POWER IN THE BLOOD
by Michael Lister
Pineapple Press
ISBN: 1-56164-137-5
1997
$24.95
296 pages
Fiction/mystery
People should write about what they know. Michael Lister, who is a chaplain for the Florida prison system does exactly that. He writes about the system and society that he knows.
Being a chaplain for a prison places anyone in an unusual situation. You can view the hierarchy of the established prison system and you can also observe the relationships of those who are restricted within the barriers. The two systems do not always work together; in fact, usually do not work smoothly together at all. It is the responsibility of the chaplain to work with the inmates, their families, and the staff who are assigned various duties. Also difficult with all these groups is not to allow yourself to be manipulated by either any of the groups, individuals, or the justice system.
John Jordan, the chaplain, is horrified when he witnesses the death of a prisoner who was supposedly attempting to escape. This particular inmate’s blood happened to also be sprayed on him. The inmate had AIDS and John Jordan had an open cut on his leg. Because of his unique placement within the hierarchies, Jordan is assigned the job of investigating this death and the more he discovers, the less the entire situation makes sense. To add to this, Tom Daniels, Jordan’s former father-in-law is assigned to work with him in this investigation. There is still hostility with his former wife’s family regarding the dissolution of their marriage.
The realism in this novel is apparent especially with regards to Jordan’s daily responsibilities. He is constantly overwhelmed with his duties and attempting to not be manipulated by the inmates, their families, or the staff requires constant attentiveness. He has personal problems such as being a recovering alcoholic and also being fearful of having AIDS. Since becoming a prison chaplain, he is barely surviving in a run-down trailer and having difficulty putting his life back together.
This was the first published novel for Michael Lister. I have personally read other books of his that are also considering the prison system and all of them are hauntingly realistic. The characters have strong personal and vivid voices throughout the story. The story is well-organized and written so that it even has a throbbing pulse moving rapidly to the climax. Yes, it also interweaves the sex scenes and violence, as well as religion mixed into this novel.
I can highly recommend POWER IN THE BLOOD and the other books of Michael Lister’s that I have reviewed ANOTHER QUIET NIGHT IN DESPARATION, and BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
Michael Lister has a strong voice about part of our society that he has observed and his attempt to heal himself and others while questioning justice.
Teri Davis
Monday, January 5, 2009
Florida Author To Give Away Over 1,000 Books This Holiday Season
Every year, local author, Michael Lister, sets aside several copies of his novels to make available free of charge during the holidays. This year, because of the weakened economy and how many fewer people are employed—or possibly will be in the near future—Lister is giving away more copies of his books than ever before.
"My goal is to give away over a thousand copies of "Blood of the Lamb" by the end of the year," Lister said. "And hundreds of my other titles, "Power in the Blood," "Flesh and Blood," "North Florida Noir," and "Another Quiet Night in Desperation." "It's something we've done for the last several years, but we're kicking it into overdrive this year. It's a small contribution, but it's something."
Perhaps as a single gift, a hardback book ranging from $20.00 to $24.95 is small, but it adds up. If Lister meets his goal, he will have given away over $20,000.00 in books away just this Christmas alone.
"It feels so good to give," Lister said. "Giving any kind of gift is rewarding, but when it's something you've created yourself, it's all the more special, all the more personal."
Those receiving copies of Lister's novels, which are all set here in the Panhandle, can accept them as a gift for themselves or give them to someone on their list.
"A book is the best entertainment value around," Lister said. "As Stephen King wrote in "Entertainment Weekly" this week, the average price of going to see a movie is around $24.00 (not including babysitting or travel). ‘For that same $24—less, with a discount—you can buy a new book and be entertained for days,' King says. ‘My point? Books are still the best bang for your entertainment buck.'
Lister adds, "I hope that during this time when we all have less disposable income, more people will begin reading again. And it's not just about entertainment. Books nourish us, make us better people. Few things enrich our lives or make the world a better place more than reading."
But this isn't just about giving away books to people who might need an extra present this year. Lister is quick to add he has another goal, too.
"This isn't me just being altruistic," Lister said. "In addition to the joy of giving, I hope to gain more readers. Anytime someone reads one of my books my hope is that they will find the experience rewarding enough to read another one someday."
To receive a free copy of one of Michael Lister's novels, all you have to do is drop by one of these locations: Puzzle's USA, The News Herald, The Gallery Above, Willie Pollard's State Farm (in Panama City), Palm Tree Books (in Port St. Joe), or The Tupelo Theatre (in Wewahitchka).
You can also email your address to MichaelLister@mchsi.com or mail it to Michael Lister, P.O. Box 35038, Panama City, FL 32412 and a copy will be mailed to you.
"My goal is to give away over a thousand copies of "Blood of the Lamb" by the end of the year," Lister said. "And hundreds of my other titles, "Power in the Blood," "Flesh and Blood," "North Florida Noir," and "Another Quiet Night in Desperation." "It's something we've done for the last several years, but we're kicking it into overdrive this year. It's a small contribution, but it's something."
Perhaps as a single gift, a hardback book ranging from $20.00 to $24.95 is small, but it adds up. If Lister meets his goal, he will have given away over $20,000.00 in books away just this Christmas alone.
"It feels so good to give," Lister said. "Giving any kind of gift is rewarding, but when it's something you've created yourself, it's all the more special, all the more personal."
Those receiving copies of Lister's novels, which are all set here in the Panhandle, can accept them as a gift for themselves or give them to someone on their list.
"A book is the best entertainment value around," Lister said. "As Stephen King wrote in "Entertainment Weekly" this week, the average price of going to see a movie is around $24.00 (not including babysitting or travel). ‘For that same $24—less, with a discount—you can buy a new book and be entertained for days,' King says. ‘My point? Books are still the best bang for your entertainment buck.'
Lister adds, "I hope that during this time when we all have less disposable income, more people will begin reading again. And it's not just about entertainment. Books nourish us, make us better people. Few things enrich our lives or make the world a better place more than reading."
But this isn't just about giving away books to people who might need an extra present this year. Lister is quick to add he has another goal, too.
"This isn't me just being altruistic," Lister said. "In addition to the joy of giving, I hope to gain more readers. Anytime someone reads one of my books my hope is that they will find the experience rewarding enough to read another one someday."
To receive a free copy of one of Michael Lister's novels, all you have to do is drop by one of these locations: Puzzle's USA, The News Herald, The Gallery Above, Willie Pollard's State Farm (in Panama City), Palm Tree Books (in Port St. Joe), or The Tupelo Theatre (in Wewahitchka).
You can also email your address to MichaelLister@mchsi.com or mail it to Michael Lister, P.O. Box 35038, Panama City, FL 32412 and a copy will be mailed to you.
Thank You!
Michael;
Thank you for giving away your book for Christmas. I picked one up at the News Herald and just got a chance to pick it up tonight as I had other things on my reading list.
I started it and finished it tonight. I could not put it down. It was an an enjoyable read, of course, but more than that, the message was touching. I cried when Chaplain John Jordan told ___________ who killed _________ that God would love him still and that the best he could do was to accept the responsiblity and grace that went with it for his actions, but God would love him no matter what.
It reminded me of penance, when I was growing up as a Catholic. As a child, I was forced to admit to my sins, though of course, as a child, I didn't think I truly had any, so I made them up. I received penance. So many Our Father's for whatever sin I said I did. For some reason while reading your book, I thought of this. That God doesn't really care how many Our Father's we may say, but that perhaps, by giving us a penance, he is taking away our own way of punishing ourselves. I know humans tend to punish themselves much more than others might.
Anyway, I adored how human John Jordan was. How perfectly human and flawed he was. I just got many of the books you have at the library on hold now. I am a fan.
Thank you,
A Reader in Panama City, FL
Thank you for giving away your book for Christmas. I picked one up at the News Herald and just got a chance to pick it up tonight as I had other things on my reading list.
I started it and finished it tonight. I could not put it down. It was an an enjoyable read, of course, but more than that, the message was touching. I cried when Chaplain John Jordan told ___________ who killed _________ that God would love him still and that the best he could do was to accept the responsiblity and grace that went with it for his actions, but God would love him no matter what.
It reminded me of penance, when I was growing up as a Catholic. As a child, I was forced to admit to my sins, though of course, as a child, I didn't think I truly had any, so I made them up. I received penance. So many Our Father's for whatever sin I said I did. For some reason while reading your book, I thought of this. That God doesn't really care how many Our Father's we may say, but that perhaps, by giving us a penance, he is taking away our own way of punishing ourselves. I know humans tend to punish themselves much more than others might.
Anyway, I adored how human John Jordan was. How perfectly human and flawed he was. I just got many of the books you have at the library on hold now. I am a fan.
Thank you,
A Reader in Panama City, FL
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