Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days (Left Behind #1)

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It's a hit!

The first time I attempted to read this book was about 10 years ago. This book scared me so bad I stopped reading it halfway through and threw it ... (show more)

The first time I attempted to read this book was about 10 years ago. This book scared me so bad I stopped reading it halfway through and threw it away! You read that right. This time, I downloaded the unabridged version to my ipod, and listened to it in my spare time. This book is wonderful! The authors' creative and picturesque representation of what the rapture may be like, as well as what life will be like for those left behind. A situation that clearly noone on earth could know what either would be like, the authors have done a spectacular job presenting both to the reader in a clear, understandable way, and completely inter-woven with the truths of scripture throughtout the book(s). I have definately changed my opinion of this book and the entire series, and I attribute that to having grown in my faith and knowledge of the scriptures. I look forward to being able to say that I've read (or listened) to the entire Left Behind Series. (show less)

 

 

by Amanda Postma

No, it's a flop!

Let me begin this review by saying that the theology contained within this book is ghastly and is not to be construed as biblical truth. This story... (show more)

Let me begin this review by saying that the theology contained within this book is ghastly and is not to be construed as biblical truth. This story comes straight out of the fundamentalist, dispensational premillenialist school of thought that will ultimately belittle the christian faith and continue to alienate more and more people. The "rapture" is about as scriptural as my foot and and if you're genuinely interested in eschatology I would recommend reading the book of revelation instead.
However, after conceding that this novel is mostly biblical fluff and fundamentalist fire and brimstone, I admit that I found the general plot entertaining. It took much too long to create substantial, 3.D characters and even longer to provoke any emotional reaction to said characters and their obvious peril, yet once the plot gained momentum I found it quite entertaining.

I plan to read the second book out of curiosity and am interested to see how the authors appropriate the frighteningly beautiful imagery contained within John's revelation to our modern world...

I would never recommend this book to anyone who did not have an understanding of biblical scriptures or principals but if you're a christian looking for a laugh or to possibly witness the demise of our faith, by all means be my guest. (show less)

 

 

by Simone Black

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  Hahaha. You know the expression "so bad it's good"? Well, that's not true of this book. Oh no.

  Left Behind was unintentionally funny. Many of the plot devices were madly implausible - a super-duper fertiliser formula making Israel richer the oil nations and thereby bringing relative peace (until the Russkies try to kill them)? Carpathia's fantastically moving speech consisting of reciting the names of every country?!

  Overall, it was poorly written, the characterisation rather... (show more)

  Hahaha. You know the expression "so bad it's good"? Well, that's not true of this book. Oh no.

  Left Behind was unintentionally funny. Many of the plot devices were madly implausible - a super-duper fertiliser formula making Israel richer the oil nations and thereby bringing relative peace (until the Russkies try to kill them)? Carpathia's fantastically moving speech consisting of reciting the names of every country?!

  Overall, it was poorly written, the characterisation rather basic, and the inner lives rudimentary. On the plus side, it was readable, if clunky. Its didacticism was overt and it had a hammer for those points and knew how to use it. It took crude potshots at all sorts of targets, from the Jews to family planning.

  For me, the best part of it was the naming of "Tribulation Force" which was doubly a gift since it was very close to the end, mercifully. Oh me, oh my. Hahaha.

  I found it impossible to take the novel seriously and snickered long and loud.

  Needless to say, I shan't be rushing out to read any more of the several gazillion sequels, prequels and spin-offs from this stable. (show less)

   

   

  by Liz Adams on Feb 15, 2009 at 10:16PM

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  Fascinating as an anthropological study of the Christian sect which believes this version of the rapture and the end times. Mediocre as an actual work of literature.

   

   

  by Ulea Lago on Aug 03, 2008 at 12:57PM

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