Official Review: The Lighthouse Keeper by David Richards

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kandscreeley
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Official Review: The Lighthouse Keeper by David Richards

Post by kandscreeley »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Lighthouse Keeper" by David Richards.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Do you have moments in your past that you've dwelled on for so long they've become a daily part of your life? Are there dreams that you've decided not to pursue because you're afraid? Or has someone told you they aren't realistic? Then you have a lot in common with our protagonist, Sam.

Sam's father is a chicken farmer, and Sam figures he is expected to take over the family business when he's old enough. That's not what he wants, though. He finally gets up the courage to tell his father that he wants something different for his life, and Sam leaves to become an apprentice to a lighthouse keeper named Armand. Armand, and Black Eagle Lighthouse, aren't quite what they seem; Sam might end up learning a bit more than he bargained for.

The Lighthouse Keeper by David Richards is a unique story that's difficult to classify. It's almost an allegory or a fictional self-help book. This actually makes sense when you realize the author is "a firewalker, yoga teacher, life strategist, and corporate executive." There are life lessons to be learned; and, most importantly, they're taught in a fun way. However, if you go into the book expecting a science fiction adventure, you'll be disappointed.

What are these lessons you ask? The topics covered in the novel include letting go of the past and being present in each moment. At one point, meditation techniques are even discussed. So many of us need to hear what the author has to say. It's a bonus that these weightier topics are presented in a fun way. The allegorical part of the story teaches these lessons, but the author brings them home through the use of Sam's journaling, to which we as the reader are privileged.

The story is told from the third person perspective, and the author uses his words well. The descriptions are vivid and help immerse the reader into the world of the book. For example, "The grey-purple sky was a fleet of quick moving, bloated storm clouds that grumbled and belched in unchecked anger."

The characters aren't plentiful, making for easier understanding and comprehension. The ones used are relatable and integral to the plot. Many of us feel like Sam, as he's restless in his life. Joseph - who I'll leave you to discover - let's his fears hold him back. I don't know about you, but fear does control me from time to time.

The one drawback was the editing. There were more than ten errors in this book of less than 200 pages. These were mostly simple typographical mistakes that weren't overly distracting. However, the book could still use another round of editing.

Due solely to the errors, I rate The Lighthouse Keeper 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys fiction with a message. If your past defines you or you've let yourself believe you can't accomplish your dreams, this is a must read.

******
The Lighthouse Keeper
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Erin Dydek
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Post by Erin Dydek »

I love allegorical stories. I feel like you can learn so much more and have a bigger takeaway from the author’s message. This book sounds like a nice shorter story with some important messages and an imaginative setting. Thanks for your wonderful review!
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Post by Prisallen »

I have to admit that I let fear control some of my experiences, which I wish wasn't so. This book may be just what I need to put my fears in the proper perspective. Thank you for an interesting and well-written review!
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Post by kandscreeley »

Everydayadventure15 wrote: 23 Mar 2020, 09:48 I love allegorical stories. I feel like you can learn so much more and have a bigger takeaway from the author’s message. This book sounds like a nice shorter story with some important messages and an imaginative setting. Thanks for your wonderful review!
You've got it exactly right. It's well-imagined and well-written. Worth reading for sure. Thanks!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
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kandscreeley
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Post by kandscreeley »

Prisallen wrote: 23 Mar 2020, 11:12 I have to admit that I let fear control some of my experiences, which I wish wasn't so. This book may be just what I need to put my fears in the proper perspective. Thank you for an interesting and well-written review!
It's hard not to let fear control you. The author gives you an interesting perspective on that. It will make you think. Thanks!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
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Post by Cecilia_L »

I can see why this book might be hard to classify, but the portions about letting go of the past and living in the present piqued my interest. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Post by AvidBibliophile »

With a choice between being a lighthouse keeper’s apprentice and a generational chicken farmer, I think Sam chose well! I was curious about the potential sci-fi/fantasy aspect of it, since that part didn’t present itself in the book’s description, so thanks for addressing that component of the tale. Great review!
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Post by Dannyphery »

Wow...
This story sounds really interesting with a lot of messages...
Lighthouse keeper soulds well written too.
Nice review
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Post by kandscreeley »

Cecilia_L wrote: 23 Mar 2020, 11:51 I can see why this book might be hard to classify, but the portions about letting go of the past and living in the present piqued my interest. Thanks for the recommendation!
Despite being hard to classify, it's worth a read. Great points. Thanks.
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—Neil Gaiman
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kandscreeley
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Post by kandscreeley »

AvidBibliophile wrote: 23 Mar 2020, 11:56 With a choice between being a lighthouse keeper’s apprentice and a generational chicken farmer, I think Sam chose well! I was curious about the potential sci-fi/fantasy aspect of it, since that part didn’t present itself in the book’s description, so thanks for addressing that component of the tale. Great review!
I wouldn't really classify this as science fiction. I mean there's kind of a fantasy element but not really. Allegory would be much more accurate. Thanks!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
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kandscreeley
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Post by kandscreeley »

Dannyphery wrote: 23 Mar 2020, 13:57 Wow...
This story sounds really interesting with a lot of messages...
Lighthouse keeper soulds well written too.
Nice review
It's a keeper. I definitely recommend it. Thanks.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
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Post by Cynthia_Oluchi »

Sam must have felt like a bird that escaped the fowler's snare when he was able to stand up to his father. I think he made the right choice anyway. This book must be a keeper!
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Post by Maria Esposito »

This book reminds me of "The Alchemist". I love that it reminds the readers of the importance of mindfulness and living in the present moment: we all need to hear this more often!! Thank you for an insightful and thorough review!
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Post by Amberlily »

I love books like these that don't stick within the cliches of their genre. Anything that can teach good life lessons is worth a read.
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Post by kandscreeley »

Cynthia_Oluchi wrote: 23 Mar 2020, 21:51 Sam must have felt like a bird that escaped the fowler's snare when he was able to stand up to his father. I think he made the right choice anyway. This book must be a keeper!
His reaction isn't quite what you might think. Of course, neither is his dad's. You'll have to read it to find out. Thanks!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
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