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Liked It “I’ve pondered now for several days on how to review Chris Well's Tribulation House. It’s one of the most unique books I’ve read, both in scope and in style. About the best generic descriptor I think I can muster is “compassionate satire”. Is that a curious mix, or what? Let me take it a piece at...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “love the story but didn't like the ending, is there supposed to be another book after this one???” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I’ve pondered now for several days on how to review Chris Well's Tribulation House. It’s one of the most unique books I’ve read, both in scope and in style. About the best generic descriptor I think I can muster is “compassionate satire”. Is that a curious mix, or what? Let me take it a piece at a time.
BruceJ wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
First, the scope.
It’s really hard to recap the story in a tidy little package. Mr. Well entertains a variety of social, spiritual and personal issues through a network of loosely, but definitely, connected subplots. I know that sounds rather complicated, like you could get lost in its intricacy. And it is intricate. But you won’t get lost. He does such a great job of undergirding the network with solid writing that mapping the characters and their dilemmas—oh yes, they all have dilemmas—flows quite smoothly.
Okay, an example: The first line of the synopsis on the back cover was enough for me to take it to the checkout counter. “It’s not the end of the world--which could be a problem...” I mean, how do you not read a book with that kind of introduction? In this subplot, Mark Hogan has bought into his pastor’s carefully calculated conclusion that Jesus is coming back in less than two months. On October 17, 2007, to be exact. At 5:51 am, to be even more exact. That’s all well and good, but it does present him a quandary. You see, Mark Hogan wants a boat. He’s always wanted a boat. Now it’s too late…or is it? Of course not. All it takes is a quick loan from his friendly neighborhood Mafia shark to secure him his dream craft. Naturally, he won’t have to pay back the loan, for he’s about to be raptured—and everybody knows the Mafia is going to be ‘left behind’. Well, the fact that you’re reading this review is proof enough of his pastor’s miscalculation. Now Mr. Hogan is faced with an impossible debt, and kneecaps in imminent threat of extinction at the hands of Mob thugs. Oh, the dilemma is resolved, but not how you might expect.
Other characters include Charlie Pasch, a police detective who stumbles through areas of service at his church until he finds his niche in the most unexpected way; Tom Griggs, Charlie’s detective partner, who is estranged from his father, and whose story ends up harboring the final and most poignant twist in the entire book; Hank Barton, another church member running for a vacant city council seat, with all the campaigning trials and tribulations you might expect (and some you might not); Ross Cleaver and Bill Lamb, a bumbling pair of Mob thugs who have their own issues—well, it just goes on.
Second, the style.
After reading Tribulation House, I envisioned Mr. Well's tongue so firmly planted in his cheek that I feared he may never be able to enjoy solid food again. The number of times I found myself laughing out loud is surpassed only by the number of times I found myself nodding my head and smiling. The satirical element elicited the former response, the compassion the latter. Gifted storytelling!
Mr. Well employs a clipped style of narration that may catch you a little off guard at first, but you’ll get used to it. It’s very effective in delivering quick punches of plot, and you’ll appreciate it in that context. In my estimation, though, it may be a bit overused; that is, applied in passages that require no such rhetorical device to push them along. But, again, the story is well worth any minor stylistic distraction you may encounter. Indeed, it may not bother you at all.
If chuckling at yourself doesn’t come easy, you may have a more difficult time with Tribulation House. It will stomp on your toes, like any good satire. But keep reading. As the story unfolds, you’ll discover Mr. Well's stomping shoes to be so generously padded with compassion, the pain becomes quite bearable.
If you’re a Christian who can laugh at yourself, make this the next book on your reading list. If you aren’t, make this the next book on your reading list; you’ll surely be one by the time you’ve finished.
Tribulation House was just plain ‘really, really good’. Bravo to Mr. Well! ”“love the story but didn't like the ending, is there supposed to be another book after this one???”
asiralc wrote this review Tuesday, April 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book combines unusual characters (preachers, deacons, mobsters, and detectives) in a quirky story. There are several threads in this story.
Melissa M wrote this review Thursday, July 24 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
1. Mark Hogan has always longed to own a boat, and when his pastor predicts the day for the Rapture, he sees this as his chance...after all, once he's gone, he won't have to worry about the bill, right? (or the mobsters that he borrowed the money from).
2. Reverend Daniel Glory - a crackpot minister who is trying to convince everyone that he has figured out the day of The Rapture. His conviction leads to problems for Hogan and for the mob. Too bad, he didn't pay more attention to his bible reading.
3. Detective Charlie Paschall is an intuitive and smart detective with great skills on the job, but who becomes a bit flustered when he tries to figure out just where he should volunteer at church. Not only does he figure out who kills the minister, but he does finally find the perfect place for him to volunteer.
4. Massey - the mob boss is trying to acquire some land before prices skyrocket...little does he know one of his employees wants in on the action.
5. Detective Griggs - Paschall's partner. Dealing with a failing marriage and the loss of a child, he makes progress in the book towards overcoming his past.
6. Cleaver and Lamb - these are two guys in the employ of Massey. Lamb comes off as dumb and he is intimidated by Cleaver. Cleaver is trying to make some money on the side (and under the nose of crime boss, Massey). He thinks he is smart, but he is dumb as a stick.
So, as you can see there is plenty here to keep you entertained! I liked the book. I find the way that Well brings together characters in unusual ways and has an underlying inspirational message to make for a good read.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book is in like new condition and if you would like to read it, I'll be happy to mail it to you for the cost of postage. First come, first serve.
”
“Chris Well has created another edgy and entertaining story in his latest novel. When Mark Hogan’s pastor, Daniel Glory, predicts the rapture is just around the corner, he decides to take out a loan from the mob to buy his dream boat. Why not? Since Jesus is returning soon he won’t be around to have to pay it back. When the rapture doesn’t happen Mark suddenly finds himself in quite a sticky situation. Meanwhile, Pastor Daniel Glory suddenly turns up dead and Kansas City Detectives Charlie Pasch and Tom Griggs find themselves involved in another mystery with possible mob tie-ins. Tribulation House is an extremely enjoyable read that takes a humorous jab at our culture’s obsession with end-times theology. Well reminds us that it is meaningless to try and predict the return of Christ. Instead, let’s spend our time and focus on being ready every day. Chris Well has delivered a quality series of Christian-themes crime novels, and his writing makes him stand out from others in this genre. Many writers in this market would be hesitant to write Christian stories full of mobsters, murders, and edgy characters. However, Well doesn’t hold back and shows us how hope, redemption, and grace can be found in extraordinary and unexpected places. This latest installment is refreshing and enlightening. A must read for fans of quality fiction full of powerful spiritual themes. ”
jachism wrote this review Friday, August 10 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I first became acquainted with Chris Well's novels when I picked up his debut release, Forgiving Solomon Long, in a store. It was a crime novel with a Christian message. I thought, this ought to be interesting. I love writers that think outside the box. Who would've ever dreamed you could combine Godfathers with Christ? I read that debut novel and have been hooked ever since. Sometime back I started hearing about his 2007 release Tribulation House. I knew this would be a novel I didn't want to miss. Do not let the title fool you. This is no LaHaye/Jenkins end-times tale. Far from it. This is a tale about the choices we make and their consequences. Mark Hogan has a problem. He has everything anyone could ever want. A great job. A great family. A position of some esteem at his local church. The only thing missing is a boat. Mark doesn't want just any boat. Oh, no. He wants the more-expensive-than-some-cars kind of boat. The kind most of us would need to make a living with to justify the purchase of this kind of boat. Add to that the fact that his pastor, Reverend Daniel Glory, has just made public his assertion that Jesus is returning on a certain date, at a certain time and Mark's anxiety over not having this boat ramps up in spades. As the time of Christ's return draws closer, the disciples of Reverend Glory begin to loose their focus. All over town people put a halt on their everyday lives believing the hour is upon them. Mark decides he must have a boat. So he does what any man would do in his shoes. He borrows the money to make the purchase. Why not? Jesus is returning. He won't have to pay it back. Right? Thing is, if Mark had known his Bible he'd have realized that even Jesus doesn't know the hour of his return. The day after Christ was to have returned, Mark finds himself owning a lot of cash. Did I forget to mention he borrowed the funds from the mob? Needless to say, they aren't interested in Mark's theology. Chris Well has given as all a cautionary tell. One that tells us to look for Christ's return. It could be at anytime. However, don't drop the ball on your life. One is born again to live for Christ, not shut down and wait for his return. He does this with great wit. Written in both First and Third Person I thought I'd be confused. However, Chris's mastery of his craft allows for a seamless transition. I got so wrapped up in this tale of quirky characters and messed up world views that I'd literally forget I was reading a novel. I rarely do that. When a author can pull that off, they are well worth paying attention to. We read fiction to be placed in another world, to escape our lives for a while. Chris Well has done that with Tribulation House. I can not recommend this book highly enough. Buy it! You'll love it! ”
ToddMichaelGreene wrote this review Tuesday, February 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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