Retro Friday Review: A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell

Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."

A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell
Publisher: Zhivago Press
Publication date: June 2005
ISBN: 9781598720303
Source: Borrowed

The book is an account of Mike Ramsdell's experiences doing counter intelligence work in Russia at the end of the Cold War.  When his cover is blown and his life is suddenly in danger, Mike must flee from the Russian mafia boss who knows about his work.  Can he escape with his life, not to mention survive the cruel winter and near starvation that ensues?

Things I Liked:
This book had some really interesting stories.  I was fascinated with the small miracles that Mike experiences while doing this highly dangerous work in Russia.  His life seems like it would be so interesting to hear more about, having worked in such diverse and very different places in the world.  I was interested also in the descriptions of the Russian people and the things they suffered under some of the leaders in that country.  It was an inspiring as well as a thrilling adventure story. 

Things I Didn't Like:
It definitely had some pacing issues - the intriguing spy story interspersed with some slower parts about Ramsdell's history, family, and experiences.  It is also clear that Ramsdell is not an experienced writer, with some awkward wording and other similar problems.  I think, for those who are interested in his experience as a Mormon working in counterintelligence, it will be intriguing enough to keep you engaged.  Still, I whipped through it pretty fast, wanting to know how he'd get out of some of the scrapes he gets into!

Read-alikes:
Agent Bishop: True Stories from an FBI Agent Moonlighting as a Mormon Bishop by Mike McPheters

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
(there were a few edited words)

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
he has a few run-ins with KGB and the Russian mafia

Overall rating: ****

This is definitely outside my usual fare - what do you read outside your usual?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: No Going Back by Jonathan Langford

No Going Back by Jonathan Langford
Publisher: Zarahemla Books
Publication date: October 2009
ISBN: 9780978797195
Source: e-copy provided by author

 

Paul is an unusual young man.  He's gay, but he's also a Mormon and he'd like to stay one.  When he finally tells his best friend, Chad he freaks out.  But, Chad doesn't want to end their friendship over that.  As they continue to hang out, despite some awkwardness, Paul struggles to find a place he fits in and feels comfortable.  Paul faces all kinds of challenges from seemingly every direction, but also finds help from several unexpected places.  

Things I Liked:
This is definitely an author with guts.  With a main character professing to be both gay and Mormon, there are lots who could take offense.  I found myself entirely impressed with the skill and ability that Langford was able to capture the essence of what it must feel like to be torn in such a way.  Paul felt very realistic to me - a teenager with the regular problems and a whole lot more stacked on his plate.  I found myself getting a bit teary in places over his conflicting feelings and decisions.  I particularly loved the bishop in the book, who showed compassion and help instead of judgment and condemnation.  I also think the book shows the many varied attitudes and reactions of people both Mormon and non-Mormon to a gay Mormon teenager.  Being LDS myself, I liked the perspective it gave me, because it had correct church doctrine, but also how individuals in the church interpret the doctrine (correctly or incorrectly).  It's a unique book in its subject and its treatment of that subject.  I especially liked how the ending was not so much happy as hopeful.  I thought this quote from the book described essentially what it was about:

"I guess I was just hoping...I don't know, maybe I culd find some kind of balance.  Some way I could stay in the church and do what I'm supposed to do, but still spend time with people who understand what it feels like to be gay, who won't get all freak out about me liking guys." p 211

Things I Didn't Like:
I did find the other story lines to be distracting, even if I understand why they are included.  It felt like it was getting off track sometimes when it followed them.  Also, I'm with Britt of Confessions of a Book Habitue in stating that I don't know who to recommend the book to.  I think it would offend some Mormons and I think non-Mormons might misunderstand it or just get bored with some of the doctrine and preaching that goes on.  Definitely for Mormon teens struggling with this issue and their parents.
 
Read-alikes:
I honestly can't think of any, perhaps a bit like The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith, though I haven't read it yet

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
lots, but no f-words

mrg-factor: XX
teenage boy talk and one incident, not described in detail

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Any thoughts on this?

Please keep your comments polite or I shall be forced to delete them :)

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Brothers by Chris Stewart

The Brothers: A Novelis the prologue to a series following the pre-earth lives of three brothers and their sister. Sam, Ammon, Luke, and Elizabeth are caught up in the conflict in heaven between Lucifer, the fallen Son of the Morning, and Jehovah. Who they choose to follow at this time will affect their future - for eternity.

I haven't been interested in a lot of LDS (Mormon) fiction, but at the insistent recommendation of my husband, I picked up the first in this series The Great and Terrible. I think it is appropriate to call this first book the prologue, because it didn't appear to have much of a plot. Most of it seemed to be deep or thoughtful statements about the destiny and importance and choices the individuals were making during their premortal lives. I had a hard time getting invested in the characters, especially Elizabeth who seemed a little to sweet and lovable. However, I think I will pick up the next book, which my husband assures me has more of a story and is much more exciting.

Read-alikes:
other LDS fiction series: The Work and the Gloryand Kingdom and the Crownby Gerald Lund

RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***