Review by anwidmer -- Final Notice by Van Fleisher

anwidmer · Post by **anwidmer** » 29 Jun 2018, 13:53

[Following is a volunteer review of "Final Notice" by Van Fleisher.]

4 out of 4 stars

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If you found out you had one week to live what would you do? This is a question posed long before this book was published. The situations presented range from the extreme decision to kill those who wronged you, to simply ending your life before fate can take it from you. Would you be able to calmly get your affairs in order? Or, like me, would you absolutely panic? I think I would, but eitherway how can one really know before actually faced with the situation? This is the main issue identified in the Final Notice.

A special program held by the NRA lends discounts to the AARP member demographic. Trudi and Vince happen to be a part of that demographic despite feeling younger than their years. Vince has recently been a victim to crime on the elderly and is shook by it. Can they really be thinking of owning a gun now? Vince sets out on a mission to “reconnect” to the world via the internet and buys a new tech toy, a mac book pro. Vince begins his research. He finds what are staggering statistics related to the over 65 age group and gun ownership. Now they must face the reality of the new world they live in.

Meanwhile, Vijay has discovered his own new “tech toy”, but on a larger scale. Already through the Alpha testing section of its roll out, the VT2 is a watch device with a unique ability. An ability never seen before. The ability to predict the end of ones life within 30 days. One can choose to be notified then, or in less time, such as a day or week. His excitement to get the watch on the market is dampened by some incidences where the “final notice” proved dangerous and controversial. That is to say the least and to avoid possible spoilers.

Fleisher is great with characterization. He writes of more relatable and endearing characters, like Zoe the rising FBI star with a double BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice, as well. I found myself drawn to them and their various decisions or opinions circling the gun debate and the aspects of the final notice feature. Thinking along the way very seriously about what my own opinin would be. The author also uses good transitioning. Whether it be from conversation to thought, or from one character's story to another’s. I didn’t find myself juggling too many character details, rather finding myself with just enough to stay engrossed.

One thing that deterred me at first is this book was written from a political “left" position. I tend to disagree with most arguments from the left, including gun ownership and regulations. I kept an open mind, however, and would urge those second guessing it to do the same. I’m glad I did because despite political affiliation, the plot was deep and complete. Final Notice was an intriguing concept executed wonderfully. I loved the various issues in today's world that Fleisher forces us to face.

I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars! I noticed no errors, and it was very well written. I would recommend this book to my suspense reading friends first. I would also urge political aficionados to check it out regardless of political affiliation. I would probably stay away if your one to avoid the news and don’t care for politics.

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Final Notice
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Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 30 Jun 2018, 16:54

Well done on keeping an open mind. That's definitely not easy to do, especially when the author is so clearly biased

Great review!

anwidmer · Post by **anwidmer** » 02 Jul 2018, 21:13

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑30 Jun 2018, 16:54 Well done on keeping an open mind. That's definitely not easy to do, especially when the author is so clearly biased
Great review!

Agreed! Was a tough thing to do at first but i just cleared my mind of my own bias before starting it. I didnt want to go into it feeling the need to second guess the authors motives. It worked for me. Others may have a hard time. Id say the far right should pass on this one! lol

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 02 Jul 2018, 23:42

Thank you for the review! This seems like a fast-paced read, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it, despite the author's biased preferences.

JR Mercier · Post by **JR Mercier** » 03 Jul 2018, 02:19

I applaud you for keeping an open mind! Thank you for the great review.

onixpam · Post by **onixpam** » 03 Jul 2018, 08:51

Thanks for your honest review, I am looking forward to reading this book. Is already on my list of "want to read". The plot is engaging and original.

anwidmer · Post by **anwidmer** » 03 Jul 2018, 08:57

onixpam wrote: ↑03 Jul 2018, 08:51 Thanks for your honest review, I am looking forward to reading this book. Is already on my list of "want to read". The plot is engaging and original.

Yes, it is! I have SO many books on my " want to read" list lol thank you for the comment!

Bonnie Shelby · Post by **Bonnie Shelby** » 03 Jul 2018, 09:52

Thanks for your review. When I realized the book was written from the left, I pretty much immediately decided not to read it, thinking I wouldn't be able to make it through. But if you were able to keep an open mind and enjoy the story, maybe I can too

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 03 Jul 2018, 14:46

This is a wonderful review. Thanks a lot for it and congratulations as well. The question is very hard to answer but the good thing is that it has never happened. The bias seems to affect much in the book though. Hope to read this soon.

madoch · Post by **madoch** » 19 Apr 2020, 08:46

I already have this book on my "want to read" list. Thanks for your honest and excellent review because it makes me look forward to reading this book.