I'd be curious to know what everyone else thinks about the "Left Behind" series. I started reading them once (listening on audio book actually) and I got to "Assassins" before I gave up. I found it to hard to follow all the politics. I think that was because I was listening to the abridged versions. Now, I am starting again with the unabridged versions and I have to say that as far as quality of writing and storytelling, these books are marginal. I'll stick with it because it makes me feel good to read Christian fiction, but it has no where near the appeal of some mainstream, non-Christian fiction. I compare this to something like "Ender's Game", "Lord of the Rings" or the Wheel of Time series and I'm left wanting.

5/17/2007 12:39:54 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

...I think I was too quick to judge. The unabridged versions are quite good. I'm actually quite enjoying it.

5/17/2007 9:26:21 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

I liked them a lot - very interesting, exciting, suspenseful and even a little inspiring. I have not heard good things about the movies, so I have avoided them, but the books were excellent. My only complain was that it dragged on a little in spots, especially right before "Assassins" but it was not a big problem. People shouldn't get all hung up on the theology of the books. They're just great, fun books with a good Christian message.

5/23/2007 9:07:31 AM by tom, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2007

Update: I'm onto the 7th book, "Indwelling" and I have to say this is a good series. It really does seem to have been the abridged versions that were the problem.

7/9/2007 8:40:05 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

I only read the first one and no complaints.

7/11/2007 6:44:02 AM by Corey, Member of Delve into Jesus since 7/11/2007

I love these books. I see them more as a Christian Profecy Science-future book sereies. I believe, after comparing them to the Revelation descriptions of what will happen, they are an excellent example of the horrors that await those who are left. The plot is also very exciting. I agree though, it did drag on is some parts, but getting past those makes it all worth while. Ever read the Left Behind for Kids series?

5/27/2008 1:44:17 AM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

I recently found some of the Left Behind series Book on Tapes at a garage sale. I really enjoy listening to them, and sometimes I am on the edge of my seat! I highly recommend them! I was wondering if there are any other good Books on Tape to look for?

5/27/2008 2:59:52 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

IgnitedFaith: I listen to a TON of audio books and can likely recommend some. What's your taste? Fiction or non-fiction?

5/27/2008 3:15:01 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Arsindelve, I don't have a preference really. Where do you find the audio books? I am going to the Library with my Daughter today. I was thinking of looking there! Can you give me a title or two that you really like? Thanks!

5/27/2008 3:41:31 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

It depends how high-tech you are. If you have an MP3 player and would feel comfortable downloading books to your computer, uploading them to your MP3 player and then playing them that way, then you can do no better than Audible. They are fantastic in every way. If you want to go a little less high-tech and have them send you CDs in the mail (and you send them back when you're done) go with Simply Audiobooks. I have used both in the past (I use Audble now) and recommend them both highly. Audio books are too expensive to buy, but both companies have plans that can "rent" two books each month for about 25. If you get good, long ones, two books a month is a lot of listening. There's not much in Christian fiction on audio book except Narnia and Left Behind. In non-fiction, I highly recommend all the books by John Eldredge, C.S Lewis, Philip Yancey and Lee Strobel. There are also books by Billy Graham, David Gregory, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Chuck Colson and others. Of all of these, the books by Lewis and Eldredge have done the most for my spiritual growth. In non-Christian fiction, the two authors that I have found to keep the sex, violence and swearing to a minimum are John Grisham (I have only read a few so forgive me if some of his books are not PG rated) and Orson Scott Card. I used to really like Stephen King, and some of his books are very tame, but I cannot in good conscience read much of them anymore. So, that's what's out there! Let me know if I can help with anymore choices or questions.

5/28/2008 8:43:49 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Arsindelve, Thanks for the suggestions you gave! No, I'm not high-tech at all! I did go to the Library yesterday. I was surprised how many Book on Tapes they have! (Now I know a little more what to look for!) I do like Frank Peretti. Have you read any of his books? After I finish the Left Behind series, I may get started on one of his Tape/Books! Thank you again!

5/28/2008 2:20:03 PM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

I heard the mention of Frank Peretti! He is one of my favorite authors. I recommend his book "Monster", it was filled with suspense! If you're looking for suspenseful stuff or even mystery novels, Ted Dekker's "Three" and "Obsessed" are good places to start. I don't know if they're on tape though.

5/28/2008 2:47:22 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

I love Frank Peretti too!! I read monster last summer, it was really good! I am going to read Ted Dekker's "black", has anyone ever read it? was it good?

6/8/2008 8:17:19 PM by blackbox, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/5/2008

I've read some Ted Dekker books, but i haven't read Black yet, i want to though.

6/8/2008 8:18:37 PM by Spex70, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/26/2008

I've never read any Dekker yet but i just got "black" i've only read Peretti. But I've heard good things about "black" so i'm hoping its good

6/8/2008 8:22:15 PM by blackbox, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/5/2008

I've read all of them and loved every bit of it.

6/24/2008 7:30:48 PM by cnaandmom, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/24/2008

I just finished black, red, and white by ted dekker. They were AMAZING!!!! They totally drew me closer to my savior

8/11/2008 8:25:49 PM by blackbox, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/5/2008

I read the first 11 books and would like to read them all but haven't had time and stopped a few years ago. I read the books before I was born again, and thought the miracles were a bit outrageous, but now that I've been saved, I look back and know God can do anything and use us in incredible ways. I enjoyed all the books, they are good and entertaining and a great way to really put into 'normal' human terms the complexity of Revelations. I recommend the series.

1/2/2010 11:13:00 PM by MarkCO, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/2/2010

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