Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Televenge (and GIVEAWAY!)

If you are a religious person, you need to read this book. If you are a women's rights person, you need to read this book. If you are one of those "let's just mind our own business" person, you need to read this book.  I can't think of one person who should not read this book because it blew me away. How many books blow me away? Not many.

Televenge - Pamela King Cable


Andie Oliver is a faithful woman—to God, to husband Joe, and to elevangelist Reverend Calvin Artury, a Godfather in a Mafia of holy men. Raised to be subservient and submissive in the tradition of the Bible-belt South of the 70’s, she becomes a prisoner of that tradition. As a reluctant member of Artury’s evangelical megachurch, the House of Praise in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Andie’s dream of children, home, and marriage falls apart when Joe is hired on the ministry team.
The charismatic Reverend conducts faith-healing crusades, creating the largest religious TV audience in the world, surpassing the income and followers of Oral Roberts and the Reverend Billy Graham combined. Working limitless hours, Joe is sucked deeper into the ministry while Andie attempts to free him from the Reverend’s control and far-reaching influence. But it is Mavis Dumass, Andie’s best friend since birth, a sassy African-American woman and aspiring recording star, who holds the secrets to Reverend Artury’s carefully veiled debauchery. What happens to Mavis will not be forgotten as it leaves Andie near mental collapse and struggling for freedom from the cult’s grip.
Andie is still unaware of the extreme danger their pastor wields until she witnesses the murder of a church member. Fearing for her life, Andie plummets from a dreadful existence to a horrific one as she uncovers Reverend Artury’s long-hidden truths, and loses everything. But she strikes back, threatening to expose the Reverend to the world. Reverend Artury reverts to the twisted “cleansings” of his childhood. Raised by two  psychopathic aunts, he mentally declines and quickly, Andie must go into hiding. Fighting for redemption for her family and herself, Andie confronts the very definition of sin, and shakes the Christian evangelical world to its core. Evading ruthless adversaries who will go to any lengths to protect Reverend Artury, Andie battles the dark side of televangelism, forever changing a nation of evangelicals.
With more twists and turns than the Blue Ridge Parkway, Televenge exposes chaos in the megachurch, and embraces those who discover unconditional love in a world of religious deception. A story of hope, of deliverance, and strength of the human spirit. An unforgettable tale of unconditional love, heartbreaking loss, an invincible spirit, and incredible courage.
I'll be honest with you. When I first opened my package and saw how huge this book was, I know I said out loud, "Jesus Christ, I need to start looking to see how many pages there are going to be. Shit." It's 584 pages. I know, you're hyperventilating, aren't you? Well I'm going to tell you that every piece of this book is needed. You know I hate fluff and I'm the first one to tell an author to stop putting so much useless shit in your book just to make it a normal sized novel, you're wasting my time. But not the case in this book. I really thought it would be and I kept looking for it, but in hindsight, you need everything. Everything plays a piece in the end, ultimately. 
I don't know where to even start. Seriously. I'm sitting here wondering how to review this but I'll tell you that when I finished it? I had to not read for a few days. I had to emotionally get my shit together because it takes a lot out of you. Even reading the book I had to stop because my heart hurt for Andie. I really liked her. She was young, she was optimistic, she really just wanted to live the American Dream. Get married, live in a beautiful house, have babies, be a good wife, and be in love. And nobody can say she didn't try, no matter how awful things got. 
Her life is just a serious of losses, and huge losses. She loses a child, a friend, family, hope, love, confidence, everything. Everything a person needs to just hang on in life, she loses it. Not by her bad choices, but because of a religion and what ends up being a cult. 
The most fascinating thing about this book is the religion aspect. Anyone who knows me knows I don't subscribe to church. I have never thought that a pastor or a preacher has any right interpreting a piece of religious writing that may or may not be true. The fact is, nobody really knows and the people who don't acknowledge that scare the shit out of me. Mostly because I don't understand why a person would be willing to have someone else's words shape their life. I mean, I try to look at choices and use common sense and my gut feeling to make the right decision. Doesn't always work, but I'm always presented with choices no matter what and I try to navigate through life making good choices and be a good citizen. And I felt like Andie ends up that way. She starts off as a devoted church follower and submissive to her husband, but when she wants more out of life (namely, being a mother) it basically all goes to hell for her. 
Every time you think you've figured it out, you didn't. You're so wrong it's shameful. And as the book winds down you think surely there can't be any more surprises. Oh, but another death in her family sets her in a direction that will either kill her or save her. 
And when the entire ball of yarn unwinds and you see everything as a timeline? Man. I'd have to think any other person would give up hope all together but Andie doesn't. Andie is the epitome of a strong woman. Sure, she isn't educated, she has not a damn thing to her name, she's lost her kids because of a crooked judicial system, people are out to kill her and you know what? She just keeps trying to make the next best decision to get to her end goal- to have her kids back and live a good life with someone who really loves her. I still can't get over how so many people failed her. People who really loved her knew something wasn't right and they either hid hurtful secrets or turned a blind eye and said Jesus said this is how it should be. And to know that there are so many people in the world that really believe Jesus thinks this kind of behavior is OK is insane. And terrifying. 
For this being such a huge book, every loose end was finished. Well, there is one with Suri (yes, you read that right) that I wish we knew more about. I won't even tell you who Suri is because it would ruin a huge plot point in the book for you. But everything else? Tied up, perfectly. Well, as perfectly as all of these troubled characters could be. I will tell you that the very end with Joe? The last conversation him and Andie have? Bothers me. Because while I understand why Andie says what she does to him, I wonder if any part of her is pulled to him? Because her entire life had become her hoping that her Joe was still in there, and he shows a glimmer of it, and she doesn't even pause. I get why she doesn't because I wouldn't, but I wonder... is there a tiny part in her feel like, "I was right all along, he IS in there"? 
I can't tell you how much I want you to read this book. I want you to read it right now. It's so good and I know the size of it is scary. I know that it gets slow in some parts but really get absorbed in it. Don't give up on it because while it starts out slow it builds and builds. You'll enjoy it, love it, be horrified and hopeful all at once. I am even going to say it's probably one of the best books I have ever read. Truly. I can think of just a few books in my lifetime that I've read that have pulled at me and this is one on a very short list. I can't explain it, it just is.

But lucky for you... ONE reader can win a copy of this (US/Canada only)! Leave a comment on this post with your email address and a winner will be drawn on Friday, January 25.  GIVEAWAY CLOSED


12 comments:

Kattrina said...

That sounds so good! I'll have to look it up. I love reading your book reviews!

Ruth said...

This book scares the crap out of me. Because my sister is in a cult and it has ruined a lot in her life. But, she doesn't see it. I look at her and talk to her and I can still see her in there, but so much of her isn't the same.
My mother, who is religious as all hell, doesn't even understand her anymore.

SpiritPhoenix said...

Sounds like an interesting read. I'm in for the drawing.

spiritphoenix424@yahoo.com

Pamela King Cable said...

Sara, your review, it does indeed kick some ass. Loved it, appreciated it, and want the world to read it. Thanks for your honesty, it means a lot coming from a book blogger, but especially from one who, when you got right down to it, wasn't afraid of the length. You've won my heart with your words. Thanks so much.

Kattrina, would love to hear from you after you've read it!

Ruth, by all means, get the book and read it. Then give it to your sister. Hopefully, she'll read it on they sly. It just may change her life. Don't let it scare you. All the best to you and yours.

Thanks again, Sara!
Pamela King Cable

Gini said...

WANT. I've never read anything like this before. gini dot magnuson at gmail dot com!

Pamela King Cable said...

Sara, Thank you for that kick-ass review! Love it, appreciate it, want the world to read it! You weren't afraid to jump in and tackle the length, and for that, I'm grateful. Your words mean so much, and wow, what a fabulous review. I'm honored!

Kattrina, would love to hear from you after you've read the book!

Ruth, get it. Read it. Then give it to your sister. It'll change her life. Don't be afraid of it. All my best to you and yours.

Again, Sara! Thanks for the review! I'm loving you for this!

Pamela King Cable

steph beck said...

Awesome!! I love when a book gets a person going so much! A review like that can make a weary writer's day.

s . becken @ yahoo . com

That much praise leads this straight to my TBR pile!

Stephanie Becken

Anonymous said...

I tried to post this yesterday, so if I end up with two posts, forgive me! Awesome blog on this book! I, too, loved it--best novel I've ever read, hands-down! From the very first sentence I was hooked! Oughtta be a movie!

Even if you aren't into the concept of spiritual abuse (which I am...experienced it, myself...which is what drew me to the book), the writing is just phenomenal! I want to read everything this author puts out!

And Ruth...God blessya...it has been my experience that, yes, there isn't much you can say to a person trapped in such a web of deception. To attempt to dissuade them will only further entrench them in their legalism, because they're "taking one for the team" or suffering "for the cause of Christ."

Perhaps this book will help...at least sow some seeds...especially if you can find a way to get it to the individual in a way that makes them think they found it on their own. Otherwise, PRAY. Just PRAY.

I was once entrapped in a similar place, but thankfully, the Lord DID open my eyes! I would not have been ready to see it until He did, though. God sees the heart, and if your loved one is truly open to His voice, He will bring understanding as they are ready to receive it.

My extraction from bondage hurt like hell, but that was almost 15 years ago and I AM FREE! I get the Gospel of Salvation now like ever before...simple faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ...and am enjoying my walk with God more than I ever have! I don't attend a "church" and have no desire to do so, although I still enjoy fellowship.

There is no more struggle...no more being a "human doing." Just being a "human being" who is grateful for the magnificent Gospel of Grace by faith in our resurrected Savior!

shana said...

I'm not much into religion, but I'd read this on your recommandation. I cannot do book review's myself, so I like to read other peoples opinions first.
Good job & thanks for hosting the giveaway!

middle child said...

This book sounds WAY too awesome to pass up. Over 500 pages? No problem. Feeling, emotion, mega-churchs. I know the drawing is random but I hope...and hope...and hope. You know my email!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like there's something for everyone in this book!

Thanks for being on the tour.

Pamela King Cable said...

Thanks, heathertic! There is, actually, the book encompasses that what we fear most in religion, and yet that which gives us ultimate peace. It mixes the light with the dark to the extreme ... I invite you into its depths. Enjoy!

Pamela King Cable