Erik Raschke

The Book of Samuel in my estimation is a tour de force of the literary imagination. It is supposedly a "teen book", but it is a profound commentary on all the contradictions of the boomer generation. Samuel is a hero without realizing it, a redemptive figure for a culture totally obsessed with self and political correctness. He makes those who dare look at themselves in the mirror. I'm sure a lot of the American literati won't get it - they'll see this just as another coming of age story - show more but that's their problem. It's brilliant. show less

Samuel Gerard is growing up in Denver in the 1980s. His mom is skeptical about religion, while his dad rigorously studies the Bible and attempts to share it with others. One day Dad leaves, and Samuel is left to find his way between these two extreme approaches to religion. Meanwhile, he and his best friends have a growing beef with some Mexican kids who have started using their bike jumps. While all of this sounds heavy, Raschke skillfully shows how Samuel navigates social and emotional show more challenges while maintaining a normal junior-high existence filled with hijinks and shenanigans. He also demonstrates that although it's not easy to find peace with oneself, or with the world around you, the effort and discipline required will help Samuel grow into a stronger, kinder man. Erik Raschke and I both graduated from Earlham College, a small liberal arts school affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. Quakers believe in nonviolence and peaceful conflict resolution. I think Raschke has done a great job of showing how, although it can be hard to be a peacemaker, all of us can and must do so. show less

This coming of age book tells the story of Samuel Gerard. A twelve year old meandering through the challenges of life: bullies, peer pressure, and an absent father. And while I'm not usually into reading fiction geared towards teens (even when I was one), I think this novel does a wonderful job describing how complex life is at the age when one doesn't have the wisdom of experience to aid in understanding life's challenges. But that's only half the story, as author Erik Raschke, spins a show more narrative of violence, Christian ideals, responsibility, and the nature of good and evil.

Initially, I read through this novel with distaste at the amount of violence and hatred found in the story. I thought it was over emphasized, especially when I assumed that the narrative was about the absence of the father, his bizarre religious behavior, and ultimate acceptance of this by Samuel. But the story quickly traveled in a new direction, with Samuel being forced into one violent situation after another as he unsuccessfully tries to avoid such occurrences. This all leads to the brilliant climax, in which Raschke sets up a resolution that takes this story into the realm of parable (which I'm sure is responsible for the religious connotation of book's title). With this, many of the metaphors throughout the narrative become clear.

Despite the clever writing and enlightening denouement, I can't say that this was an enjoyable read. There is much to admire in his storytelling, as well as the ambitious discussion of good, evil, and redemption, but it is ultimately a depressing tale from start to finish. And I suspect that many of the lofty concepts will be lost to teen readers under the accurate portrayal of the difficulties of the teenage suburban life. However, the literary treatment of the subject matter and artistic weaving of narrative and concept have stayed with me long after I finished the book. show less

The Book of Samuel is a wonderful reflection on the trials of being a child in our society. Without trivializing them, Raschke humorously deals with the very intense themes of familial separation, isolation, racism, depression and teenage angst. Set in Denver in the 1980s, Samuel Gerard aims to be a bridge between his eccentric and estranged parents. He tries to bring a dysfunctional family back together, and tries to find solace in playing with his friends. Unfortunately, the other kids he show more knows are all entwined in sad situations as well, and Samuel's narrative reads like a plea for help amidst a world that cannot hear him. The work is loaded with now anachronistic pop-cultural references and slang that transported me back to my own youth almost 30 years ago, and made me feel close to the characters. While in some ways this book reminded me of Doyle's Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and Sherman Alexie's Flight, it is original and poignant and should be read on its own terms. Definitely a great first novel with substance and promise. show less