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The Class of 86
What would you do if you could relive your life knowing what you know now?After 40-year-old Jake Simon suddenly dies of a bleeding brain aneurysm, the best way forward in his path toward heavenly perfection is to go backward—back in time. By returning to his past and reliving the worst summer of his life, he sets out to rewrite his future. Unfortunately, disaster after disaster push him further from his goals. He gets dumped by his future wife, committed to a mental hospital, and finally ends up in jail.However, as he learns in the emotionally uplifting conclusion to the story, life on Earth isn’t about what you accumulate or achieve. What matters most in this life is the one thing you can take to the next life.In Heaven, there is no regret. In Heaven, there is only wisdom.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2016
57 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Williams
9 books35 followersR.A. Williams draws from his educational background in psychology and sociology to write compelling, thought-provoking Christian fiction that falls outside of mainstream expectations. He strives to pull the reader through the full range of human emotion, adding just the right dose of humor for comic relief. His fiction reveals not just the characters' actions but the psychological motives behind those actions.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 26, 2016
I am a tad biased, but I wrote this novel and I really do think it is amazing. If you have ever had any regrets and wish you could redo things, this one is for you. If you love the 80s you will love this novel.
September 8, 2018
Hmmm
I appreciated the overall lesson. However I was disappointed in the preachy Christianity. It is frustrating to read a book that assumes all Christians believe in the exact same things - God allowing suffering? Suicide is a major sin? Protesting abortion clinics to end murder and not practically ministering to those in desperate unwanted pregnancies or providing resources? Heaven is all about wisdom? Where is the love?
I think this story has heart. It is well written and some of the turning of phrases are almost poetic. I'm going to read the sequel because I'm interested in how Todd's story ends and in the hope that it won't be too preachy so it is not off putting to non-Christians.
I appreciated the overall lesson. However I was disappointed in the preachy Christianity. It is frustrating to read a book that assumes all Christians believe in the exact same things - God allowing suffering? Suicide is a major sin? Protesting abortion clinics to end murder and not practically ministering to those in desperate unwanted pregnancies or providing resources? Heaven is all about wisdom? Where is the love?
I think this story has heart. It is well written and some of the turning of phrases are almost poetic. I'm going to read the sequel because I'm interested in how Todd's story ends and in the hope that it won't be too preachy so it is not off putting to non-Christians.
July 15, 2016
Amazing story with a great ending
For a "fantasy" story, it was very realistic and believable. Using time travel for a spirit that retains knowledge of the time left behind produces effects in the protagonists life not possible any other way.
The life lessons illustrated are well worth considering for everyone who reads this story.
For a "fantasy" story, it was very realistic and believable. Using time travel for a spirit that retains knowledge of the time left behind produces effects in the protagonists life not possible any other way.
The life lessons illustrated are well worth considering for everyone who reads this story.
May 9, 2021
As always, I love a story that allows us 80s kids a stroll down memory lane. But for me, the memory lane felt forced and convenient; for example, the year is 1986, but to give the reader the 80s' vibe. I prefer a story where the 80s references feel more organic and not thrown at the reader in a blitzkrieg. When they are still in high school, anytime they are in the hallway, an 80s song is playing through the speakers? At school? My thought is that even though the author truly experienced and lived through the 80s, famed 80s films were likely more used for research, thus the temptation to list music . I am more interested in seeing 80s culture and social behaviors rather than being convinced by what song was on the radio.
Still, I appreciated this story and look forward to reading more from this author!
Still, I appreciated this story and look forward to reading more from this author!
April 1, 2018
Jacob dies at the age of 40. Not being ready to leave this life, he asks for more time. An agreement is made by his guardian angel that Jake will return to 1986. Returning to 1986 as an18 year old with all the memories of his 40 year life(that won't be complicated) should be a piece of cake. Jacob and his family and friend notice a change in him. Now that he has a chance do things differently, will he follow in God's path or choose to do things his way. This story was enjoyable to read; I mean who hasn't dreamed of what they would do if they could have a do over knowing what they know now? Recommend this for all audiences.
February 19, 2024
Very stereotypical Christian
I know this is listed as a religious fiction book, I guess I just wasn't expecting it to be quite so heavy-handed in the prejudiced and judgemental depictions of those who are different. I had some trouble with that.
I also had an issue with a lack of editing/proofreading -- for my tastes, there were WAY too many uses of phrases such as, "should of," "could of," "hadn't of.... " Too many misspellings, in general, and too many instances where characters' words/actions seemed incredibly improbable.
I do understand the message the author was trying to convey; I just believe the book would have greatly benefitted from being proofread and edited.
I know this is listed as a religious fiction book, I guess I just wasn't expecting it to be quite so heavy-handed in the prejudiced and judgemental depictions of those who are different. I had some trouble with that.
I also had an issue with a lack of editing/proofreading -- for my tastes, there were WAY too many uses of phrases such as, "should of," "could of," "hadn't of.... " Too many misspellings, in general, and too many instances where characters' words/actions seemed incredibly improbable.
I do understand the message the author was trying to convey; I just believe the book would have greatly benefitted from being proofread and edited.
August 27, 2021
Totally Awesome!
This book The Class of 1986 is a most wonderful story about putting trust in God and not relying on ourselves to try and fix things ourselves. I found myself reliving my own memories of 1986 when the suthor mentioned the music and tv shows grom that era. I found myself rooting for Simon and hoping he could change some bad things from happening. I would definitely read this book again.
This book The Class of 1986 is a most wonderful story about putting trust in God and not relying on ourselves to try and fix things ourselves. I found myself reliving my own memories of 1986 when the suthor mentioned the music and tv shows grom that era. I found myself rooting for Simon and hoping he could change some bad things from happening. I would definitely read this book again.
April 6, 2020
Wow! I had read The Amari Johnston series and wanted another book to read. I am from the class of 88 so I thought The Class of 86 would be a good read. The book was great! It definitely was a surprise ending, however, I won't go into detail. If you haven't read this guys books, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???
You are missing out on a talented and creative author!
You are missing out on a talented and creative author!
June 20, 2023
loved this book!
This was very well written. I didn’t know it was a Christian book when I started reading it. I love that it was. It felt like a very real and genuine book about life.
This was very well written. I didn’t know it was a Christian book when I started reading it. I love that it was. It felt like a very real and genuine book about life.
March 17, 2024
Almost lost me…
There was a point when I nearly gave up on this book. TOO much went wrong too fast. I felt that God wasn’t even involved. I went back and finished the story just out of curiosity. I’m glad I did.
There was a point when I nearly gave up on this book. TOO much went wrong too fast. I felt that God wasn’t even involved. I went back and finished the story just out of curiosity. I’m glad I did.
June 1, 2017
Great story !
I really liked the humor but most of all the lessons in trusting God always . The next in the series should be even better !
I really liked the humor but most of all the lessons in trusting God always . The next in the series should be even better !
January 27, 2018
Interesting Concept
A chance to go back and live his life again only to find that nothing really changes....not the best writing, but interesting none the less.
A chance to go back and live his life again only to find that nothing really changes....not the best writing, but interesting none the less.
July 14, 2019
Very 👍
Good Christian book! Lots of good lessons! Well done! I already have next one and will read next! Great job!
Good Christian book! Lots of good lessons! Well done! I already have next one and will read next! Great job!
November 17, 2020
Life changing
Beautiful written story of TRULY trusting in the Lord. Already read the second book which is written just as well. Once again. Thank you
Beautiful written story of TRULY trusting in the Lord. Already read the second book which is written just as well. Once again. Thank you
April 28, 2023
An enjoyable read, good plot twists.
July 28, 2023
Great story!
This story held my attention and taught me about what God will do for us. It's wonderful to know that God lead us if we let Him..
This story held my attention and taught me about what God will do for us. It's wonderful to know that God lead us if we let Him..
February 16, 2024
3.5 stars
I'm impatient, and parts of this were too slow and seemed to drag on and on.
But overall it was a good book, likeable main character, and it held my interest.
I'm impatient, and parts of this were too slow and seemed to drag on and on.
But overall it was a good book, likeable main character, and it held my interest.
June 5, 2023
God is so good
Such a great and inspiring book. We should always, always trust God. He sees the big picture, we do not. He also sees and knows our heart. I will always trust you God.
Such a great and inspiring book. We should always, always trust God. He sees the big picture, we do not. He also sees and knows our heart. I will always trust you God.
August 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the sequel "The Gospel According To Todd".
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews