Review of Lights Out Lizzie

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

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

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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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[Jessica Woods 3]

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.

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

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.