Abiding Darkness (The Black or White Chronicles Series)

by John Aubrey Anderson

Book Overview

On the shores of Cat Lake, in the midst of the most defined era of segregation in American history, a spitfire seven-year old white girl and spiritual eleven-year-old black boy live each day as best... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446579491
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Warner Faith
• Length: 339 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

An Avid John Aubrey Andersen Fan

I became a John Aubrey Anderson fan while reading his book Wedgwood Grey. I became an avid John Aubrey Anderson fan while reading Abiding Darkness. Both books are part of a series which I read out of order, but that did not deter my enjoyment of either in the slightest. The talent God has given him as a writer and story teller is eclipsed only by the purpose to which he has obviously dedicated his life and talents--which is knowing God and making him known. Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence

Lyrical Literary Light - A Wonderful Read!

I have never read a novel with all the qualities that John Aubrey Anderson puts into "Abiding Darkness". It is a tale that starts in the Mississippi Delta of '45, with three adventurous children that soon end up in a maelstorm of a battle at Cat Lake. Missy Parker is the 7 year old princess that rules the roost and doesn't back down. Her older brother Bobby and their best friend Mose Jr. (Junior) try their best to keep her from too much trouble. The story begins by describing their idyllic world and the events that conspire to tear it apart. Thus begins a tale of heroism, hope, darkness and light. As Missy grows into her special destiny, forces beyond her understanding continue to influence her life, and the people around her. JAA does a simply amazing job in creating the world of AD. After reading it, I felt like I had grown up in the Deep South, instead of the desert of Idaho. He gives the characters a life and voice of their own, and they are compelling to follow through the events of the book. His storytelling is mastery. After the first 5 pages I was totally invested in the novel. By page 100 I was almost crying (in public) three times. I laughed out loud at other parts while reading it on a bus. He weaves in suspense and keeps your mind glued to the story, even when away from the book. He also manages to weave in spiritual themes that inspire, and truly sometimes chill you. The message in the book doesn't come across forced, but is a natural outgrowth of the heart of the characters. That is not an easy feat to accomplish. If you are looking for a wondrous story with powerful characters on the edge of danger, I can think of no other book that fits the bill. Mr. Anderson truly has earned my respect with the skill of his pen.

Exceptional!

Abiding Darkness is one of the best debut novels I have read and John Aubrey Anderson should take a bow then please, quickly write some more! Life seems idyllic in the township surrounding Cat Lake. World War II is concluding, summer has arrived and three young children are doing what kids do~playing baseball until they drop. Missy Parker, a precocious seven year old, her older brother Bobby are spending the day with their best mate, Junior, the great-great-grandson of an African slave. They are unaware their world is about to be shattered by a pact made in the spiritual realm, their lives will hang in the balance and they will make promises which impact eternity. Thus beings an evocative tale set in the deep south of America which will remain with you long after you have read the final page. John Aubrey Anderson writes with a gifted pen, his words bring to the life this southern town and describes the lives of the white and black folk living and working at the Parker Cotton Gin with such clarity that I felt I was walking alongside Missy, kicking stones in the dirt. I could feel the sweat trickling down Mose Washington's face as he managed the Gin for Bobby Parker and my heart beat loudly as evil took on the face of French Bainbridge. I was hooked the moment I read the line on the first page, "The summer of '45 lied." and Anderson does not disappoint in the remaining pages. He balances a wonderful story with glimpses of the spiritual powers at work, without making the characters pawns without purpose. He stays true to the realities of free will and the consequences resulting from the choices his characters make. The underlying message is clear without being overpowering. I certainly find myself pondering my response to this amazing book. Despite this being one of the first books I have read in 2007, I feel confidant saying Abiding Darkness will be on my top ten list for the year.............although there is the sequel, Wedgewood Grey, releasing this month!!

Poignant and hauntingly good book!

What happens when Good and Evil clash in the small town of Cat Lake, Mississippi? It all starts in 1945 at Cat Lake Bridge. Missy Parker, her brother, Bobby, and their best friend, Junior Washington, are playing baseball when they are confronted by Hal Bainbridge and his wife, Estelle, who are just passing through the area. Hal and Estelle leave but the demon accompanying them stays behind. The demon is so enraged by Missy's defiance of Hal, that he vows to destroy every piece of Missy's life- and thus the war in Cat Lake begins. Junior is a Christian and as such, he shares his faith regularly. Little does he realize it, but his faith is about to be tested- and in the process, Missy will gain her faith. Step back into the Mississippi country in 1945 to a town where Christianity unites those of all colors and the battle between demons and angels has just begun.... ABIDING DARKNESS: THE BLACK OR WHITE CHRONICLES BOOK ONE is a deeply moving story about the heart of Christianity. John Aubrey Anderson explains many of the basic tenets of the faith without being preachy or overbearing. His greatest strength, however, is the superb character development in which the reader sees realistic displays of Christianity in action. Missy's own journey with her faith is one many will relate to as she struggles to maintain her initial enthusiasm for Jesus. She becomes lax in her faith as time passes but renews her faith and experiences many of the same issues that Christians today deal with. The portrait of Missy is both stunning and awe-inspiring. ABIDING DARKNESS: THE BLACK OR WHITE CHRONICLES BOOK ONE has numerous scenes that will touch the reader's heart. Perhaps, however, the scene at Cat Lake Bridge with Bobby, Missy, and Junior is the most memorable. The drama that unfolds is both poignant and heart-wrenching. This reviewer still cries every time that scene comes to mind. Racial issues and their pertinence to Christianity are also very carefully and sensitively addressed by John Aubrey Anderson. Mississippi in 1945 was still a very segregated area but Christianity binds together those of different races. While Missy is white, her best friend, Junior, is African-American. ABIDING DARKNESS: THE BLACK OR WHITE CHRONICLES BOOK ONE demonstrates how Christianity is a matter of the heart and not a matter of skin color. John Aubrey Anderson has amazed this reviewer with this awesome and touching story of the Christian faith. While somewhat reminiscent of Frank Peretti's PIERCING THE DARKNESS and THIS PRESENT DARKNESS, ABIDING DARKNESS: THE BLACK OR WHITE CHRONICLES BOOK ONE is by no means a carbon copy. Instead, Mr. Anderson has utilized a similar technique to Frank Peretti but placed his own folksy brand upon this incredible tale. ABIDING DARKNESS: THE BLACK OR WHITE CHRONICLES BOOK ONE has earned a cherished place on this reviewer's keeper shelf! COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Powerful story about faith and the powers of darkness

Abiding Darkness by John Aubrey Anderson is the first book in the Black or White trilogy. In 1945 Mississippi, 7-year-old Missy Parker is in charge, and everyone knows it. Especially her best friend Junior Washington, an 11-year-old black boy. You wouldn't expect a little girl to be a target for the forces of darkness, but there are lots of unexpected things happening at Cat Lake when Missy's around. Anderson does a terrific job of writing dialogue, especially capturing dialect without making it difficult to read. Conversations just flow across the page. He also has a way with a turn of phrase that brings charm and color to the story and makes Cat Lake feel just like home. It's filled with characters you would want to know and spend time with. I'm glad that this is just the first book, because I look forward to spending more time with them. Anderson's descriptions of the demons that haunt Missy and her family are chilling as are the scenes in which they attack. While many Christian books on the market are afraid to show God directly acting in characters' lives, this book shows the Lord taking a direct hand in their lives and letting them know it.