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206th out of 947 books
—
1,419 voters
Take One (Above the Line #1)
Could they change the world---before the world changes them?Filmmakers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison left the mission field of Indonesia for the mission field of Hollywood with a dream bigger than both of them. Now they have done the impossible: raised enough money to produce a feature film with a message that could change the world.But as Chase and Keith begin shooting, th...more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
March 22nd 2009
by Zondervan
(first published January 28th 2009)
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Karen Kingsbury is perhaps my favorite all time author. I think I can officially say I've read and loved everything she has written. And this series now at 4 books, is no exception. They are quick light reads and reinforce Christian morality and principles.
This series introduces us to a whole new cast of characters for Karen, while feeding our love for the best loved family in Christian Chic Lit, The Baxters. Many of the Baxters and others from that series make appearances in the new series. I l...more
This series introduces us to a whole new cast of characters for Karen, while feeding our love for the best loved family in Christian Chic Lit, The Baxters. Many of the Baxters and others from that series make appearances in the new series. I l...more
Take One is the first of a new series by Kingsbury. We're introduced to a couple missionaries, Chase and Keith, who have returned from Indonesia to produce a movie. It is to have a strong Christian message and yet appeal to a wide audience. Their idea and plan are sound, but their limited budget threatens to end their film-making careers before they can get started. The book's main theme is the struggle to complete the filming amid show-stopping obstacles.
I found the beginning to be a bit slow...more
Now THIS is what I've been waiting for... at least after reading "Divine" recently, the only Karen Kingsbury book that really disappointed me. After reading 9 books in the Baxter family series (Firstborn and Sunrise), I have found myself, like many other KK followers, completely connected to the Baxter family and thinking of them as they are family friends of ours. (I kid you not. I dare you to read them and not feel the same!) It was refreshing to get into another series and unexpectedly find t...more
The book was about two friends who were trying to make a movie. They had limited budget and from the beginning the enemy was trying to shut them down. They had struggles constantly that tested their strength and their faith. Also two girls were starting college and became roommates. They were learning about each other and learn what life God had in store for them. One girl, Andi was in the mission field for several years with her family. She was now in college and thought maybe she had missed ou...more
It was predictable, the plot is not that rich, characters are ordinary and the message has not been transported apprpriately. Thus, the novel doesn't reach out to readers. Well, it's my opinion, of course, every one can always refute it.
However, predictable it was, I don't know if that's the case if it happens in real life. What we thought are predictable scenes in the book are not what they seem to be in real life. They're unforeseen, life-changing and affective. Though, I didn't like the book,...more
However, predictable it was, I don't know if that's the case if it happens in real life. What we thought are predictable scenes in the book are not what they seem to be in real life. They're unforeseen, life-changing and affective. Though, I didn't like the book,...more
This was a free Kindle download. It's really 2.5 stars. I "liked" it, but I probably won't continue reading the series. I'm writing this review for two audiences: Christian and "not". If you're "not", you probably don't want to read this book. It speaks frankly about people talking to God and believing answers are coming/He spoke. I know from experience that this will make some people mad just to read. "How dare those people think God is speaking to them??!?" So if that's you, don't read the boo...more
Filmmakers Chase and Keith are excited to start filming their first major film. The catch is that the film has a Christian theme with minimal financial support. So begins the story of these two former missionaries making their own film in a largely non-Christian business. They are filming this venture in Bloomington, Indiana. This is the same hometown where the Baxter family, from author Karen Kingsbury’s Redemption, Firstborn and Sunrise series, live. There are quick glimpses of the Baxter fami...more
Good plot, but the writing was on and off for me. A Christian-themed book, but sometimes predictibly phony, especially any parts/characters coming from the non-Christian point of view.
Christians may enjoy it and get sucked into the plot (warning, if you read one, you are committed to read the entire series to get resolution!), but I feel that non-Christians would have no interest in the series and reject it as trying too hard and not accurately portraying a realistic view of the world.
Fans of th...more
Christians may enjoy it and get sucked into the plot (warning, if you read one, you are committed to read the entire series to get resolution!), but I feel that non-Christians would have no interest in the series and reject it as trying too hard and not accurately portraying a realistic view of the world.
Fans of th...more
I swear Karen Kingsbury is some sort of wizard, writing these books that are cheesy and soap opera like, yet I am unable to put them down.
The "Above the Line" series follows Keith Ellison and Chase Ryan, two filmmakers who want to change the movie landscape by making films that have heart and lead to changed lives.
In Take One, Keith and Chase struggle to stay on budget as they film "The Last Letter." A diva actress, problems with the union, lack of funds, and a variety of other pitfalls threate...more
The "Above the Line" series follows Keith Ellison and Chase Ryan, two filmmakers who want to change the movie landscape by making films that have heart and lead to changed lives.
In Take One, Keith and Chase struggle to stay on budget as they film "The Last Letter." A diva actress, problems with the union, lack of funds, and a variety of other pitfalls threate...more
She's back...
Karen returns with a great start to her new series!!! I am so excited to follow Bailey Flanigan as she journeys through college. Being a mother of 4 girls I was thrilled to read the book from a mom's perspective, but mostly the perspective of a college age girl... thinking through things in their mindset. I can't wait to read Take Two! Of course I am hoping that things with Cody & Bailey work out... I don't know why I am not falling for Tim, he seems so into himself. I also lik...more
Karen returns with a great start to her new series!!! I am so excited to follow Bailey Flanigan as she journeys through college. Being a mother of 4 girls I was thrilled to read the book from a mom's perspective, but mostly the perspective of a college age girl... thinking through things in their mindset. I can't wait to read Take Two! Of course I am hoping that things with Cody & Bailey work out... I don't know why I am not falling for Tim, he seems so into himself. I also lik...more
The main characters of this book are filmmakers who left the mission field of Indonesia to produce a feature film with a message that they know could change the world. One of the other secondary characters is a daughter who was raised on the mission field and is now in the US going to college. She seems to be rebelling from her sheltered life as an MK and wants to walk on the "wild" side. This book was very interesting, the characterizations drew me in. I will be reading more in the "Above the L...more
An amazing new series about two christian producers who are trying to produce a clean movie with a great message for the world about putting God back into their lives. Of course struggles arise and also you see one of the producers, Keith's daughter, Andi when she starts her first year of college and the challenges that she faces as she tries to shack the stereotype of the christian producers daughter and find the real world of fun. Bailey flanningon and cody coleman are back in this book and ar...more
This is the 2nd book by Karen Kingsbury and after being very disappointed by the first one I read, I'm glad to say that for the most part, I enjoyed this book. I liked the idea of the plot; however, I didn't anticipate there being a few different stories going (Chase and Keith's, Andi and Bailey's, Bailey's and Tim/Bailey and Cole's, etc) on within the main plot, or the amount of conflict/temptation that the characters face. I kinda wanted everything to be warm and fuzzy throughout the book, I f...more
I am a Christian, and this is Christian fiction. I like Christian fiction, I feel it can be Christian without being preachy... I felt that this one was 'close' to being preachy in a place or two... I found it 'sad' that in the early part of the book, I was 'afraid' of what direction this author was going... however it never went back 'there'. Since this is the first in the series, maybe it will be revealed later? But honestly, I don't know if I will find out because I am not sure I will read mor...more
This series has been on my shelf for awhile now. I've been reading the Bailey Flanigan series and felt like I needed to read the books before so I could get caught up on everything.
This book started out slow for me. New characters were introduced and it took me until about halfway through the book to start "liking" them for lack of a better term. Bascially two missionaries decide to make an inspirational film. And they want all creative control so they get "backers" to help them finance the movi...more
This book started out slow for me. New characters were introduced and it took me until about halfway through the book to start "liking" them for lack of a better term. Bascially two missionaries decide to make an inspirational film. And they want all creative control so they get "backers" to help them finance the movi...more
My neighbor's Bible group has a traditional where someone buys an uplifting book, reads it, writes a short message/blessing and then passes it to another to read and sign. This is a bestseller Christian author. I would loosely compare it to a Jack Weyland novel (Charlie, Sam, etc.) It gave me a better perspective of my friend's beliefs and theological besides being a clean, quick read. I actually bought the next book in the series to pass through their Bible group!
It was pretty good. It gets a bit spread out trying to cover many points of view and storylines. It definitely has a lot of emotion and situations in it. I did feel that Andi was too easily let into drinking and a very bad situation. I do understand that it can happen to the sheltered individual but I felt it was a bit much. The ending was not an ending. I realize that it is a series but I prefer my books to have an actual conclusion even if it will be continued in the next one. This one just st...more
Love Karen Kingsbury! Everything she writes touches my heart. There's always love and family issues that need resolution. God is always the center of that resolution. She has a way of sharing scripture that brings it to a new light for me. I just plain feel good when I read her books. They are an easy read...a curl up in your favorite chair and just enjoy! Although I personally didn't enjoy the Take series as much as her other books.
This book was pretty well done. I feel that Kingsbury was trying to do too many things at once in the novel. To many social issues with too many character stories. This book alone could have been broken down into three separate novels. So I didn't totally fall in love with the characters. But it was still a cute read, and a good faith based read. I will probably check out book number two to see how the story progresses.
I loved this book! I thought it was great to finally read a book that reminds young people and college students like myself that it is okay to not be "of the world" when everyone around you is telling you otherwise. I was inspired by this novel and was reminded of the joy and prosperity that comes when you rely on Him alone. I loved the message of this book and cannot wait to get my hands on the second book of the series!
This is one of those books that sucked me in and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I read a review somewhere that said this story was predictable. All I can say is, if you think it's predictable, then I say it's the most interesting predictable story I've ever read. I really related to Bailey's character and loved her storyline and her friendship with Cody. All in all, it was great.
Oct 29, 2011
Anita
added it
The first book of four, in yet another great series, by Karen Kingsbury. She has an amazing talent in writing, what I call 'people stories', which in the publishing world is referred to as 'realistic fiction'. Her characters are always so relatable -- boldly dealing with everyday human issues, not being afraid to show weaknesses. This makes her works so powerful in weaving stories of triumph over adversity and hardship -- be they be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual ones.
I love Karen Kingsbury. She is one of my favorite authors. If you loved the redemption, first born and sunrise series then you must read the Above the Line series too. They take us back to Bloomington and onto the IU campus. New characters and introduced and old favorites show up again. If you haven't read any of the other series you could jump right into this series with really no problem.
I liked this book, but not as much as some of Karen's other books, like those in the 9/11 series or the Cody Gunner series.
There wasn't enough conflict to make it truly captivating. And the author saved her characters from any serious mistakes that in real life they would have experienced. A truly remarkable story is one of failures and struggles followed by victories and redemption.
There wasn't enough conflict to make it truly captivating. And the author saved her characters from any serious mistakes that in real life they would have experienced. A truly remarkable story is one of failures and struggles followed by victories and redemption.
A very good bit of christian fiction. I usually stick with more historical fiction but this author is very good. Her books are modern and realistic and have any interesting storyline. Although I still prefer historical fiction,I am still continuing to read this series. I'm currently on the 3rd book which I enjoyed very much. This is a nice, easy read, and I definitely recommend it.
Jul 12, 2009
Becky
added it
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As with all of Karen Kingsbury's books, I immediately felt drawn into the story and was encouraged by the fact that the characters have real life struggles and are encouraged to trust in God. Sometimes they are successful and sometimes not. It is a reminder to me to keep my focus on the Lord and that even though I struggle, I don't have to fail.
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A story about a family that has come back from being missionaries for a long period of time and what they are doing in their lives in the United States. For me, the most interesting story line was about the daughter who attends IU and how she is unsure of her faith. There are more in this series, which I may or may not read. The cheese factor is kind of high in this book.
I have read Karen Kingsbury’s Redemption, Firstborn and Sunrise series. This book is just continuing the story through different characters. I enjoyed the book and can skim over some parts as I am very familiar with the author’s style of writing of rehashing some of the previous details. It wasn’t a book I had to drop everything to find out what happens next, but an easy read to see what happens when her different characters progress.
I have become a great fan of Karen Kingsbury. She is a great Christian author. This book was the first of her Above the Line series. I am now on the fourth book in this series and I have completely enjoyed the series. The characters feel like real people with real flaws. I love how Karen's books always show that happiness can only be found by staying on the side of the Lord.
A beautiful book written with devotion to GOD. I learn so many things from reading it. The faith in waiting and believing in GOD and HIS work even in the hardest moments of our life is the key to peace of mind and to reach success at the same time. HE is never too soon or too late. HIS time is simply the perfect time.
I would love to read the sequel of this book TAKE 2. Hopefully it is as good as this one.
I would love to read the sequel of this book TAKE 2. Hopefully it is as good as this one.
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FROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.
Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 1...more
More about Karen Kingsbury...
USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s #1 inspirational novelist. There are more than 15 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 40 novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists.
Karen has a true love for her readers, and she has nearly 1...more
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Jun 13, 2012 04:24am