It's set in the not too distant future and now the America's, North and South, are one country with governors controlling territories rather than states. The government is in charge of everything, from a state sanctioned religion to limiting the number of children you can have.
There is mandatory birth control and pregnancy tests. Mandatory abortions if you happen to be pregnant under age. There is a clear separation of classes with little to no chance of changing your lot in life, all of this strengthened by government policies.
We are introduced to Vivica Wilkins, the 15 year old daughter of a governor, who is used to her lavish lifestyle. With a mother so high in the government, she lives life to the fullest. But now that she is pregnant will she blindly support the policies forcing her to abort the baby or will she fight for what's right?
The scary part about this book is it's too close to what could be, and I don't think it would take a war to get there. Religious liberties are already attacked and eroded everyday. I have heard time and again that many of the social issues, such as abortion, have already been decided and it's pointless to try to change.
It is now mainstream and promoted in the media that biblical principles have no place in public life. If you disagree with someone you are being hateful and exclusionary. In The First Principle the Bible is banned because of this reason. Shrock takes what is happening now to it's obvious, and sad, conclusion.
The First Principle is an exciting and powerful read that challenges our complacency. While mandatory abortions and mass Bible burnings are not yet a reality, it is too easy to see it come to pass. Shrock takes us to this future and gives us a heroine who is not perfect, but willing to act when the time comes. Will we act while there is still time?
You can find the First Principle on Amazon.
To find out more about Marissa Shrock you can check out her website.
See what others on the tour have to say:
Julie Bihn
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Jalynn Patterson
Chawna Schroeder
Jessica Thomas
Good challenge, Shane. I thought the book was remarkably prescient, and clearly it was written before a lot of the most recent happenings took place (such as the release of the undercover Planned Parenthood videos).
ReplyDeleteBecky