Knuckle Sandwich

While I am almost a decade past the teenage years I still try to read many books aimed at the Christian Teen. More often than not I finish them feeling frustrated and occasionally angry due to their condescending and simplistic attitudes or their reluctance to deal with any big issues that teens face. Knuckle Sandwich didn't do either of these. The protagonists are flawed characters that we can relate to. Too often in this sub-genre the protagonist is perfect and never does anything wrong. The situations encountered are plausable, and the lessons we can learn through the characters are both relevant and subtly dealt with. Adam Palmer is not afraid to go where many Christian novelists fear to tread. Real situations and dilemmas may make some Christians afraid however in this book they serve to make it relevant to today's youth. I wish I'd had books like this when I was younger. Now that I'm an aspiring novelist I hope that I deal with subjects as well as the author does in Knuckle Sandwich. Whether you're an adult looking for a fun read as you reminisce on your younger years, or a teen looking for a great read I recommend Knuckle Sandwich.

Jeremiah Springfield doesn't play the same kind of music as his dad, a local jazz musician. Instead, he's into romping, stomping, Christian Rock. Jeremiah teamed up with Matt on guitar, Liz on drums, and they named their band Knuckle Sandwich. The three are doing well, and as far as they're concerned, the only way now is up. Then success takes it's toll. Matt develops an ego too big to cope with, relationships crumble, and somewhere between the screaming fans, and the pressure of the music business, God got shoved aside. Adam Palmer takes the reader behind the tough, competitive world of Christian Music. Jeremiah, Liz, and Matt, discover God's idea of success isn't always the same as ours. Soon the three are faced with difficult decisions that will change their world forever. Knuckle Sandwich is a fast-paced story of three young Christians caught up in a celebrity lifestyle that threatens to destroy them and everything they believe. Teens everywhere will identify with the characters in Knuckle Sandwich. Good answers to problems young people face today, and a strong faith message without being in your face, or preachy. Recommended.

There is a new (to me) genre of Christian Fiction that is quickly creeping up my list of favorites. For lack of a better description, I'll call this the Coming-of-Age-Upper-Teen-Postmodern-Guy Genre. Or from another angle, the young Christian adult trying to live intentionally, but dragged down by the temptations of life. In the gritty, but loveable style of the Hafer brothers of Bad Idea, Knuckle Sandwich tells the story of Jeremiah and his Christian rock band. Though Jeremiah has been a "life-long" Christian, the freedom that adulthood offers, together with the new status that college can provide a previous band geek, he falls into temptation. Considering those that he is falling with aren't exactly encouraging his Christian values, the struggle is soon on the back burner--behind the doing. I love where Adam Palmer and others are taking Christian Fiction. There is a whole new generation of adults that are tired of pretending that we haven't failed. In Knuckle Sandwich, our generation gets to read about one (or four) that have fallen, but picked themselves up, dusted off and continued the Christian course. Okay, and I have to admit a lot of appeal is the fact that this book is set in 1994, the year of my high school graduation. He nailed our generation. I've lived this! This book isn't for everyone. I'll be the first to admit that. But if you are into gritty, true-to-life Christianity lived out, you'll probably dig this book. The sin is apparent, but not pieces and parts--and Jeremiah does overcome. Armchair Interview says: Story that reaches out to new readers in different ages.

I haven't read such an intriguing book in a while. Witty and fresh, Palmer tackles some tough questions and sensitive subjects. Targeted at the young adult market, the book delivers a good message, laced with biting humor, and the credibility of an insider's view. All too often, characters' spiritual journeys seem contrived. Palmer's ring with veritable honesty. Knuckle Sandwich is a book both teens and their parents will enjoy. Reviewed by Ane Mulligan www.anemulligan.com