The Visitation

While not as iconic as some of his better-known books, "The Visitation" is Frank Peretti in his prime. The story has a bit of a rough start as it sets the stage, bouncing from character to character with each snippet being no more than a paragraph or two. In very short order, it introduces the broad concepts of the tale along with crowds of supporting and peripheral characters, making it a little difficult to keep track of everything and everyone. Fortunately, none of the details here are critical, and I was able to get a good overview of the scope and direction of the story. Additionally, each snippet is visually distinct, so it is always obvious where the action is taking place. Overall, issues at the beginning constitute a small gripe and do not seriously detract from the enjoyment of the book. The main character stands out amidst the large cast because Mr. Peretti writes his parts in first person while everyone else is written in third person. Though odd at first, this makes his parts visually and grammatically distinctive which works to the novel’s benefit. The story is a slow burn as time is required to establish the situation, sow seeds of dissent and skepticism, and bring everything to a satisfying conclusion. While slow, the story never drags, because Mr. Peretti uses the time judiciously as characters actively seek out facts and use their wits to piece together what is going on. This makes the revelations feel earned and satisfying. Consistency is an aspect often overlooked, yet it is critical for any book to feel like it could really happen. In this novel, the world and characters feel real and organic without glaring inconsistencies. Supporting characters are set forth on introduction and act consistently with their traits and experiences. Characters which receive arcs and development always feel accurate of the developmental choices made by Mr. Peretti, and I was never pulled out of the story with the comment “That’s not what they would have done in real life.” The climax of the book is good, staying true to its genre and story. There is a temptation when writing about heavier topics to utilize ill-fitting and clichéd “happy” endings. This can take the form of the bad guy being determined as fully evil so the protagonist can kill them without qualms, or the main character unrealistically surviving deadly situations. Mr. Peretti threads the gap nicely between the ending he wanted and the one the story deserved, continuing the exponential ramp up of speed, focus, and adrenaline into the third act to a satisfying conclusion. In every aspect, "The Visitation" is a great book and deserves a spot at the top of any reading list.

I thought The Visitation would be about Jesus visiting a town but it was totally different. I didn't understand the point of the phone conversations between the visitor and the minister. I felt that the town’s people acting as Biblical characters was silly. The investigative journeys were too drawn out but informative to the identity of the visitor.

First, for all you fans of Frank Peretti, you need to know that this book is not quite like his other works. I've noticed that many people have given this a less than five-star rating because they feel that this does not meet the par set by Peretti's other books. I hope I can try to explain why that may be. This book tells about a small community to which a self-proclaimed messiah shows up. This book is not in the same vein as his "This Present Darkness/Piercing the Darkness" duo or "The Oath." I submit that it is just as good--just different. The people who will appreciate this book the most are those who grew up in, or have had extensive experience with, pentecostal/charismatic churches--especially those in small towns. This prerequisite fits me well--I grew up in the Assemblies of God (still a member) and always attended small-to-tiny churches as a child. In this book, Peretti captures that setting perfectly. While some others have criticized this book as being overly critical of specific denominations, I must say that this is not what I take from the book at all. In this book, Peretti (in my view) primarily criticizes the ease with which most Christians are manipulated by apparent spirituality. So often many of us have seen an entire congregation agree with one evangelist unanimously, only to also agree with another evangelist a week later--never mind that the positions taken by the two "evangelists" are polar opposites. This book portrays that problem well--not so much in the example I just gave, but in the general sense that people are willing to accept everything that appears to be holy as holy. We were never given such a command by God, nor admonished to do so by the apostles. (1 John 4:1) This book will encourage you to think on your own; to engage in the Berean exercise (Acts 17:10-11) before swallowing whole whatever the next guy brings to town. Our hope is in God, and He never changes--regardless of what the newest "evangelist" would have you believe. Test everything--1 Thess. 5:21.

THE VISITATION was the first book by Christian author Frank E. Peretti that I have ever read. Previously, I avoided Peretti's work because I just wasn't sure that Christian fiction could be worth my time. I was sorely wrong, and I'm glad to admit it. THE VISITATION was a very well-written novel, by Christian OR by secular standards. THE VISITATION is about an ex-pastor and his grapple with issues of faith and God's faithfulness, his search for the truth surrounding some strange events that occur in his town, and his discovery of a Jesus-like man who suddenly arrives on the scene.THE VISITATION is a suspenseful thriller written in a well-timed manner. The characters are varied and interesting, and the story is multi-layered and complex. Frank Peretti's writing is honest -- he writes about humanity in all its imperfection and sinfulness; he doesn't skirt around delicate issues, and he never takes the easy or cliche Christian way out.I would highly recommend this book, and any other Frank Peretti book. I am consistently impressed with his honesty and his skillfully written spiritual thrillers, and THE VISITATION is no exception.

I always look forward to reading Peretti, but this is the best one yet. One moment, I was chuckling out loud; the next, I was trying to swallow the lump in my throat. Frank brought me back to some very personal and private places and left me wondering, "How did he know?". I've now got a new attitude toward church "stuff" and toward people. Thanks, Frank.

After reading This Present Darkness (A++) and Pierceing the Darkness (A-), I was dissappointed by the Prophet (which I never finished) and The Oath (C-). I decided to give Peretti one last chance with the Visitation. I'm glad I did. One of my chief faults with Peretti is that his protagonists (esp. ministers) tend to be SuperChristians, who never doubt, who never question, who are ever obdeient, and ever ready to selflessly serve. The protagonist in this book,Travis Jordan, is a real person who is confounded by a God who he loves and trust. Kyle Sherman, another of the books minister is young, energetic, nïave, and at times goofy (such as when he shouts at a room full of ministers, "Read your Bibles, folks!"). Also, there are no sacred cows in this book. It could be considered a satire on the excesses of charasmatic churches, the spiritually cold churches, and Super Churches. (The Chapter on the Cathedral of Life sums up my experience with Mega Churches). I could not put the book down. I'm glad Peretti hasn't lost his touch. I eagerly look forward to his next offering.

Frank Peretti got right to the heart of many things that happen in the Christian journey. It's fiction, but it is very real life stuff, as he tells the story of a burnt out pastor through flashbacks and through the challenge that gets to him when he'd rather not be reached. I laughed more than ever in a Peretti novel, and at times I thought he was reading my mail or going to the same conferences. He touches on all of us in every different kind of church, and the insights all draw us to love more and point fingers less. It's so accurate it's scary, but I will read it over again many times in spots. His word pictures of the mega-church atmosphere were especially thought-provoking. And the focus on a real relationship with Jesus, rather than your pastor or your denomination's particular church rules and flavors, was profound stuff. Not a perfect ending of the Justin story, but in the last couple of paragraphs I found myself weeping, the book had so moved my heart, and its conclusion was profound in the simplicity of the words. As a pastor, I found this a book that I could recommend to anyone, in or out of the church. Peretti and Randall Arthur are the two Christian novelists most in touch with real world people. They make you want to sit down and have a talk, just regular folk.