Review, Recommend, Endorse, Critique

Recently, there's been some discussion about book reviews. If a review lacks any negative comments, it's immediately suspect. I'd like to share my thoughts, and then have you chime in with your opinions.

I decided to pull out Mr. Webster and my Synonym Finder to determine the meanings of the words in my title. Here goes:

1. Review - As a verb it means to amend or alter, to review an opinion. Synonyms: critical article, critique, criticism, commentary, editorial, evaluation.

2. Recommend - to present as worthy of confidence, acceptance, or use, commend. Synonyms: commend, mention favorably, promote, speak well of, put in a good word for, approve, sanction, condone, support, endorse, suggest, offer, propose, warn, caution.

3. Endorse - To express approval or support, especially publicly. Synonyms: approve, give one's stamp of approval, sanction, warrant, seal, vouch for, stand behind, confirm, authorize.

4. Critique - an article or essay evaluating a literary or other work. Review. Synonyms: review, notice, report, article, editorial, essay, blurb, commentary, analysis, pan, slam, swipe.

A critic is a person, who judges, evaluates or criticizes literary or artistic works. The definition of a reviewer is similar: a critic, commentator, evaluator, judge, connoisseur, assessor.

Looking at these definitions, would you consider yourself more of a reviewer or one who recommends a good book? I stand in the second camp: I recommend books I've enjoyed.

Examining All Facets

At our writers' group on October 18th, we studied the intricacies of writing dialogue. During the discussion, we talked about authors, and how they handled dialogue and character development.

I brought up Mary DeMuth and Lisa Samson. Mary is expert at showing the inner motivations of her characters. Her dialogue is true to each one. Nine-year-old Maranatha sounds like a nine-year-old child. A villain is chilling without being a caricature.

Lisa bares the soul of her characters as they journey from hopelessness to joy. There are no pat or unrealistic answers. The struggles are authentic and often heart-wrenching.

As other books and authors were discussed and dissected (doesn't that sound like a biology experiment - ewww), I realized the richness of reading many authors and genres. Each one has a distinct storytelling style, voice, and talent.

While I'll always have my favorite authors, I'm determined to examine and enjoy the writing of as many writers as possible. Why be satisfied with one brilliant flash when other facets hold a variety of colors, experiences, and nuances that make up human beings?

It's ONLY Fiction - Defining, Discussing & Setting a Personal Standard - Part V

When discussing a book, I've often heard people say, "What's the big deal? After all, it's ONLY fiction." At times, I've said the same thing. Hmm, this assumes fiction is meaningless and has no impact on the way we think, see our world, or live. Is this true?

Alice in Wonderland was a political statement written in fictional form. Charles Dickens' works pointed out the evils of his day without confronting the establishment. Uncle Tom's Cabin decried slavery and fueled the anti-slavery movement. Only fiction?

Christian authors freely admit to promoting a relationship with the Lord, family values, and handling problems in a way pleasing to God. Only fiction?

When a book comes along undermining and questioning Biblical truth, perhaps it's prudent to guard our hearts. Is he or she acting like the serpent in the Garden questioning God's motives. Is the author planting seeds of destruction in our minds? Only fiction?

Food for thought: How has Christian fiction impacted your life? Are there books in the ABA, which have had a negative effect on you or someone you know?

Defining, Discussing, and Setting a Personal Standard - Part IV

I'd like to touch on an area I haven't heard discussed in Christian writer/reader circles. How is the subject of the occult being handled in Christian fiction?

Recently, I purchased a highly-acclaimed Christian book. I'd heard many good things about this author's work. The writing drew me in immediately, promising a suspenseful tale. As I read, I became increasingly uncomfortable. An occult practice was the centerpiece of the story. I brushed off my misgivings, rationalizing the writer would somehow discredit this and bring out the truth. While a mild attempt was made toward the end, it left the impression this practice eventually drew the characters to faith in God.

My purpose is not to give a negative review of a particular book, nor will I name the book. In an effort to write a heart-stopping thriller, have some authors ignored the Biblical command to avoid all occult contact? I've read many books where such involvement was present, but clearly shown as a counterfeit of God's gifts. When that line is blurred in any way, we're on dangerous territory.

From now on, I'll no longer reason away those alarm bells that something is amiss. I don't care if a book is labeled Christian fiction. If it gets into an area of condoning or promoting the occult, that author has lost me as a reader forever.

Have any of you run into this problem? Our final installment of this series will cover a phrase I hear repeatedly and have actually used on occasion myself: "It's Only Fiction."

Defining, Discussing, and Setting a Personal Standard - Part III

Several years ago, I attended a Christian Conference. A friend and I were directed downstairs when we asked where we could powder our noses. What a sight to behold! We entered a world of Trekkies. Yup, these folks were in full costume.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy places like Disney World with people dressed like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the rest. I also know this is fantasy and not real life. For me, the problem comes when people get wrapped up in a make-believe existence and allow it to damage their relationships.

Fantasy and Sci-Fi can be a lot of fun as long as we keep it in that realm. I've watched my share of Star Trek, Disney, and similar programs. In recent years, my interest in this genre has waned.

What's your take on the whole fantasy, Sci-Fi area? Love it, hate it, don't care? I'm interested in your opinions.

Defining, Discussing, and Setting a Personal Standard - Part II

Defining Christian speculative fiction is a bit more difficult than nailing down the meaning of other genres. From what I've read, it includes books containing angels and demons.

Books like Frank Peretti's, "This Present Darkness," and "Piercing the Darkness" fall into this category. I assume Kathryn Mackel's, "Hidden," would also fit this definition. The powers that be in CBA reason: 1) Angels and demons are real. 2)We don't know how they operate. 3)Therefore, the book is speculative.

What about books based on Biblical stories that contain scenarios not found in the scripture? Are these considered Christian speculative fiction?

Since I lived in New England for over 20 years, I'm aware of the spiritual warfare needed to survive in that area. Frank Peretti's books do not freak me out. While everything may not be 100% accurate, there's a lot of Biblical support for the spiritual battles taking place. Think about the story of Daniel praying, and the glimpse God gives us of the battle between angels and demonic princes.

What other books are considered Christian speculative fiction and why?

Defining, Discussing, and Setting a Personal Standard - Part I

Every now and then, I see blog posts and discussions about "edgy" Christian fiction, speculative Christian fiction, and fantasy. I'd like to explore some of these terms, share my opinions, and open a discussion.

What is "edgy" Christian fiction? I've deduced it's being able to show this dark world in a realistic way. Villains are multi-faceted. Characters have substance abuse, sexual, and criminal issues. The "edgy" Christian fiction I've read expressed these behaviors without spelling out every detail. People are smart enough to figure out what's happening without seeing everything in technicolor.

Back when they allowed the first mild epithet to pass the lips of an actor, some hailed it as a step toward better movies. This small crack in the dam opened the general public to a flood of profanity, obscenity, and gratuitous violence, which is virtually impossible to stop. Why would we, as Christians, want to lower the standards God has set in His Word by following the world's example?

This week, I read an article about actor, Kirk Cameron. He's determined he will not kiss any woman other than his wife. When a scene called for a kiss with his leading lady, they brought in his wife as her double. I admire him for sticking to his convictions.

As a Christian writer, my first allegiance is to the Lord. I want my writing to impact readers in a way that will draw them to Him and not appeal to the base elements of human nature. When I was growing up, there was a saying: "If you have to use bad language, you do not have a good vocabulary." With an abundance of acceptable words at our disposal, let's use them and not resort to gutter talk in any form.

What are your opinions on this subject? How do you handle characters with rough edges?