If I Should Die [Paperback]

Keith Clemons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2002

In this highly acclaimed, spellbinding novel, journalist Laurie Best investigates reports of retirement home residents being euthanized and must decide if there's ever a time when life is no longer worth living. A fascinating, attention grabbing novel dealing with tough, real-life situations. Tucked into green hills of Oregon's winding coast, inside an elite retirement community far from prying eyes, people are beginning to disappear. According to unconfirmed reports, the residents are being systematically euthanized. "Led like sheep to the slaughter" is how old Joe, with his Adam's apple waddling in the loose skin of his neck, put it. Reporter Laurie Best remains unconvinced. She's the one investigating their claims. For all she knows they're senile - flaky as dry crackers. Besides, this is a right to life issue and she's pro-abortion. Crippled minds only take up valuable space on the planet-right? So even if the rumors are true, why bother saving the lives of those who are no longer able to think.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner - 2004 Word Guild Christian Writing Awards - Contemporary Fiction

About the Author

Keith Clemons has authored four novels. His first three, If I Should Die, Above the Stars, and These Little Ones, won The Word Guild Christian Writing Awards Best Contemporary Novel in 2004, 2005 and 2007 respectively. Having also earned an IPPY award for Religious Fiction (Above the Stars - 2005) and the TWG independent Publisher Award (These Little Ones - 2007) the total number of awards accumulated by Clemons now stands at five.

Of If I Should Die Host of 100 Huntley Street, David Mainse, said: “It was so gripping I could not put it down. It's well written. It's an amazing book. There's talent here. You've got to pick up this book.” Author and TV host, Michael Coren, called it: “Clever, brave, insightful and compelling…one of those novels that demands to be read and demands to be discussed.” A reviewer for Aspiring Retailer, the American booksellers' magazine, calls his award winning 2006 release, These Little Ones, “well written” and says it’s “Recommended for all lovers of adventure, courage and compassion." His fourth novel, Angel in the Alley, was released in July, ’07.

A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Keith earned degrees in English Literature and Mass Communications. In addition to writing, Keith frequently appears on radio and television where he expounds trends that affect the Church and society at large. His passion for communication has resulted in the publication of more than a hundred articles. He resides with his wife at their home in Caledon, Ontario.

Product Details

• Paperback: 339 pages
• Publisher: George Colton (November 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0973104805
• ISBN-13: 978-0973104806
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,257,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tackling Big Issues With a Brilliant Pen, August 14, 2004

By 

Brian Austin "Brian C. Austin" (Durham, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If I Should Die (Paperback)

In a brilliantly crafted story, Keith Clemons ventures where few Christian authors dare, tackling issues surrounding euthanasia, abortion and sexual orientation. But he does so from a completely fresh perspective.

A young reporter risks her job and her life, entering a nursing home after receiving a professional make-over, searching for the real story behind the palpable fear among residents.

The pithy wisdom of Ruth, a sprightly old woman with a mind as crisp as the crack of a whip; the sometimes winsome, sometimes whining, but always very human effeminate makeup artist, Peter, who assists Laurie with her disguise as she tries desperately to not overdo forty years of instant aging; and the Nursing Home Director in financial crisis, resorting to the "Peaceful Slumber" room to ease finacial burdens -- are all tied together by a main character who somehow acts as a catalyst, taking a straight-forward plot and repeatedly surprising the reader.

The sensative and compassionate development of Peter, who struggles with his sexual orientation, combined with the tough love of Ruth, an uncompromising senior who confonts his tendencies head-on, while accepting him fully as a person, achieves some of the most effective writing on gay issues in print.

Another mark of the genius of the writing is that much of the time we actually "Like" the Nursing Home Director and ache for him as he battles his financial demons. We disagree, but understand and almost sympathize as he resorts to desperate measures. He is not an inherently evil man that we love to hate. He is a man caught in a world of muddy ethics; a "victim" of his time who is simply following the logic of a world that values "Quality of Life" more than "Life" itself.

Topnoch writing, this book is also far more. It speaks strongly and effectively to pertinent issues. Not for the lazy reader, Clemons will exercise your intellect, grip your imagination and your emotions and keep you turning pages late into the night. He will leave you mulling over issues for months to come. Never preachy, this book achieves that rare balance of masterful storytelling, gripping entertainment, and a message that engages your mind and calls you to think. BUY IT!! READ IT!! PASS IT ON!!