Robert aka Bob Liparulo even answered some of my questions. I'll shoot those into cyberspace on Friday.
Germ: The details.
http://www.amazon.com/exec
Germ: The author link
http://www.robertliparulo.com
Germ: The Review....
I anticipated the release, even itched, to get my hands on "Germ." I didn't read "Comes a Horseman" but followed comments and reviews of Liparo's first novel. I knew "Germ" would be a book that generated conversation.
Violence and gore is one of the charges leveled against "Comes a Horseman," " Germ" contains blood and guts, too. This isn't an easy read. The subject matter is rough. But the gore isn't gratuitous or sensational, its sharing a story that is very visual and sense oriented. So much so that if you can't do suspense or strong violence you may want to avoid it. I can't watch war movies because of what the death and violence do to my spirit, but I clipped through "Germ," so use that as a guide if you are squeamish.
Another topic of discussion that's come up is the "lack" of strong Christian threads throughout Liparolo's work. I have a few comments about that, too. There is no prayer printed on the last page, or extremely evangelical characters, but I found a realistic and positive protrayal of a Christian character that presented love and forgiveness within the pages of "Germ."
What do you want from your Christian fiction? If you are looking for a salvation plan based story, you probably won't be satisfied with the Christian content in "Germ." But if you like art that points out the differences between redeemed and unredeemed with the themes of love and redemption swirled throughout the story like subtle brush strokes adding light on a painting, you'll likely appreciate Liparulo's subtle touches.
As far as story goes. I can see why there is talk of a movie. I had actors picked out for most of the parts. This story is suspenseful, thrilling, twisty and edge of seat. A scenario so not farfetched that it hits a little too close to my comfort zone.
The book is also well written with some vivid and often beautiful descriptions (or vivid descriptions that just might curl your toes.)
"Germ" is a great read. I recommend it.
3 comments:
Kelly,
I will have to check this out. It sounds a little bit like Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy. Have you read any of Ted Dekker's books? I enjoy his writing, and would recommend his books. It's good stuff if you're looking for Christian Fiction.
Brad
Hey Brad,
Thanks for stopping by. I read a lot of Dekker. Just finished SAINT and wrote a review at Amazon. I think Dekker keeps improving as a writer.
Liparulo is comparable. I think you'd like him. His voice is more literary in my opinion.
Bob gave me a little taste when he answered my interview questions. If you like his writing sample I'll post on Friday, you should like "Germ."
A very thorough review, Kelly. This story is certainly outside the realm of normal CBA fiction, but that's refreshing. There is an audience for fiction that stretched outside the "safe" little bubble some Christian fiction has been forced into. I applaud Liparulo's work if for nothing more than that. But like you shared, there is a lot more than that to like here.
God Bless,
Daniel I Weaver
www.danieliweaver.com
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