This will be a brief review. I read a novel, The Church Ladies, by Lisa Samson. I wanted to read a known fiction Christian author and Lisa was the only one I could think of (besides Peretti and the left behind books). Anyways this was the shortest one available at the library and so I picked it up.
It’s a pretty decent book, a quick and easy read. I definitely felt like it was geared toward a female audience because there was some references to things, haircuts and such, without explanation, that I had know idea what they were referring to. The story was well put together as well, and though I did find some of the references and scenes a bit cheesy, I got teary eyed at others.
I sort of wanted to know if my recent fiction project, Giving Up, came even close to being able to have a chance in the ‘Christian’ fiction genre. It might, I’m not sure, but I do know Lisa Samson is a veteran in the field and has written and been awarded for her great work. I just hope I learned a thing or two from reading some of her work.
I greatly enjoy Peretti’s work (especially The Oath). Though I thought the Left Behind series started out strong, the writing became sloppy with the last few books I read. (I only got about 2/3 of the way through the series.)
I was thinking yesterday of how far Christian media has come, though non-Christians still find it largely distasteful. I love Focus on the Family’s radio dramas, the VeggieTales videos, and music artists such as Delirious and the Newsboys. However, I doubt that the “unsaved” audience will ever pick up a book, movie, or CD labeled “Christian” because people do not want to be force-fed religion. Those who are seeking may be more inclined to attend a Christian music concert or read a book by a Christian author, but the “feel” of Christian media is so different that they may still have a hard time connecting with it. This is why I feel it’s so important for Christians to live and work in the mainstream. A book does not have to overtly discuss salvation through Christ in order to communicate the love of God.
in the “Christian fiction”[why is it not just called fiction?] genre i think the Joshua series stands at the top of the heap, I also like Eli by bill myers
Good points on both accounts.
That’s why I used quotes to mention it being “Christian” because I think it’s maybe an unnecessary distinction. At the same time, there maybe is room for being honest in the description of the content of the book. Take for instance the book I just wrote. It’s not explicit at the beginning or on the book cover, but it’s about following Christ teachings and does quote chunks of the gospels. I think I might be annoyed if I was reading it and then just when I got into the exciting part I find out it’s all ‘religious’ (that might be someones perspective). Does that make sense? I think there might be room for that label.
At the same time there are plenty of books that don’t need the label at all and shouldn’t have it. Some because they can stand on their own merit, others because without the label and niche market they probably wouldn’t sell at all (mine might fall into this category).
you should read Mark Josephs book called the rock and roll rebellion:why people of faith abandoned rock and roll and why they are coming back
I’ve read many of Lisa’s books and had the grand privilege of hanging out with her in Swaziland.
Received Giving up in the mail this week.
So I’ll let you know 🙂