4 out of 4 stars
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What would it be like if you had a watch that could tell you when you would die? Would you settle your personal affairs on order, if so at what price? Would you be tempted to buy products at a special discounted pricing that would bring negative outcome?
In this thought-provoking book by Van Fleisher which depicts the current reality in the USA identifies what triggers within the society. Final Notice is a book that focuses on the tech advancements and the gun laws which currently operates within the country. Consisting of 31 chapters with an epilogue and a prologue the author also have added a featured message as to why he wrote this book. The plot is more of a suspenseful read with crime and tech advancement; it's also a reminder about the money-driven society that we currently live in.
In an era when the crime rate is at all time high, the NRA (National Rifle Association) promotes a senior discount pricing for guns. Vince an early retired man who was bullied by a young chap wanted to vent his anger out for been insulted found himself questioning whether to extract revenge or not. His wife Trudi as any supportive wife does shows him that the use of a gun was never the answer to any problem. Will this stop Vince? How many more elderly victims of bullying like Vince are out there waiting to seek vengeance?
In a simultaneous time, Vijay and Jennifer became corporate associates over a new life monitor equipment that was a sure hit on the market. Little did they know that their discovery was a tool which supported the root cause to all the crimes occurred. With the use of guns and this new device what more damage will it cause? Can it ever be stopped and used for better?
I admire the author’s benevolence; his opinion about guns and its effects are clearly stated which is admirable. The opening was with a question inquiring the reader opinion; it felt like the plot tried to involve the reader into the story.
My attitude towards the use of guns is kill-to-be-killed. Having guns for personal use was never the answer plus it never helps; it’s like taking the law to your own hands. The story was a successful attention grabber. The conversation starter between Vince and Trudi was impressive as the story depicts the reality. I really like the foundation of the story and how different topics are entwined to make it a standard read. The plot focused on many topics supporting the general day-to-day activities in the society.
Fleisher pointed out, how the victims and the victimizer's family suffer due to gun violence. The plot demonstrates on how emotionally challenging it can be to either party. Nothing happens without a reason; this plot questions about: What compels people to commit a crime? Does mental health and aggression have an direct impact on the victimizer?
The reasons for gun violence according to Fleisher is: when people are not willing to reconcile over trivial matters, due to emotional disputes and lack of anger management. This made me think how life was much simpler in the past and how the influence of technology has developed through time. Fleisher also shows the typical attitude the younger generation has towards the elders. The nature of bullying and a know-it-all arrogant attitude which disperse respect and love towards elders is a constant trigger. The tech advancement has created a wide generation gap. Fleisher shows the importance on breaching this gap and how tech itself can help to breach it. The gun violence mentioned in the story reminded me of a movie called the Freedom Writers.
A descriptive detail by Fleisher on how money-minded people can get, how people turn irresponsible when tempted by money is noted: example; the NRA Senior Discount for guns, and a move by a number of states to eliminate a history of mental illness as a disqualification for gun ownership. There was a point where the plot shows how the gun promoter weasel himself in promoting guns to the older generation as a safety measure. How the marketers behave when promoting a booming profit-making product the VT2 watch.
Towards the end of this plot, we could see a peaceful ending with a new hope. The concluding chapter is dedicated to each run-on characters who contributed till the end. The unique characters offered a fascinating read. The multidimensional characters are truly a credential to the plot. Even though a considerable amount of characters played a crucial role at times, they weren’t a hindrance to the read. There were no major grammatical errors. The language is straight and simple. The writing style is descriptive and friendly. The crimes stated are not disturbing as much since it reflects the day-to-day reality but if the reader is a sensitive person then reading discretion is advised.
In conclusion, the author has stated his reasons to why he wrote this book and what his expectations are which I can understand. The general and the most prominent issues in the country are well presented like the American dream that immigrants work hard to achieve, the heavy political stress, lack of morality and ethics. The author has successfully expressed his thoughts profoundly and effective that I couldn’t agree more. I can honestly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars it truly exceeded my expectations. On a further note, I admire one statement stated by a positive character, “Guns are not the answer to anything! And just because a lot people are going along with something doesn’t make it right.” (Trudi)
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Final Notice
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