Review of Chavaya
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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Chavaya" by Dave D. Lewis.]
Chavaya: My Life-Changing Experiences is a heartfelt memoir where the author, Dave D. Lewis, recounts events leading up to several life-changing experiences and decisions. Dave D. Lewis grew up in Jamaica, brought up by his grandmother, living a life that he describes as nearly indigent. After completing high school, Dave moved to the US to study computer science, and it was during this time that the drug problem and mental issues began. He recounts battling addictions and bouts of depression, which culminated in difficulties holding onto a job or maintaining his relationships.
Things hit rock bottom, and Dave thought he had to do something. God had been present in his life; he just hadn’t acknowledged it. Since childhood, he’d been having visions, which he knew were out of the ordinary. This, coupled with what was happening in his life, prompted this turning point. He decided to quit drugs, join the army, and give his life to Christ—decisions that would change his crumbling life for the better. In this memoir, while narrating these defining moments, he takes you on an adventure—his life in different parts of the world and how that has shaped his life and faith in Christ.
The author’s narration is honest and raw, for instance, when he describes the evil thoughts and cravings in his mind. The life journey is inspiring, and I couldn’t help but admire Dave’s transformation and growth in Christ, from a religious background that he thought was lifeless to battling and surviving addiction to ministering in the army. The book is an easy read, straightforward, and the account is backed with references from the Bible, which is a plus considering the nature of the content.
While I appreciate how inspiring this book is, there are multiple ways in which it fell short. The author failed to provide dates and times for most of the events, which I believe is a crucial aspect of a memoir. The narration felt flat as little effort was put into describing the settings and the characters. Also, the author mentions several controversial aspects, such as visions, without expounding on them or explaining his view on this. For instance, when he described that a friend’s girlfriend was involved with witchcraft and that she owned a crystal ball, the confusion was made worse when the author failed to explain the relationship between the crystal ball and witchcraft.
I feel that the writing wasn’t properly executed. The flaws in the writing and the lack of depth in explaining the visions show that the author could have done better. These flaws are the reasons I deducted two stars: I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. This book would resonate better with readers looking for inspiring Christian memoirs.
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Chavaya
View: on Bookshelves |
Chavaya: My Life-Changing Experiences is a heartfelt memoir where the author, Dave D. Lewis, recounts events leading up to several life-changing experiences and decisions. Dave D. Lewis grew up in Jamaica, brought up by his grandmother, living a life that he describes as nearly indigent. After completing high school, Dave moved to the US to study computer science, and it was during this time that the drug problem and mental issues began. He recounts battling addictions and bouts of depression, which culminated in difficulties holding onto a job or maintaining his relationships.
Things hit rock bottom, and Dave thought he had to do something. God had been present in his life; he just hadn’t acknowledged it. Since childhood, he’d been having visions, which he knew were out of the ordinary. This, coupled with what was happening in his life, prompted this turning point. He decided to quit drugs, join the army, and give his life to Christ—decisions that would change his crumbling life for the better. In this memoir, while narrating these defining moments, he takes you on an adventure—his life in different parts of the world and how that has shaped his life and faith in Christ.
The author’s narration is honest and raw, for instance, when he describes the evil thoughts and cravings in his mind. The life journey is inspiring, and I couldn’t help but admire Dave’s transformation and growth in Christ, from a religious background that he thought was lifeless to battling and surviving addiction to ministering in the army. The book is an easy read, straightforward, and the account is backed with references from the Bible, which is a plus considering the nature of the content.
While I appreciate how inspiring this book is, there are multiple ways in which it fell short. The author failed to provide dates and times for most of the events, which I believe is a crucial aspect of a memoir. The narration felt flat as little effort was put into describing the settings and the characters. Also, the author mentions several controversial aspects, such as visions, without expounding on them or explaining his view on this. For instance, when he described that a friend’s girlfriend was involved with witchcraft and that she owned a crystal ball, the confusion was made worse when the author failed to explain the relationship between the crystal ball and witchcraft.
I feel that the writing wasn’t properly executed. The flaws in the writing and the lack of depth in explaining the visions show that the author could have done better. These flaws are the reasons I deducted two stars: I rate it 3 out of 5 stars. This book would resonate better with readers looking for inspiring Christian memoirs.
******
Chavaya
View: on Bookshelves |
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