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3.22 AVERAGE
3.22 AVERAGE
The premise of this story was so compelling to me that I checked it out from the library multiple times. I had read that it was by a Christian author and I don't usually read novels of that genre so I couldn't decide if I should read this. But I kept coming back to it so I finally decided to just read it. And I am glad I did. The story was interesting and despite several reviews to the contrary I actually thought the characters weren't 100% stereotypical. I liked the premise and i liked the overall lesson that hiding things are not good for you. I believe it's really important to live aligned with your values and that when you're out of integrity with who you are, you suffer. This story was a good reminder. I enjoyed it.
This novel explores the importance of facing the truth of your life/actions, whether you want to or not. The author employs a magical camera as the vehicle for this morality tale, so you have to suspend your disbelief to get through the story. The writing was pretty good, but I felt that the moral of the story was extremely obvious and a bit heavy-handed. I did enjoy the reactions of people to someone using an actual camera with actual film, versus the digital world we are generally in these days.
Many thank to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Many thank to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
This one is a tough one to review. The idea of it was cool and the underlying message was good but the execution in my opinion was poor.
I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Not much happened and yet it managed to drag on for so long.
Daniel was a horrible character and so self absorbed I was really just hoping Kelly would leave him the whole time.
I honestly feel like I will have forgotten about this book in a week which is sad because like I said the underlying message was good and important but it wasnt done in a memorable way.
Thanks to netgalley for arc in exchange for honest review
I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Not much happened and yet it managed to drag on for so long.
Daniel was a horrible character and so self absorbed I was really just hoping Kelly would leave him the whole time.
I honestly feel like I will have forgotten about this book in a week which is sad because like I said the underlying message was good and important but it wasnt done in a memorable way.
Thanks to netgalley for arc in exchange for honest review
The Camera Never Lies is an interesting read. What would you do if a camera exposed your secrets? Would you have something to hide? The author writes an interesting tale that centres around a magic camera. Within the context of the story, this does seem believable.
While the ending is a little predictable, this book does make you think about your own life and the lives of those around you. Overall, I thought The Camera Never Lies was an interesting concept and and an enjoyable read.
While the ending is a little predictable, this book does make you think about your own life and the lives of those around you. Overall, I thought The Camera Never Lies was an interesting concept and and an enjoyable read.
It was alright.
Good story but so slow. I felt a lot of the issues between the characters were a bit silly and real communication would solve them, like his wife not believing he wasn’t cheating. She could’ve called his coworker earlier for clarification if she didn’t believe him, her jealousy is definitely something she needs to work on. However, he should’ve been working on making her feel loved. They should’ve talked about what they need/want from each other. I kind of understood her reasoning for thinking about leaving, he wouldn’t communicate with her. But she didn’t really make it easy for him and questioned his like every move.
Other issues like the big secret of his book were definitely an internal battle and him not coming up with another book that was one of the only issues I understood weren’t so “easy” to deal with. And the issue with their daughter... while I understand the authors point, it was kind of not done well and that subject isn’t just something that’s easy to get over.
Good story, but slow moving until the end.
Good story but so slow. I felt a lot of the issues between the characters were a bit silly and real communication would solve them, like his wife not believing he wasn’t cheating. She could’ve called his coworker earlier for clarification if she didn’t believe him, her jealousy is definitely something she needs to work on. However, he should’ve been working on making her feel loved. They should’ve talked about what they need/want from each other. I kind of understood her reasoning for thinking about leaving, he wouldn’t communicate with her. But she didn’t really make it easy for him and questioned his like every move.
Other issues like the big secret of his book were definitely an internal battle and him not coming up with another book that was one of the only issues I understood weren’t so “easy” to deal with. And the issue with their daughter... while I understand the authors point, it was kind of not done well and that subject isn’t just something that’s easy to get over.
Good story, but slow moving until the end.
The idea of a camera that showed what COULD BE or what the people in it were THINKING ABOUT was cool, like a Twilight Zone. The big secret we finally learn about wasn't what I was expecting. There were lots of "teaching" moments, little guides to live by, that actually kind of grew like rolling a snow ball, little by little. The book ended up more serious than I had expected, but that was OK. Irony of a marriage counselor having difficulty with his marriage. The ending where everything was wrapped up was a "and they lived happily ever after" was convenient.
This is a unique story, with a bit of a supernatural/allegorical element. While the story centers on Daniel, a marriage counselor, and his struggling family, the "main character" is definitely the camera! It only takes pictures that show the truth - the real truth about its subjects' thoughts, feelings, and motives, even and especially when the truth is not visible on the surface. The story deals with themes of honesty, trust, and family in a fresh, thought-provoking way. It's an easy, enjoyable read, perfect for curling up by the fire with this winter!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This one is a tough one to review. The idea of it was cool and the underlying message was good but the execution in my opinion was poor.
I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Not much happened and yet it managed to drag on for so long.
Daniel was a horrible character and so self absorbed I was really just hoping Kelly would leave him the whole time.
I honestly feel like I will have forgotten about this book in a week which is sad because like I said the underlying message was good and important but it wasnt done in a memorable way.
Thanks to netgalley for arc in exchange for honest review
I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Not much happened and yet it managed to drag on for so long.
Daniel was a horrible character and so self absorbed I was really just hoping Kelly would leave him the whole time.
I honestly feel like I will have forgotten about this book in a week which is sad because like I said the underlying message was good and important but it wasnt done in a memorable way.
Thanks to netgalley for arc in exchange for honest review
What Deep Secrets Are You Hiding Behind?
In his signature, almost allegorical style, David Rawlings sends you on a journey of self-discovery in The Camera Never Lies. A deep story, just enough twists and turns, and a lesson that should feel preachier than it actually does. Don’t even ask how that’s possible. I’m calling it great writing. With all that in the book, what more could you ask for?
How about excellent characterization? A multi-layered personality just flawed enough to make him relatable and deeply flawed enough to learn from, Daniel Whiteley offers more than a great protagonist… he offers a glimpse into your own soul as well.
Rawlings understands human nature and reveals it for all its raw imperfections and ugly shadows as well as its beauty and worth. Best of all, he does it by stripping away everything that Daniel can hide behind until the man is forced to see himself as he really is.
The cross does that for us. Jesus does that.
My only quibble with this book is that once again, Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing house has given us so-called “Christian fiction” without bringing Christ into it. Sure, there are allusions to Biblical truths, but they are weak and any reader without a solid grounding in Scripture would find it difficult to know where the Biblical truths are hidden. If Thomas Nelson hadn’t made a habit of putting out this “clean” fiction instead of Christian fiction lately, I might lay the responsibility at the feet of the author.
As it is, I beg Thomas Nelson to let readers know if they’ve shifted their focus from Christian fiction or not. I’d rather not be disappointed every time I pick up one of their books. Regardless, I enjoyed the book, am glad I requested and received a free review copy, and will continue to read Rawlings’ work in the future.
Recommended for lovers of cautionary tales and truths told through story. If you enjoyed the author’s first book, The Baggage Handler, you’ll love this one, too.
Just be careful. The book will make you examine yourself to see the deep secrets you’re hiding behind.
In his signature, almost allegorical style, David Rawlings sends you on a journey of self-discovery in The Camera Never Lies. A deep story, just enough twists and turns, and a lesson that should feel preachier than it actually does. Don’t even ask how that’s possible. I’m calling it great writing. With all that in the book, what more could you ask for?
How about excellent characterization? A multi-layered personality just flawed enough to make him relatable and deeply flawed enough to learn from, Daniel Whiteley offers more than a great protagonist… he offers a glimpse into your own soul as well.
Rawlings understands human nature and reveals it for all its raw imperfections and ugly shadows as well as its beauty and worth. Best of all, he does it by stripping away everything that Daniel can hide behind until the man is forced to see himself as he really is.
The cross does that for us. Jesus does that.
My only quibble with this book is that once again, Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing house has given us so-called “Christian fiction” without bringing Christ into it. Sure, there are allusions to Biblical truths, but they are weak and any reader without a solid grounding in Scripture would find it difficult to know where the Biblical truths are hidden. If Thomas Nelson hadn’t made a habit of putting out this “clean” fiction instead of Christian fiction lately, I might lay the responsibility at the feet of the author.
As it is, I beg Thomas Nelson to let readers know if they’ve shifted their focus from Christian fiction or not. I’d rather not be disappointed every time I pick up one of their books. Regardless, I enjoyed the book, am glad I requested and received a free review copy, and will continue to read Rawlings’ work in the future.
Recommended for lovers of cautionary tales and truths told through story. If you enjoyed the author’s first book, The Baggage Handler, you’ll love this one, too.
Just be careful. The book will make you examine yourself to see the deep secrets you’re hiding behind.
David Rawlings has done it again. This book has hit a whole new level of amazing! One thing I love about Rawlings' writing is that it's so realistic (minus the magic camera). I can relate to his characters and I find myself genuinely interested to see what becomes of them by the end of the book. The interactions between the characters are probably my favorite part of the book. I can picture what's taking place and almost hear the characters as they're conversing. This book tackles a hard truth, yet one that is so important for us to remember. I love when I can take away an important lesson from a book. It's make me feel like it was well worth my time reading it. Everything about Rawlings' writing is magical and leaves me wanting another book. Thank you again for the wonderful story, yet important message.
I received a copy of these books from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of these books from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.