Francine Rivers

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

Hi, new community. How are you doing? You look lonely.

Okay, I think I'll start with a topic I started discussing on Easter with my friend's grandmother-in-law. We got on the subject of Francine Rivers, and she was saying how she didn't want to read those books because she didn't like the idea of rewriting stories from the Bible with extra details.

I have to say that I have had my own hesitations about that. I've read a handful of Rivers' books (*loved* Redeeming Love), and though I enjoyed the Lineage Series (haven't finished, but have read most), I found myself constantly saying, "Hey.. it doesn't say that.." I mean, I guess it still could have happened, and I get that she's just trying to fill out the story so we can relate to it more, but I don't know. Also, I found myself looking at the character differently (and maybe not in a correct way), based on how she portrayed their personality or motive in their actions. So...yeah. I'm not sure where I stand with that. What do you think?

Also, has anyone read The Atonement Child? I have it on my bookshelf but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Should I hurry or is there no rush?

Comments

[ruthieroo.livejournal.com]

Hm, in short it just didn't "do" anything for me. Not that I expect every book I read to impact me powerfully. But this is one that person after person recommended as a "must read! will change your life!" so I imagine that high expectations had a lot to do with my disappointment. Also the graphic descriptions moved into the realm of gratuitous, for me, very quickly.

Oh, and this is probably just my snobby, mean side but it really annoys me when authors write things like, "ALL of this was GOD INSPIRED!" about their books, esp. when I end up disliking the book.:-P She didn't use those words but in the preface or something I remember her writing that the characters, plot and theme were all a gift from God and she couldn't claim any of it. And I know I'm supposed to think that is all humble and stuff but since I didn't like the book it just strikes me as a little arrogant. I think Karen Kingsbury said similar things about those books of hers I read and it just kind of irks me. Own your stuff, authors. I think it is great to use your gift of writing for God's glory and acknowledge it is from Him but don't fob your imperfect (by virtue of being human) work off as "ALL GOD!".

[moredetails.livejournal.com]

When I read Redeeming Love, I don't think I had heard much about it at all. It happened to be available at the library in the audio books, so I recognized Francine Rivers and checked it out. I think that helped me really like it a lot. I wouldn't say it changed my life, but it got me thinking and I remember back on it a lot.

I don't remember her saying that about it being God-inspired, but I believe you! And I also find that annoying. It's a hard line to give glory to God and yet not sound all "I'm special and God writes through me." I mean, we have a Bible for that. :P