Helpful Score: 2
The Voice by Bill Myers is exactly the type of novel that makes one wish they belonged to a book club - it is jam-packed with all sorts of jumping off points to spark excellent discussions. Regardless of your faith, or lack thereof, this book is bound to strike a resonant chord within. It's a work of fiction, but that needn't stop one from pondering and wanting to probe further into some of the ideas put forth. I love a book that can really make me think, and this one accomplishes that goal admirably.
Charlie Madison is ex Special Forces - a man who found religion, prompting him to retire from his life of government-sanctioned violence. Unfortunately, there were many who were not willing to let him go âpeacefully into that good night,' and he pays the ultimate price when his family is murdered. He becomes only a shell of his former self, and all but drops out of the human race when he is rudely yanked back into reality when his niece, whom he hasn't seen in years, comes dashing into his music shop, being chased by men with guns. Making a split-second decision, Charlie Madison's life is forever changed.
Charlie's sister and brother-in-law have been kidnapped by religious extremists who are after a computer program they wrote that interprets what is believed to be the recorded word of God. Searching for Jazmin's parents and racing against the many different groups of religious radicals and government entities bent on using and/or destroying them and their program, Charlie and his niece travel the globe with danger dogging their every move. The search for the answers as to what is right and what is wrong and whether or not the end justifies the means brings Charlie's spiritual quest full circle - but will the knowledge bring with it the means for survival, especially once a contract is placed on their heads?
I read The Voice yesterday, and this morning was drawn to the following scripture: I Corinthians 3:11-15. Coincidence? I like to think not.
Carol Ann H. 4/12/2008
Charlie Madison is ex Special Forces - a man who found religion, prompting him to retire from his life of government-sanctioned violence. Unfortunately, there were many who were not willing to let him go âpeacefully into that good night,' and he pays the ultimate price when his family is murdered. He becomes only a shell of his former self, and all but drops out of the human race when he is rudely yanked back into reality when his niece, whom he hasn't seen in years, comes dashing into his music shop, being chased by men with guns. Making a split-second decision, Charlie Madison's life is forever changed.
Charlie's sister and brother-in-law have been kidnapped by religious extremists who are after a computer program they wrote that interprets what is believed to be the recorded word of God. Searching for Jazmin's parents and racing against the many different groups of religious radicals and government entities bent on using and/or destroying them and their program, Charlie and his niece travel the globe with danger dogging their every move. The search for the answers as to what is right and what is wrong and whether or not the end justifies the means brings Charlie's spiritual quest full circle - but will the knowledge bring with it the means for survival, especially once a contract is placed on their heads?
I read The Voice yesterday, and this morning was drawn to the following scripture: I Corinthians 3:11-15. Coincidence? I like to think not.
Carol Ann H. 4/12/2008
