Chris Heimerdinger

This is a twist on the original setting of the series. This time the second generation makes a trek into Israel in the time after the death of Christ. I found it interesting to read the author's imagining of what the early Christian apostasy might have looked like. I also enjoyed the reverence he brings to the subject of scripture.

Heavy handed and far fetched are just two clichés that are unavoidable with this one. I kept seeing it recommended on Christmas lists, but halfway through I had to go back and make sure it was the right book because it was so cheesy and not well written. Just not my cup of tea at all.

I listened to this with my family on our vacation travels. This was a decent start to the new series within a series, which will continue for the next two books. I think it was interesting to start the series a bit differently then the past couple, but overall the affect is a bit weaker. The characters now shift to children of main characters in the previous books. I remember quite enjoying some of the interaction and scenes the first time I read this, but they are a bit weaker the second show more time through. Also, Chris leans more in this series on contacts with historical figures much more, which has diminishing returns as well. show less

So I wanted to read this because I have been saying for years that Gerald Lund is the best writer of LDS fiction and wanted to make sure.
I was right. He is.
That being said, Tennis Shoes wasn't awful. It just crossed a few lines I wasn't too comfortable with. I don't the the whole idea is sacrilegious I just prefer people not creating personalities for people for whom I already have my own pre-determined opinions.
It was definitely a "Utah" book.
On the plus side, he is much funnier than show more Lund. His voice is unique, and I can see the appeal to the younger generation.
Average. show less