A thought on life and what happens next. A great read!

books:


	• Sinners & Social Workers Norah S. Bernard Heloro Publishing Group, 2007 - 232 pages average customer review:based on 6 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A thought on life and what happens next. A great read!

I bought this book based on other reviews, and of course, because of the story, and I was not disappointed. For a while, in the middle of the book, I thought that the book was starting to take a religious angle. While I have no issues with religious books per se, they are not the books I enjoy reading. However, after reading on, I realized that this book was more than just a religious tale.
The author chooses to give us a snap shot of the life, and death of eight very different individuals, all dealing with the trivialities of life. While some of these indivividuals are good and caring people, others are pure evil. Ultimately, all have an appointment with death. In the second part of the book, the author tells us what happens to these eight individuals. This is where I thought, at first, that the book was taking a religious spin. However, as I read on, I realized that the author had decided to use a premise that included a God and a Devil, but moving forward, explored the concept of good and evil, and how we might be given a choice to rectify some of the wrongs we have done during our earthly life. I found this concept highly encouraging and comforting, even if it remains a story in a book, I felt good knowing that after death, we might still be given some choices to be good, as opposed to simply get judged.
In the third part, the author really illustrates this concept of choice, and the consequences that might come with these choices. What I found interesting in this last part that the individuals were given choices, but had to take the time to consider the motives behing their choice. The other used this last part very cleverly to bring an end to the tales of these eight individuals.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book. It was truly thought provoking, and has been in my mind for a few days after I finished it, which to me is the sign of a good book. Enjoy!

for more information click here

"Heaven" and "hell" might be like this

If you are accept the possibility that "heaven" and "hell" may exist in different forms, depending on who you are and how you lived your life, then you will really enjoy this book. There are some very dark, some violent parts, but there are some hilarious parts, too. The way the author describes all the different saints and angels, and the devil, is really amazing. She makes them so believable, it's hard not to think that if they really do exist, this is exactly the way they are!

for more information click here

Perfect for stage or screen!

As with the morality plays of yore this novel challenges us to confront forces of good and evil, of light and darkness, of calm and chaos. With startling insight, captivating wit and enduring compassion the author populates her tale with a range of characters - all so recognizable in our own lives - from those born on the wrong side of the tracks to the silver-spoon-in-the-mouth anointed. We meet both the self-righteously pious and the devoutly ecumenical ... and not to be missed is the lightly-concealed commentary on arguably the most egregious political machinations of our time.

The questions Ms. Bernard poses to her readers require lifelong contemplation: Where would each of us find ourselves standing in line? Who would seek us out? What choice would be put to us? Is redemption available even to those who have sinned the most? Whether God-fearing or otherwise, the reader will find this novel resonates with both his highest ideals and his worst nightmares.

for more information click here

Very compelling read

Wow, this is really thought-provoking. Everyone worries (at some point) about what is going to happen after death -- even if they have been very religious/observant, there is a point that we just wonder what really will happen. This book makes so much sense, it is hard to refute the ideas. And it is remarkable how Bernard can write such painful stories and also inject humor at just the right time. A great story.

reviews: page 1, 2

This is the story of eight individuals whose lives...and deaths...overlap, as they meet again ...on the "other side," where each is given a choice of fates, guided by a variety of characters-priests and rabbis, angels and saints-and cajoled by the devil himself.: CHARLIE, the good husband and father, overcome by an inexplicable suicidal depression; PENNY, raised by a caring grandmother, but driven by self-destructive and sadistic urges; MARION, abused as a youngster, yet saintly in her desire to help others; DR. HARRISON, the wealthy Ob-Gyn who could not resist his predatory urges; FATHER BRYAN, able to forgive everyone except himself for failing to protect a murdered child; CARRIE, devoted to her church, but not to her husband; CHRISTOPHER, the "accidental" President who was determined to make the country a better place, even if it cost him his life; and TODD, the Vice President who manipulated the country into a war for his own self- aggrandizement.

for more information click here

hot