Boone Drake has it made everything is going right - until everything goes horribly wrong.

Precinct 11 Book 1

I liked this book and totally was engaged with it. I'm not sure I'll read any of the sequels at this time. ( )

The Brotherhood by Jerry Jenkins
Tyndale House Publishers- January 24, 2011
www.jerryjenkins.com
Facebook: yes-jerry b.jenkins
Rating: Enjoyed but slightly disappointed.

Boone Drake has spent most of his life working toward the goal of the Organized Crime Division for the Chicago Police Department. He is a young police officer who is working hard and plays it by the books. He is happy with his beautiful wife and adorable. Everything seems to be going according to plan until one day when Drake loses everything he loves the most and his career is now in jeopardy. He is not sure how to recover or he ever will. But a path that brings him face to face with the most dangerous gang leader also brings him face to face with a faith that he now questions and must redefine.
I was given the second book in this series to review, so I had to go out and get the first one. I enjoyed this book, there were parts that I felt could have gone deeper or have been less predictable. But it was still good writing. I think that Drake has a faith but like most people there are other things that he has to focus on so it’s not a priority. The event that emphasizes is devastating, but I am not sure if anyone –regardless of the strength of their faith-could recover so quickly from. I guess that’s what’s disappointing- time does pass to show the process of grieving and healing but it still felt like it was happening too fast.
But that’s really all of my complaints for this book. I like the struggle with faith and questioning God. I like the fact that, though it is mild, Drake turns to drinking. It’s not something common that you see in Christian fiction; alternative methods of dealing with stress and unwanted tragedies. But it’s a real response. So I appreciate that. I like the connection that develops between Drake and the gang leader. There is even the fluttering of a romance that is nicely done.
The ending was a lot less predictable than Drake’s faith struggle. And though I wasn’t gung-ho over this book, I am glad that I read it and I am looking forward to reading the next one. This was a different glance at cops behind the scenes and it was believable and refreshing.

Recommendation: Fans of Jerry Jenkins, police drama, adult fiction
Always Shine,
Starr K ( )

I enjoyed this book. I understood the anger he first felt and the re-building of his relationship with God. It is hard to remember at times, but he is always with us, watching us, and protecting us. ( )

Boone Drake has everything. Beautiful wife that he adores, adorable son, the perfect job. But he's got a problem ~ he thinks he's the one responsible for his perfect life. When that perfect life spins wildly out of control and he's faced with a lonely future, where will he find his comfort? To the God who has been patiently waiting for him, or will he blame God for taking everything away?

This was a difficult read for me, not because it's messy and ill-written. On the contrary, this is an extremely well written book. What else would someone expect from an author superstar like Mr. Jenkins? No, this novel is full of tragedy and heartbreak. (Two things I don't deal well with) Mr. Jenkins has the ability to navigate these complex emotions and make them believable and gut-wrenching.
If you're a fan of police thrillers that have tragedy, this is probably the book for you. If you're more of the happy reader only (similar to me) then you may want to pass.

Life lesson learned?
"...sometimes God has to allow a person to come to the end of himself before he realizes his deep need." ( )