Deadline

Pacing through the pages of a classic mystery/suspense novel, one would expect to find the usual faire: thrills, some gore, exciting plot and the obligatory romance thrown in for good measure. Certainly, Randy Alcorn’s novel, Deadline, has all the makings of a modern day suspense, but with a twist that is not expected. Diving deeper into the crisp pages, challenges arise as Alcorn weaves a tale of how the evils of the world, and the hopeless individuals living in it, must ultimately assimilate to the moral absolutes of something greater than oneself. Questions of faith, morality, love and spirituality are the capstone of this novel, which gracefully binds together the interplay of these themes with modern day issues.

Alcorn’s fragile tale of humanity and the ethereal begins with liberal journalist Jake Woods and his two best friends, Doc and Finney, hanging out for a typical Sunday football game. Jake is suddenly whisked into a world of confusion when the three are in a tragic car accident, in which Jake is the only survivor. As Jake tries to cope with his sudden loss and regain some sort of normalcy, he discovers that the death of his two friends was not so accidental, but is in fact murder. With the help of friends and family, Jake begins the arduous search to find the killer, while becoming enlightened by the beauty and pain of life, and the truth behind the contrasting facades of his two friends.

As the novel knits together the pieces of the mystery, Alcorn beautifully develops the characters and their surroundings. As a believer who has worked in the newspaper and publishing industry for a number of years, I can relate to the frustration Alcorn seems to present when detailing the ways in which the media spins. There always seemed to be a fine line between what was moral, and what was simply unpopular. As I read these portions in which he outlined the daily newspaper process, I found myself nodding to specifics that Alcorn nailed. I felt like I was back there! What was far more challenging was the way this fictional account of an unbeliever ushered me into a new way of thinking. Issues such as abortion and gay rights are always hot topics in the media, and Alcorn specifically addresses these in light of the newspaper industry. The grace with which he shows the progression from Jake’s aloof, liberal stance, to that of a concerned, sympathetic truth-teller was very heartwarming. In the past, it has certainly been easy, even as Christian, to take the side of the liberals, or to be persuaded by the ways in which they word things. This book illuminated the fallacies that exist in the industry and caused me to rethink my own assessment of media dealings. Aside from the media, Alcorn also attempts to correct some of the stigma that is placed on those that are considered “right-wing”. I often find myself agreeing with what they believe, but not wanting to be closely associated with their dealings. Deadline reminded me to not be ashamed of certain things I believe, but to take a stronger stand on the issues that have everlasting effects.

As one reads, particularly a non-believer, it becomes hard to ignore how these themes coincide with the ultimate reality, which lies in God himself. As Jake begins to question his own beliefs and fears of death, the reader, too, is left to question exactly where they stand. Jake was a very real character that is reminiscent of many people that I know: those that take issue with groups simply because of something they heard somewhere or saw on the news. A person that is unfamiliar with these issues, or with God in general, would certainly find some light shed on the realities of these pertinent topics. For those more familiar with secular writing or authors, or simply interested in post-modern dialogue, Alcorn takes a unique stand on fears that accompany human life. Reading Deadline felt strikingly similar to some of the writings of Don DeLillo in White Noise, in which common people grapple with man’s imminent death. A person without faith in God would certainly read Deadline and question their own humanity, and how their lives may parallel Jake’s. A person’s brush with death, and loss of loved ones somehow brings him or her to the height of existential and spiritual wanderings. Deadline fervently relates these issues to the common man. For a non-believer, this is key. Alcorn helps the reader to understand the bridge between grappling with death and reconciling it with the hope of God.

While the novel succeeds in telling an intricate, keep-you-wanting-more story, Alcorn introduces nuances of heaven and hell that are unique and creative, but sometimes a bit odd. The bulk of the novel follows Jake’s plight towards enlightenment, but is sometimes interrupted by images of Finney in heaven. The names that Alcorn uses for God and the angels, as well as the assumptions made about the events happening in heaven made me question my own preconceived notions of this glorious place. Would there be parties when people become believers? Will I meet my personal guardian angel in heaven? Questions like these became commonplace as I read these sections. Although Alcorn does put a disclaimer in the book regarding this issue, some readers may find the material bizarre. But, God is creative, and thus, so are we. Alcorn’s imagination certainly shines through!

Like the classic bildungsroman, or coming-of-age tale, which pervades much of literature, Deadline follows the unique story of a middle-aged man who is growing in faith, hope and love. Certainly, it is a great book to keep one page flipping through the night or while leisurely basking in the summer sun; but it is Jake’s tragically beautiful maturation which tops of the novel and ultimately made me, and any reader feel a sense of worth and introspection. What is clear to me after reading the book, and hopefully to others, is that the real testament of any man is who he serves and how. I could serve my boss and make money, but ultimately, I will be dust. In serving God, I am full and with everlasting purpose, and Alcorn certainly recognizes this in Deadline.

Kelly Schauermann is a 25-year-old student studying English at San Diego State University. Her work can be seen in Surfing Girl Magazine, Meanstreet Magazine and at TheOoze.com. She enjoys traveling, music, photography and an occasional people watching session on the trolley. Kelly and husband, Jared, live in San Diego, California, and are eagerly expecting the birth of their first child in September.