Carole’s Corner

Great Story but I should have come in at the beginning!

Ted Dekker employs great metaphors in his Circle Series.  In this latest book, Green, his protagonist, Thomas Hunter, returns to the year 2010 from 4036 A.D. According to the Books of History, referred to in Green, everything happening after the year 2010 actually began in the future in 4036 A.D.

The story begins with the rebellion of Thomas and Chelice’s son, Samuel, who wants to go to battle, leaving The Circle, against the wishes of his parents.  Billy Rediger, Janae and Monique are characters from the present 2010.  Transportation between worlds and centuries involves blood and books—the Books of History.  The mixing of blood also has a healing effect.   Mating takes place through blood and biting, reminiscent of the current books about vampires.

It seems the time for history is not yet finished and Dekkers story refers back to ancient biblical prophets, Daniel and John.  Elyon is the name given to the true God.  Characters in the book have the advantage of seeing, touching, and tasting good and evil, providing an exciting, experiential kind of reading adventure, involving to the reader’s senses and imagination.

The Raison Strain, a deadly virus, has turned the world upside down in 2010.  (Seems this is a big year for viruses!)  Billy, who tries to understand how and why his life has been impacted by the Books of History, and Janae, who controls Raison Pharmaceutical, begin a romance of sorts.    

 Then there’s Monique—but I won’t go on lest I spoil it for you—many characters, slipping back and forth across centuries of time.  The book contains great graphic descriptions like the “three-hooked claw tattoos” on the foreheads of some characters.  Robes appear to be back in style in 4036 A.D.

 The fuzzy Roush reminded me of Chewbaca in Star Wars.  The Shataiki are bat-like creatures that feed on dead bodies.

 Because I haven’t read Dekker’s earlier books in this series, and I’m not a fan of fantasy literature, I had trouble grasping the symbolism, even after rereading whole paragraphs.  Because of the “circular” theme, I assumed I could begin at any point in the series.  For me, that wasn’t true.

 Battle are graphically described, making one feel he or she is a spectator on the scene, especially if you have has an active imagination and an understanding of a dispensational view of prophecy.  A prior reading of the Left Behind Series would be helpful.

 Thomas; Chelice, his wife; Qurong—the Beast; Billy Rediger (Ba’al?), who was born in a monastery in Colorado; Janae, who travels with him to the year 4036 A.D., the scene of the ensuing battle; and The Circle all seem to have been lifted from a medieval world of the past, rather than the future.  Perhaps that is intentional, reinforcing the “circle” theme of Dekker’s series.  Plenty of action takes place throughout the book, lots of death, although some victims show up again later in the story.

 Horses are used in battle—just like in the Book of Revelation.  (General Motors apparently didn’t make a comeback in 2010.)

 All in all, it’s a rollicking ride!  Fantasy, and science fiction readers familiar with prophetic scripture and other apocalyptic literature will find it a page-turner.  The ending is not as predictable as I thought it would be.

 Followers of Ted Dekker’s earlier writing will love this book!

Ever since I read Daisy Chain, Mary’s first novel in the Defiance Texas Trilogy, I have waited impatiently for its sequel.  So I began as soon as my copy arrived!  I wasn’t disappointed.  As Mary continues the story of Daisy, Missy (Emory), Hap Pepper, Jed, Hixon, Ousie, Angus, Officer Spellman, and the others, I was led on an adventure of intrigue and heartbreak, but also one of hope and redemption.  I felt as if I were walking with Emory Chance on her long road to repentance and eventual redemption. Hixon, a black man, portrays Christ-like love in his wooing of Missy, even to the point of risking his life.  I admit to being slightly confused by some of the flashbacks to Emory (Missy’s) childhood and that of her daughter, Daisy, who was murdered in the first novel, Daisy Chain.  But all in all, I found it a satisfying journey and a rewarding read.

When I first decided to review this book, I found the title long, but intriguing.  How could this man know what women should do differently?  On the other hand, since my world has long been populated with men–father, brothers, husband, sons–I thought the male viewpoint might be worth considering. 

I found his thoughts on “catch and cradle” most interesting–it was a new concept to me.  “When you catch something, you are focused.  You move toward the target, reach for it, grasp it, and then draw it into your body.  You are selective.”  and, “When you cradle something, you concentrate on it.  Cradling means paying attention. . . you accept it . . . you feel its weight and allow it to move you…when you cradle something, you nurture it.”

Buckingham says women are less happy than they used to be due to the many choices available to them today.  He suggests focusing on our strengths, rather than trying to remedy our weaknesses.  He gives ways to conquer the fear of change.  Breaking rules is a good thing, according to Buckingham, referring to rules such as aiming for a balanced life. 

I found it interesting that the author cites the positive value of ego, claiming it’s the source if much that is noble in the world, giving Joan of Arc, John F. Kennedy, Mother Teresa, Margaret Thatcher, and Mahatma Gahdhi as examples of people who believed themselves to be people who would make a significant difference.

“There can be no excellence without celebration,” says Buckingham.  He encourages women to pay attention, work hard, and push our lives toward moments and activities that strengthen us.

I’m sure his words have much truth to offer, but it still sounded like a lot of effort for women who are already pushed to do too much.  I felt he was saying it’s okay to change or leave something out and stay focused on what matters most.  While the book seems directed at career women, he does also speak to “stay-at-home-moms,” saying they are likely to be less educated and poorer.  Nevertheless, he warns against “striving for more of what you don’t really love in the first place.”

The book made me think about my goals and pursuits and sympathize with younger women who are trying to juggle family and career.

Many practical pointers in this book which covers a broad array of subjects.

ledbettercd@sbcglobal.net
76.202.239.93
Submitted on 2009/06/20 at 3:47am

“Who Am I Now? Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons,” is the title of my book, which was published in July, 2007. It’s a book about change and the seasons of a woman’s life. It’s also a Bible study. I hope to blog on women’s issues, change and how we adapt to it, (or fight it) the roles we play–wives, moms, grandmothers, career women etc.–and how knowing Jesus makes a difference.

I recently attended a writer’s conference where I was told to begin a blog, get on Twitter, and Facebook. I was already on Facebook. So here I am!

I’m also a Speaker Trainer for Stonecroft Ministries and I train women to share their faith in a natural kind of way–another topic for blogging!