Just read Dominion. It is not a book that you can skim, or skip pages. Each page is packed full of so much information. If I had underlined my favorite passages, quotes, or ideas, it would have been underlined on every page. The depth of understanding I gained about the underlying attitudes of the Afro American was like none I have ever really grasped. Read it. Slowly. - J. T.
I just finished reading your book Dominion. It was fascinating, educational, and emotional for me as I read it. Your book strengthened my knowledge of race relations and my respect for law officers. — N. D.
Dominion is one of the most thought-provoking books I have ever read, and it has made me think long and hard about my own attitude and relationships to other races. Also, your keen insights on Heaven have refreshed my own desire to visit there soon. — S. Y.
I just walked into a Christian bookshop in Nigeria, where I bought your novel Dominion. I was engulfed by the book. I didn't want it to end. - P. L.
I just got finished reading Dominion. My best girlfriend found it at a local thrift store; she gave it to me and said “you must read this!” I had no history, no background on the book aside from the synopsis on the back. Instantly I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next, but as I got deeper into the book I started to realize that it was changing the way I thought about and viewed the world. I am the mother of a bi-racial child, never had I thought about it from her side. She mentioned to me once that it wasn’t always comfortable for her to be the only black person in our family. Well, it just didn’t occur to me that could have been an issue for her.
As I read further it just kept opening my eyes more and more. Your descriptions of Heaven were mind-boggling. At this point, we don’t know what Heaven is like exactly, but what a beautiful interpretation, and actually made death seem less scary—more of something to look forward to. Hell was amazingly described, once again making me think about the choices I’m making in my life. I have always been a person of faith, but Dominion made me want to look deeper than I have been lately, and really get back in touch with my relationship with God. I would also like to add that the friend, who loaned me the book, did not grow up with as strong a faith foundation as I did, but she does believe in a “higher power.” I think she’s not sure where to take that. I’ve had her come to church with me a few times, and I know she would like to be a part of something that fills that spiritual need for her. After reading Dominion, she asked me if I could help her find out more about being baptized…it was incredible! I’m sure this is not the only person affected this way by your writings, but I wanted to let you know that it made a difference to her, enough to make her want to pursue baptism.
I was also so impressed with your knowledge of gangs, culture, and being a Northern California resident I could completely relate to what was going on and the geographical setting of the book.
Here is the moment when it all changed; I wanted to know more about you—the author of this amazing book. I looked in the back hoping to find a photo, no photo. I researched you online, what popped up? A photo of a “white” man. I was floored. I expected maybe an older, black, male. It was almost as if you purposefully left your photo of the book for that reason. That just put everything more into perspective. I consider myself a person who is accepting of all people, especially with the fact that I deal with racism when it comes to my daughter, and what did I do? I made an ASSUMPTION. All I could do was just sit back and laugh at myself and realize that I still hadn’t fully learned the lesson.
Dominion is one of those books that changes lives, it changed my friend’s life and it has caused me to take a second look at myself on so many different levels. I can’t wait to pass it on and share with everybody I know. This is truly a beautiful way to share the faith with so many and not just people that enjoy Christian reading. This was just a book at the Goodwill; guess the same of the store says it all.
All I can say is AMAZING, and thank you. Thank you for sharing yourself through your words. — R. D.
The descriptions of Heaven are wonderfully vivid. The storyline had me thinking about so many of life’s everyday issues, ones that are in the daily news. Makes me want to reach out to those who are unlike myself, as their struggles are just as real as mine. We all end up in the same place...that wonderfully vivid Heaven. – M. S.
I just got a copy of your book Dominion. I have to admit that when I read the cover, I thought..."Who is this white man who thinks he can write from a black perspective?" You see, I am a black woman. And, as a black woman who could never explain to my white friends what we mean by equality, I thought your book would be a condescending disappointment. But the Spirit of the Lord kept urging me to buy the book. I have to say that you did a most excellent job of treating the story about as even handed as someone who is not black could do. — L. W.
The research that went into Dominion is outstanding and it's hard to believe the sentiment that you've captured! I love your character build-up and attention to detail. Thank you for loving the Carpenter and presenting Him in a way that's enjoyable and life-altering. - B. T.
A very engaging story that addresses current issues in an eye opening way. This book addresses continuing, subtle racial issues, gang activity and the power of the press to influence for good or bad. Because the story is set near to where my family lives, it was fun to “drink Starbucks” with the characters in the same Barnes and Noble I visit when I am in Portland, OR. We are reading it for the second time. The first was from the library. It was worth purchasing a personal copy. – M. K.
I just finished Dominion and I have to say that it was wonderful. I was a bit skeptical at first (as a Black man) about your ability to write from a Black perspective. But I was amazed by your ability to capture so many of the concerns, values, thoughts, practices and "stories" of our community.
I was even more impressed by your ability to capture the essence of the issues surrounding reconciliation within the church. But I have to say that your vision of Heaven was astounding. I had my first fictional glimpse of the unseen in Frank Paretti's This Present Darkness years ago. Ever since then, the idea of the Hosts of Heaven has been more real to me. But Dominion made Heaven so real and vivid to me that I'm carrying a strong sense of "that Land" with me through many circumstances here and now. God bless you for writing such a well-researched, balanced and inspirational work. It's so validating to know that someone cared enough about our story to commit to writing it so well. You have touched my mortal soul with your story and you've influenced my eternal soul with your commitment to the Lord. - K. S. Being a southern white woman I was raised in segregation. During my teens I had a best friend who was Indian and I was not allowed to go anywhere with her. It breaks my heart what my black brothers and sisters have gone through. Being hearing impaired, I was always picked on and had a hard time finding jobs because they thought I couldn't do it. I know a little about discrimination. Maybe that's why I relate to the black tragedy. Dominion was my first book and I am looking forward to reading more by you. - R. J.
