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Summary: A brilliant, complex novel of faith and fanaticism
Review: Two popular and critically acclaimed young adult authors team up to write an extraordinary, gripping, timely yet timeless novel that deals with first love, the fine line between faith and fanaticism, the equally fine line between spirituality and religious belief, and the inevitable struggle by children to forge a life and identity that is different from their parents'. All these issues are dealt with in a deep, compassionate, and un-preachy manner. The novel manages to address some of the major concerns of the human condition without ever turning into a tract, and is often extremely funny. The portrayal of the group dynamics of the Believers is very accurate, a fine balance between satire and observation. Jed and Marina are likable, complex, thoughtful characters, and even Reverend Beelson is sympathetic, if deluded. The ticking-clock element adds to the forward momentum of the plot, leading up to an exciting and tragic, if somewhat inevitable, climax.
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Summary: Incredible, one-of-a-kind piece of work.
Review: Armaggedon Summer has been, by far, one of the most compelling, interesting, and attention capturing books I have ever read. This was also the first book I have read by two authors.. and I found it to be very interesting reading through two characters eyes. Another thing that made this book so amazing, is that it was so realistic. Not only the plot, but the way Jed and Marina thought and acted.Highly recommended... must read this summer!
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Summary: Couldn't put it down!!
Review: It's been a long time since I was a young adult, but I make it a point to read anything by author Jane Yolen, especially after the 'Books of Alta' [a must read for fantasy lovers]. This book is far from fantasy, and gives two individual but similar viewpoints of how far you'd go to 'parent' your parents, even when the gap between you [generation, ideological, or otherwise] is 10 miles wide. As always, Yolen's character's are so real. This prompts me to read works by co-author Coville. Wow!
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Summary: Good plot
Review: This book has a very interesting plot as it attempts to give the reader an understanding of what cult leaders can cause people to do, and what kind of people become followers to such leaders. However, the ending just didn't seem real. It's a grim tale. I'm not sure if the authors really know their subject.
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Summary: Great book for adolescent readers
Review: Marina and Jed, both from some-what troublesome families have fallen in love. Their love unites when they meet in the mountain camp of "Believers" who have gathered together to await the Armageddon, which is the end of mankind. In the final days, both Marina and Jed struggle with their lives and beliefs, along with the events that surround them.
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Summary: I Loved It
Review: I found this book in the new releases part and was intriguged by the summaray and, I admit, the very interesting cover. I was a little worried going into the book that it would portray the Believers (supposed Christians) as stupid, bad, etc. But it didn't. They were misguided people, but not bad. I really liked the alternating viewpoints, and the little excerpts from FBI files, e-mails, etc, were a really neat added thing; not important to the story, but they added feel. Marina was a girl not so unlike myself, or many girls I know, and Jed was a funny, likable guy. I found myself often thinking about this after I have read it, and I think I might read it again or even buy it. I want to find more books like this, with the alternating viewpoints.
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Summary: WONDERFUL BOOK
Review: This book was incredible. I read it once, then read it again the next day and it still made me cry. I loved how it presented all sides of religion, not just that "it's good" or "it's bad". The two authors worked very well together, I couldn't tell who wrote what. BUY THIS BOOK!!
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Summary: Wisconsin librarian loves this book!
Review: This book is one of the best I've read for this age group in 1998. The characters are developed enough to show their complexity, their is a wonderful dose of humor, and the action keeps you turning the pages. The authors expertly crafted this collaborative effort. You can't tell their individual contributions and I thought I might be able to because I have read quite a bit of Jane Yolen's work. Buy this book!
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Summary: Cool premise, but only an okay book
Review: This book about two teens caught in a cult like the one in Waco has a very cool premise, but I never really believed in it. First of all, the guy and the girl didn't talk like any teenagers that I know, but more like grown-ups think that teens talk. Second, there were too many things that were impossible. The leader of the cult banned TV, but not computers. There was a guy from the FBI inside the cult, but he he did not talk to FBI headquarters as soon as he saw all the guns in the cult, and he did not even have a backup cellphone? Plus, after all the bloodshed at the end, the guy and the girl do not seem very affected by their experience. Too many holes in the story for me to really enjoy it.
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Summary: super
Review: Coming from me, a thirteen year old girl, usually a review like this would not mean all that much, but this time it comes from someone who is very much like the main charecter. It was a fantastic book which I really related to and I reccomend it to all kids my age, evn if it is a little scary!
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