Official Review: Rebuilding Alden by JR Thompson

Post by **kandscreeley** » 12 Mar 2019, 12:28

Jaime Lync wrote: ↑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"?

Not necessarily... It's not that a narrator is necessarily "speaking" to the audience. But, we'll be talking about the characters and such, when all of a sudden it will say: "Believe it or not, stop signs aren't there to decorate busy intersections." It wasn't horrible; it just interrupted the story somewhat unnecessarily. Hope that clears things up.

Beatus · Post by **Beatus** » 13 Mar 2019, 08:22

Having been in a position where I needed a second chance, I can very much identify with this book. I probably never and may never get it which means it is not easy at all. I liked this review very much though.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 13 Mar 2019, 08:35

Beatus wrote: ↑13 Mar 2019, 08:22 Having been in a position where I needed a second chance, I can very much identify with this book. I probably never and may never get it which means it is not easy at all. I liked this review very much though.

Thanks. I think just about everyone deserves a second chance; I'm sorry you may not get yours!

MrsCatInTheHat · Post by **MrsCatInTheHat** » 13 Mar 2019, 09:38

I know a few teens that are similar to Alden; although, none of them have assaulted their grandmother. A fight or two with peers, yes. They might relate to Alden but I'm not sure they'd be into Christian fiction.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 13 Mar 2019, 09:48

CatInTheHat wrote: ↑13 Mar 2019, 09:38 I know a few teens that are similar to Alden; although, none of them have assaulted their grandmother. A fight or two with peers, yes. They might relate to Alden but I'm not sure they'd be into Christian fiction.

Well, it's not in your face preaching, but it's definitely faith-based. So, it's going to be for a select audience. Thanks for commenting on my review.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 13 Mar 2019, 17:28

I just finished reading a book with a similar issue: life is too easy for the protagonists. That's common for Christian fiction. Maybe the story of Job is at the extreme end, but somewhere in between would be more relatable.

Thanks for the objective critique, Sarah.

P.S. I also like the word "rebuilding." We are all construction in progress. (I'm an accountant, too, so we speak the same jargon.)

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 13 Mar 2019, 22:09

I wondered about the title "Rebuilding Alden" but after reading the review I understand. It's a very apt way of beginning the story of a troubled youth being given the chance to turn his life around. I love that he found a mentor in his probation officer. I don't really read Christian fiction so I'll probably give this one a pass but it sounds like an inspiring story. Great review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Mar 2019, 07:50

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑13 Mar 2019, 17:28 I just finished reading a book with a similar issue: life is too easy for the protagonists. That's common for Christian fiction. Maybe the story of Job is at the extreme end, but somewhere in between would be more relatable.

Thanks for the objective critique, Sarah.

P.S. I also like the word "rebuilding." We are all construction in progress. (I'm an accountant, too, so we speak the same jargon.)

I agree. I think we all need to be rebuilding our lives from the ashes of our mistakes.

Thanks for your comment.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Mar 2019, 07:52

Kelyn wrote: ↑13 Mar 2019, 22:09 I wondered about the title "Rebuilding Alden" but after reading the review I understand. It's a very apt way of beginning the story of a troubled youth being given the chance to turn his life around. I love that he found a mentor in his probation officer. I don't really read Christian fiction so I'll probably give this one a pass but it sounds like an inspiring story. Great review!

It's definitely inspiring; it's one that you hope actually happens in real life. Young people deserve a second chance, and often need a mentor to help them along. Thanks!

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 14 Mar 2019, 11:39

I love that the author would allow their characters to have flaws in Christian fiction. I'm not huge on Christian writing but I appreciate this thorough review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Mar 2019, 12:26

spencermack wrote: ↑14 Mar 2019, 11:39 I love that the author would allow their characters to have flaws in Christian fiction. I'm not huge on Christian writing but I appreciate this thorough review!

It was a fun book. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the compliment.

Yoli García · Post by **Yoli García** » 15 Mar 2019, 12:10

Assaulting a grandmother? Alden must be a troubled character. I am not into Christian fiction, though. Thanks for the excellent review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 15 Mar 2019, 14:34

Yolimari wrote: ↑15 Mar 2019, 12:10 Assaulting a grandmother? Alden must be a troubled character. I am not into Christian fiction, though. Thanks for the excellent review!

Thank you for your comment. Alden definitely has a temper that needs to be addressed. Hope you find the right book for you.