I am honored when someone asks me to do a review of their book, even though it is a mass mailing. 🙂 I have been blogging back and forth with TC Avey for over a year, I suspect. and I was in that mass email asking for help in getting the word out about her new book , The Precipice. Here is my review:
Futuristic. When I hear that word I think of something akin to Hunger Games or Divergent (to name a couple of movies). I am guessing when the “brains” behind Back to the Future-Part 2 were brainstorming about 2015, I doubt they really thought about the reality of Hoverboards or Power Laces. (Nike has announced Power Laces may actually be available in…of all things…2015). But when I speak of futuristic, I am not referring to any of the above examples.
I am referring to a new book by TC Avey called The Precipice, subtitled “When Everything We Know Ends.”  When I signed up to help with her book launch, I had no idea what to expect. I knew TC had a burning ache for our country. I know she kept up with the political realm. I also know she is a follower of Christ. But I honestly had no idea what she had in mind when she wrote her book.
The Precipice is easy to read. It is actually three short (futuristic) stories, but not what you might think. They are not about a zombie apocalypse or an alien invasion or robots (ala Transformers) or the need for SuperHeroes to come to the rescue.
Instead, The Precipice is three short stories about the future of America, specifically in relation to the “public” nature and expression of our faith. Here is a brief summary:
The Innocent and Simple: A man (David) invents a “big brother” type of device-a recorder which reads people’s thoughts. The only salvation from the recorder is a metal helmet called an “inoculator,” which protects against the air drones the government-the elites-has policing everywhere. The helmet blocks the thoughts of the person, but the helmet is ruining lives. David, the inventor of the recorder, wants to find an antidote. His suggestion? Well, you need to read the story.
The Price of Truth: A forbidden journal. An illegal religion. Government internment camps for Christians (known as “educational facilities”). Archaic biblical beliefs. Rations. Curfew. Media silenced from telling the truth. The solution? Well, you need to read the story.
What Would You Do? Going to church is illegal. A roster indicates who is a Christian. A sign on the church door says: “ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK: DEATH TO ALL WHO DISOBEY!” Dying for their faith. A real twist at the end. Well, you need to read the story.
I have to admit: at first I wanted TC to continue the stories to their conclusions, but then I realized there really is no conclusion. The reader makes his own.
TC also includes a Reality Check and Discussion questions after each story. It is my humble opinion you ought to buy The Precipice; read it; find some others to do the same; discuss it with them; then take a good long hard look into the futuristic mirror. Well done TC!
You can purchase TC’s book from her website or from Amazon.
Glad to see you helping TC out, Bill.
Glad to help Larry.
Thanks so much for being part of the launch team, I really appreciate it. I know the massive emails are a pain.
Thanks for being on the launch team, Bill. I know the massive emails are a pain.
I really appreciate your endorsement, it means a great deal to me.
Blessings!
No problem TC. I was joking about the emails. 🙂 Hope it does well for you.
Thanks, and sorry for the duplicate comment above, my internet messed up and I wasn’t sure the first one even processed.
No problem. It helps my stats. LOL
Sounds like a conspiracy theorist gone awry.
i would disagree. It is a look into the future at what might/could be.
I don’t think there is any possibility that these scenarios might/could be true in the future without a rather overactive conspiracy imagination.
I think it depends on the worldview Jeff. I do think it is totally possible. Some of it is happening in other countries right now.
It sounds like some interesting “what ifs”.
Good way to put it Daniel.
Sounds like a good read as well as thought provoking. I think I may pick this one up for my kindle collection.
I think it can/will foster some good family discussion for you guys Ryan. Let me know what you all think. Missing seeing you all.
Thanks, Ryan.
I pray God speaks to you through it. Like Bill, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
Have a wonderfully blessed week.
TC Avey
Ryan and family attend OVCF TC and have been on vacation for about two weeks now. Amanda home educates the 3 kids. He works from home so they can travel and he can still work. He likes to make fun of us since he can do that and we can’t. 🙂 Actually, they are using the vacation wisely and doing random acts of kindness along the way.
That sounds like a wonderful family!You’re blessed to have them in your life.
Thanks for sharing more about Ryan and his family.
Don’t give him a big head please. He won’t be able to get through the church doors. BTW: All 3 kids are teens- 2 boys and a girl. Ryan in bald. 🙂
LOL, I laughed, thanks!
It sounds very interesting! Thank you for honoring a good soul on this page.
You’re welcome David. I hope it is an “honoring” thing.
Amen, Bill. Couldn’t agree more. TC writes from the heart and for His cause with guts most people can’t muster.
I agree Floyd.
Thanks for your kind words, Floyd. Just trying to live out the calling God placed inside me.
Obedience.
Downloading it yesterday…hoping to read it in couple week when we are traveling.
Thanks so much, Betty. Blessings on your travels!
Travel safely my friend.
I just read it and it’s a great read. God me to thinking about the future of American and Ukraine!
My prayers are with the people of Russian and Ukraine! Thanks for keeping people posted on that precarious situation.
TC
I have committed to praying for Ukraine each day TC. Caleb (and Zee) know that. 🙂
Hi Bill, and TC,
A blog tour book review? Fun. Her book concepts remind me of Joel O’s style of futuristic writing, from what you are saying here anyway.
Have you or TC ever read Randy Alcorn’s book about the underground church in China called “Safely Home”? It’s thought-provoking.
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
I have not, but it sounds really good. Thanks for suggesting it. I’ll check it out!
I have a week blog tour scheduled, hope you can check it out. You can find out where I’ll be each day on my blog, tcavey.blogspot.com!
Have a great evening, Jennifer!
TC
Are you referring to THE Joel O? I have never read anything by him (nor do I plan to). There is a Joel Rosenberg whom I have read. I have not read Randy’s book.
I’m with, Bill. Won’t read Joel O, but the Randy book sounds interesting. I support Bibles for China and love learning more about the Chinese Christians.