by Jason Joyner | May 20, 2008 | Blog, CFBA, fiction, reviews
The CFBA Tour today features award-winning author Lisa Samson and her latest book, Embrace Me.
The back cover copy reads, “When a ‘lizard woman’, a self-mutilating preacher, a tattooed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster…and improbably close to grace.”
That sums up the book very succinctly. Embrace Me is a character-driven novel, a story designed to explore the depths that forgiveness and redemption can reach. The plot revolves around mega-church pastor Drew Parrish confessing his sin to a Catholic priest in 2003, while freak show attraction Valentine winters in between carnival seasons in the quiet town of Mount Oak in 2008. The story bounces back between their timelines, as they battle their internal demons. Val may hide her burned face under a scarf, but both wounded souls have a true face they are hiding.
The plotline is a little convoluted and incredible at times, but the characterization and themes of Embrace Me keep this book an engaging read. The darkness that both Drew and Valentine struggle with are all too real and the interesting supporting cast draw the two wounded people toward grace. It is hard not to enjoy Lella the armless-legless woman, Augustine the tattooed and dreadlocked monk, and Rick the contortionist.
The book isn’t afraid to ask hard questions about true faith, and the glossy side of Christianity is strongly challenged. The Way is not easy, and it is hard to love the unlovable. Even when their cry is to “embrace me,” just the way they are.
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
by Jason Joyner | May 20, 2008 | Blog, CFBA, fiction, reviews
The CFBA Tour today features award-winning author Lisa Samson and her latest book, Embrace Me.
The back cover copy reads, “When a ‘lizard woman’, a self-mutilating preacher, a tattooed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster…and improbably close to grace.”
That sums up the book very succinctly. Embrace Me is a character-driven novel, a story designed to explore the depths that forgiveness and redemption can reach. The plot revolves around mega-church pastor Drew Parrish confessing his sin to a Catholic priest in 2003, while freak show attraction Valentine winters in between carnival seasons in the quiet town of Mount Oak in 2008. The story bounces back between their timelines, as they battle their internal demons. Val may hide her burned face under a scarf, but both wounded souls have a true face they are hiding.
The plotline is a little convoluted and incredible at times, but the characterization and themes of Embrace Me keep this book an engaging read. The darkness that both Drew and Valentine struggle with are all too real and the interesting supporting cast draw the two wounded people toward grace. It is hard not to enjoy Lella the armless-legless woman, Augustine the tattooed and dreadlocked monk, and Rick the contortionist.
The book isn’t afraid to ask hard questions about true faith, and the glossy side of Christianity is strongly challenged. The Way is not easy, and it is hard to love the unlovable. Even when their cry is to “embrace me,” just the way they are.
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
by Jason Joyner | May 14, 2008 | Blog, Burma, social justice
For those who want to donate to help the people suffering from the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma), but are concerned about the way the governing junta seems to be hoarding relief supplies, I have a suggestion. The relief agency World Vision has been in the country for 40 years, and has staff and logistics on the ground to help people.
Of course, we need to pray for the people in need and for freedom from the corrupt dictatorship of the generals as well.
by Jason Joyner | May 14, 2008 | Blog, Burma, social justice
For those who want to donate to help the people suffering from the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma), but are concerned about the way the governing junta seems to be hoarding relief supplies, I have a suggestion. The relief agency World Vision has been in the country for 40 years, and has staff and logistics on the ground to help people.
Of course, we need to pray for the people in need and for freedom from the corrupt dictatorship of the generals as well.
by Jason Joyner | May 11, 2008 | Blog, Uncategorized
A few days ago I ran across an article on Slate entitled “Pop Goes Christianity”. Its subject is Daniel Radosh’s book Rapture Ready! : Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture. If you’re interested in Christian fiction or popular art in general, then I highly suggest reading the article. It provides some thought-provoking fodder that I think we should truly consider.
The article is playing off the book, and there is too much there to fully discuss here.
http://.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2008/05/inside_the_wack.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24543850/from/ET/
What you can do, as Walden has proved, is make top-flight entertainment that both kids and adults will enjoy watching, stressing basic human values like decency, courage and compassion rather than attempting to proselytize your audience. Here’s hoping the company continues to strive for that balance.
