Book 66: From the Dead by John Herrick

About: A preacher’s son, a father in hiding, a guilty heart filled with secrets: When Jesse Barlow escaped to Hollywood, he hungered for fame–but eleven years of failure result in a drug-induced suicide attempt. Revived at death’s doorstep, Jesse returns to his Ohio hometown to make amends with his preacher father, a former love, and Jesse’s own secret son. But Jesse’s renewed commitment becomes a baptism by fire when his son’s advanced illness calls for a sacrifice–one that could cost Jesse the very life he regained. A story of mercy, hope, and second chances, From The Dead captures the human spirit with tragedy and joy.

What I Loved:  This was a very emotional journey for not only Jesse but also his father and son.  It was very moving to watch Jesse go from a place of his on creating and work through the ups/downs of pulling himself to a better place.  The hard knocks that he faces while doing that, especially with his son, are emotionally wrenching at times.

What I Liked:  I thought all the secondary characters in the book added a rich landscape that shaped Jesse’s personality. There wasn’t a single person (good, bad, inbetween) that did not have an effect on him.  I felt it was a very good character study of how people can impact your life.

What I thought was so-so/didn’t like:  I thought the pacing was a little off for me.  It wasn’t overall distracting but in parts it felt a little rushed.

Why I gave it a 3:  This was an emotional journey of a man coming back from his dark place to find that his world is not just about him.  I did find the book to be inspirational and moving though at times a little too “preachy” for me.  This did not happen too often. In some spots I thought it worked great with the story and other spots I felt it was forced.

Who I would recommend it too:  Anyone who likes Inspirational Christian Fiction and/or General Fiction readers who do not mind religious undertones in their books.

Author Website: http://www.johnherrick.net/
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