Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

My First Official Book Review: American Midnight

I've talked about what books I've read, but this is my first official book review. (Ooo, exciting!)  American Midnight is a suspenseful Christian political thriller from authors Brandon Barr and Mike Lynch, published by Silver Leaf Books. From the website: 

A family torn apart, a country under siege from within, terrorist plots that will shake society to its core, and it’s all coming to a head in a quiet little town in Iowa...

...At eighteen, Tania Peters still carries deep scars from her mother’s tragic death, and when she’s betrayed by someone close, pain and confusion threaten to swallow her whole.  But underneath all the hurt, she senses the hand of purpose on her life and finds hope in an exciting new political movement.

But not everyone sees the movement as good. Tania’s own father fears that this promised “unity” is a threat to Christian churches across the country.

Pitted between the Party’s utopian promises and the Christian friends and families who soon find themselves on the outside of this new American dream, Tania must choose between her long dormant faith in God and her future with the Party...

...But that one decision could cost her everything—even her life.

I think it was appropriate that I read this book just before the July 4 holiday. American Midnight grabbed my attention right from the start. The well-paced action, with lots of suspense, danger and intrigue, along with a little romance, kept me eager to find out what happens next.

In this sort of book it would be easy to rely on stereotypes: pure, long-suffering Christians pitted against power-hungry, godless villains. American Midnight, however, contains characters that are real people with depth and complexity, characters that I could relate to, characters I could root for or against, and sometimes wonder which I should be doing. (I did find one character, General Aristides, to be a bit over the top, but he was a relatively minor character and filled his role well.)

American Midnight poses some timely questions, and doesn't fall back on quick and easy answers. I have found myself pondering the themes of the book--family, faith, unity, freedom--and thinking about what I might do if I were caught up in Tania's situation. It's the kind of book that makes you wonder, "Could this happen to me?"

American Midnight is a great read, and does not contain offensive content. I can highly recommend it. Learn more about American Midnight on Brandon Barr's website and blog.

*I guess I have to put the disclaimer that yes, I did receive a free copy of the book from the authors to review. Lucky me! I was asked to give my honest opinion, and that is what I have done.*

27 comments:

Unknown said...

I've been hearing about this book. I believe Mike Lynch and I kick around some of the same forums. Sounds good! I love the name Tania.

Angie said...

Thanks for reading the review, KM. I bet you'd enjoy it.

Amie Borst said...

this sounds like one i'll have to read!

Larry and Cindy said...

This sounds like an awesome read. Thanks for the review. You are awesome!!!

Angie said...

Thanks, Amie. Mom, your book club might like this one.

LisaAnn said...

Ooh. I think I'll have to look at the library for this one.

Thanks for the review!

Sheila Deeth said...

Interesting. I like books that aren't afraid of hard questions and difficult answers.

Melissa said...

This sounds very interesting. I like when books examine big questions and don't shy away from them. Great review!

Carolyn V. said...

Great review! I'll have to check it out. =)

Angie said...

Thanks everyone. It really does make you think about things. I hope you'll check it out!

Karen Lange said...

Thank you for sharing this! I appreciate the info.
Blessings,
Karen :)

ali cross said...

Sweet! Thanks for the review!

Tess said...

a christian political thriller? wow .. that's an unusual find. I'm intrigued!

ali cross said...

Hey Angie, I've given you an award!

tiffany said...

oh i think im going to have to read it now

tiffany said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Terry W. Ervin II said...

Writing a review isn't as easy as it sounds. Good first official one!

Aubrie said...

Congrats on your first review! I love books that pose questions that are hard to answer.

Jewel Allen said...

Sounds like a great book!

After the news came about the Russian suburban spies, the thought crossed my mind, what if terrorist plots began from a small town like mine?

Cynde L. Hammond said...

Great review, Angie.

"AMERICAN MIDNIGHT" sounds like an interesting book. How can I possibly be expected to stay within my budget when people like YOU tantalize me with book reviews on books like this one?

"Waaaaaaahhh!"

Just kidding!

"You're an Angel!"

Cynde

Cynde's Got The Write Stuff

Mike Lynch said...

I must say I am very touched by people's response to your review. You write a story hoping it challenges people's thinking, to which they say, "I've got to read that." But when it actually happens, that's what makes all those long hours in front of the computer worth while.

Thank you Angie for writing such a great review.

Mike Lynch

Angie said...

Thanks for writing a great book, Mike!

WritingNut said...

Ooh, it sounds good... great first review! I actually haven't heard of this one.

Unknown said...

Hey there,

you've earned yourself a postcard, so come to my blog, read the post to find my email address and let me know where to send it!

Tana said...

This sounds exciting! Book review well done! Have a great weekend!

Brandon said...

So glad you liked the book Angie! And congrats on your first book review :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Awesome Review! I want to read that book . . . I'll just have to find time sometime in the next few weeks to find it.