10.19.09
Posted in Action Suspense, Recent Publication, Spiritual Books at 6:33 am by Easley Wayne
The Last Day by James Landis
James Landis’ excellent new novel, the Last Day, is very different in modern literature. The Last day is two stories in one: an embedded view of combat through the eyes of a soldier, and a one day redemptive journey with Jesus. Both are excellent narratives with exquisite detail and vivid events.
First, this is the tale of a combat soldier, Specialist Warren (nicknamed War) Pease. War, a master sniper, relates, in exacting detail, adventures of his combat missions in Iraq. Through his eyes, we see the battles, his compatriots, the Iraqi culture and people. His descriptions are so clear that I felt I was walking by his side.
Second, this is the chronicle of a spiritual journey with Jesus. War spends one complete day with Jesus. Jesus walks with him, eats with him, and visits his family and friends with him. The chronicle is almost mundane in its detail. While Jesus gently quotes His scripture, we discover the importance of turtles, flowers, grass and rocks, This exacting detail greatly enhances the experience. We learn about Jesus and Warren through their relation to the people, creatures and objects of this earth.
The Last Day is a very spiritual book, but not a book of theology. Some many be offended that Jesus is presented as an ordinary man, but in this presentation of a twenty-first century human Jesus, we begin to see the devine. This Jesus loves everyone and everything. This Jesus gently and subtly invites each person he encounters to accept Him and themselves. This Jesus cares about all His creation. This Jesus is the healing, reconciling, suffering servant of the book of Isaiah.
The Last Day is an outstanding spiritual novel. I highly recommend this book.
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