Review: A Message for Our Country Today
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 22, 2014
John Bates was born after the United States collapsed as a free nation.  It is now a totalitarian state, where the only benefits come from serving the state, which John has – in public.In private, John and his parents still read from the Bible, a book which must remain hidden.  They follow an inner code of conduct that only God can provide, and they pray quietly every day.This world is not designed for free-thinkers, God worshipers, or followers of the Constitution of the old United States.  In their quiet way, they are rebels, much like the Quakers were against slavery when it was legal in the United States, or later like the Ten Boom family was against the persecution of the Jews during Nazi occupation.  Following what is right and just, even though it is illegal, is who they are.John Bates is only fifteen, but he has been trained by his father in martial arts since he was a small boy.  His natural aptitude qualifies him for a place in the Young Army, where John Bates excels.This is a terrific story line, but the authors tell the story rather than show it.  I felt like the story was being shoved in my face rather than allowing me to experience it for myself.  It has enough drama to be a great novel, had the authors managed to show the story instead.Even so, I liked the book.  I found it an excellent book with an excellent message.