When Andrew Klavan introduces us to Charlie West in “The Last Thing I Remember,” we know as little as Charlie does. Through the four volumes of “The Homelanders,” we come to know Charlie on a deep level and to care about this young man caught in a web of events. Although marketed as a young readers’ series, this well-written series satisfies adult readers, too.
Klavan has put together a high-intrigue story with plenty of action within a framework Christian parents will appreciate. The series is suitable for all teens and older adolescents, Christian or not. There are intelligent discussions of morals, actions and choice making. While some violence takes place, it is neither gratuitous nor glorified. While Charlie loves his girlfriend, there is no sex involved in their relationship. Klavan demonstrates his excellent vocabulary by telling the story without vulgarity.
I enjoyed the tone of the books. Charlie and his friends represent American youth, warts and all. They aren’t perfect and they aren’t perfectly horrible-they are real. They face the questions youths must answer as they approach adulthood but with a little more urgency than most. The bullies they face are terrorists. The heroes they follow are the kind we could all hope our children will find.
The potential for “preach-iness” exists, but the series avoids the trap. Lessons come through actions rather than sermons. The fast pace sweeps the reader along through the four books. Discussion questions at the end of each volume provide a great platform for parents and teens to share the books.
If you’re looking for a gift for a teen, look for “The Homelanders.” The limited uplifting choices available for young men make the series a real treasure. You may find your teens feeling, as I did, that saying farewell to Charlie’s adventures is a sad occurrence. I enjoyed the ride and will look for more by Andrew Klavan, confident that I will find a well-written book.
The series comes in both print and electronic formats.
Titles in “The Homelanders”:
“The Last Thing I Remember” (2009)
“The Long Way Home” (2010)
“The Truth of the Matter” (2010)
“The Final Hour” (2011)
Published by Thomas Nelson
