Tim Shoemaker

I hesitate a little bit to review this book because as an adult non-Christian, I am definitely not its intended audience. However, since it isn't necessarily readily apparent that it is a Christian book, and since many adults do read juv and YA novels, I will add my opinion to the bunch.

This book sucks. It's terrible. Reading it is torture. (But torture that I had to endure for work.) There is a mystery, which could have POSSIBLY been interesting with more interesting characters and if the show more whole goody-two-shoes Christian theme was completely wiped out.

Look, I hate lying as much as the next person, possibly more. I can be honest and forthcoming to a fault, and I hate hate HATE lying, even lying by omission. In most cases, I think lying is a VERY BAD IDEA.

That being said, the preachiness in this book is exhausting. It's like a 300 page Berenstain Bears novel but way less interesting. And if you're not a Christian, all the talk about praying and God feels cheesy, like you're reading a Sunday School pamphlet. And the kids are so darn wholesome. What eighth grader says "baloney" instead of BS? None I know.

Anyway take this all with a grain of salt. If you are the intended audience, I'm sure this book is great. It has many 4 and 5 star reviews to back up that statement. If you're a cynical, non-religious adult, this is not the book for you. show less

Okay I haven't read a mystery book of this sort for a while now, so when I got past the first couple of chapters I was hooked. The feeling of suspense and wondering what could happen next, was a feeling that I love to experience when reading.

The characters were meant for each other. The bond that they shared when faced with a situation that other peoples lives were also faced with danger was incredible. I probably would have wet my pants with all the events that took place throughout the show more book. However, these three friends are able to make a new friend along the way that soon they too can share their bond with.

The plot flowed well with every sentence, and I never once had to put my book down. Like I mentioned this before this book is full of suspense that will leave you sitting on the edge of your toes.this book also contains friendship beyond all accords. The bond that is shown throughout these chapters is one that I believe anyone would like to have.

I give this book 4 souls! show less

Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro along with Lunk are back for a second adventure in Tim Shoemaker’s second book Back Before Dark. The four teens are on their way home from a shopping trip when they spot a van with a backpack on top. They promised they would be home before dark. They weigh their options and decide they have time to play the role of Good Samaritan and still make it home on time. Gordy takes off ahead of the group. As he approaches the van the worse thing possible happens. The side show more door opens and Gordy is grabbed. His friends race to catch up. Cooper gets the license plate number but gets it all mixed up. Days go by. Cooper can’t imagine being without his best friend and cousin Gordy. He goes to school and sees a sign for a memorial to be held for Gordy. This is really more than Cooper can stand and he decides if the police aren’t going to do anything then he will. Their new friend Lunk supports Cooper in everything he does putting himself and his friends in danger. This book is all about friendship and how far we will go for our friends. There is also an underlying message of turning problems that are too big for you to handle over to God. Cooper is like so many of us that tries to handle it first and then when all else fails turns it over to God. Lunk is one of those who doesn’t understand why God would allow this to happen to good people. Then we have the strong one of the bunch Hiro. She is the one who constantly prays for her friends and the situations they get into. She is the voice of reason in the darkness. I can only home Tim Shoemaker keeps pumping these books out because I will keep putting them on my shelves at school and recommending them to everyone I can. show less

Cooper, Hiro and Gordy are best friends who like to spend afternoons after school at their favorite handout Frank-N-Stein’s Restaurant. One evening they decided to play one more arcade game while their friend, mentor and owner Frank locks up. What happens next is the beginning of a nightmare. The three friends are trapped in the restaurant and witness the robbery and beating of Frank. When one of the robbers pulls and leaves the video that would incriminate them in the robbery, Cooper show more takes the opportunity to snatch it and escape. The others get away and Cooper is caught and his house keys taken and he is left with a threat to his family. He and his friends get away. They make a pact to keep what they know silent. They don’t know who they can trust because the robbers were dressed in police uniforms. Unfortunately Cooper’s backpack left at the scene put the cops and the criminals on his trail. His lies upon lies begin to catch up with him. It strains his relationship with his parents, his friends and with his relationship with God. This was one of those books that once you start you can’t put it down. The messages about doing the right thing, friendship, loyalty, honesty, lies and telling the truth can be found all through the book. When I give my book talk about this book I’m going to ask my students up front if they believe it is ever okay to tell a lie and ask for examples. Then I will introduce this book because people need to realize that just because you think it is okay to lie, there are consequences for each lie you tell. This is a book I definitely recommend to my students and all adults who love to read a good mystery. show less