To the Fourth Generation - Chick Yuill

In this novel, we meet Zander Bennings, a man with a secret which leads him to search through three previous generations of the first-born sons of his family.  We meet Zander’s great-grandfather Sandie Binnie whose simple and happy faith is broken by his experiences during WWI.  Suffering from PTSD, then known as ‘shell shock’, the effects impact his entire family.  

Despite Sandie’s disapproval his son Alec becomes a miner, a job Sandie felt didn’t live up to Alec’s potential.  A lifelong member of the Salvation Army, Alec’s faith was a solid but strict.  His son Ecky was a late born only child and the father-son bond was deep until Ecky’s passion for football became an issue which drove them apart.  When his father’s fears for him come to fruition, Ecky is even angrier and more determined to sever all ties with his family.  Yet despite Ecky’s fall-out with his father over his career hopes, he himself is not supportive of his own son Zander’s hopes to become a writer.  And Zander’s path to publication is long and rocky.

 

Although this is a story – or stories – of a family bloodline, there are important other characters too.  Key to events are the very wonderful Mr Potter and his wife  who show throughout that family is not necessarily only about blood ties.  Though this is a book about four generations of sons and fathers, the women in the book are significant too, strongly and sometimes surprisingly written.  

 

Chick has a wonderful ability to create characters who feel real and are multi-faceted.  His writing makes the reader think, and he also likes to drop some big and jarring surprises and twists into his books and does so in spectacular fashion in this one.

 

I found this book a little slow going at the beginning but as Zander’s own story develops it gathers pace briskly and keeps the momentum right up to the surprising end.  Another top novel from Chick, and the carefully woven in and not at all ‘in your face’ Christian elements make this especially good for anyone wary of too much Christian content in their novels.

9781912726264, Instant Apostle

For transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.

How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know - Kristine Hudson

I picked this up because I have a campervan, and I think many of us with vans wonder from time to time what it might be to go full-time.

Firstly I'll mention that my campervan and I are in the UK and this book is American.  It's therefore directed at Americans who are contemplating the full-time life, but it still has some interesting points for those of us reading it on the other side of the Atlantic.  Right in the first chapter, for example, there are some useful and just-as-relevant-in-the-UK questions, such as 'What deep, burning need in your life will van living satisfy, and are you prepared to make a significant number of sacrifices to find that lifestyle?'  On the other hand, the author also says 'consider the option of not living in a van'.  And there are elements in the book for those who aren't full-time in their vans, but still have vans and for whom, like me, they're an important part of their lives.

As well as talking about the freedoms of van living, it also talks about some of the limitations, responsibilities and realities.  I like this balance.  The elements on health are sensible too, and not especially US specific, and cover both physical and mental health matters.

The book also points out that living in a van can still be expensive, and it covers breaking down potential budgets both for build and living costs.  It has sections on earning a living while being on the road, and it's definitely realistic and not just rosy in its approach.  There are some nice black and white photos throughout, which help break up the text.

Written by someone who's been there and done it - starting with short trips - the practical sections are interspersed with biographical anecdotes which are interesting and relatable!

I'd say this is a good read for anyone, on either side of the Atlantic, who is considering a long trip, or long term living, in a van.

This review is based on an advance copy which I was sent free.  The opinions above are mine and I was not asked to write a positive review.

Nine - Rachelle Dekker

Nine from Christy award winner Rachelle Dekker is an eerie and uncomfortable story set in a dystopian world and told at a breathless pace with lots of twists and turns which frequently left this reader at least off balance.

 

Zoe Johnson lives a quiet life staying away from inquisitive people and keeping to herself - and keeping her uncomfortable past well distanced.  Until the day amnesiac Lucy walks into the diner where Zoe works.  At first Zoe thinks her biggest concern is to protect the naïve and vulnerable Lucy from the predatory trucker who offers to ‘help’ her, but it is soon clear that the predators hunting Lucy are numerous, ferocious, and closing in fast.  

On the run and desperate, Zoe soon questions who – or what – is Lucy?  And in many ways, Lucy is asking the same thing.  Who is she, what is her purpose, and where does she belong?  

Then there is the mysterious Black Project which Lucy is fleeing.  And can anyone be trusted?

 

For the reader, the book raises questions too:  Who are we, really?  Are we the result of genetics, programming, our own choices, or a mix?  Are we what others say we are?  Can we change, and what gives us the power to do so?  

 

For those who enjoy Ted Dekker’s novels and those who have already discovered Rachelle Dekker’s novels, this will be a compelling read.  Be warned though, you’ll need your wits about you, and this is a graphically told novel with a lot of explicit violence which is not only perpetrated by The Bad Guys.  In fact, knowing who The Bad Guys are is not always as obvious as you might think.  Dekker writes cleverly in a way which keeps you off balance and uncertain as to some of her characters actions and motives.  

FBI Agent Tom Seeley is searching for Lucy - but is he aiming to help her or imprison her?  And what exactly are his feelings for Zoe.  His attraction to Zoe was for me at least was entirely unconvincing and even at times annoyingly so.  

If you're looking for a relaxing read, this isn't it, but if you like complex thrillers with plots and characters you have to concentrate on this is for you.  It's a far from cosy read which will keep you questioning right to the end.

9780800735968, Revell

For transparency, I was sent an advance copy of this book, but I was not required to write any specific or favourable review. All views herein are my own.