Official Review: Rebuilding Alden by JR Thompson

Post by **kandscreeley** » 05 Mar 2019, 08:51

princzonic wrote: ↑04 Mar 2019, 20:09 I believe that the book is not only for all Christian, but for all lover of humility and loyalty. Humility lead a person to be willing to listen to advice like Alden. Loyalty will also allow a young person to listen to advice like Alden did in the novel. However, I believed that the book would be more interesting if the author could have provided more concrete reasons that lead to Alden anger at his grandmother. The theme may include respectfulness, discipline and devotion to parents or guardian despite the type of discipline given.

I understand where you are coming from. It never really completely says why Alden beat up his grandmother. However, I've seen firsthand the power of anger. With anger, you don't necessarily need a concrete reason. Thanks for commenting.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 05 Mar 2019, 08:54

Shielasshi_93 wrote: ↑04 Mar 2019, 22:05 I agree with what you said about other christian books, I also believe that people who are struggling like Alden will greatly relate with this book.

Anger is a very real issue. It can control us if we aren't careful. Thanks for your comment!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 05 Mar 2019, 08:55

kdstrack wrote: ↑04 Mar 2019, 22:51 I like the theme of anger treated in a Christian setting. I am hopeful the author will offer feasible answers that truly help people who struggle with this difficulty. I hope to read this soon. Great review!

I think there are words of wisdom that can be helpful. Thanks for your kind words.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 05 Mar 2019, 08:57

nooregano wrote: ↑05 Mar 2019, 04:11 This is a fair, balanced review. I'm glad that this book covered complex humanistic topics without being too rigid about its conclusions or too idealistic in its portrayal. This sounds like a seriously good book. Thanks for the review!

Idealistic is exactly how I'd describe some other Christian fiction I read. It was enjoyable. Thanks!

Fozia-Bajwa · Post by **Fozia-Bajwa** » 05 Mar 2019, 15:14

The book is good for me to read because its theme is about a battle and is related to the battle of India and Pakistan now a days. so the book and your review can be thought as reminders of history in the current times.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 06 Mar 2019, 09:05

Fozia-Bajwa wrote: ↑05 Mar 2019, 15:14 The book is good for me to read because its theme is about a battle and is related to the battle of India and Pakistan now a days. so the book and your review can be thought as reminders of history in the current times.

If you read it, I hope you enjoy it.

inaramid · Post by **inaramid** » 06 Mar 2019, 19:40

I've had some bad encounters with Christian fiction (of the judgy and preachy kind). I'm glad this book stayed away from treating characters as perfect and resolving conflict "just because" a character is Christian. Thank you for this review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 07 Mar 2019, 08:51

inaramid wrote: ↑06 Mar 2019, 19:40 I've had some bad encounters with Christian fiction (of the judgy and preachy kind). I'm glad this book stayed away from treating characters as perfect and resolving conflict "just because" a character is Christian. Thank you for this review!

OH yes! This would NOT fall under the judgy/preachy category. Thanks for your comment!

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 07 Mar 2019, 17:57

This sounds like a good read. I tend to avoid Christian fiction for the deficiencies you mentioned, so I'm glad that this one breaks the mold in that respect. As someone who mentors teens in foster care, I am always a sucker for books that focus on this type of situation and the possibility of redemption for kids who have strayed down the wrong path. Thanks for a great review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 08 Mar 2019, 09:38

unamilagra wrote: ↑07 Mar 2019, 17:57 This sounds like a good read. I tend to avoid Christian fiction for the deficiencies you mentioned, so I'm glad that this one breaks the mold in that respect. As someone who mentors teens in foster care, I am always a sucker for books that focus on this type of situation and the possibility of redemption for kids who have strayed down the wrong path. Thanks for a great review!

Wow! This might be just the series for you, then! These are kids who have just gotten on the wrong track. They need a bit of help to get back on the right one. Thanks so much for reading my review.

Jackie Holycross · Post by **Jackie Holycross** » 08 Mar 2019, 14:01

I like reading about troubled teens who turn their lives around.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 08 Mar 2019, 15:16

teacherjh wrote: ↑08 Mar 2019, 14:01 I like reading about troubled teens who turn their lives around.

I think you'd enjoy this then. Thanks for commenting.

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 11 Mar 2019, 12:24

I do like the themes in this book. I love rooting for the underdog to come out on top, and Alden seems like one of these protagonists.
This seems like a really uplifting read. Thanks for the great review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 11 Mar 2019, 12:50

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑11 Mar 2019, 12:24 I do like the themes in this book. I love rooting for the underdog to come out on top, and Alden seems like one of these protagonists.
This seems like a really uplifting read. Thanks for the great review!

It was. It was uplifting and just a nice, fun, easy read. Thanks!

Jaime Lync · Post by **Jaime Lync** » 12 Mar 2019, 10:47

I enjoyed your review from the get-go. Alden sounds like he needs some serious rebuilding.

Just one thing I wanted to ask concerning the following excerpt -
"The story is told from the third person point of view, which is mostly successful; however, there were a couple of occasions when it seemed like the narrator made an aside to the audience. "

I wasn't too sure what you meant here about an aside to the audience - is it that he addresses the audience in such a way that it breaks the "fourth wall"?