Customer Reviews

One Nation, Under God

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

 

 

A simple, sly, and ultimately devastating story about two young people from Oklahoma with different interpretations of Christianity, caught up in something much bigger than themselves. An understated political thriller from their fairly innocent viewpoints with an impact that doesn't hit until the last page is turned. Why sly? Despite realistic, sympathetic, and sometimes even sweet portraits of Seth and Terry, in the end, they are members of the mega-institution, The Free Church of God's Slaves. :)

This is more believable if one has seen the documentary, JESUS CAMP.This is a disturbing look at fanatical religion and the danger it can represent when combineddd with political extremisn.This is a thriller which slowly develops into a conspiracy thriller. There are flaws which are difficult to discuss without spoiling plot development. Some developments just don't quite make sense, but nevertheless, it's a nail-biter.

Much like his first novel, Cold Lessons, (AKA Michael McCulloch) Graff presents us with an addict caught up in forces that outmatch his limited resources. Unlike the jaded drunken teacher in Cold Lessons, Seth Stevens is in recovery and has managed to pull his life together despite massive odds. One of his main sources of support- the Church of God's Slaves- ends up screwing him worse then meth ever did. This is a fascinating, fast paced trip through apocalyptic, born-again rockin' politics. Graff scores again with a fun and engrossing ride.

I read Mr. Graff's "My Fellow Americans" first and while I wouldn't call it ground breaking literature, it was certainly an enjoyable read during a weekend at the cabin. Subsequently, I purchased two other books from Mr. Graff hoping for the same. Disappointment truly isn't a strong enough word. Poorly written, chunky, thinly veiled stabs at religions he doesn't understand, 3rd grade level dialogue are some of the thoughts that came to mind as I plodded through this tripe. In the interest of full disclosure, I paid $.99 for it on my Kindle...even at that I wouldn't call it a bargain.

This has to be one of the most boring books I've ever attempted to read. I say "attempted" because I've given up at the half-way point. The writer needs to learn how to develop a plot soon enough to keep the reader interested.