Customer Reviews

Sow the Wind, Reap the Whirlwind

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although set against the backdrop of the social changes of the 1970s, this novel and the issues it portrays are as contemporary as the evening news. The protagonist, Peter Broussard, is a youth minister and the plot revolves around the happenings at a Southern Baptist Church. However, you don't have to be Baptist -- or even particularly religious -- to appreciate the personal struggles of this idealistic young minister.

While painting robust and multi-dimensional characters and guiding us through a captivating plot, the author keeps us thinking about the "big questions" of religion without being bogged down in scriptural details. What is the role of the church? How do their acts jibe with the teachings of Jesus? Should churches practice exclusion or tolerance? Can one be both gay and Christian?

Today, these debates continue to rage stronger than ever, both in religion and society. It's somewhat sad that we haven't progressed more over the past few decades -- female ministers are still controversial, gays still face hatred and discrimination, and the social values of helping the less fortunate have given way to conservative individualism. Setting the novel 1970s allowed the author to present these ideals without the cynicism that the last quarter century has imposed on them. Today more than ever, we should renew our commitment to these progressive ideals and renew our vigor for making the world a better -- not more hostile -- place. This makes "Sow The Wind, Inherit The Whirwind" a fascinating, topical and character-driven reading experience.

What a great read! I could relate to Peter and his friends and also give real names to some of the church members. I wondered if the author went to the same churches I have attended!
This book explores areas most churches are weak in and issues that need to be dealt with if they are to survive in the future.
I can't wait for a sequel to see what lies ahead for Peter and how the church comes to grips with a world that is slowly refusing to be included in it's bigotry.

Growing up in the Baptist church, I had no idea anything like this might be going on "behind the scenes" while I attended the Sunday services. Reading this book really opened my eyes to how the church office really is an office like any other with its own culture, personality, idiosyncrasies and politics.

In my own naiveté, I always assumed those who spent their days inside the church walls were by association closer to the Lord and therefore somehow insulated from foibles of human nature. Peter Broussard, Pastor Simms and the other rich characters have enlightened me that even when your place of worship also doubles as your workplace, issues of humanity seep in--regardless of how hard some work to keep them out.

While I am a person who has faith, I don't consider myself a religious person. So, I wasn't sure what to expect from a book with the church as an integral part of the storyline. Was I was pleasantly surprised!

The characters were so true to life, and I immediately liked the protagonist, Peter Brossard. The struggles he faces, which are set in the 1970s, are not much different from struggles we as society face today. Bill Prickett does a terrific job creating a story that not only is a good read but also a strong commentary on society, both then and now.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but the ending left me wanting more. I've just got to know what Peter is going to do next. I hope the author is penning the sequel now.

SOW THE WIND, REAP THE WHIRLWIND spans a year or two in the life of Peter Broussard, who leaves California to begin a new life as a youth minister in an affluent Baptist church in Alabama. Calamity seems to follow calamity for Broussard and his flock, but he meets adversity with genuine care and an intrepid honesty.

The novel is not a long one, but the author manages to touch on many of the challenges that faced the church in the 70's and continue to confront faithful people in the new century. The characters deal with racism, terminal illness, the place of gay persons in the church, spousal infidelity, teen pregnancy and child abuse, but these issues are rather skillfully woven into the storyline without overwhelming heaviness. SOW THE WIND presents a message of optimism and faith without becoming excessively preachy.

In his notes, the author mentions that he drew upon his experience as a minister to youth in Baptist churches in the 1970's to write the novel. I was a teenager and an active member of a small-town Baptist church during the era, and I believe that he gets the atmosphere exactly right. Many of his characters and stories mirror the memories that are part of my experience.

SOW THE WIND is a good-but-not-flawless first novel. Both plot and dialogue suffer awkward moments, and the text could benefit from a bit of editorial pruning and careful proofreading. In spite of these weaknesses, the plot structure is generally tight and the major characters are rounded and well-drawn.

Bottom line: SOW THE WIND is a good novel with an intriguing storyline and believable characters. The subtle theme of hope and redemption is apparent and inspirational without being sanctimonious. I will definitely look for Mr. Prickett's next book.