Review: Story that makes you think
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 8, 2013
This first person narrative of John Hancock Bates was an interesting read. The story is set in the New America after everything has been destroyed and chaos reigned for a time. When the new government emerges, it promises to save the world under one condition...complete surrender.John grows up in this new world, not remembering any other way of life. His parents, however, have secretly taught him of the Bible and about how things were before the State took control over everyone’s lives and choices. The seed of rebellion is planted in his young heart, and even though he is helpless to change his circumstances, I could tell as I read that he is a waiting time bomb.The world John lives in is a scary place full of hunger, poverty, and absolute submission to the State by the populace. John goes along with it and joins the youth military organization to get extra food rations and privileges only granted to those who sustain the State. But his very name (John Hancock) is treason, and if the State knew what John was, they’d kill him...but in the end they give him a gift.I quite enjoyed this story. It made me think about issues we deal with in the world today...and what would happen if we gave up our freedoms to let the State take care of us. Scary thought. This story sets up a sequel nicely. Can’t wait for it to come out.