Title: Rapture Begins
Author: Douglas Hynden
Publisher: Scriptor House
ISBN: 979-8886921625
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Pages: 114
Reviewed by: Allison Walker
Hollywood Book Reviews
A young boy growing up in a small town in the 1950’s and 60’s, David’s world is simple but complete. He is the second of five children to loving, nurturing parents in a traditional home. His grandparents live down the street, along his paper route, and it is his strict but caring grandmother who introduces David to the woman who will become one of the most influential people in his life. Pearl is a physically imposing but beautiful woman, one who travels across the country working in manual labor and visiting her many friends. To David, whose small town is all he knows, Pearl is a fascinating source of wisdom.
In his book, Rapture Begins, author Douglas Hynden reveals a quaint coming-of-age story, gradually evolving into a tale of fantastic spiritual evolution. The story opens against the backdrop of David’s formative years. Pearl, a figure that drifts in and out of David’s life, assumes the role of a guiding force and guardian angel. With her little dog Mia as a loyal companion and an unwavering commitment to notions of right and wrong, Pearl becomes an enchanting enigma in David’s world. The fleeting nature of her appearances and disappearances adds an air of mystique. David, captivated by Pearl’s presence, finds himself smitten and filled with questions. Like most young children, David has a sense of a secret knowledge possessed by the adults around him, compounded by the wartime culture of America, and it is Pearl’s patient and gentle guidance that serves as a moral compass while David navigates life’s lessons.
As the narrative unfolds and David grows and matures into a young man, the secrets hidden by youth and inexperience gradually unravel. Like all young people, David makes some powerful decisions and some stupid ones, all the while his destiny slowly begins to take shape. In this rambling, universally resonant story, David navigates the challenges of lost dreams and heartbreak, and the glory of rediscovery and finding one’s purpose. David’s life takes a transformative turn as he embraces life’s journey, ultimately taking control and leaving an indelible mark on the world. Slowly, the revelations bring clarity even to the enigma of Pearl and the mysterious knowledge surrounding her.
Rapture Begins is a lovely little narrative that weaves together the classic coming-of-age story with the discovery of one’s purpose within God’s plan. Hynden’s book brings to life the characters and their intricate relationships, while the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual purpose adds layers of complexity. Through David’s journey, readers are invited to ponder the universal themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the profound impact of guidance from unexpected sources.