Book Review and Giveaway: The Last Christian by David Gregory

This is a good thriller with a strong faith message.

The Last Christian: A Novel
by David Gregory

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1 edition (May 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400074975
• ASIN: B006J3W9UG

Genre: Christian Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 26, 2010
In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?

A.D. 2088.
Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

Review:
Abby has lived her thirty-four years with the Papua New Guinea village tribe her parents came to as missionaries. When her village suffers a strange decease she struggles through jungle and rivers to seek aid but returns with a doctor to discover everyone is dead. Abby receives a 16 year old message from her Christian grandparents telling her that she is to bring the Christian message to America, a country where Christianity died many years before.

Abby has never been on an airplane, ridden in a car or experienced normal house facilities. It is a major cultural shock to deal with the surroundings but it is even more difficult to face a society (in 2088) where the majority of people live their lives -school, work, recreation and even experience sex- in VR, virtual reality.

Abby is not particularly welcomed by her Aunt Lauren who is a politician in the active weeks of campaigning. Lauren sees Abby as an embarrassment but at least her partner, Sabin, is nice and tries to help Abby. Abby is interviewed on a global media program but feels that her message -- that Jesus is the only way to eternal life -- falls flat. This message is particularly difficult considering that Bryson Nichols, a technological genius who is funding Lauren’s campaign, has just announced that he has reached eternal life by transferring his brain system into a technology based brain.

Abby’s isolated upbringing captures the attention of Creighton who is the one to share this story. Creighton is a history professor who is fascinated by Abby’s strength, determination and commitment to her faith. Creighton and Abby discover a warning message from her grandfather, Ray. Abby doesn’t understand how her Christian grandfather, a brilliant neuroscientist, could have partnered with Nichols. Bit by bit Creighton and Abby uncover clues that someone killed the villagers and that someone is trying to kill Abby. Could Abby’s message threaten someone so much that they would kill to keep her quiet?

The characters are well developed and represent different perspectives from evil to good. The author presents an interesting history and message of Christianity through a story of ruthless manipulations and mystery. Creighton’s college lecture discusses causes for the demise of Christianity while there is argumentative discourse as Abby presents and defends her faith. Abby also discovers a greater message with the help of Creighton and her grandfather.

The ladies’ book club members agreed that this was a good story. One member, who spent years overseas, questioned the extent of Abby’s education learned while in the jungle. However she agreed that the cultural shock returning to a country like America would be extremely difficult. We all liked the message the story conveys. The story raised a good discussion too of faith as more than head knowledge but also more than feelings. If you enjoy mystery and a good faith message I recommend you try this thriller.

We enjoyed this as our Ladies' Book Club selection for November.
This fit in with my church messages this morning which I have sumarized in my Sunday Words post today.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for TWO book copies - Print for U.S. or digital for International.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

 For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open to U.S. for print or International for digital ebook.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 15, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED after November 15, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 10, 2013

My God has a wonderful way of confirming His word and His messages. Ladies Book Club met yesterday to discuss The Last Christian. (I hope to post my review a little later today.)  The bottom line message is that the Gospel message - that Christ is our savior and the only way to eternal life - is only a part of the message. The rest of the message is  that God is the light and life of the world for those who believe, accept and allow the Spirit to dwell within. When a person accepts Christ into their life they have a connection that allows the Spirit to live through them.

Sunday School message centered on the fact that we are seeing more and more apostasy even in the churches.  Too many churches focus on numbers or quantity instead of quality and connection, i.e. life through the Spirit.

Pastor’s sermon was on God’s healing presenting the message that we shouldn’t pick at wounds that have been treated and are healing, whether in ourselves or in others.  Once God has forgiven then we shouldn’t keep digging up the sin or the bad behavior that the Spirit will help heal.  First we believe, then we must receive the gifts of grace and healing.  Then we need to allow the Spirit in us to lead to righteousness.

I see all three messages confirming that Christians should live a life that is distinguishable from non-Christians.  Part of that is not trying to fix everything ourselves but rather allowing the Spirit to work through us. We should also recognize the Spirit as He works through others and help encourage them, not pick at their wounds.

This morning we sang a wonderful song of praise that I want to share.
I liked the sound and enthusiasm of these young singers.

Because of Who You Are!

Verses for Today:
James 2:22-24 (NIV)
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

Lord, please help me to give praise each day for Who You Are and not just for all you have done for me - which is more than I can ever acknowledge.  

Sharing Beyond Books #125 Comment Giveaway 11/9/13

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

Moving along in November! Happy Day! I am having minimal discomfort and am pretty much back to work. I am still trying to be careful with my arm and trying to go to bed a little earlier for rest. :-)

There were only one or two with definite beauty routines which was a little surprising! Most of you have no beauty routine or minimal. But many of us are sure to use moisturizer.

I was also surprised that few of you keep lists of your wins. Many of you used to keep lists and many keep track to make sure you get the book wins. You sort of have to have some list or folder if you are going to track. :-)

Thank you to all who shared last week.

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The Winner from SBB #124 comments is: #16 bn100 who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #125

Q1. MaryP asks: Have you moved around during your life, or do you still live in your home town??

A: I was born in Pennsylvania where we lived in two places. We moved to Florida when I was 11. Before I went to college our family lived in two houses; then my parents divorced to add two more homes. Since college there have been at least nine moves/homes.  

Image found at DoingItWright

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Have you ever used a book as a hiding place??

A: I have lost papers in books on occasion but, no, I have not used one as a hiding place.  But I love the idea! 

Image found at Otega Daily Times.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

Q1. MaryP asks: Have you moved around during your life, or do you still live in your home town??

Q2. My bookish Question this week: Have you ever used a book as a hiding place??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, November 15, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Winners: The Christmas He Loved Her, Hallowed Eve and No Escape

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNERS:


Giveaway Ended October 25, 2013

ARC Giveaway: The Christmas He Loved Her

Winner: Cheryl (scottsgal)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Ended October 31, 2013

Giveaway: Hallowed Eve 

Winners: Meghan and Kyaw


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giveaway Ended November 8, 2013


Giveaway: No Escape

Winner: Texas Book Lady

Cheryl (Scottsgal), Meghan, Kyaw, and Texas Book Lady Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing.  Please reply within 72 hours! 

Audio Book Review: Prime Suspects by Jim Bernheimer

This is a futuristic murder mystery where the suspects have a lot in common!
Prime Suspects: A Clone Detective Mystery
by Jim Bernheimer
Narrated by Jeffrey Kafer

    LENGTH
    4 hrs and 54 mins
    RELEASE DATE
    12-14-12
    PUBLISHER
    Jim Bernheimer

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Homicide Detective David Bagini awakens in a strange world only to discover that he is, in fact, the 42nd clone of the Bagini line. With no memories of why his Prime entered into a clone contract, he wants answers. The first problem is his Prime is dead and Bagini 42 is in charge of the investigation. The second problem is all the clues point at a clone from his line and they already know all his tricks. How can he solve his own murder when every suspect has his name and face?
©2012 Jim Bernheimer (P)2012 Jim Bernheimer

Review:
This is an easy, fun listen of a strange mystery. The protagonist awakens in the hospital trying to recall what happened. He discovers that he is actually a 42nd clone of his “Prime” human, Homicide Detective David Bagini. Bagini 42, as he is called, is distressed to learn that he is a clone especially since, the last he recalls, his Prime wasn’t interested in extending his life by cloning. Bagini 42 next learns that he has been brought forth to investigate the murder of his own Prime because the clues lead towards one of the other clones being the killer!  42 has to learn the quirks of thirty-nine or so of ‘himself’ (a couple are dead) as he tries to figure out opportunity and motive for the crime. This is particularly tricky since the other clones all know his investigation methods.

42 is forced to attend counseling sessions to make sure he is adjusting to life as a clone. He initially resents being a clone and resents counseling but then he begins to find his counselor, also a clone, is one of the few people he can relate to. He ends up asking for help outside his own line when he feels uncomfortable with only two of his own brothers, who are not always cooperative, as partners.  42 also has to deal with his Prime’s widow and rebellious teen-aged daughter.

Although you might think that clones would be alike, in this story it is fun to listen to 42's efforts to sort out his ‘siblings’ different nuances! The writing is crisp and forth right. There are some fun quotes from other books, including The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.  The clone world is unique and interesting, if not overly developed. There is betrayal, danger and mystery blended with the dry wit of Bagini 42's struggles which make this a fun, quick listen. I highly recommend it as a new twist for mystery lovers.

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer’s narration of this story is slightly reminiscent of Dragnet with an almost - but not quite - dry, presentation. Kafer manages to share the character nuances and portray 42's dry wit as well as keeping the story moving. This makes for a good audio listen.

I received this audio from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox.