Tuesday, June 27, 2006

My First Book Review

Thanks to Bookideas.com and Heather for this review, my first one. Check out their website. Judging by the comments about my book, they are straight shooters who won't lead you astray if you're looking for a good read.

3.5 stars out of 5

What would happen if Mexico’s highest drug cartel teamed up with a handful of Iranian terrorists? A plot to make a terrorist attack on American soil may come to be. What will America do about it? Have we learned anything from the hunt for terrorists in Afghanistan or the occupation of Iraq? This time, the president wants to work with the UN. Is a peaceful result possible? In John Washburn’s novel, “When Evil Prospers,” social chaos is about to unfold. This is a terrifying book when looking at the social study of it all.

The terrorist attack hits the most “Wanted-Dead or Alive” state in the nation – Texas. As a result, the governor takes steps for revenge – or as he sees it – protection for his people. Calling up the Texas National Guard to patrol the Mexico border is just the beginning. What follows is an attack on Cuba and Mexico through developing a volunteer militia – since the President of the US does not support these actions. The UN sees this all as an act of war and takes action. What ensues is an all out division of the United States.

While I am sure that John Washburn intended to draw attention to certain issues, I doubt that he meant for me to be terrified by the possibilities I took notice of – that the political “right,” religious zealots of this country could actually entice such an uprising. This book contains a good deal of one-sided political commentary – most of which I do not agree with. I wonder really, who the “evil” that “prospers” is.

The book raises many issues that American readers should be thinking about. As a work of Christian Fiction, I feel it is typical in mission. As a story, the plot is interesting and fast paced, dealing with unfortunately similar current concerns. Readers will connect with the characters on both sides of the issues and likely find that the author leads them to side with those he gives a greater voice to. In execution, the writing is well done with a tight plot, vivid detail, and protagonists that breathe life. All in all, this is a thought-provoking read.

7 comments:

Douglas V. Gibbs said...

Nice review. I am a Christian Author myself (trying to break into mainstream), searching for an agent. My latest work falls in line with this novel in the sense of subject matter. The review was well-done. Bravo for your first review.

John Washburn said...

Thanks for the kind words, douglas.

Debbie, you nailed it! I couldn't agree more. The Left is enabling, appeasing and allowing our enemies to destroy us slowly. Who else but us can stop that?

Anonymous said...

Great Review John,

Maybe just Maybe, Heather should recalculate her statement and realize that you may have meant to offer up a terrifying scenario. Perhaps if she thought long and hard about it, she would realize that the repurcussions resulting from the attack are not that altoghether far-fetched.

Robert

Anonymous said...

The scenario is not farfetched at all. Nothing is out of the realm of thought for the terrorists. Who among us would have thought to fly jets into tall buildings prior to 9/11? We are worried about all the Middle Eastern men that are still taking flight lessons, and we should be. But that will probably not be their next attack.

It will be something 'farfetched' that we would never have thought of on our own. And they just might use morons like the Miami 7, simply because we don't take them seriously. Well, "I" take all threats seriously

Cody O'Connor said...

John, I am inspired that a "common citizen with common opinions" can get a nice book deal and work his way toward a higher reputation. Seeing as though I've been wanting to write my own book, non fiction though. But still very Conservative of course. I have a short description on my blog (top post) if you ever want to check it out...

http://thebetterwing.blogspot.com

But enough about me, good luck with your stuff!

John Washburn said...

Thanks for the kind words, Cody, I'll be sure to stop by your site.

Robert, you're absolutely right about my book being terrifying. That IS how I intended it because if America continues down our current...there is no outcome that is good for us. We MUST change our thinking now, before we fall. But to Heather's credit, she was able to put aside her political disagreement and see beyond my commentary to the basic character of the book, and offer up an honest critique. That shows her professionalism and I appreciate it.

Paul M. Kingery said...

Dear John,
I invite you to write a short review of a new e-book Land of Canaan: Ancient Hope for Future Peace. You can see the full text free at www.landofcanaan.info online. Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Paul