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No Greater Sacrifice by John C. Stipa (Goodreads Author)
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John
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Jun 06, 2010 05:09AM
I wouldn't say it's a spolier, but the tombstone is a "solid" clue. Remember what Renee and David theorized about on the plane about markers...?
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John, have you read "The Expected One" by Elizabeth McGowan, or "The Betrayal" by Kathleen and Michael Gear? Both have themes similar to "No Greater Sacrifice".
Janice: no, I've never heard of either of them. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the recommendation.
I am 3/4's of the way through, really like Renee's character. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Spoiler~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I was afraid David was a goner, there for a few minutes, so glad that was not the case. I want to tell Renee, I think David is a "keeper"!!! I like the author's writing style; the book is very "light" and comic, at times, but there are those moments interspersed throughout that give the story more depth.
Ch16&17 reveal how Paul sees himself and the life legacy to which he aspires. As testimony to that vision, and the "real" power of the human spirit, Paul proves his valor when it matters most: when his friends are in trouble, just like a true hero. Because heroes should not be stereotypes - they come in all shapes & sizes. How many of us would be heroes if given the chance?
I set the book aside but am ready to pick it up again. I was in a terrible reading slump; couldn't read more than 50-100 pages of any book before setting it aside. Slumps are very frustrating and I'm grateful this one seems to be over. I'm going to finish a quick horror read and then start NGS over from the beginning.Would you call this 'reader's block?'
I finished this last night and really enjoyed it. Thank you, John! What I know of your background really comes through in this book, and that is a good thing.Paul, you completely surprised me. I really liked that. I found the minor character Sydney pretty interesting, too, and I loved Trout.
John, I can't wait to read what you publish next.
Thank you Susan for the kind words. And the same to all of you. I'm really enjoying this experience.Everyone needs that friend who is willing to hold us accountable for our actions and Trout is Renee's guiding angel. Me thinks Sydney will resurface in a future part of the series, she's too dynamic to forget.
I'm surprised no one has commented on the bad guys. There's enough evil, vile perversion to fill several levels of Dante's hell.
A bit of trivia: there was a real friend of mine from childhood named Paul Meehutch. The real Paul bears no resemblance whatsoever to the fictional character. He and I used to explore the region which we lived. Our penchant for ignoring No Trespassing signs planted lots of seeds for future storytelling adventures. My naming a character after him was a small way I could recognize that friendship, say thank you and keep those memories alive.
oh I think Trout was the best character in the book, other than Renee of course. John I LOVE that you named such a noble character after a childhood friend, that's truely awesome. Glad to hear that they may be more books comming! How about El Dorado? Selfish as I really struggle w/ French pronouciations and El Dorado and Atlantis are my favorite legends! I really loved the drawings in the book, I love them more now that I know they are the work of you daughter, how great is that?!
@Emily: Glad you liked Trout. She was easy to write. All I had to do was envision Judi Greer (13 Going on 30, What Women Want) and the dialogue would flow easily. My favorite Trout moment was when she caught Suzanne Domsa in the lie about not having spoken to David.El Dorado or Atlantis huh? Great legends and great suggestions. Thanks!
I'm working on a Nicholas Sparks-type story right now - hope to be published by year end. I'll share the synopsis with you separately if you'd like. I love it that I write on my own schedule without pressure of an editor/publisher deadline cramping my style. Sorry that you have to wait a bit, but hopefully it will be worth it. I do have a few short stories published in anthology projects with my writer's group. One is a collection of childhood memories; the other follows an animal theme. Let me know if you want the links to Amazon.
Thanks for the kind words for my daughter. She loves hearing the praise. A lot of people have commented how they wish there were more drawings in the book. Funny that because I left some out thinking people wouldn't want too many. Huh, go figure, but great feedback - thanks for that.
Nicholas Sparks huh? I've read a few of his books and while they were emotional, I felt very manipulated as a reader. ****
Spoiler Alert
*****
If you've read a single book of his, you have read them all. Couple falls in love, something bad happens, usually female ends up sick, in a coma, or near death some other way, man sticks by her, female gets better, marriage and kids to follow.
I think you are much better an author than pulling on the heart strings formulatic drivel that is like popcorn for the mind. So by 'Nicholas Sparks type' I hope you really mean better than...as a litteral 'damsel in distress' I really enjoy reading about strong females, that don't need to be saved by a man. That is why I loved Renee so much, she and David worked as a team, both playing to each others strong points. She didn't need anyone to 'save' her, she did it herself.
Of course there is nothing wrong with writing summer reading books, I just think NGS, was miles above that. I loved the sense of adventure and I think you wrote it well. I would hate to lose that! Feel free to ignore everything I've said too! I'm not saying NS stinks, just that from NGS, I was very excited to see what would be next, and the NS type threw me for a loop. It would be like Dean Koontz suddenly writing a romance novel! But hey, he might be really good at romance and is just trying is hand at sci-fi/thrillers :)
Whatever you write next, I shall read.
I finished No Greater Sacrifice yesterday, here is my review:This book has it all : adventure, romance, archaeology, history, puzzles to be solved, some mysticism, lightening-speed travel jaunts across Europe, faith lost and found, good versus evil--it is a fun, mostly light read that was exciting and absorbing. I got a little lost in all the symbolism, and how the pieces of the puzzle all fit together, but I see this as my own short-coming, not that of the book. Renee D'Arcadia is a great heroine, honest, direct, super strong both physically and emotionally. It is great to see a male author create such a wonderful female character. Her hero, and ours, David Arturo, is strong, gentle, an almost ideal man--(with a few of the flaws most men seem to struggle with). The other characters contribute just the right tension and fullness to the story. This is a great accomplishment for a debut novel."
Thanks, John, for sharing your book, I will look forward to reading your next accomplishment.
I've read a little of Nicholas Sparks and totally agree with Emily. A lot of people love his writing but it just doesn't appeal to me. I liked NGS much more than I've liked what I've read of Sparks. Whatever you write next, John, I hope it includes at least a few of your duaghter's illustrations.
I read one Nicholas Sparks. That was enough for me. I do like your writing style, though.
I'm still reading it.
Wow, you all are good for my ego! To tell me that No Greater Sacrifice is on par (or better?) than a Sparks novel is a compliment I am humbled to hear. Don't know that I deserve it, but I am touched just the same, so thanks for that. I'm a romantic at heart (there is a reason why David handed The Great Gatsby to Renee on the train you know) so the protagonists will always get together in the end of my stories. The trick is to get you to engage with the characters so you are rooting for them along the way. All I can say is you'll have to trust me for now. BUT, at some point I'll be looking for people to read the first draft and give me candid feedback before its published. If we are still in touch by then, I'll ask for volunteers - deal?
And to put you at ease, I did start the sequel to NGS. The working title right now is Three Arcs of Angels and will incorporate many of the elements of NGS. A central mystery involving mythology (could you suspend belief for Thor's Hammer?), 3 protagonists racing to find a treasure (doubt it will be a materialistic one - hint hint - NGS centered on Faith & Sacrifice so pick a different virtue). And of course, nefarious bad guys will slither on their bellies from every crevice.
Hopefully that prickles your intrigue, but for now, I'd like to - respectfully - ask that we stay focused on NGS. Is that okay?
Mod
I found the characters in this book to be very likable (at least the ones you're supposed to like!).Having read Steve Berry's "The Templar Legacy", I was familiar with the historical basis, but the road that Mr. Stipa takes us down is very entertaining.
I have to thank Mr. Stipa for sending me a copy of "No Greater Sacrifice" and for Dustin for recommending it!
Keep writing John - I want more!!
Mod
Thanks Terri for the kind words. I also read that book (after I'd already written NGS) but found the writing to be somewhat...plodding. I never finished it. I'd be interested to hear more about what you liked about the specific characters in NGS - and also what you didn't like. The feedback helps in creating future characters.
A Q for everyone: what interests a reader more - how a character acts, speaks or is described - in forming your image of them?
What is the more effective technique: describing a character outright or seeing them through another character's eyes (in the example below, David's):“I (Suzanne speaking here) will be coordinating the activities this morning with the assistance of Monsieur Rousseau of the law firm of Rousseau et Pelletier.”
An angular, elderly gentleman in a pinstriped suit materialized from the crowd, his deep-set hazel eyes brought to life by a dark tan and smooth skin. Thinning hair, perfect teeth, and a hooked nose added to an aura of distinction. “Bonjour,” he said, bowing gracefully. A few people returned the greeting, mostly in unconscious reflex to his velvety voice. Nodding, he tucked his tie into the fold of his double-breasted jacket, exposing gold cufflinks and a Breitling wristwatch. The polish on his obviously expensive Italian shoes was immaculate.
David knew his type: muscular hands, sun-bleached eyebrows, living-large accessories worn like badges of braggery. He either plays a lot of golf or spends most of his time on a yacht. Possibly both.
I think that for me, having another character discribe is most helpful. It can also provide a little insight into the character that is doing the describing. Learning a character through his own actions, is the best for a character that you will be with for the whole book or series, as you spend so much time with them. Just me though!
John, for me I think how the character acts and speaks forms my view of them more than the actual description. And in regard to the example you used above, the description of the "angular elderly gentleman" was a great lead-in to David's thoughts about him. I definitely like having both the author's description as well as the other characters' perceptions, to round out how the character is portrayed.
Mod
I've also tried to read some Steve Berry books in the past been never been able to really get into the story and gave up.
Mod
Mod
:-) Good! I'll be reading it more now that I finished Weight of Silence and Lost Souls by Dean Koontz. John, this is really a good story :-)
Mod
I'd like to hear more about how the manager at Borders is familiar with NGS! Dustin, I'm really looking forward to learning your thoughts on the book.
Hi Dustin,I'll be interested to see what your group makes of 'The Day the Ravens Died' which I believe you managed to get Boulder library to stock.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer:]
John wrote: "What is the more effective technique: describing a character outright or seeing them through another character's eyes (in the example below, David's):“I (Suzanne speaking here) will be coordina..."
In the example, I liked having them both. The first gives us more detail and sets the stage for us, but the second tells us as much about David as it does about Monsieur Rousseau. I can just imagine David looking at him with that critical, "who does he think he is" eye.
Mod
I'll be interested to see what your group makes of 'The Day the Ravens Died' which I believe you managed to get Boulder library to stock.
All the best Paul Rix [oldgeezer:]"
Please read my response in the Goodreads Authors Thread. :-)
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3...
Mod
Dustin, I'm really looking forward to learning your thoughts on the book."
I'll try to get some info from that person - If they hire me, it'll be even easier :-)
Don't worry, I'll be happy to share my thoughts :-)
Mod
This guy Montroux was really irritating me with his questioning. It's a good thing we learn near the end of the chapter that he was just messing with the Americans.
*Spoiler Alert - Chapter 8 Directly Above*
Mod
No Greater Sacrifice, Chapter 5
This is just a funny thing - the first time I read this word, my mind recognized the word as "chocolates".
I thought it read : "Constantine gathered all his chocolates at the Council of Nicea -"
Dustin wrote: ""Constantine gathered all his chooches at the Council of Nicea - "No Greater Sacrifice, Chapter 5
This is just a funny thing - the first time I read this word, my mind recognized the word as "cho..."
I thought the exact same thing...chocolates??? Had to read it a few times.
Chooches is an old Italian saying. I got it from my father. I'm cracking up you all thought it said chocolates!@Susan: if Renee is their resident puzzle solver, David had to have something to contribute as well so I tried to show him as a guy who could read people. There is a scene on the tour where everyone is checking everyone else out, trying to figure their motives. David and d'Hautpol locking visual horns was a fun scene to write.
Looks like the discussion has dried up so let me take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who read & rated the book and posted a comment. I hope to run into everyone in future/other discussions. Take care.--John
Thank you for a great read and for so thoughtfully and thoroughly answering our questions and responding to our remarks. I look forward to discovering where your characters go from here. :)
I can't say it any better than Susan already has, so just ditto what she said, and thanks again, John.
Mod
I finally picked the book up again. I have to quit joining so many bookclubs! I started over from the beginning so my comments are a month late :(I think I'll wait to read the discussions until after I finish so I don't accidently read a spoiler.
Dustin, you're working at Borders? Aren't you worried you'll be homeless in a month? I'd spend my entire paycheck before it ever got cashed.
i'm still reading the book. and enjoying it.
Maicie wrote: "I'd spend my entire paycheck before it ever got cashed."No kidding! I get into enough trouble shopping for books online.
****spoiler alert***** pages 0-140Just finished the chapter where Renee kicked the assassin's keister. I do adore a strong female character.
Oh, dear. Poor Paul. How embarrassing for someone who thinks so highly of himself. (He gets the *&^% scared out of him.)
I'm glad I put this book down for awhile. I was in such a reading slump that I couldn't finish anything. I'm really in a good frame of mind to follow all the twists, turns and clues.
I was a recipient of one of the free books and started reading it within the week that I received it. I think I finished it in a weekend, and I have to say that it was a lot better than I thought it would be. At the start it appeared to be another rip-off of Dan Brown's archeology tale(s) but eventually became interesting enough to me to become a story in its own right and by the end I found myself really caring for all the people involved.The conversations between the two main characters were especially interesting to me as it seemed that the strong-willed Renee would surely drive any self-respecting male away, being so seemingly antagonistic. I did start to realize something, though, about human nature, about 2/3 of the way through...and that is: being agreeable all the time doesn't always work in the real world either (fiction has certain formulas for what works for writers in literature) and the fact that those two gave as well as they got probably kept their interest in each other going, because they weren't ALWAYS fighting 24/7. Deft writing kept a keen balance.
It's been so long ago that I read this, several months at least, that I would probably have to read it again to be able to review it, which was one condition of the pre-release gift. Sigh. And since I have taught myself to honor all my committments, I will do it...just don't expect anything very soon.
Glad to see some people have stuck with Renee & David.@Maicie: Yes, Paul can be a pompous ass. Probably trying to compensate for something else maybe? Hmmm.
As to Renee as a strong female, one of my favorite lines in the book: "In a ferocious sprint, she launched herself through the air, boots first, heels rising to chin level." And thus an action figure is born... When I was writing I kept envisioning Evangeline Lilly from LOST as Renee. She could pull off the physical and emotional aspects of Renee's character. What do you think?
@Carol: please don't apologize. Your analysis is spot on as to what I was trying to get at about relationships. Neither Renee nor David are perfect. Sometimes they click, sometimes they fight - just like real people. What I hope works is how they work through their individual shortcomings and eventually realize they are stronger together than they are apart.
Looking forward to more of your keen observations.
*****************SPOILER**********************Pages 0 - end
Oh, no, you did not! I feel like Annie Wilkes in "Misery." You killed Paul!?! Pompous, yes, but he was a pretty cool character. I have a spare room in case I need to pull you from the wreckage of your car. Beware the wrath of fans!
I laughed when I read the shares on chooches. Everyone thought it said chocolates. I did the same thing with Louis Voison. I kept reading Louis Vuitton, the handbag designer. The Gestalt effect strikes again.
John, if you ever get out of the writing biz you could make a mint designing scavenger hunts. The clues were fun and I liked the illustrations. This was as much a puzzle book as it was a thriller.
Job well done! Glad I got the chance to read your work. Look forward to your next adventure in writing.
Paul is a very cool character. Sorry about his demise, but there really is no greater sacrifice, is there? It was very telling that he was so obsessed with the story of Thetis/Achilles.The puzzles were fun to create. I was a big fan of the MYST/Riven games in the 90's and of course National Treasure/Indiana Jones. The art was giving the reader a page or so to try and solve them before Renee & David did. Glad you liked NGS.
I identified more with Renee; thus my comparison to Lara Croft. There was just something about David I couldn't connect with. I think it's because he put up with Renee! :) Weird but true.
Stephen White - Alan Gregory
Books mentioned in this topic
The Genesis Code (other topics)No Greater Sacrifice (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Steve Berry (other topics)John C. Stipa (other topics)
