Review of Lights Out Lizzie

Post by **Caroline Anne Richmond** » 23 Jan 2025, 12:56

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lights Out Lizzie" by James Hanna.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Lights Out Lizzie by James Hanna is an adult fiction book. The numerous misadventures of the protagonist provides entertaining and comical moments. Zany characters and a fantastical story will appeal to an audience who enjoy a unique and quirky read.

Gertie McDowell is 24 years old and lives on her friend's ranch. Gertie met her friend, Bertha, whilst incarcerated. Bertha is serving another sentence in prison, so Gertie is alone on the ranch, caring for her chickens. One morning, as Gertie is deep in thought, an RV speeds up the drive. Wanda Sue, another friend from prison, jumps out and pressures Gertie to join a Christian wrestling troupe to give her direction and absolve her of sin. Gertie is reluctant to sign the wrestling contract and takes the night to think. In the morning, she discovers all the chickens are dead. She takes this as a sign to enlist in the specialised sport. Wanda Sue finds three other wayward girls to wrestle, one being Cocheta, a full-blooded Apache from New Mexico, who becomes a sister to Gertie. The true motives of Wanda Sue are far from Christian, but her wrongdoings propel Gertie and Cocheta to dizzying heights, and Gertie on a private jet to Afghanistan.

The author uses humour and a ludicrous plot-line to create a thoroughly entertaining book. The main character is funny, sassy, and a joy to read. Her forte is not her intelligence, but nativity and thoughtlessness add to her charm. She has a unique way of analysing and approaching difficult situations in her charismatic style. She expresses herself uniquely, and her reactions to dangerous events are hilarious. All the characters in the book are original and eccentric, making the book captivating and refreshing. The outlandish adventures the characters endure are unbelievable, but this is part of why the book is so good. The author displays a marvellous imagination and impressive character creation.

I particularly enjoyed reading about the skits the girls have to do as part of the Christian wrestling group. I found these parts incredibly funny. Christian audiences lapping up wrestlers stomping out sins by orchestrating battles of good against evil is a humorous concept. I loved the backstories and all the character flaws. It is intriguing to learn about a group of such dysfunctional people. The story becomes more and more elaborate, and the adventure spirals. The book offers unexpected twists and turns and holds surprises on every page.

The book is exceptionally professionally edited. I loved the outlandish story and all the characters. I especially loved the lead character. The writing amused me, and I loved the story of an unconventional life. I enjoyed the action, adventure, and unexpected events. I found nothing to dislike about the book, so I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Lights Out Lizzie
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Post by **Jessica Woods 3** » 26 Jan 2025, 01:38

This book sounds like a terrific read. Christians wrestling to somehow eliminate sin is an interesting storyline. The story sounds exciting and dangerous at the same time, not to mention a few of the characters were former inmates. The plot makes me curious of how the story will end. Your review is persuasive, I just may read for myself.

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 26 Jan 2025, 03:36

Now, this seems like a fun read. I must admit, I find the plot bizarre, and I know it is those plots that carry punches. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us. I enjoyed reading your review.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 06 May 2025, 06:07

Humor and unexpected twists make this book worth reading. The idea of a Christian wrestling group existing of a bunch of eccentric and dysfunctional people, just the thought already makes me smile.

Harshitha G B · Post by **Harshitha G B** » 06 May 2025, 06:12

"Lights Out Lizzie" by James Hanna is twisted humourous journey of Gertie, where wrestling solely deducted to christians approached her to take up this sport to stone sins. How she act and react, how's her wrestling journey is penned down intrestingly.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 06 May 2025, 06:21

The reviewer describes it as being a very entertaining book. I get a taste of that from the cover illustration. The start draws you in in a very personable and conversational tone. Looks like a pleasant way to pass a weekend.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 06 May 2025, 06:34

Today's BOTD is a fictional novel that takes readers on a journey alongside Gertie and her Christian women's wrestling team. In addition to humor, the underlying, relevant themes make this a book many readers will enjoy and remember. Thanks so much; I've downloaded my copy!

Post by **Pradeep T M** » 06 May 2025, 06:39

"Lights Out Lizzie" by James Hanna is a story about Gertie, a women who been pulled into christisn wrestling group. It's a fun part, narration of sisterhood in the group is warming and the conversation of Gertie is entertaining, humorous which add good value to book.

Post by **Victory Ositaorah** » 06 May 2025, 07:05

Lights Out Lizzie would be a fun book to read and I am impressed because the story seems wild, has funny characters. Congratulations on BOTD!!

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 06 May 2025, 07:34

"Lights Out Lizzie" by James Hanna is a hilarious whirlwind of prison pals, Christian wrestling, and absurd adventures. Gertie’s wild ride from chicken coops to Afghanistan is pure chaotic charm. Think satire, sass, and surprises on every page. Congratulations on being BOTD!

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 06 May 2025, 08:02

A Christian wrestling group of female former inmates makes for an exciting adventure. Thank you for your review.

Okhipo Emmanuel · Post by **Okhipo Emmanuel** » 06 May 2025, 08:11

James Hanna delivers a wild, hilarious ride with Lights Out Lizzie. The blend of satire, cultural commentary, and over-the-top adventure kept me turning the pages. Gertie is a quirky, unforgettable character, and the absurdity of her journey somehow manages to highlight some deeper truths. A bold, entertaining read!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 06 May 2025, 08:27

I particularly enjoyed reading about the skits the girls have to do as part of the Christian wrestling group. I found these parts incredibly funny. Christian audiences lapping up wrestlers stomping out sins by orchestrating battles of good against evil is a humorous concept. I loved the backstories and all the character flaws. It is intriguing to learn about a group of such dysfunctional people. The story becomes more and more elaborate, and the adventure spirals. The book offers unexpected twists and turns and holds surprises on every page.

That's hilarious. And aren't we all a bit dysfunctional? I love James Hanna's sense of humor! Humor is a fantastic tool to address deeper (often grim) societal issues. The premise of a Christian league of wrestling going to Afghanistan is so whacky I'm willing to embrace it. Thank you for your review.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 06 May 2025, 09:04

Nice review! I read the first book, so I am expecting that this one has the same amount of humor. The language is a little difficult to read, at times, but it is an enjoyable read.

Post by **Idah_Kenei** » 06 May 2025, 09:07

Lights out Lizzie seems like an enjoyable read to relax your brain and get out a laugh. It amazing how the Getrude's friendship is mostly her prison mates and more lovely that they are looking out for each other. I love that Getrude didn't allow to get easily pressured and took time to make her decision. She seems like a fun human being with a character that is lovable. This book is surely going to your mind of the edge.