Christian
Library Journal
Friends
Like These continues the story of 17-year-old Glen Sauten as
he begins his first dating relationship with Nicole, the pastor's
daughter, with sometimes humorous, often anxious moments. Charlie,
now Glen's ex-friend because of Nicole, knows he's better looking
and smarter and can't understand why Nicole prefers average, ordinary
Glen over him.
But
Glen isn't ordinary; he's searching for answers to real life questions,
and frustrated with the youth group at church because they never talk
about real problems. Overhearing his new mentor and friend, John,
say, 'People won't grow unless they talk about real life issues with
other believers,' strikes a chord in Glen's spirit.
Glen
begins meeting weekly with John's small Bible study group and schedules
time to read the Bible and pray. Becoming vulnerable as God works
in him, Glen develops a growing relationship with God along with an
overwhelming realization of who God is.
Lindquist
combines the angst of growing up with the need for an increasing relationship
with God. Written from Glen's viewpoint, the text allows teens to
identify with the characters. Lindquist draws the characters with
skill and warm insight. Parents will welcome the strong moral values
and common-sense answers suggested to address everyday problems youths
face today. Whether reading this as a stand alone book or part of
the series, the reader will want more from this author who portrays
kids with realism and heart.
The
Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Reviewed by Debbie Doane
These four books take you through the life of Glen and his friends.
Glen is a guy who starts seeing the pastor's daughter for the wrong
reasons, but his life is changed eternally because of it. His life
has its ups and downs as he struggles with his new faith and old friends.
.... Everyone knows someone who isn't saved and can relate to the
teenagers in these books. Maybe you know someone you or your teen
just can't reach; one of these books may be the key to opening that
door of communication. These books are a great tool for sharing your
faith and would be a great addition to your home library or your church
library.
Christian
Week, Reviewed by editor, Doug Koop
Don’t take my word for it. I had to ask a 16-year-old whether
Nancy Lindquist’s "Circle of Friends" series of novels
lived up to the promoter’s promise that "real issues and
realistic teens" make for a compelling read.
And
without any prompting, "realistic" was the word my young
informant provided. "Friends Like These was a touching
book," he said. "It clarified things that I was doing wrong
- and how to fix it."
Those
"things" include struggles with jealousy, petty pride and
romance - the stuff of life at any age, but of particular importance
to young people learning their way in the world.
If my
young Christian reader’s response is any indication, That’s
Life! Communications has a winning series in hand...
Crystal
E. Miller
If you got the first book (Best of Friends) in this Circle
of Friends series, you are going to want to get this one, too. It
continues with the same characters of Book #1. Life is not simple
for teenagers. More complications, more relationship interaction.
Endorsements
“Capture
the nature of friendship and what that means in this world of trials
and temptations.” Neil Anderson, author of The Bondage
Breaker, Stomping Out the Darkness, Discipleship Counseling
“N.
J. Lindquist’s entertaining stories deal with a complex mix
of teen relationships, moods, and motivations. Glen Sauten captured
our sympathies as we rooted for him to stand up and discover himself.
His problems challenge and develop his character, move the action
along, and provide exciting moments. Lindquist has found the teen
voice, but writes to the emotional needs of all ages.” Stephen
and Janet Bly, authors of 100+ books
“Circle
of Friends is a fantastic series! I meet with a lot of teens and speak
to a lot of youth groups. I see the things they go through in N.J.’s
novels. The authenticity of Glen’s (main character) journey
is impressive. I kept thinking how is she going to be able to top
this book, but she did, each book got better and better.” Herbie
Kuhn, In-house Voice of the Toronto Raptors
“These
teen novels don’t sound like an adult writing about being a
teenager; they sound like teens writing and living through the challenges
of being teens today. N. J. Lindquist has an authentic voice, credible
story lines and a gentle, non-preachy way of getting her point across.
I recommend the Circle of Friends novels to every teen I meet.”
Linda Hall, author of 11 books including Chat Room, Steal
Away, Sadie’s Song, The Coast of Maine Series
Back
Cover
Glen
Sauten
He’s just seen his life go from happily boring
to roller-coaster crazy to better than his widest dreams. But it’s
about to go back on the roller-coaster because of...
Nicole
Grant
She seemed happy with Glen at first, but now
he gets the feeling she’d like him to change. Is she confused, too,
or has she made a mistake? Does she really like...
Charlie
Thornton
Having Charlie for a friend nearly got Glen
killed. Dating the girl Charlie wants borders on suicidal. And Glen
isn’t getting much help from...
Phil
Trent
Glen’s long-time best friend seems to be making
matters worse, not better. But then he’s got his own reasons for disliking
both Charlie and Nicole. As does...
Marta
Billings
Getting even with Charlie is one of Marta's
goals. Breaking up Glen and Nicole seems to be another one. Or, is
she just plain crazy?
Life
hasn't become any easier for Glen. It may even have made things harder.
At times, he thinks he would like to go back to the old uneventful
days. But you can’t go back. You have to go forward. Even when you
havne’t a clue where you’re going.
Excerpt
When
things don’t go the way you plan...
I was walking along the road in just-below-freezing
weather, wearing running shoes, jeans, gloves, and a short-sleeved
T-shirt, carrying a winter jacket with a nearly dead dog wrapped
inside. Great sight.
I
couldn't see any farmhouses, and I had no idea where the first one
would be. I started talking out loud to God.
“I
sure could use some help here, Lord. I mean, I need a lot of help.
But if you want this dog to survive, you had better do something.
I know I can’t do any more. I’m likely going to get pneumonia as it
is. So please, if you aren’t too busy, could you help out”...
I
heard a motor behind me and turned just in time to see a brown minivan
speed by. It made no attempt to stop.
People
are like that sometimes. They walk right by without even seeming to
notice you. I wonder if they don’t care or if they’re just too busy
with their own thoughts.
“Thanks
a lot, God,” I said. Then I felt ashamed. Like it was his fault the
van hadn’t stopped. The person driving the van had made that choice.
I
heard another motor, and I turned again. It was the tow truck from
Winter’s Garage, pulling a car behind it. As the truck went past,
my heart sank.
Sorry,
we don't have an excerpt because it would give away too much of the
ending of Best of Friends.
