Customer Reviews

Dream of Life (American Dreams, Book 2)

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Dream of Life, the second book in "The American Dreams Series," may be the finest fiction work that Michael Phillips has ever done, which is no small feat given that he has published over 100 books.

In this pre-Civil war saga that explores the workings of the Underground Railroad, there is greater depth than in his "Shenandoah Sisters" series and the "Carolina Cousins" series, which are lighter reads. The story is more intricate and the characters and ideas more fully developed.

In the first section, Phillips weaves in the forced relocation of the Cherokee tribe, which is outstanding. This could be made into a fascinating set of books. It slows down a little in the second section as the story swings back to plantation owners in the South, who take a stand against slavery on the basis of their spiritual convictions, but it picks up steam once the stage is set.

Along the way, the theologically discerning reader will come across a few ideas that give pause. Although we are all God's children in the sense that God created human life, in a peculiar sense, only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ are born as children into His family. There is a hint that in the end we all share the same destiny, that it's just a matter of awakening to our sonship.

Phillips' characters probe the true nature of God. There's no doubt that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend God's goodness. It's wonderful to have a fine writer like Phillips showing us more of God's love. We need this view of God, but it's not the whole picture. The truth revealed in Scripture and in the person of Christ is where righteousness and peace are joined together. It's where mercy and truth kiss. Christ was full of grace and truth.

It's true that God is nothing less than the Father that Jesus Christ revealed. It's also equally true that Jesus spoke of the need for repentance and judgment to come. All Scripture is God-breathed, inspired by Him. The words in both Testaments that speak of God's wrath and judgement are just as valid as the words of Jesus. One may wonder if in reaction to the ways God has been misrepresented, Phillips has swung too far in the other direction.

It's obvious that Phillips deplores dogma. Dogma can be defined as the tenets or teachings of a church. It's not a bad thing to be against teachings that misrepresent God or the truths of Scripture. On the other hand, the Bible is clear that we are to hold to sound teaching.

It's been said that any view of the Fatherhood of God that fails to adequately consider the cross of Christ is deficient. It's not clear what Phillips is saying on these matters. How far does God's love reach? It's a question that Phillips, like George MacDonald before him, seems willing to consider.

Having said this, some readers may write Phillips off, but that would be too miss out on the wisdom exhibited in the noble characters that he creates. The controversial ideas are handled in a subtle way. Those who like to have their thinking challenged will enjoy reading Phillips.

He offers wonderful glimpses and penetrating insights into Divine and human nature. The realism and historical accuracy are noteworthy. The uncommon reflections provoke thought, which probably accomplish what Phillips is after--a more realistic view of God and the Christian life.

This series continues with good characters. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel entwined in a good story. I look forward to the next in the series.

Dream of Life by Michael Phillips was a serious disappointment to me. To be honest, I was unable to finish the book. I've read Dream of Freedom, and at about half the size of DOL, it was an enjoyable read about blacks and whites fighting together and doing what they can to combat the evils of slavery in the first half of the 19th century. This book includes Native Americans in the mix, and when Phillips wrote about the people, the book was enjoyable. Unfortunately, page after page was devoted to proselytizing. It seems that every character felt the need to give a speech about God. Yes, this is a Christian book, but the speeches seemed out of place and forced. Occasionally no character was even delivering the speech, it was just a sermon from the writer! Christian books can get away with the intermittent character trying to persuade another character about the love of God, but when nearly half the book is taken up with such speeches, the book is less a work of fiction and more a theological discussion.

This book really gives insight into the world of slavery and the political views of the Civil War era. Great book!

Well written account of American life before the Civil War giving historical sketches of the Cherokee Indians, the negroes and white Southerners at a time when our nation was being divided over the issue of slavery. Very moving and convincing. Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but then Michael Phillips is one of my favorite authors. He has a unique way of teaching Christian principles as he intertwines them in his stories. I truly enjoy his style.

I very much agree with the review by Michael Dalton. It was hard for me to put this book down and I have been eager for another. I hope the next is as good. The way Michael Phillips weaves historical truth and spiritual wisdom into his stories is to me oh so wonderful and oh so rich...

Thank you, Michael... I don't know how you do it, but keep em coming!