by Jason Joyner | Nov 16, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Yeah, the title is meant to get your attention! I’m continuing the blog tour on Scoop today, because I enjoyed the book so much. I want it to get its full due. If you are looking for a synopsis, yesterday’s post on it has the plot line for you. Today, I not only want to review it, but dissect it a little to look at some good writing.
This book delighted me in several ways. The blurb on the cover from Kristin Billerbeck mentioned the book making her “laugh out loud”. I can testify to the fact that this book is FUNNY. As a medical professional, watching Hugo Talley’s inner debate whether his Blue Pill was the right one for him, or if the Purple Pill would be better, was hilarious. It is a perfect example of how Rene can capture the absurdity of a situation, whether it be the preoccupation with physical perfection, how Christians have a hard time figuring out how to be “real”, or plain ol’ romance. When Ray the reporter is wondering how to turn an offer of prayer into a pickup line, the book is priceless.
The main character is Hayden Hazard, but after the first chapter, you wouldn’t know it by the point of view (POV) in the book. Except the first and last chapter, the book is written through another character’s POV. We only see Hayden when they encounter her, and we only get her external actions and speech. I thought it was very well handled how she portrayed Hayden, and had her drive the story, without having her the POV character. Many books take a break from the main POV for a chapter or so hear and there, which can serve to give a different view of the protagonist. But I’ve never seen this technique. Hayden moves through the Channel 7 News universe appearing as a secondary character, but always manages to turn the events as needed. We see Hayden’s true humility, servanthood, and conviction, without thinking she’s a fanatic (despite other characters’ thoughts to the contrary). I think a high compliment is this: Hayden is someone I’d love to meet in real life. How many books can we say that about a character?
The writing is also very tight throughout the book. I didn’t notice unnecessary scenes or dialogue. It seemed that everything added up in the end. The plot isn’t the stand-out aspect of the book in my opinion. It is an entertaining one, and keeps the reader moving toward the climax in anticipation. However, I enjoyed the journey with the characters so much, I didn’t really worry about what was happening in the plot. Don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a bad thing! It speaks of the great characterization in the book.
These are the major reasons why I enjoyed the book so much. Like I said yesterday, Scoop is the best book I’ve read so far this year. I eagerly anticipate the next book in the Occupational Hazards series. My next post for the Scoop tour will be an interview with Rene Gutteridge, so check back!
by Jason Joyner | Nov 16, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Just saw on the Calling All Nations website that there’s a live CD of the event that is now available here.
From the site:
Calling All Nations on July 15th 2006, was a truly historic gathering. The youth of the world and the young at heart were called to come and worship in the great and strategic city of Berlin. 25,000 people from more than 42 nations came.
Also, an amazing global team of worship leaders and musicians came together to serve the event. This was a unique day and the album is one you won’t want to miss.
Worship leaders include: Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Brian Doerksen, Delirious?, Andrea & Albert Frey, Reuben Morgan, Noel Richards, Dave Bilbrough, yfriday, Broken Walls, Psalm Drummers, onehundredhours, Lothar Kosse & David Ruis. 20 outstanding tracks on this album.
I’m still waiting for the DVD, but I will be getting this as well. It was an awesome event, and would be a great addition to any worship collection. Hey, I might even being in the choir for one of Brian Doerksen’s songs! Whooo!
by Jason Joyner | Nov 16, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Just saw on the Calling All Nations website that there’s a live CD of the event that is now available here.
From the site:
Calling All Nations on July 15th 2006, was a truly historic gathering. The youth of the world and the young at heart were called to come and worship in the great and strategic city of Berlin. 25,000 people from more than 42 nations came.
Also, an amazing global team of worship leaders and musicians came together to serve the event. This was a unique day and the album is one you won’t want to miss.
Worship leaders include: Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Brian Doerksen, Delirious?, Andrea & Albert Frey, Reuben Morgan, Noel Richards, Dave Bilbrough, yfriday, Broken Walls, Psalm Drummers, onehundredhours, Lothar Kosse & David Ruis. 20 outstanding tracks on this album.
I’m still waiting for the DVD, but I will be getting this as well. It was an awesome event, and would be a great addition to any worship collection. Hey, I might even being in the choir for one of Brian Doerksen’s songs! Whooo!
by Jason Joyner | Nov 15, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
In looking back, I’ve been part of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance since June. I’ve read a number of great books so far, and I’ve read extra novels seeing as I still have extra time on my hands.
This week, the blog tour is highlighting the book I consider the best one I’ve read so far this year.
Scoop is written by Rene Gutteridge. She’s written numerous other books, including suspense and the “Boo” series. I was given a choice of a few books to read, and Scoop seemed quite intriguing just from its back cover blurb and the very favorable review from Publisher’s Weekly listed on her Amazon link.
I was NOT disappointed.
Scoop is the first of a new series: The Occupational Hazards. This family of seven kids was homeschooled by their parents while participating in the family clown company. Until the tragic hot-tubbing accident that claimed the parents. Now the Hazards are out of the clown business, trying to find their own way in the world with God’s help.
Channel 7 News is also trying to find its way. From a pill-popping executive producer to the conscience-stricken reporter to the sagging (literally) long-time female anchor, Channel 7 languishes at the bottom of the news ratings. Sweeps week is approaching, and producer Hugo Talley is trying to keep the whole thing from falling apart.
He finds this isn’t easy to do with a sneak attack on a reporter, a Botox accident, and a disappearing colleague. He’s not even sure how to deal with his temp administrative assistant, a pleasant and lovely young lady who has a habit of being totally honest and of praying at really crazy times. Can Hayden Hazard help bring a little peace to the chaos that is Channel 7?
I’m going to save my review for tomorrow. Be sure to check back for my detailed look on why Scoop is my Favorite Book of 2006!
by Jason Joyner | Nov 15, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
In looking back, I’ve been part of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance since June. I’ve read a number of great books so far, and I’ve read extra novels seeing as I still have extra time on my hands.
This week, the blog tour is highlighting the book I consider the best one I’ve read so far this year.
Scoop is written by Rene Gutteridge. She’s written numerous other books, including suspense and the “Boo” series. I was given a choice of a few books to read, and Scoop seemed quite intriguing just from its back cover blurb and the very favorable review from Publisher’s Weekly listed on her Amazon link.
I was NOT disappointed.
Scoop is the first of a new series: The Occupational Hazards. This family of seven kids was homeschooled by their parents while participating in the family clown company. Until the tragic hot-tubbing accident that claimed the parents. Now the Hazards are out of the clown business, trying to find their own way in the world with God’s help.
Channel 7 News is also trying to find its way. From a pill-popping executive producer to the conscience-stricken reporter to the sagging (literally) long-time female anchor, Channel 7 languishes at the bottom of the news ratings. Sweeps week is approaching, and producer Hugo Talley is trying to keep the whole thing from falling apart.
He finds this isn’t easy to do with a sneak attack on a reporter, a Botox accident, and a disappearing colleague. He’s not even sure how to deal with his temp administrative assistant, a pleasant and lovely young lady who has a habit of being totally honest and of praying at really crazy times. Can Hayden Hazard help bring a little peace to the chaos that is Channel 7?
I’m going to save my review for tomorrow. Be sure to check back for my detailed look on why Scoop is my Favorite Book of 2006!
by Jason Joyner | Nov 15, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
November 13-15 is the monthly Christian Sci-fi and fantasy blog tour. This month the highlight is R. K. Mortenson’s latest book, Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum.
I’ve had the pleasure to get to “know” Randy through the Faith in Fiction discussion boards. It’s not like we’ve had a lot of chat time on-line, but reading someone’s “behind the scenes” posts I think gives a little insight into them. His Landon Snow series is on its third book now.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot to share about it at them moment. I just received my copy of the book yesterday, so I can’t really tell you about it.
However, I can point out that it is also on the docket for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in a few weeks (the OTHER blog tour group I belong to), so I will have more for you at that time.
Also, you have my fellow tour-mates to give more information this week. I’d like to point out specifically: Mirtika Schultz , Sherrie Hibbs, and Rebecca LuElla Miller, all who have specific discussions of the Island of Arcanum and can enlighten you further. I plan on checking out others in the links below, and I encourage y’all to do the same!
Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Katie Hart
Sharon Hinck
Joleen Howell
Karen and at Karen¹s myspace
Oliver King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Caleb Newell
John Otte
Cheryl Russel
Hannah Sandvig
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Chris Walley
Daniel I. Weaver
