A Higher Call

A Higher Call is another dulcet gem from the pen of Harold Bell Wright. Technically a sequel to his most famous work, "Shepherd of the Hills," this latter story can easily stand on its own. Except for a few references to "Shepherd" characters and the brief appearance of Dan Matthews's parents who figured prominently in the prequel, "A Higher Call" is an independent tale.While never critical of organized religion, the novel does point out how hypocrisy can too often be found in churches' inner organizations. Unlike Hollywood's commonplace Christian-bashing which always fingers the clergy, this novel celebrates an idealistic young minister up against some self-important lay people who wield too much power and militate too many church policies. It is the embrace of true Christianity that Wright's works often subtly embrace, done here in a more overt fashion.Readers should beware that "A Higher Call" is the exact same book as "The Calling of Dan Matthews." A new title is the sole difference. To paraphrase the Bard, a book this uplifting by any name is still a good read.