of science and theology. Do not pass it up!
Rating: Summary: Great fun! Review: I very much enjoyed this book! A rollicking good adventure with an immensely interesting and original storyline. This is a fast-paced novel, but it's not exactly what you'd call light-weight reading. The story craftily weaves a lot of very controversial, contemporary issues into its plot, and it does so with great skill. Before you even realize it, you have a lot of emotions invested and a dozen burning questions in your head you can't wait to get resolved. Few novels tempt and tease like this one does, leading you on like a cunning pied piper. Not for the faint-hearted, but if you can hold on, it roars to satisfying, fulfilling ending thatleaves you gasping for more!
Rating: Summary: Surprising! Review: I have to say, this was not at all what I anticipated. This is not some dark, depressing, preachy religious book. It proved to be a very sophisticated and intense suspense thriller. I was impressed with the quality of writing and the degree of research and authenticity that went into this. The unusual plot,which has many surprising twists and turns, is both credible and entertaining and delightfully mischievous. It delves into some weighty matters, but it does so with a flair for humor and touching sensititivy. There is wisdom and truth in what the book is saying. The ending is unexpected and appealing, it sneaks up on you and literally takes your breath away. I found the story and characters fascinating throughout.
Rating: Summary: Stimulating debate! Review: This book has been creating quite a stir, and I've been following the fun for several months now. If you enjoy this sort of thing, there are any number of discussion and readers groups to join. Lots of interesting observations and viewpoints from an eclectic group of fans. I'm delighted to see the growing awareness to the many issues presented in this book--issues that so many religious groups have long attempted to suppress or obfuscate. I believe this novel will prove to be one of those rare, bellwether books that preceeds an important shift in social conscience. Certainly, in the wake of intolerance between Catholics and Protestants, Shiites and Sunis, Christians and Muslims, Hutus and Tutsis, it's high time we all entered into a new and more open dialogue about the issues that divide us.
Rating: Summary: I stayed up until 5 a.m. on Christmas Eve 1997 to finish it! Review: If Glenn Kleier is "untalented," then I will gladly volunteer to have any talent I possess surgically removed. Obviously a gifted storyteller as well as a voracious researcher, Mr. Kleier has pieced together a tale that will astound, offend, stun (and hopefully stimulate thought among) its wide readership. Far from "predictable," this book presents a climax and denouement that defy description. I received "The Last Day" as a birthday gift in 1997, from my brother, who had no idea what the book was about, but "thought you would like it." Upon finishing it (in two days), I e-mailed my brother, thanked him for it, and informed him that I was shipping it back to him so he could read it. This book was passed around my family (all of us very involved in fiction and entertainment), and, without exception, it received overwhelming praise. Even my mother, who called it "blasphemous," still enjoyed the story and thought Mr. Kleier a wonderful writer. I greatly anticipate Mr. Kleier's next effort.
Rating: Summary: A book that dares to confront controversy Review: 500 years ago, Christianity said the world was flat, and you were persecuted if you disagreed. 100 Years ago, enslavement of blacks was accepted by the major Christian religions, who even cited passages in the bible to justify it. And only a few years ago, the major Christian religions labeled Jews Christ-killers--countless innocent people suffered over that terrible injustice, as well. The list in between these indescretions is lenghty, and the cumulative cost to humanity, horrendous. The Last Day is a book that courageously dares to challenge many controversial, contemporary religious issues. It raises compelling arguments in favor of religious empowerment for women, abortion rights, priestly marriage, and homosexuality. And it is equally effective in the way it exposes the problems of wealth and materialism in the Church, among other touchy issues. I daresay, many of the controversial arguments so insightfully posed in this novel will someday be accepted policy by many religions--particularly those that are truly loving and tolerant of people unlike themselves. What makes this book most remarkable to me is that it is a high-quality, literary suspense thriller, its powerful message delivered as a simple allegory. A message you will ponder long after you close the cover.
Rating: Summary: '98 American Library Assoc. Best Book Winner Review: As I librarian, it's not too often I break down and buy a book (I can't afford to!), but I'd been wanting to read this one all year and the waiting list has been so long, I finally ordered a paperback. It was a well-justified investment. I am a great advocate of this novel, which has more than lived up to its billing as a brilliant suspense thriller/satire. I'm delighted to see it earn the 1998 YALSA Best Book award, and pleased to personally endorse this gifted author as a rising new literary voice.
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