Tag Archives: 4 stars

I read Thomas Fenske’s The Fever several months ago, but life interrupted my plans to write a speedy review. Since it has been awhile since I read the book, I wanted to make sure my recollections are accurate and I took a look back through my Kindle highlights and notes (I actually always do this, but not always as a first step in writing a review). The handful of highlights and notes basically confirmed what I’ve been thinking – what drew me in to The Fever and has remained with me after reading it is its uncanny relation to reality. The events of the story are engaging and memorable, but the most lasting impression for me is that this book truly captures life, from the simplicity of a donut store, well-known and praised despite its run-down appearance, to the messiness of a life structured around a seemingly unrealistic obsession. I think few readers who are looking for an honest, enjoyable read will be disappointed with Fenske’s work.

The story follows Sam as he pursues a passion/quest/obsession with finding a long-hidden gold mine in Texas. We hear how Sam learned of the mine from a dying drunk through an unfortunate but very realistic series of ill-advised adolescent decisions that land him in jail for a night, and then how, for a time, he dismissed the idea and (tried to) put it out of his mind. Years later, he still can’t forget the drunk’s story and accompanying riddle designed to lead searchers to the mine and he decides to devote himself to finding it. We see how Sam’s life quickly becomes centered around this quest, how “he knew he was being guided by that relentless gnawing urge” (Kindle location 1125): he takes jobs that allow him the time off to have an opportunity to travel out to where he believes he will find the mine; he skimps on groceries so he can afford his searching trips; even his friendships and romantic relationships revolve around who understands or supports his endeavors. You’ll have to read the book to find out how he searches and whether he is ultimately successful!

As I mentioned above, what I loved about the book is how realistically life is portrayed, in everything from Sam’s relationship with his parents to how he goes about planning his hiking routes. Some of my favorites:

• Sam’s vow not to leave a pile of dirty dishes in the sink when he leaves town and subsequent admission to himself that it’s a hopeless expectation (Kindle location 1392). This sounds a lot like me… until my recent trouble with ants, anyway. Now I usually can’t leave things in the sink overnight without finding ants in the sink the next morning.
• The image of Sam with maps of his search area spread out across the floor as he “crawled over them with a gooseneck lamp and a magnifying glass” (Kindle location 1601). My comment here was: “Adam!” because it reminded me of my husband planning his climbing trips.
• The frequent mention of an “unwritten rule” that “parents were better off not knowing about some of the things their kids did” (Kindle location 1956). I have to say – this last one did not sit well with me for a good long time – I commented that this is true from a child’s perspective but not a parent’s – though I am trying to come to terms with the reality of this statement, particularly as my children grow; I may need to know everything they do at age four, but I won’t—and shouldn’t—as they get older. It takes A LOT for me to let go of this control.

I’ve just realized I have said a lot about more obscure parts of the book that have stuck with me than about the story line in general, and I think this actually speaks to the quality of the book. It’s true that I read for entertainment, but I feel a lot more satisfied when I have something to take away with me when I finish a book. Ultimately for me, the worth of a book often comes down to how it sticks with me after I’m done with it, and The Fever has definitely stuck around in my mind. I think a lot about Sam when I come across things in spiritual reading that refer to the troubles caused when we put things—anything—ahead of our journey for union with God’s will. He’s sort of a reminder to me, at times, not to let some temporary (or, in his case, very long-lasting) interest too high on my priority list in life, and, in a way, helps me stay focused on what’s important.

I think it takes a lot of talent and skill to write a book that both entertains in itself and impacts the reader, and in my opinion, Thomas Fenske has succeeded with The Fever. I honestly can’t wait to read the sequel, A Curse that Bites Deep!

Four stars!!!

Check out www.thefenske.com for more about The Fever, author Thomas Fenske, and The Curse that Bites Deep (now in editing with the publisher – Wings ePress.

You can buy The Fever at the following places:

Kindle (Amazon) $3.99
Nook (Barnes&Noble) $3.99
iBOOK (Apple iPad/iPhone) $3.99
Other ebook formats are also available at smashwords.com
Buy the Paperback at Amazon —  $13.95

Also check out Thomas Fenske’s blogs: Author’s Blog & That Crazy Cookbook Guy!

 

**Many thanks to author Thomas Fenske for providing a free copy of The Fever in exchange for an honest review!