Customer Reviews

The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips: A Novel (Faithwords)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an unusual read for several reasons! First, the author is a celebrity. Having seen Stephen Baldwin on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, I was quite excited to have the opportunity to read his first work of fiction. Written in conjunction with Mark Tabb, this murder mystery with a twist is an enjoyable book. Secondly, this purported Christian fiction contains profanity--quite a bit of it--which is why the following disclaimer was sent out:
The statement from FaithWords is:
Normally, it is not the policy of FaithWords to include foul language in our fiction titles. The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips has dialogue which reflects the heart of the main character. His transformation and ultimate conversion to Christ throughout the book is key to the story and the author's intention was to make that transformation clear. We apologize if this inclusion offends our readers. We are committed to publishing fiction that depicts the power of Christ's love in even the darkest life and situation. Harry Helm, Associate Publisher, FaithWords
Thirdly, my observation is that the profanity and adult themes contained in the novel are not attributable to only the main character. Other characters speak with profanity too, and some of the adult themes are spread amongst them throughout the story.

Fourthly, although this is not a book of humor, I laughed out loud when I read the Santa scene. I can't tell more without revealing secrets, but it's funny. I bet you'll laugh too at the Santa part.

The characters are believable. The story is believable. And, (sigh) the dialogue is believable. I must say that it's a good story, and I enjoyed it.

Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb have touched the heart with "The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips." This is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching dramatic tale of the death of one too young and the man, his father no less, who is accused of the deed.

Like Anne Rice's "Interview With A Vampire," I became lost in the storyteller's tale, forgetting that the storyteller was sitting with an interviewer. This book has a solid story, engaging characters and writing that draws the reader intellectually and emotionally. With regard to the controversy of language use, I can see why the writers believed it was necessary. Its use did not diminish the impact that the story had on me. In fact, it may actually have brought scenes more alive out of shock value.

The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips by Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb is an unusual Christian fiction book. Police officer Andy Meyers responds to a call to find a dead boy, Gabriel, whose father is reacting strangely. Meyers had been sleeping with the boy's mother and bonding with the child, so he feels a deep-seated need for justice for the boy's death. The father doesn't react like Meyers would expect with tears and hysteria. Instead, he's calm and talks about how Gabriel has gone home to be with the Lord. This infuriates Meyers who sets out to prove that the father killed Gabriel because he was angry about the affair. The plot is delightfully twisted and convoluted, especially because the narrator is Meyers' son, who he abandoned as soon as he discovered his wife was pregnant. Despite the complicated plot, Baldwin and Tabb keeps things running smoothly from the death to a trial and finally an execution. There has been some concern about the strong language used in the book. While I admit, it is stronger than most Christian fiction on the market, it's nowhere near as strong as plenty of secular fiction, and it's always used appropriately to the character and never for titillation. The only character who is a Christian is Gabriel's father, so the occasional cuss word helps create the character and scene. It works. The authors keep the reader guessing as to exactly what happened to Gabriel, as well as what Andy is going to do next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that Baldwin continues writing!

Christian publishing has crossed a barrier with the publication of The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips.

For starters, this story is compelling. Told through the narration of Andy Myers' son. The son he never wanted, I might add. Narration is not my favorite point of view because it tends to lack intimacy. But I connected with the characters in Death and Life. I also love crime fiction and Death and Life is full of cop/legal drama. The writing is creative and easy to read and the story is positively page turning.

I mentioned that Christian publishing has crossed a barrier with this story because the dialogue is peppered with raw language -- think PG-13. I am not super offended by language and am able to watch or read something and not get caught up in coarseness if the story is compelling enough. Death and Life is full of three, four and five letter words that will stomp on sensitive toes.

Interestingly, I've seen a lot of debate in Christian author loops that discusses this issue and the challenge of writing real and raw when the characters are limited to "Aw, shucks, Ma'am." The fact that Stephen Baldwin has opened the door is going to ease things for the storytellers who want to write real if it includes raw. The bottom line consensus in this debate seems to be that story does rule. And in this case, The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips shares a story that is worth reading.

I loved the style in which this book was written. Let me
give you a little sample of Stephen and Marks opening page...

"Andy Myers didn't want children...Period. Case closed... You would think
someone so adamant about not reproducing would have gone out and had a
vasectomy, but Andy didn't think that way." And so it goes. The story
of Andy Myers drew me in as his son describes him, what he went
through in his life and how he met Gabriel Phillips - who was an 8 year
old boy!! Remember Andy hated children, but this kid gets under his
skin!

Andy Myers thought differently about many things and you discover that
throughout the course of this book. For example, the night Andy responded
to a call for help and he discovers Gabriel Phillips' body on the
floor. The only logical explanation was that the kid was murdered. No
one falls out of bed and dies - not with that much blood.

Andy soon makes it his mission in life to see that the killer of
Gabriel Phillips is found and convicted. Not only that, but Andy wants a
confession. This consumes his every waking moment of life. This
story clearly shows what revenge and unforgiveness can cost you in the
long run. The one thing that Andy Myers couldn't shake about John
Phillips (Gabriel's father) was the peace this man had. Where did
that come from? This guy was faking he was a born again Christian
Andy just knew it. Andy was all torn up inside and out, and this
wasn't even his kid. He didn't like kids. Andy couldn't get past any
of this.

Reader beware!! I truly was engaged in this powerful story, but I was
uncomfortable by all the cursing in this book. Yes, they were police
officers doing their work, and I'm sure they talk like this, but I it
made me uncomfortable reading the words. It's not what I'm accustom
to reading. After all, these cops are in the trenches of life at it's
worst. I understand that and you will too when you read this story.
This is a story of hope for the hopeless and peace for the oppressed.

It helps explain what the peace that passes all understand that we can
only get from our heavenly father looks like. This book also shows our
criminal system and how fast things can go from bad to worse; how people can get stuck in the maze of stuff so far, they can't see out.

This is Stephen Baldwin's first fiction book with Mark Tabb. I surely
hope it won't be his last. Stephen Baldwin wrote a non-fiction book
before this called "The Unusual Suspect" that looks good. I was
pleasantly surprised and very moved by this story, and you will be too.


Finding Hope Through Fiction
[...]

Although there is a lot of very strong offensive language I am thankful I read this book. I cannot believe a Christian publisher published a book with this kind of language in it though. I am not used to reading books with cursing in them. That is one of the reasons I read Christian fiction and some other clean fiction. There are some redemptive parts of the story. The overall plot line is unique and powerful and interesting. Thankfully the last half of the story features almost no cursing. I think the goal of the cursing was to portray the lead character more realistically as he is an unchristian cop. The main plot line includes finding the son of his girlfriend dead at his father's apartment and convicting the father of the crime even if he is really innocent as he says. The father is a Christian and portrays a powerful witness throughout the whole book. The story is told through the voice of the cop's son. I recommend this book with a strong language warning.

www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com

i LOVED this book! couldn't put it down. immediately got on Amazon and ordered Stephen Baldwin's first book. I would highly recommend it...in fact I have!

Stephen Baldwin is one of the most inspirational human beings I have ever had the great blessing of meeting and reading his books. He keeps me hanging on every word, because he has been touched by the hand of God, and is willing to share this with as many people as he possibly can.
I highly recommend purchasing this book. You will not be sorry, it is worth every penny and minute of reading time. God bless Stephen for taking the time to share in this way!

Why I didn't share about this book when I first read it, I don't know. Maybe it's because, after reading it, you are sort of examining yourself. Which in case you don't know, that's a GOD thing.=) Anyway, I'm rereading in, and have in fact now recommend it to a few co-workers who have Nooks. I've also recommended it on my blog.

The book is for, as I said in my title review, anyone who judges by appearance or hearsay. If you always think you know the truth, maybe you aught to give it a read.

My only regret after reading it is that Stephen Baldwin hasn't continued on in writing fiction. Also, I will say it has cussing in it, which I wasn't thrilled with, and think it could have been left out. I'm a CHRISTian and I don't cuss or like cussing. However... because I won't judge Stephen Baldwin, I'll not comment except to say I guess he used it to make the secular world appear as it really is.

I think if you read it you won't regret. I also hope Stephen Baldwin reads this and writes more fiction.

I just finished "The Unusual Suspect" and picked up this book. I think only the "oblivious to the real world" truly sheltered person would find the language in this book offensive and not see how it works for the better to set up the story and characters. Great Story that kept me glued all the way through!