Overall rating and opinion of "Final Notice" by Van Fleisher

[Misael Carlos]

I really want to review this novel; however, this is not available in my country. I hope it will be, someday, though.

[Haasiette_01]

I loved the book! It shows how the unknown in our everyday lives is related to the Final Notice and how the choices we make will determine the outcome. The outcome is that many of us do not have guns in our lives but if we are able to obtain them easily such as with a Senior BOGO then most likely the choice will be made to get the bargain as we all like to achieve those in our lives. Easy access makes it easy to make the choice to buy a gun but if they were harder to obtain it could deter people from getting them and therefore save several lives in the process.

[zilizopita1998]

I have been encouraged to read this book very soon. This is after reading several well written official reviews from this forum. I really love to read books revolving around guns. Your replies here have also deepened my curiosity and so I have been motivated to read it.

[Amanda Nixon]

I agree with quite a few others that I probably wouldn't recommend the book. It's a really slow piece and there's not enough intrigue behind it

[Elle Howard]

This book was a lot different than I thought. I assumed it would be only about the final notice. But this book tackles a lot of issues that are relevant right now. Racial and age discrimination, the NRA, the right to bear arms are all discussed in a thought-provoking manner. Was it all presented in an unbiased manner? No. But it forces you to start the conversations which is what I liked best about this book.

[britt13]

I liked the sample. I think that the premise is interesting and invites thought.
The previous comment made me want to finish reading the book. I really like The Handmaid's Tale.

What did you like about the sample? I honestly did not even read it because I just started reading the book. Did you end up deciding to read it?

[britt13]

I am still reading the book, however, I am not so fond of it. I am not pro-gun and some things keep rubbing me the wrong way.

That is totally understandable, I am anti-gun and things still rubbed me the wrong way! What did you find most annoying? Also, I am always curious what people mean exactly when they say they are “pro-gun” because it seems to mean different things to different people.

[britt13]

I am about 25% of the way through the novel right now, having almost immediately chosen to download it after reading what it was about. The part that I liked the most is the interaction of Vince and Trudi. They very much are just a normal couple going about their day in this crazy world of this novel, wondering who is right. The descriptions of people just really brings the characters to light for me. What's rubbing me wrong though is that the NRA is involved in this whole "Arm the Seniors" campaign to the point even assisted living places are taking their residents, and then NOT keeping up with who buys anything. It's like they want their senior residents to start shooting up the place.

The only parts I really enjoyed fully of the book were those with Vince and Trudi. You are right, it felt so real. I am not as old as they are by any means, but a lot of their day to day stuff is so similar to my husband and I. I thought he did a very good job developing those characters. Have you finished the book now? If so what are your thoughts now?

[britt13]

The topic of this book seems to come at an interesting time. The debate for guns vs no guns is a hot one. I might have to read this and see where it stands.

Did you end up reading it? The debate is for sure a big one, especially right now in this current climate in the United States. It feels just as “hot” in the book. That is something I worry will hurt the book in the future, it seems like it so clearly will date itself, but I guess time will tell!

[britt13]

I am currently reading the book and so far I find it very interesting. What struck me most at the beginning was the Fox interview where the NRA rep couldn't answer basic questions about statistics and just brushed off the seriousness of those things. Now, I'm not a fan of Fox, so I'm a bit biased, but I thought it was a good representation of a lot of people (not just Fox) and their attitudes toward important issues (not just gun control). I found it very real and very infuriating. So good job with the writing!

I do not like Fox either so I am also biased. Let's face it though, the author is super biased. The thing is, I am not sure that really matters when it comes to fact. This administration has tried to yell fake news at anything they do not like (and yes I know that Fox is not the only ones who spew fake news but they seem to be the only ones not under fire for it). Fact is fact though, just because it does not fit with your narrative does not make it not fact. All of that to say, I agree with you, I think he captured this element really well!

[britt13]

Makes me sad to think that so many people may have cold-blooded murders on their bucket lists...not that I'm totally immune to the thought. I watch Mafia dramas all the time...still.
Also, some of the time reading this, I felt like I was in an Apple commercial. I get that he was trying to show ordinary details but I felt it veered close to product-placement at times.

That is something that upset me about the book. These seem like totally ordinary people, I found it hard to believe that so many would have the urge to go killing people. Also, THANK YOU!!! I have been saying it feels like Apple paid him to write about their products. It was so over the top, even more so than most product placement in movies and such.

[britt13]

I saw the email and read a few reviews. I have to be honest when I say that I don't like guns and I am not looking forward to owning a gun. And the concept of knowing when a person is going to die also doesn't sit well with me. But perhaps I will give the book a try once I finish the one I am currently reading.

Did you decide to give it a read? Also what do you mean by you are not looking forward to owning a gun? Just curious

[britt13]

I've just finished reading the book. I really wanted to love it because, as far as I'm concerned, the writer's heart is in absolutely the right place on all the topics mentioned in this book. However, the writing style is a bit pedestrian. I agree with a comment made above that the relationship between Vince and Trudy (not forgetting Miles!) is genuinely touching, but the writer explains and elaborates everything - there's nothing left for the reader today. And pretty much everybody in the book talks to each other in the same way.

I found the basic idea of the watch implausible, but I liked the way that the tech company people were seen as honest and genuinely concerned about what might be happening with their product.

In the end, I'm glad I stuck with the book - it starts to get genuinely gripping towards the end, and I found the finish rewarding (not sure if spoilers are allowed here, so I won't go into details.

Rating? Hmmm... tough one. If I could give it 2.5 out of 4 stars, I would. I need more time to think.

I totally agree with the sentiment of “I wanted to love it”, I had such high hopes. I was quite disappointed by what I viewed as pretty weak writing. Every once in a while it felt like I was reading a piece from a different author because it got really engaging but then it would drop off again. Also, I wish we could do half stars!

[Irishmom]

I loved this book. I am a public school teacher and a mother of school children, but also a gun owner and a policeman's daughter, and so gun control is something I think about. This book made me think more. And it was entertaining, to boot.

[azerikaj]

That is something that upset me about the book. These seem like totally ordinary people, I found it hard to believe that so many would have the urge to go killing people. Also, THANK YOU!!! I have been saying it feels like Apple paid him to write about their products. It was so over the top, even more so than most product placement in movies and such.

You are welcome... for the record, my bucket list is more like "See Hamilton...Go to tahiti," although, if pressed,I could have a hitlist. Not sure it would be a priority, though.