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Gideon's Torch
Attorney General Emily Gineen must deal with the chaos decending upon Washington, as the new administration of President J. Whitney Griswold copes with a controversial murder, a TV network hijacking, a terrorist bomb, and the emergence of new underground networks formed by ordinary citizens
576 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1995
5 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Charles W. Colson
135 books193 followersAlmost 40 years ago, Charles W. Colson was not thinking about reaching out to prison inmates or reforming the U.S. penal system. In fact, this aide to President Richard Nixon was "incapable of humanitarian thought," according to the media of the mid-1970s. Colson was known as the White House "hatchet man," a man feared by even the most powerful politicos during his four years of service to Nixon.
When news of Colson's conversion to Christianity leaked to the press in 1973, The Boston Globe reported, "If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody." Colson would agree.
In 1974 Colson entered a plea of guilty to Watergate-related charges; although not implicated in the Watergate burglary, he voluntarily pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the Daniel Ellsberg Case. He entered Alabama's Maxwell Prison in 1974 as a new Christian and as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. He served seven months of a one- to three-year sentence.
After leaving prison, Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976, which has since become the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. Today, Colson remains a member of the board of Prison Fellowship Ministries.
A sought-after speaker, Colson has written more than 30 books, which collectively have sold more than 5 million copies. His autobiographical book, Born Again, was one of the nation's best-selling books of all genres in 1976. Another bestseller, co-authored by Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Live, is considered one of the most important books written on the subject of Christian worldview. His most recent book, The Faith, is a powerful appeal to the Church to re-embrace the foundational truths of Christianity.
In 1991 Colson launched BreakPoint, a unique radio commentary that provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. BreakPoint is currently aired weekdays to more than 1,300 outlets nationwide that reach and estimated 2 million listeners.
Today Colson is focused full time on developing other Christian leaders who can influence the culture and their communities through their faith. The capstone of this effort is The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an online research and training center launched in 2009 for the promotion of Christian worldview teaching. In addition to a vast library of worldview materials, the Colson Center provides online courses and serves as a catalyst for a growing movement of Christian organizations dedicated to impacting the culture. The Colson Center website also hosts Colson's popular weekly Two-Minute Warning video commentary aimed at engaging a younger generation with a biblical perspective on cultural issues.
In 2009, Colson was a principal writer of the Manhattan Declaration, which calls on Christians to defend the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom. Nearly half a million people have signed the Manhattan Declaration. Collaborating with other Christian ministries, BreakPoint aims to launch other ecumenical grassroots movements around moral and ethical issues of great concern.
In recognition of his work, Colson received the prestigious Templeton Prize for progress in religion in 1993, donating the $1 million prize to Prison Fellowship. Colson's other awards have included the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor (2008); the Humanitarian Award from Dominos Pizza Corporation (1991); The Others Award from The Salvation Army (1990); the Outstanding Young Man of Boston from the Boston Chamber of Commerce (1960); and several honorary doctorates from various colleges and universities (1982-2000).
When news of Colson's conversion to Christianity leaked to the press in 1973, The Boston Globe reported, "If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody." Colson would agree.
In 1974 Colson entered a plea of guilty to Watergate-related charges; although not implicated in the Watergate burglary, he voluntarily pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the Daniel Ellsberg Case. He entered Alabama's Maxwell Prison in 1974 as a new Christian and as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. He served seven months of a one- to three-year sentence.
After leaving prison, Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976, which has since become the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. Today, Colson remains a member of the board of Prison Fellowship Ministries.
A sought-after speaker, Colson has written more than 30 books, which collectively have sold more than 5 million copies. His autobiographical book, Born Again, was one of the nation's best-selling books of all genres in 1976. Another bestseller, co-authored by Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Live, is considered one of the most important books written on the subject of Christian worldview. His most recent book, The Faith, is a powerful appeal to the Church to re-embrace the foundational truths of Christianity.
In 1991 Colson launched BreakPoint, a unique radio commentary that provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. BreakPoint is currently aired weekdays to more than 1,300 outlets nationwide that reach and estimated 2 million listeners.
Today Colson is focused full time on developing other Christian leaders who can influence the culture and their communities through their faith. The capstone of this effort is The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an online research and training center launched in 2009 for the promotion of Christian worldview teaching. In addition to a vast library of worldview materials, the Colson Center provides online courses and serves as a catalyst for a growing movement of Christian organizations dedicated to impacting the culture. The Colson Center website also hosts Colson's popular weekly Two-Minute Warning video commentary aimed at engaging a younger generation with a biblical perspective on cultural issues.
In 2009, Colson was a principal writer of the Manhattan Declaration, which calls on Christians to defend the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom. Nearly half a million people have signed the Manhattan Declaration. Collaborating with other Christian ministries, BreakPoint aims to launch other ecumenical grassroots movements around moral and ethical issues of great concern.
In recognition of his work, Colson received the prestigious Templeton Prize for progress in religion in 1993, donating the $1 million prize to Prison Fellowship. Colson's other awards have included the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor (2008); the Humanitarian Award from Dominos Pizza Corporation (1991); The Others Award from The Salvation Army (1990); the Outstanding Young Man of Boston from the Boston Chamber of Commerce (1960); and several honorary doctorates from various colleges and universities (1982-2000).
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 8, 2010
Written by two evangelical authors, this book is in many ways a gold standard for political fiction from a Christian perspective. (Though Colson's name is listed more prominently, Vaughn's stronger background in fiction --Colson hadn't previously written any-- leads one to guess that she's responsible for much of the purely literary merit here, with him supplying insider insight into the working of the White House, official Washington, and the legal profession; it was a fruitful collaboration.) Like, for instance, Parker Hudson in The President (which I reviewed earlier), the authors make their various characters on both sides of the fence believeable and human, with nobody demonized; and their messages emerge naturally from the interactions of the characters and the events of the story, rather than being preached in tract form. But unlike Hudson, they have a vastly more realistic understanding of the actual possibilities of our current political culture (and its limitations --there aren't any apocalyptic or earth-shaking results here, for good or ill), and no theocratic agenda as such; for the heroes, classical morality informs political behavior, but doesn't dictate legal establishment of Christianity.
Also unlike Hudson, the authors here concentrate on one topic --State- tolerated abortion-- viewed from the perspective of the political/legal system and the activists seeking an end to the killing. Set in the (from a 1995 perspective) near future, it begins with the election of a pro-legalized-abortion New England Republican governor as President --a scenario that's not unrealistic, especially facilitated as it is here by a party split; the GOP rank and file tend to be pro-life as a matter of principle, but the party insiders do not. Early in his term, the shooting of an abortionist galvanizes the administration into a broad policy of treating the entire prolife movement as criminal suspects; while increasing frustration and despair nudges some members of a Christian group of activists on the issue towards more radical means of protest. (Indeed, the rightness/wrongness of illegal or violent protest against abortion is probably as strong a thematic concern in the book as the rightness/wrongness of "legalized" abortion itself.)
Abortion has been compared, as an issue, to slavery. This book is not the Uncle Tom's Cabin of the former issue, and not only because (unlike Stowe's book) the book trade effectively ghettoized it in a market where only Christians read it. Stowe treated slavery as a grim reality of daily life for the people affected by it, rather than at one remove as an "issue" for the politicians of that day to deal with. The less direct treatment here reduces (slightly) the possibility of polarizing reader emotional reaction; but it also makes it harder to grasp the up-close and personal reality of the "issue." (Francine Rivers' Atonement Child --which I haven't read, but want to-- which focuses on a raped and pregnant college student, is probably a more Stowe-like treatment of the subject.) But this is still a very serious, credible and moving work of thought-provoking fiction.
Also unlike Hudson, the authors here concentrate on one topic --State- tolerated abortion-- viewed from the perspective of the political/legal system and the activists seeking an end to the killing. Set in the (from a 1995 perspective) near future, it begins with the election of a pro-legalized-abortion New England Republican governor as President --a scenario that's not unrealistic, especially facilitated as it is here by a party split; the GOP rank and file tend to be pro-life as a matter of principle, but the party insiders do not. Early in his term, the shooting of an abortionist galvanizes the administration into a broad policy of treating the entire prolife movement as criminal suspects; while increasing frustration and despair nudges some members of a Christian group of activists on the issue towards more radical means of protest. (Indeed, the rightness/wrongness of illegal or violent protest against abortion is probably as strong a thematic concern in the book as the rightness/wrongness of "legalized" abortion itself.)
Abortion has been compared, as an issue, to slavery. This book is not the Uncle Tom's Cabin of the former issue, and not only because (unlike Stowe's book) the book trade effectively ghettoized it in a market where only Christians read it. Stowe treated slavery as a grim reality of daily life for the people affected by it, rather than at one remove as an "issue" for the politicians of that day to deal with. The less direct treatment here reduces (slightly) the possibility of polarizing reader emotional reaction; but it also makes it harder to grasp the up-close and personal reality of the "issue." (Francine Rivers' Atonement Child --which I haven't read, but want to-- which focuses on a raped and pregnant college student, is probably a more Stowe-like treatment of the subject.) But this is still a very serious, credible and moving work of thought-provoking fiction.
June 2, 2017
Having very much enjoyed Chuck Colson's non-fiction (Born Again, Life Sentence), I thought I would give his fiction a try, when I found this book on a "free" table at church. I wouldn't say I was exactly disappointed, but I wasn't thrilled either.
First, what I liked: I found the book well-written, engaging, and (mostly) clean. The best parts were those that made use of the author's experience in Washington, and in the prison system. Those portions felt very realistic, and I got the impression that, from Colson's perspective, both those places are about equally dark and corrupt. The story, as a whole, was fairly believable, with Christian themes and apologetics woven throughout, rather than tacked on, as with some Christian novels.
What really took this down to a three-star read, for me, was the overall negativity of the book. In over 550 pages, pretty much the only good thing that happens is that , but even that happens "off-camera," so to speak. Every other major plot line ends disappointingly or depressingly, literally to the very last page. It's a matter of taste, of course, but I prefer fiction with more "light," to balance the dark parts.
Also, I should mention that I didn't really find the author's basic premise believable. This probably made more sense in the social/political climate of the time, but it hardly seems plausible today. Nevertheless, it is an interesting window into the thinking of Christians in the 90's, an era that I grew up in, but without much political awareness until the 2000 election. Overall, I would say I enjoyed the book, and I would give it 3-1/2 stars.
Content: Graphic description of an abortion , war violence, some sexual references (but nothing graphic), a few mild expletives. Overall, mature themes - definitely an adults-only read, in my opinion.
First, what I liked: I found the book well-written, engaging, and (mostly) clean. The best parts were those that made use of the author's experience in Washington, and in the prison system. Those portions felt very realistic, and I got the impression that, from Colson's perspective, both those places are about equally dark and corrupt. The story, as a whole, was fairly believable, with Christian themes and apologetics woven throughout, rather than tacked on, as with some Christian novels.
What really took this down to a three-star read, for me, was the overall negativity of the book. In over 550 pages, pretty much the only good thing that happens is that , but even that happens "off-camera," so to speak. Every other major plot line ends disappointingly or depressingly, literally to the very last page. It's a matter of taste, of course, but I prefer fiction with more "light," to balance the dark parts.
Also, I should mention that I didn't really find the author's basic premise believable. This probably made more sense in the social/political climate of the time, but it hardly seems plausible today. Nevertheless, it is an interesting window into the thinking of Christians in the 90's, an era that I grew up in, but without much political awareness until the 2000 election. Overall, I would say I enjoyed the book, and I would give it 3-1/2 stars.
Content: Graphic description of an abortion , war violence, some sexual references (but nothing graphic), a few mild expletives. Overall, mature themes - definitely an adults-only read, in my opinion.
October 9, 2011
Listened to as an Audio Tape. Very disappointing ending. I normally love a Charles Colson book, this one just was a bit boring.
November 2, 2020
A gripping account of how American freedoms might get curbed by popular demand. All kicked-off by a pro-life extremist executing an abortionist, in face of a hostile liberal society and a determined President.
What gives great credibility to this novel is the inside knowledge of top government provided by the lead author. His experience of the operations of the Nixon government, Watergate and then prison and his co-writer's skill makes for a real page-turner.
What gives great credibility to this novel is the inside knowledge of top government provided by the lead author. His experience of the operations of the Nixon government, Watergate and then prison and his co-writer's skill makes for a real page-turner.
February 9, 2013
Enjoyed it but I thought it ended poorly. Was confusing at the very end. Didn't seem to tie to any of the prior book. Disappointing ending.
January 28, 2014
Garbage. Right wing propaganda. Better used as toilet paper.
July 9, 2018
Was this book interesting? Yes, 5 stars.
Was this book enjoyable? Not really, 2 stars.
Was this book realistic? Yeah, I trust the author--5 stars.
Was this a good book? Eh, take the average of the above, and maybe you'll get the answer.
In short, this was a complicated book. This is not a book that you sit down and read, because you want a good story. And yet, for many people, this probably is an important book to read. It's a warning.
The plot concerns the government and abortion. The first thing one must realize is that no one can trust the government. It doesn't matter what they say, it doesn't matter to what political party they belong, you probably can't trust people who have power. (Look, President Trump was right--there is a swamp, and there has been for a very long time) Although nothing in the plot actually happened, I can certainly see something like it occurring, if the body of Christ doesn't stand up against the evil of abortion. The situations the characters found themselves in--especially Daniel Seaton--were definitely hard, no doubt about that. That's why it's best never to get in those situations in the first place.
The setting was the weirdest part. The book was written kind of a long time ago--I think 1995?--and set in the then-future. (Either late 1990's, or early 2000's, in my opinion, but it was never stated) That makes it the now-past. Now that that's the past, we know there was never a President Whitney Griswold, or a bombing of a regeneration center. (Also, there might not even be references to the World Trade Center bombing, because who remembers that anymore?) Basically, it was difficult to wrap my mind around the timing of these events that could have happened in the past, but thankfully our nation isn't quite that bad ... yet.
And the characters ... talk about realistic. And depressing. Senator Langer was probably about as realistic as they come--I was hoping he'd make the right decision, but who can blame him for caving? President Griswold was probably exactly like every soft politician with his own agenda, and he certainly didn't act like a Republican. Bernie O'Keefe, at first, was just an annoying drunk without a conscience, but as his character developed, I just felt bad for him. His depressing story just wanted me to throw the book across the room. Just because you grew up Catholic, doesn't mean you're a Christian. Okay? Please tell everyone that.
The interesting thing about these characters was that there was no clear protagonist, except for maybe Daniel. The story was told from a lot of different perspectives, (it could probably be called head-hopping) and the back of the book tells Emily Gineen's story. So maybe Emily was a half-protagonist; she was about the only good thing that happened in the entire book, anyway. Although I'm not sure she could actually be the protagonist, because of her stance on abortion. (And I don't think she ever changed her mind on that ...?) Honestly, I liked Lance, and I didn't mind Alex. But they were such in the gray area, and I don't even know if they were supposed to be likable. Like I said above, I hope we never to to a point where we find ourselves in a situation in where Alex, Lance, and Daniel found themselves.
The content is not for the faint of heart, either. There was a pretty detailed description of an abortion procedure, and it sickened me. I guess hard-hearted pro-abortionists wouldn't be affected, but it was pretty gruesome. There was also a tiny bit of language. (Spoken by the president, ironically. Many times President Griswold sounded very unprofessional.)
So, overall, this book is enlightening, providing insight into government workings. It's also a warning to the church. This is not, however, and enjoyable read with a nice, happy ending. Far from it.
Was this book enjoyable? Not really, 2 stars.
Was this book realistic? Yeah, I trust the author--5 stars.
Was this a good book? Eh, take the average of the above, and maybe you'll get the answer.
In short, this was a complicated book. This is not a book that you sit down and read, because you want a good story. And yet, for many people, this probably is an important book to read. It's a warning.
The plot concerns the government and abortion. The first thing one must realize is that no one can trust the government. It doesn't matter what they say, it doesn't matter to what political party they belong, you probably can't trust people who have power. (Look, President Trump was right--there is a swamp, and there has been for a very long time) Although nothing in the plot actually happened, I can certainly see something like it occurring, if the body of Christ doesn't stand up against the evil of abortion. The situations the characters found themselves in--especially Daniel Seaton--were definitely hard, no doubt about that. That's why it's best never to get in those situations in the first place.
The setting was the weirdest part. The book was written kind of a long time ago--I think 1995?--and set in the then-future. (Either late 1990's, or early 2000's, in my opinion, but it was never stated) That makes it the now-past. Now that that's the past, we know there was never a President Whitney Griswold, or a bombing of a regeneration center. (Also, there might not even be references to the World Trade Center bombing, because who remembers that anymore?) Basically, it was difficult to wrap my mind around the timing of these events that could have happened in the past, but thankfully our nation isn't quite that bad ... yet.
And the characters ... talk about realistic. And depressing. Senator Langer was probably about as realistic as they come--I was hoping he'd make the right decision, but who can blame him for caving? President Griswold was probably exactly like every soft politician with his own agenda, and he certainly didn't act like a Republican. Bernie O'Keefe, at first, was just an annoying drunk without a conscience, but as his character developed, I just felt bad for him. His depressing story just wanted me to throw the book across the room. Just because you grew up Catholic, doesn't mean you're a Christian. Okay? Please tell everyone that.
The interesting thing about these characters was that there was no clear protagonist, except for maybe Daniel. The story was told from a lot of different perspectives, (it could probably be called head-hopping) and the back of the book tells Emily Gineen's story. So maybe Emily was a half-protagonist; she was about the only good thing that happened in the entire book, anyway. Although I'm not sure she could actually be the protagonist, because of her stance on abortion. (And I don't think she ever changed her mind on that ...?) Honestly, I liked Lance, and I didn't mind Alex. But they were such in the gray area, and I don't even know if they were supposed to be likable. Like I said above, I hope we never to to a point where we find ourselves in a situation in where Alex, Lance, and Daniel found themselves.
The content is not for the faint of heart, either. There was a pretty detailed description of an abortion procedure, and it sickened me. I guess hard-hearted pro-abortionists wouldn't be affected, but it was pretty gruesome. There was also a tiny bit of language. (Spoken by the president, ironically. Many times President Griswold sounded very unprofessional.)
So, overall, this book is enlightening, providing insight into government workings. It's also a warning to the church. This is not, however, and enjoyable read with a nice, happy ending. Far from it.
February 21, 2024
Could this repressive political landscape be the future in which Christians must live? (4 stars)
Charles Colson has been in the White House, so he knows what he's talking about when it comes to the currents of contemporary politics. In this novel he teams up with Ellen Vaughn, to write a political thriller with an uncomfortable setting that could very well be in our near future. After an abortionist doctor is murdered by an extremist activist, the new president J. Whitney Griswold decides that the only way to deal with the pro-life movement is to become heavy-handed and take firm action. When a newly built abortion clinic is bombed, Griswold decides that he needs to up the ante against the pro-lifers whom he considers to be terrorists, with the result that a Christian pastor, Daniel Seaton, is arrested and becomes the scapegoat.
Colson paints a very stark picture of what life could be like in a state that starts to shut down freedom of speech, and in a climate where restrictions on liberty start promoting violence, Christians become the targets for a new police state. The story is quite a gripping one, although at times it is weighed down by some apologetics, philosophy, and politics, but many readers will appreciate some of the thoughtful questions this novel raises about democracy, liberty, and bigotry. In a world where the victims of abortion are the equivalent of a modern Holocaust, could a liberal government turn into a repressive regime not unlike Nazi Germany? These are important and relevant questions for us to be asking, and this novel helps us ask them, while spinning a good story at the same time, even if it leaves us with a pessimistic ending.
Charles Colson has been in the White House, so he knows what he's talking about when it comes to the currents of contemporary politics. In this novel he teams up with Ellen Vaughn, to write a political thriller with an uncomfortable setting that could very well be in our near future. After an abortionist doctor is murdered by an extremist activist, the new president J. Whitney Griswold decides that the only way to deal with the pro-life movement is to become heavy-handed and take firm action. When a newly built abortion clinic is bombed, Griswold decides that he needs to up the ante against the pro-lifers whom he considers to be terrorists, with the result that a Christian pastor, Daniel Seaton, is arrested and becomes the scapegoat.
Colson paints a very stark picture of what life could be like in a state that starts to shut down freedom of speech, and in a climate where restrictions on liberty start promoting violence, Christians become the targets for a new police state. The story is quite a gripping one, although at times it is weighed down by some apologetics, philosophy, and politics, but many readers will appreciate some of the thoughtful questions this novel raises about democracy, liberty, and bigotry. In a world where the victims of abortion are the equivalent of a modern Holocaust, could a liberal government turn into a repressive regime not unlike Nazi Germany? These are important and relevant questions for us to be asking, and this novel helps us ask them, while spinning a good story at the same time, even if it leaves us with a pessimistic ending.
January 25, 2018
Despite the 1995 copyright, Colson and Vaughan have written a frighteningly accurate Beltway novel of a degenerate society focused on safety and security rather than freedom. The leaders want power, the people want entertainment more than responsibility, so each side gets its wish. A building is bombed by one side whose idealism and anger outruns its sense. The other side obsessively cracks down on challenges to its shaky sand-based authority. One leader throws in the towel because of an old shame. Another leader pays the ultimate price for principle, while a third runs mad. The characters and the situations seem very real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
Its very long and a bit drawn out but an interesting insight into how government can try to squash dissent. A very controversial topic is abortion. Characters seem a little unreal and the Christian testimony a little strained to get the desired effect.
Colson's experience in Nixon's administration and now in prison reform helps in have an insight into these situations.
Colson's experience in Nixon's administration and now in prison reform helps in have an insight into these situations.
December 18, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it was truly an interesting read. I have had this one for several years, but just now finished reading it all for the first time. I may read it again, and I know some friends who will enjoy it as well.
August 16, 2021
This book stands the test of time. The government of the United States is rocked by an administration that has no moral compass - sounds familiar? If you can find a copy of it read it - it reads like tomorrows newspaper.
September 28, 2022
There’s a lot going on in this book, lots of characters, lots of back stories. An abortionist is murdered by a pro-life zealot which kicks off a backlash from the newly-elected president of the US as he determines to root out the terrorist element in the pro-life community and squash them. Over time, he loses perspective and begins to see all pro-lifers as terrorists. (Sound familiar?) There were a few Christian characters in the book and I guess to give the authors credit, they did not present these characters in simplistic ways. Gideon’s Torch was a plan by one of the pro-life groups to break through regular TV programming to show the entire nation what an abortion really looked like, in an effort to shine a light on the plans to develop a new research center which would use tissue from aborted babies to develop a cure for AIDS. The plan was executed and had no real effect, so it felt like the book was oddly named. In the Bible, Gideon and his small band of fighters were successful in defeating the huge Midian army just by breaking jars, sounding trumpets and waving torches. The main thesis is stated by one of the Christian characters toward the end of the book as he shares the gospel with his boss, the Attorney General of the US. He tells her that there are only three options in response to the gospel: life, death or madness. By the end of the book, three of the main characters have exemplified this thesis: one chooses life in Christ, one rejects it and in despair takes his own life, and one is showing signs of insanity.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. There were story threads that dangled without being resolved, plot holes, things that just didn’t make sense, and the whole book was flavored with more despair than hope, probably in an attempt to make sure the book wasn’t filled with unrealistic Pollyanna solutions to real problems.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. There were story threads that dangled without being resolved, plot holes, things that just didn’t make sense, and the whole book was flavored with more despair than hope, probably in an attempt to make sure the book wasn’t filled with unrealistic Pollyanna solutions to real problems.
July 17, 2018
Not nearly as good as "Born Again."
August 5, 2019
Sad commentary of politics and suppression of different viewpoints.
Read
July 11, 2024I don’t understand the comment at the end about “the church bells.” Unless it takes reminiscent of the church bells after Bernie’s funeral….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2020
Intriguing book, and just as relevant today as when it was published. Great read, with lots of insight and inspiration.
October 20, 2010
I can tell already at around 60 pgs into, that this isnt going to be a fluffy, easy read. And it is one that I am going to have to pay attention and not be able to skim through. Subject matter is way deeper than my last few books have been. Willing to stick it out though, as I see it has received excellant ratings from others.
I enjoyed the authors writing style, but I had a hard time knowing which characters to like, it seemed like you just got to know a character, then it switched you to a different one. By the time you got back to the original one you forgot again! That could be old age though. Too many characters. I still dont relate to any of them other than the poor Pastor Seaton that was killed off. I liked the book, just wouldnt want to stick it out again (re-read). This was over 500 pages. And they are left with a whack job for a president.
I enjoyed the authors writing style, but I had a hard time knowing which characters to like, it seemed like you just got to know a character, then it switched you to a different one. By the time you got back to the original one you forgot again! That could be old age though. Too many characters. I still dont relate to any of them other than the poor Pastor Seaton that was killed off. I liked the book, just wouldnt want to stick it out again (re-read). This was over 500 pages. And they are left with a whack job for a president.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2011
It could be a good book, but the plot was too weak in points. The characters in the book were all quite one-dimensional. I hated the ending. The major themes were pounded over and over again. The overarching message of the themes were that ONLY widespread morality would save the nation (a naíve view at best--at worst, designed to discourage most from any sort of action to influence the laws and decisions of the nation). Definitely not up to the modern standards of Grisham or Clancy (although, it was obvious that it was mimicking the style of Clancy). I got to the end and wondered why I wasted several hours reading the book.
September 5, 2008
Good book - had some of the ethical dilemma/issues that I like. Especially good to read during this time of year - the upcoming presidential election. Reminded me of the need to pray for our government leaders more often!
April 16, 2009
This was a first novel by the authors. I bought it at a conference and had it signed by Ellen Vaughn. I thought they did a great job. It was a murder mystery that kept you guessing right up to the end.
March 12, 2011
This was a fantastic book. I read it long ago and felt like I had a Law Degree afterwards, but I've read so much now that I don't if I would feel that way today. Anyway, a great story and I believe it is the only fictional work by Chuck Colson (of the Watergate scandle). I highly recommend it.
February 15, 2013
I enjoy espionage books, and to read one by Charles Colson is so fitting. It indeed has a ring of truth in this fictional book considering who Charles Colson and his personal experiences. loved it!
August 3, 2008
Perhaps a '4'. I like his non-fiction much better, but I am glad to have read this also
September 5, 2012
Fiction; but has insiders perspective of how Washington reacts to major problems.
July 2, 2015
This book was about Pro-Life and Anti-Choice.. It is fiction and shows a US President with an agenda for the anti-choice people.
October 14, 2011
One of the best reads ever!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews