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Final Notice
What Would You Do If You Knew – For Certain – That You Had 10 Days To Live?
Some would get their legal affairs in order. Others would contact family, friends, lovers, ex-lovers. Some might take a trip or make an exceptional donation. Still others might clean the house and do the laundry. And some…might kill.
The year is the very near future. A brilliant young doctor and mathematician, Vijay Patel, has invented a new health/sport watch that monitors blood chemistry so accurately, it can actually predict when someone will die – within 10, 20, or 30 days. The intention of this “Final Notice,” as it is called, is to allow people to get their affairs in order and reach out to loved ones before it’s too late. But when those notified have easy access to a gun, the result is sometimes lethal for more than just the watch-owner.
These are the stories of several people who receive their Final Notice and their very different reactions...including a desire to get revenge with impunity. They range from an 89-year-old resident in a retirement home to a U.S. Senator...from a benevolent widow to a crass tycoon to a noted climate change scientist.
But in this fresh, fast-paced, political thriller, page-turner, their stories are all set against the all-too-recognizable backdrop of a guns-gone-wild America, and the relentless push by the NRA and their surrogate politicians to make guns even easier to acquire.
Their stories are also connected by the involvement of several likeable protagonists. These include: the inventor of the watch ... the FBI agent charged with stopping the killings...and a recently retired, middle-class couple, Vince and Trudi Fuller, with their brave immigrant friends and a very endearing Corgi, Miles.
Vince and Trudi live happily in their “California bubble” until Vince is knocked down by a young punk in a parking lot. His sense of shame and rage, resulting from feelings of age-related vulnerability, triggers a first-time interest in guns. Trudi resists, but later, an unprovoked attack on Miles and Vince – and a growing friendship with two courageous Syrian refugees – changes her mind. With very unexpected consequences.
There is plenty of dark humor and political satire in FINAL NOTICE, as well as touching scenes and outright suspense. So expect to laugh out loud, dry some tears, and bite your nails (not necessarily in that order).
It is, despite the somewhat “sci-fi” premise of the watch, a very realistic reflection of American society and the many problems we face today.
Some would get their legal affairs in order. Others would contact family, friends, lovers, ex-lovers. Some might take a trip or make an exceptional donation. Still others might clean the house and do the laundry. And some…might kill.
The year is the very near future. A brilliant young doctor and mathematician, Vijay Patel, has invented a new health/sport watch that monitors blood chemistry so accurately, it can actually predict when someone will die – within 10, 20, or 30 days. The intention of this “Final Notice,” as it is called, is to allow people to get their affairs in order and reach out to loved ones before it’s too late. But when those notified have easy access to a gun, the result is sometimes lethal for more than just the watch-owner.
These are the stories of several people who receive their Final Notice and their very different reactions...including a desire to get revenge with impunity. They range from an 89-year-old resident in a retirement home to a U.S. Senator...from a benevolent widow to a crass tycoon to a noted climate change scientist.
But in this fresh, fast-paced, political thriller, page-turner, their stories are all set against the all-too-recognizable backdrop of a guns-gone-wild America, and the relentless push by the NRA and their surrogate politicians to make guns even easier to acquire.
Their stories are also connected by the involvement of several likeable protagonists. These include: the inventor of the watch ... the FBI agent charged with stopping the killings...and a recently retired, middle-class couple, Vince and Trudi Fuller, with their brave immigrant friends and a very endearing Corgi, Miles.
Vince and Trudi live happily in their “California bubble” until Vince is knocked down by a young punk in a parking lot. His sense of shame and rage, resulting from feelings of age-related vulnerability, triggers a first-time interest in guns. Trudi resists, but later, an unprovoked attack on Miles and Vince – and a growing friendship with two courageous Syrian refugees – changes her mind. With very unexpected consequences.
There is plenty of dark humor and political satire in FINAL NOTICE, as well as touching scenes and outright suspense. So expect to laugh out loud, dry some tears, and bite your nails (not necessarily in that order).
It is, despite the somewhat “sci-fi” premise of the watch, a very realistic reflection of American society and the many problems we face today.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2018
About the author
Van Fleisher
7 books202 followersCurrently Van divides his time between California and France. He has spent half his life living and working outside the U.S. as Director of International Marketing with TWA and as an International Management Consultant; and he brings this experience to bear on the plot of Final Notice. His insight into what goes on behind closed boardroom doors gives the slightly “sci-fi” premise of FINAL NOTICE a very realistic feel. Moreover, his two careers have taken him around the world (including a year living in India) and his first-hand experience with – and respect for – other cultures is apparent in this book. Finally, being recently retired, Fleisher included two senior protagonists, which has engaged older readers as well as younger ones. In fact, over 30% of “all readers” in a recent focus group said they would buy the book.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight my concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership, the growing prejudice against immigrants, ageism, and our broken political system. This book won’t fix these issues, but my goal was to write something that will keep the dialogue open in an entertaining way.”
Van is currently working on a sequel, Final Act.
“Final Notice is meant to highlight my concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership, the growing prejudice against immigrants, ageism, and our broken political system. This book won’t fix these issues, but my goal was to write something that will keep the dialogue open in an entertaining way.”
Van is currently working on a sequel, Final Act.
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June 23, 2023
Un mundo distopico muy singular
En los Estados Unidos se quiere legalizar el uso de armas de fuego en todos los estados, llegando incluso a ofrecer "rebajas" a las personas mayores y discapacitados, y si a esto le agregamos un nuevo dispositivo que te dice cuando vas a morir, muchas cosas malas pueden pasar.
En si, es una crítica social a las políticas y la cultura derogatoria en los Estados Unidos. No es un tema que me interese, pero se puede leer. Sin embargo, no me gustaron muchos de los diálogos, ni el exceso de terminología técnica en todo el libro.
No creo que vuelva a leer algo más de este autor.
En los Estados Unidos se quiere legalizar el uso de armas de fuego en todos los estados, llegando incluso a ofrecer "rebajas" a las personas mayores y discapacitados, y si a esto le agregamos un nuevo dispositivo que te dice cuando vas a morir, muchas cosas malas pueden pasar.
En si, es una crítica social a las políticas y la cultura derogatoria en los Estados Unidos. No es un tema que me interese, pero se puede leer. Sin embargo, no me gustaron muchos de los diálogos, ni el exceso de terminología técnica en todo el libro.
No creo que vuelva a leer algo más de este autor.
April 4, 2020
Having recently been introduced to the work of Van Fleisher, I thought that I would give this piece a go, which delves into the world of guns, politics, and the predictive nature of smart watches. After the NRA decides to create a system whereby seniors can get easier (and cheaper) access to guns, there is a moderate spike in gun violence across the country. Interestingly enough, a few of the headline grabbing stories involve seniors committing acts of gun violence before turning the bullets on themselves, or dying naturally days later. Vince and Trudi Fuller follow all this on the news and wonder if they, active seniors, ought to be jumping on the bandwagon. While they do extensive research on gun ownership in California, both want to make sure their choice is best for them and not simply part of a new trend. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, Dr. Vijay Patel is working on his newest invention, the VT2 smart watch, a device that can also detect the most minute things in the wearer’s blood. The algorithms are so precise that it can predict ‘Final Notice’—how long the wearer has to live—within 10 days. While Patel his trying to get his VT2 in beta trials by a large cross-section of the older population, he worries when some of these recent shootings can be tied to people who received their notice. Wondering if the VT2 might be helping to push people to commit rash acts, Patel tries to hone the technology without stifling what is sure to be a great medical tool. As the story progresses, the Fullers and others begin to live their lives under the cloud of this new gun availability and the emergence of VT2, both of which play a key role in the larger story. How it will end is anyone’s guess, but the reader is in for quite a ride. An intriguing and thought provoking piece by Van Fleisher, that will keep the debate on gun control and medical technology raging. Recommended to those who love a good ‘thinking thriller’, as well as the reader who enjoys a piece with underlying political implications throughout.
I was asked to review the yet-to-be-released sequel to this piece, but wanted to begin at the start. Fleisher surely makes this a wonderful introduction to the topic with this piece that never stops evolving. There is so much on offer here that it is sometimes hard to see where one topic ends and the next begins. That being said, Vince Fuller appears to play a key role throughout and the reader is able to see much of his character development in this piece. A man who is quite set in his ways, Fuller has a events that force a re-evaluation of life choices. Alongside his wife, Fuller debates gun control and the politics of aging, both of which emerge throughout the piece. While Fuller has a horrible encounter that leaves him scarred in more ways than one, the reader can see how he chooses to handle it all, including the news of a potential medical red flag. Others appear throughout the story and offer their own influence to the larger narrative. Some engage regularly with the Fullers, while other characters have their own vignettes that push the story in different directions. I quite enjoyed the overall piece, which kept me thinking until the final page turn. There were moments when I was all but waving my hand in the air to get some added narrative momentum, but the overarching pace of the book was quite good. Politics weaves its way into this book, but does not seem to inculcate the reader too often. There is definitely the political left and right divide, which Fleisher mocks throughout, but it reads like your typical 21st century piece with themes pushed in both directions. I am eager to see how this sequel plays into this story and the overall intended message that Van Fleisher has to offer.
Kudos, Mr. Fleisher, for an entertaining debut. I can only hope that others will find this piece as exciting as I did.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I was asked to review the yet-to-be-released sequel to this piece, but wanted to begin at the start. Fleisher surely makes this a wonderful introduction to the topic with this piece that never stops evolving. There is so much on offer here that it is sometimes hard to see where one topic ends and the next begins. That being said, Vince Fuller appears to play a key role throughout and the reader is able to see much of his character development in this piece. A man who is quite set in his ways, Fuller has a events that force a re-evaluation of life choices. Alongside his wife, Fuller debates gun control and the politics of aging, both of which emerge throughout the piece. While Fuller has a horrible encounter that leaves him scarred in more ways than one, the reader can see how he chooses to handle it all, including the news of a potential medical red flag. Others appear throughout the story and offer their own influence to the larger narrative. Some engage regularly with the Fullers, while other characters have their own vignettes that push the story in different directions. I quite enjoyed the overall piece, which kept me thinking until the final page turn. There were moments when I was all but waving my hand in the air to get some added narrative momentum, but the overarching pace of the book was quite good. Politics weaves its way into this book, but does not seem to inculcate the reader too often. There is definitely the political left and right divide, which Fleisher mocks throughout, but it reads like your typical 21st century piece with themes pushed in both directions. I am eager to see how this sequel plays into this story and the overall intended message that Van Fleisher has to offer.
Kudos, Mr. Fleisher, for an entertaining debut. I can only hope that others will find this piece as exciting as I did.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 19, 2018
Final Notice by Van Fleisher
I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Summary
Technology has advanced again and the fitness watches that everyone just had to get the instant they were available on the market will seem like something your parents had when they grew up, out dated. The VT2 monitors several vital signs and can predict if a person is going to die. As developers of this state of the art technology scramble to cover all the legal, production, manufacturing, and other developmental issues of this product the people who use the product have issues of their own.
With many political views included; this story covers how people respond to receiving the news that they are going to die in the very near future. It made me think about how I would react, how would my husband, my parents, my inlaws, my neighbors, or even how would that one person that always seems to hold a grudge react. Many people would react out of character if they felt they wouldn't have to suffer any consequences? What would that world be like?
Opinion
I wanted to love this book and I struggled as I read it to understand some to the decisions the author made. The focus seemed to be on the company’s point of view and I wanted it to be on the point of view of the individuals wearing the VT2. I felt detached from the story and many times I wondered if the author has ever written articles for a newspaper. Many things were stated in a matter of fact tone. I kept looking for the detailed emotional passages in the story. When they did show up I thought finally, but I was disappointed when after a few pages the story returned to the straightforward stating of facts. I wanted more of the human side of the story and less of the corporate and business behind the scene side of the story.
In a story about a device that can predict a person's death and covers their reactions to this notice; I expected to learn about that device early in the story however the first time I read about the device was in chapter four. I can understand setting up some background information and setting up the story, but I would have preferred the background information be limited to about a chapter. Any additional background information could be spread out in the context of the story.
I like my fiction to be based on what could be true if the story is set in a realistic setting. I had a hard time believing that this technology wouldn’t be leaked before the Alpha test. We live in a time when it seems like everyone has access to instant communication and many people use multiple forms of communication daily. I know several people who get agitated when they can’t check their Facebook account every couple hours. They post every aspect of their lives. ‘Went to Walmart and got new shoes.’, ‘At McDonalds to eat a Big Mac.’, or ‘Bad hair day, it’s time for a hat.’ With many people working on development, marketing, legal, technical issues, and in several locations it is highly unlikely that someone or many people wouldn’t let it slip. They would tell a spouse, parent, or friend during typical conversation. That person would share the information they had heard. Rumors and gossip are a part of life and the more interesting the gossip the faster it is spread.
I really liked reading about Vince and Trudy, and I wish the entire story was more focused around them instead of focused on the company. I disliked the Vitaltech sections of the book because the information seemed like it was being repeated. Vijay would have a conversation with some colleague then he would call the FBI and have the same conversation or the reporter would call and the same conversation would be repeated in detail. I wanted the story to move forward.
I also had a hard time with the elderly abuse in this story. It wasn’t that I don’t believe that it happens, but I live in a very rural area and I don’t see elderly abuse except for in long term care environments. I have told my children they need to hold the door for others especially the elderly. If they are in a waiting room and there are no seats left they should stand and give the elderly person a chair. They are told to respect their elders as I was when I was young. This made me feel disconnect from the story.
I also found myself looking for a rise and fall in the action or a gradual building of suspense until it all blew up in the end. What I got was an slow warm up that took several chapters and then it was maintained at a barley warm temperature. The big NRA scene should have been big and detailed. Play this up more. For example the reader gets a step by step detailed conversation about getting tea, and only one paragraph about a school bombing, lost baby, multiple students murdered, and Rasha getting shrapnel in her back. I would have liked the focus to be reversed.
In Chapter 11 Dr. Patsy Carter is responding to FBI Agent Zoe per Vijay’s request and says. “Good to meet you, Zoe. I just looked at these and Mr. Billy Roy Hunter died on Friday at 4:36 PM, CST.” Most people wouldn’t say CST. They would say Central Standard Time.
There was several places that there was an extra space between words. This could be the Kindle App format and not actual errors.
“I think terrorists should be called ‘cowardists.’ They prey on the innocent. Wherever they come from, they are cowards and that should be what they’re called.” Love this quote.
Chapter 29 left me wondering what? “For those of you wondering if he was wearing socks - seriously? - the author feels sorry for you but is compelled to say he was.” I didn’t think this was needed. All it did was take me out of the story and made me think about socks instead of being engaged with what I was reading.
The Epilogue was great. It nicely wrapped up the ending of the story. I would have prefered that this be included in the story and used to add drama.
I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Summary
Technology has advanced again and the fitness watches that everyone just had to get the instant they were available on the market will seem like something your parents had when they grew up, out dated. The VT2 monitors several vital signs and can predict if a person is going to die. As developers of this state of the art technology scramble to cover all the legal, production, manufacturing, and other developmental issues of this product the people who use the product have issues of their own.
With many political views included; this story covers how people respond to receiving the news that they are going to die in the very near future. It made me think about how I would react, how would my husband, my parents, my inlaws, my neighbors, or even how would that one person that always seems to hold a grudge react. Many people would react out of character if they felt they wouldn't have to suffer any consequences? What would that world be like?
Opinion
I wanted to love this book and I struggled as I read it to understand some to the decisions the author made. The focus seemed to be on the company’s point of view and I wanted it to be on the point of view of the individuals wearing the VT2. I felt detached from the story and many times I wondered if the author has ever written articles for a newspaper. Many things were stated in a matter of fact tone. I kept looking for the detailed emotional passages in the story. When they did show up I thought finally, but I was disappointed when after a few pages the story returned to the straightforward stating of facts. I wanted more of the human side of the story and less of the corporate and business behind the scene side of the story.
In a story about a device that can predict a person's death and covers their reactions to this notice; I expected to learn about that device early in the story however the first time I read about the device was in chapter four. I can understand setting up some background information and setting up the story, but I would have preferred the background information be limited to about a chapter. Any additional background information could be spread out in the context of the story.
I like my fiction to be based on what could be true if the story is set in a realistic setting. I had a hard time believing that this technology wouldn’t be leaked before the Alpha test. We live in a time when it seems like everyone has access to instant communication and many people use multiple forms of communication daily. I know several people who get agitated when they can’t check their Facebook account every couple hours. They post every aspect of their lives. ‘Went to Walmart and got new shoes.’, ‘At McDonalds to eat a Big Mac.’, or ‘Bad hair day, it’s time for a hat.’ With many people working on development, marketing, legal, technical issues, and in several locations it is highly unlikely that someone or many people wouldn’t let it slip. They would tell a spouse, parent, or friend during typical conversation. That person would share the information they had heard. Rumors and gossip are a part of life and the more interesting the gossip the faster it is spread.
I really liked reading about Vince and Trudy, and I wish the entire story was more focused around them instead of focused on the company. I disliked the Vitaltech sections of the book because the information seemed like it was being repeated. Vijay would have a conversation with some colleague then he would call the FBI and have the same conversation or the reporter would call and the same conversation would be repeated in detail. I wanted the story to move forward.
I also had a hard time with the elderly abuse in this story. It wasn’t that I don’t believe that it happens, but I live in a very rural area and I don’t see elderly abuse except for in long term care environments. I have told my children they need to hold the door for others especially the elderly. If they are in a waiting room and there are no seats left they should stand and give the elderly person a chair. They are told to respect their elders as I was when I was young. This made me feel disconnect from the story.
I also found myself looking for a rise and fall in the action or a gradual building of suspense until it all blew up in the end. What I got was an slow warm up that took several chapters and then it was maintained at a barley warm temperature. The big NRA scene should have been big and detailed. Play this up more. For example the reader gets a step by step detailed conversation about getting tea, and only one paragraph about a school bombing, lost baby, multiple students murdered, and Rasha getting shrapnel in her back. I would have liked the focus to be reversed.
In Chapter 11 Dr. Patsy Carter is responding to FBI Agent Zoe per Vijay’s request and says. “Good to meet you, Zoe. I just looked at these and Mr. Billy Roy Hunter died on Friday at 4:36 PM, CST.” Most people wouldn’t say CST. They would say Central Standard Time.
There was several places that there was an extra space between words. This could be the Kindle App format and not actual errors.
“I think terrorists should be called ‘cowardists.’ They prey on the innocent. Wherever they come from, they are cowards and that should be what they’re called.” Love this quote.
Chapter 29 left me wondering what? “For those of you wondering if he was wearing socks - seriously? - the author feels sorry for you but is compelled to say he was.” I didn’t think this was needed. All it did was take me out of the story and made me think about socks instead of being engaged with what I was reading.
The Epilogue was great. It nicely wrapped up the ending of the story. I would have prefered that this be included in the story and used to add drama.
March 23, 2018
Final Notice - Good Plot, Badly Written
I was intrigued by the tag line and plot summary, only to find a badly written, basically unedited political commentary with just a dash of fiction thrown in. In the beginning it seemed part of the story, but by the end it was free-wheeling, gun-toting dying people shooting government officials and laughing about it. And no one in my 5th grade English class would have gotten away with that many horrendous mistakes. I do not recommend this book.
I was intrigued by the tag line and plot summary, only to find a badly written, basically unedited political commentary with just a dash of fiction thrown in. In the beginning it seemed part of the story, but by the end it was free-wheeling, gun-toting dying people shooting government officials and laughing about it. And no one in my 5th grade English class would have gotten away with that many horrendous mistakes. I do not recommend this book.
August 16, 2018
“If you knew, for sure, that you were going to die in 10, 20 or 30 days, what would you do?” This is the unsettling question posed by Van Fleisher, author of the political (and mildly sci-fi) thriller Final Notice
Under the lead of Vijay Patel, a brilliant doctor with a passion for technology, the company VitalTech develops a smartwatch that can predict the exact day you are going to die. There is just a tiny glitch: as smart as that watch can be, it cannot predict the possible effects of such a peremptory deadline on the human psyche.
The main story follows the testing stages of the VT2, that’s the name of the avant-garde device, carried out on a sample of a hundred of seniors. The VT2’s technology monitors and analyzes in real time every change in the body of its wearer to such an infinitesimally small point that it can tell how many days they have left to live, issuing a “final notice” that warns them to contact their doctor immediately. Needless to say, not everyone does it. The book shows us some of the final notice recipients as they struggle with the harsh reality that their time on earth is ticking. Some get their affairs in order, some say their goodbyes to the loved ones. Some take the occasion to settle old scores. They premeditate murders, or simply flip, kill people, aware they will never pay for their crime.
The rest of the review can be found on OBC: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Under the lead of Vijay Patel, a brilliant doctor with a passion for technology, the company VitalTech develops a smartwatch that can predict the exact day you are going to die. There is just a tiny glitch: as smart as that watch can be, it cannot predict the possible effects of such a peremptory deadline on the human psyche.
The main story follows the testing stages of the VT2, that’s the name of the avant-garde device, carried out on a sample of a hundred of seniors. The VT2’s technology monitors and analyzes in real time every change in the body of its wearer to such an infinitesimally small point that it can tell how many days they have left to live, issuing a “final notice” that warns them to contact their doctor immediately. Needless to say, not everyone does it. The book shows us some of the final notice recipients as they struggle with the harsh reality that their time on earth is ticking. Some get their affairs in order, some say their goodbyes to the loved ones. Some take the occasion to settle old scores. They premeditate murders, or simply flip, kill people, aware they will never pay for their crime.
The rest of the review can be found on OBC: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
July 30, 2018
This book was ok however I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
July 18, 2023
Check out the full review here: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
What would you do if you knew the exact number of days you had left to live? This question serves as the premise of Final Notice by Van Fleisher. A new smartwatch called the VT2, a piece of revolutionary technology created by the brilliant Dr. Vijay Patel, has changed the world as people know it. The watch monitors one’s health so much that it can do something amazing – predict almost to the minute when one will die. While this sounds like it would be great, there are of course downsides. Fleisher explores the bad and good sides of human nature in this book, where the plot is full of ups and downs that leave readers surprised!
I recommend this to anyone who likes political intrigue and thrillers, and to those who love science fiction as well. This is more suited to mature persons due to the heavier topics of mass shootings and gun violence. There are also a few instances of strong profanities. Some grammatical errors were prevalent but nothing that took away from the general reading experience.
What would you do if you knew the exact number of days you had left to live? This question serves as the premise of Final Notice by Van Fleisher. A new smartwatch called the VT2, a piece of revolutionary technology created by the brilliant Dr. Vijay Patel, has changed the world as people know it. The watch monitors one’s health so much that it can do something amazing – predict almost to the minute when one will die. While this sounds like it would be great, there are of course downsides. Fleisher explores the bad and good sides of human nature in this book, where the plot is full of ups and downs that leave readers surprised!
I recommend this to anyone who likes political intrigue and thrillers, and to those who love science fiction as well. This is more suited to mature persons due to the heavier topics of mass shootings and gun violence. There are also a few instances of strong profanities. Some grammatical errors were prevalent but nothing that took away from the general reading experience.
December 21, 2017
I loved this book by Van Fleisher. My thanks to the author for writing about critical issues that absolutely NEED to be addressed (in addition to the thought provoking question of what you would do if you knew you had one week to live.). As every passing day brings sadly appalling news from Washington into our lives, and more and more people become innocent victims, my fear of people becoming numb and subsequently “normalizing” the blatantly unacceptable, increases. Thanks to the author for pushing back! With humor ( I loved the play on names) and great story telling, the author highlights issues that absolutely CANNOT be ignored. Thank you Van Fleisher. Your work in this world is much appreciated. .
April 12, 2018
Final Notice is an incredible political thriller that discusses the issue of gun control in America. Senior citizens are given a watch that warns them when they are getting close to death, and at the same time, the NRA is advertising guns to seniors by giving them discounts.
I think that people on both sides of the gun control issue should read this novel to see a potential scenario that could arise if America keeps going on the path where it is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes thriller novels that have real morals.
Full Review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I think that people on both sides of the gun control issue should read this novel to see a potential scenario that could arise if America keeps going on the path where it is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes thriller novels that have real morals.
Full Review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
April 15, 2018
While I agree with the overall message of the book, it read like it had been pounded out the night before it was due. The writing style was intolerably informal, to the point that it was comparable to Gary D. Henry's, who has revealed that he doesn't read to avoid "tainting the genius", and Caleb J Boyar's, who is an actual twelve-year-old. I was so disappointed in the way this story was approached, because it seemed like it had real potential from the description, but if it doesn't get a major overhaul, seasoned readers won't buy it. I hope the author's future work is more professional.
May 11, 2019
I was under the impression that this book was to be a thriller about people finding out they had less than 30 days to live and turning to revenge in their final days. Unfortunately, it turns out that it is more of a political thriller. While it does address some important political issues and include great characters, this is not a book I would normally read. If you enjoy a political drama, you may enjoy this book. However, if you're looking for a thriller, this is not the book for you.
December 18, 2018
Questions the validity of the gun policy, social stigma and deterioration, and advancement of technology. It's a sure read that will trap your inner conscious and question about the current circumstances is life.
March 9, 2018
Very much similar to what is seen in the news today with the gun rights and violence of the last few weeks here in the United States.
June 6, 2023
Final Notice is an engaging novel that stimulates deep reflection. The author effectively intertwines the lives of the main characters, Vince and Trudy, with the broader context of gun ownership in the country. There is much to admire about Final Notice, as it proves to be an engaging and thought-provoking read. Fleisher skillfully touches upon several sensitive topics, including gun control, immigration, revenge, aging, intolerance, etc.
Readers concerned about the societal effects of firearms will find this fictional work highly enjoyable, as it hauntingly mirrors the realities of today.
The narrative predominantly revolves around a likable retired couple who enjoy good health, an active lifestyle, and a contented marriage, with their children and grandchildren residing in other states. I admire the author's portrayal of the main characters wrestling with moral dilemmas. Despite their age, this mature couple and their friends do not claim superior wisdom, yet they exemplify praiseworthy qualities of tolerance, empathy, and compassion that can serve as an inspiration for everyone.
Final Notice is an enjoyable and thought-provoking book that is highly recommended.
Readers concerned about the societal effects of firearms will find this fictional work highly enjoyable, as it hauntingly mirrors the realities of today.
The narrative predominantly revolves around a likable retired couple who enjoy good health, an active lifestyle, and a contented marriage, with their children and grandchildren residing in other states. I admire the author's portrayal of the main characters wrestling with moral dilemmas. Despite their age, this mature couple and their friends do not claim superior wisdom, yet they exemplify praiseworthy qualities of tolerance, empathy, and compassion that can serve as an inspiration for everyone.
Final Notice is an enjoyable and thought-provoking book that is highly recommended.
July 9, 2018
Amazing book!
November 21, 2023
Final Notice penned by the author Van Fleisher is a gripping thriller that hooked my attention from the first page itself. Vijay Patel has come up with a great invention. It's the sports watch that would predict the death of a person and give them the Final Notice so they can bid proper goodbye to their family, arrange their affairs in order, etc. Vijay hadn't thought about the uses of watches that could harm others. For example: taking revenge, taking one's remaining life after knowing about the death date.
During the alpha test of the watch, Earl got the final notice and he took his life instead of living his last days fully. Many others used their final days to kill and take revenge. Is it a mistake to include the death predictability feature in the watch?
Vince Fuller, his wife and dog are interesting characters. The storyline is gripping. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The cover photo of the book is nice and the title is suitable. I loved this whole concept of Final Notice and enjoyed reading this thriller.
Those who are fans of thrillers should definitely get their hands on this book. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.
During the alpha test of the watch, Earl got the final notice and he took his life instead of living his last days fully. Many others used their final days to kill and take revenge. Is it a mistake to include the death predictability feature in the watch?
Vince Fuller, his wife and dog are interesting characters. The storyline is gripping. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The cover photo of the book is nice and the title is suitable. I loved this whole concept of Final Notice and enjoyed reading this thriller.
Those who are fans of thrillers should definitely get their hands on this book. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.
April 19, 2021
Final Notice by Van Fleisher is a story about the invention of a new type of sports watch that can monitor the wearer’s vital signs and blood chemistry. The VT 2 watch has the capacity to monitor blood levels moment by moment and detect minute changes that can predict the wearer’s death within 10 to 30 days. As the story unfolds the reader witnessed he results of the watches’ alpha testing and its unique feature of alerting the wearer to his “Final Notice” that death is imminent. Along the way the story deals with multiple social, political, and societal issues.
Van Fleisher worked for TWA and then moved on to International Management Consulting. As part of his job he traveled extensively and is familiar with many cultures. This is his first novel and he states that it addresses his concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership and control.
Final Notice fails to deliver the promise of a fast-paced thriller in the opening chapter. The story hook is second hand; the protagonist, Vince Fuller, comes home after being pushed down in a parking lot. The reader never experiences the event or the terror that the character felt. Vince is upset but not upset enough for his wife Trudy to intuit that something has happened to him. The scene slows with telling narration about Trudy’s folk singing and their dog’s heritage as a Corgi. The only hook to pull the reader forward is a television news report about a nursing home shooting. The reader does not jump into the story “in medias res” as would be expected for a page turning thriller but instead eases in through general conversation with the character and his wife and television viewing.
The story premise is a good one on the surface but there are several flaws with the world building. A “Final Notice” implies that there has been a prior notice given before the final notice, not so in the story. Also, The VT2 watch is a sports watch but the test group demographic of 65 to 90 is all wrong for testing the type of people who are interested in sport watches. People of this age would be more interested in a medical alert watch. The VT2 watch has advanced monitoring capacity but the reader never knows how the data it collects is analyzed to the extreme that a watch can predict the time of a character’s death. Even very competent physicians can’t predict certain death with such accuracy.
The reader is introduced to Vince Fuller and his wife Trudy and follow them through the story as the view news reports and interact with their friends and family. They are the main protagonists but there does not seem to be a clear antagonist. Is it the watch itself, the people wearing the watch, circumstance, the NRA, or society?
Much of the story is written primarily in an omniscient POV with way too much political commentary, lecturing, and obvious product promotion. Occasionally there is a shift to the third person POV but never close enough to start feeling emotionally attached to any of the characters.
The stakes seem low for a thriller. The reader is privy to information two steps before the characters and merely watches as they struggle to discover the truth, if there is any truth to be found. The pacing was dragged down especially during the telling narration of the shootings and not an immediate showing of the events.
With experience in the medical field, I found the characters’ responses to their “Final Notice” a bit unbelievable. There was no indication that they went through the five stages of grief that is commonly associated with being informed of a fatal diagnosis. The reader must wonder why an 89-year-old man in poor health living in a nursing home would find his final notice so disturbing he would go on a shooting spree. The reader is told that part of the notice involves an alert to see your doctor. Why grab your gun when you can take a ride to the emergency room instead?
There are moments in the story where Van Fleisher gets close to displaying the type of humor found in Carl Hiaasen’s novels, but never quite gets there. The final climax contains the promise of the Hiaasen type of insane imagery but falls short due to over telling instead of showing.
Due to the poor pacing and failure to engage the reader into the action scenes I am reluctant to give Final Notice a rating of 2 stars.
Van Fleisher worked for TWA and then moved on to International Management Consulting. As part of his job he traveled extensively and is familiar with many cultures. This is his first novel and he states that it addresses his concerns with America’s approach to gun ownership and control.
Final Notice fails to deliver the promise of a fast-paced thriller in the opening chapter. The story hook is second hand; the protagonist, Vince Fuller, comes home after being pushed down in a parking lot. The reader never experiences the event or the terror that the character felt. Vince is upset but not upset enough for his wife Trudy to intuit that something has happened to him. The scene slows with telling narration about Trudy’s folk singing and their dog’s heritage as a Corgi. The only hook to pull the reader forward is a television news report about a nursing home shooting. The reader does not jump into the story “in medias res” as would be expected for a page turning thriller but instead eases in through general conversation with the character and his wife and television viewing.
The story premise is a good one on the surface but there are several flaws with the world building. A “Final Notice” implies that there has been a prior notice given before the final notice, not so in the story. Also, The VT2 watch is a sports watch but the test group demographic of 65 to 90 is all wrong for testing the type of people who are interested in sport watches. People of this age would be more interested in a medical alert watch. The VT2 watch has advanced monitoring capacity but the reader never knows how the data it collects is analyzed to the extreme that a watch can predict the time of a character’s death. Even very competent physicians can’t predict certain death with such accuracy.
The reader is introduced to Vince Fuller and his wife Trudy and follow them through the story as the view news reports and interact with their friends and family. They are the main protagonists but there does not seem to be a clear antagonist. Is it the watch itself, the people wearing the watch, circumstance, the NRA, or society?
Much of the story is written primarily in an omniscient POV with way too much political commentary, lecturing, and obvious product promotion. Occasionally there is a shift to the third person POV but never close enough to start feeling emotionally attached to any of the characters.
The stakes seem low for a thriller. The reader is privy to information two steps before the characters and merely watches as they struggle to discover the truth, if there is any truth to be found. The pacing was dragged down especially during the telling narration of the shootings and not an immediate showing of the events.
With experience in the medical field, I found the characters’ responses to their “Final Notice” a bit unbelievable. There was no indication that they went through the five stages of grief that is commonly associated with being informed of a fatal diagnosis. The reader must wonder why an 89-year-old man in poor health living in a nursing home would find his final notice so disturbing he would go on a shooting spree. The reader is told that part of the notice involves an alert to see your doctor. Why grab your gun when you can take a ride to the emergency room instead?
There are moments in the story where Van Fleisher gets close to displaying the type of humor found in Carl Hiaasen’s novels, but never quite gets there. The final climax contains the promise of the Hiaasen type of insane imagery but falls short due to over telling instead of showing.
Due to the poor pacing and failure to engage the reader into the action scenes I am reluctant to give Final Notice a rating of 2 stars.
May 6, 2019
If the topic of gun violence is important to you, this is a definitely a book worth reading. It strikes home on a number of topics including seniors, immigrants, guns, the NRA, and politics.
I once saw a news article about a schoolgirl that got killed by a stray bullet. As a reflex response to any shooting, a gun advocate commented that the schoolgirl would have been safer if she had a gun. I don’t understand how a gun protects against a stray bullet. If your viewpoint is similar to that gun advocate’s point of view, certain that guns always and only protect, this is not a book that you will enjoy.
Final Notice conveys the lack of respect, the frustration with diminished capabilities, and feelings of uselessness that many older Americans face. Anyone that’s been made to feel small or dismissed can relate. An older couple, Vince and Trudi, provide the overarching story that explores the issues of gun violence, especially among the elderly. Two different shootings involve senior citizens. Could they be related?
Vijay Patel seems to have it made with his advanced VT2 medical device prototype that’s like a super advanced Fitbit that can monitor health and even provide a final notice, a warning that tells you how long you have to live. The main premise of the book is how would you act if you knew when you would die?
When the VT2 prototypes go into human trials, a few of the testers get their final notice. This sets the main plot into motion. Once the high concept of the final notice kicked in, I felt much more engaged.
Because the book focuses primarily on the stories people facing their last days, most characters appear only briefly. This forces the book to be largely episodic, with the exceptions of three storylines: Vine and Trudi, Vijay Patel and his medical startup, and FBI agent Zoe Brouet who investigates shootings related to the VT2 prototypes.
In some ways, the novel is almost like a collection of short stories. Characters were well drawn and believable. Even secondary characters were vivid and as the book progressed, meeting new characters and seeing how they reacted to their final notice became something I looked forward to.
At first, it seems that everyone reacts to their final notice with a gun, but the reactions got more varied with some twists I didn’t see coming towards the end.
A number of subplots display how immigrants fit into the tapestry of our country in positive ways despite hurdles and intolerance. On this topic, I particularly liked the author comment after the ending that summarizes the topic well.
The novel examines the gun issue from every angle. One of the best insights I got from the book was one of the reasons for the escalation of police violence: police now assume everyone is armed. That adds extra tension to every encounter and makes possible escalations more possible. I've seen cops with automatic weapons and body armor in my condo complex before. So, that really made me think about cops assuming everyone is armed and the potential for danger is very real.
The social commentary in the book will resonate with a lot of readers. What are people supposed to do in this post-fact era? A growing climate of fear only makes guns more dangerous. In California, you don't even need training to own a gun, just the ability to pass a multiple-choice quiz.
The book could have easily added extra conflict with obvious tropes like an evil corporation doing a cover-up, but chose not to. I’m glad they didn’t take the easy path.
It’s a world drawn from a tapestry of personal stories with believable motivations. The closest to overall antagonists are the NRA and profit driven legislation.
I didn’t notice any grammatical errors, but there were two locations where there were spaces between parts of a hyphenated word. That’s such a minor quibble compared to all the truth and wisdom this book dispensed through the lens of fiction.
There were a few instances where Van Fleisher does break the forth wall, or interjects humor to prevent the dark subject matter of facing certain death from weighing on readers. While used sparingly, it was an effective device. I like asides, but I might be in the minority on that.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, although my own biases were completely in sync with the author’s. For a reader who identifies more with the NRA, their rating might be considerably lower. The vivid characters were the highlight of the read. I sincerely hope this book can change some minds on the important topic of gun violence. It certainly deepened my understanding of the issue and gave me an appreciation of what senior citizens go through. I absolutely loved the ending and the questions for book clubs at the end was a nice touch. This is a book worth talking about.
I once saw a news article about a schoolgirl that got killed by a stray bullet. As a reflex response to any shooting, a gun advocate commented that the schoolgirl would have been safer if she had a gun. I don’t understand how a gun protects against a stray bullet. If your viewpoint is similar to that gun advocate’s point of view, certain that guns always and only protect, this is not a book that you will enjoy.
Final Notice conveys the lack of respect, the frustration with diminished capabilities, and feelings of uselessness that many older Americans face. Anyone that’s been made to feel small or dismissed can relate. An older couple, Vince and Trudi, provide the overarching story that explores the issues of gun violence, especially among the elderly. Two different shootings involve senior citizens. Could they be related?
Vijay Patel seems to have it made with his advanced VT2 medical device prototype that’s like a super advanced Fitbit that can monitor health and even provide a final notice, a warning that tells you how long you have to live. The main premise of the book is how would you act if you knew when you would die?
When the VT2 prototypes go into human trials, a few of the testers get their final notice. This sets the main plot into motion. Once the high concept of the final notice kicked in, I felt much more engaged.
Because the book focuses primarily on the stories people facing their last days, most characters appear only briefly. This forces the book to be largely episodic, with the exceptions of three storylines: Vine and Trudi, Vijay Patel and his medical startup, and FBI agent Zoe Brouet who investigates shootings related to the VT2 prototypes.
In some ways, the novel is almost like a collection of short stories. Characters were well drawn and believable. Even secondary characters were vivid and as the book progressed, meeting new characters and seeing how they reacted to their final notice became something I looked forward to.
At first, it seems that everyone reacts to their final notice with a gun, but the reactions got more varied with some twists I didn’t see coming towards the end.
A number of subplots display how immigrants fit into the tapestry of our country in positive ways despite hurdles and intolerance. On this topic, I particularly liked the author comment after the ending that summarizes the topic well.
The novel examines the gun issue from every angle. One of the best insights I got from the book was one of the reasons for the escalation of police violence: police now assume everyone is armed. That adds extra tension to every encounter and makes possible escalations more possible. I've seen cops with automatic weapons and body armor in my condo complex before. So, that really made me think about cops assuming everyone is armed and the potential for danger is very real.
The social commentary in the book will resonate with a lot of readers. What are people supposed to do in this post-fact era? A growing climate of fear only makes guns more dangerous. In California, you don't even need training to own a gun, just the ability to pass a multiple-choice quiz.
The book could have easily added extra conflict with obvious tropes like an evil corporation doing a cover-up, but chose not to. I’m glad they didn’t take the easy path.
It’s a world drawn from a tapestry of personal stories with believable motivations. The closest to overall antagonists are the NRA and profit driven legislation.
I didn’t notice any grammatical errors, but there were two locations where there were spaces between parts of a hyphenated word. That’s such a minor quibble compared to all the truth and wisdom this book dispensed through the lens of fiction.
There were a few instances where Van Fleisher does break the forth wall, or interjects humor to prevent the dark subject matter of facing certain death from weighing on readers. While used sparingly, it was an effective device. I like asides, but I might be in the minority on that.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, although my own biases were completely in sync with the author’s. For a reader who identifies more with the NRA, their rating might be considerably lower. The vivid characters were the highlight of the read. I sincerely hope this book can change some minds on the important topic of gun violence. It certainly deepened my understanding of the issue and gave me an appreciation of what senior citizens go through. I absolutely loved the ending and the questions for book clubs at the end was a nice touch. This is a book worth talking about.
August 4, 2022
[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Final Notice.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
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Final Notice by Van Fleisher is one of the most unique stories I have ever read. When I write reviews, I usually like to compare it to other books I’ve read, to give my audience an idea of what they’re in for. With Van Fleisher’s novel, I have nothing to compare it to. The story isn’t without flaws, but the plot is unique.
Following multiple protagonists, Fleisher does an excellent job keeping the story moving forward while sufficiently supplying the reader with ample background. The story is set in modern times and pushes current day politics into the overall plot. If you are looking for a political free book, Final Notice is not for you.
The book reads quickly, as does the audible version. I finished the book in a weekend while vacationing with my family. The science fiction genre is blended with suspense that absolutely takes over during the last 2/3’s of the book. It’s a page turner with ample amounts of humor and emotional drama to keep the readers psyche in a constant state of flux.
Yes, there are three protagonists, Vijay, Zoe, and Vince, each involved in the plot in mostly equal parts. With that said, as a reader, I did not like them all the same.
Who is the antagonists? That is where Fleisher’s writing wisdom really shines. The villain in the book isn’t a simple answer, but a conglomerate of issues and individuals fusing together at the right / wrong time. This is where the science fiction tag comes into play. Technology, in addition to people, are the villain. Fleisher writes this distinctive conflict in the novel intelligently.
Final Notice has a predictability problem in some areas, although the well-written suspense scenes will keep the audience engaged throughout. It’s very easy to see the book turned into a mini-series, although the author’s liberal take on current events will need to be toned down to bring in a larger audience.
Fleisher’s writing style is clear cut and to the point. He occasionally skips over defining the scene in exchange for emotional engagement and gripping suspense. It some cases, Fleisher tells of the action, instead of showing or inviting the audience to create the action in their mind. This comes in clusters, then Fleischer realizes it and reverts back to his creative writing for a several chapters.
Very few authors can manage multiple protagonists and keep the story moving. Fleisher keeps the overlap to minimum while keeping their individual perspectives and thoughts on the conflict internalized. I commend Fleisher on this piece, for very authors, even experienced writers, could have accomplished such a feat.
As I mentioned before, Final Notice is a turn pager unlike anything I’ve read in recent memory. The TV2 watch and it’s effect on the user isn’t that far-fetched, but still resides in the field of science fiction. I found it very easy to place myself, or even my elderly parents, in the shoes of Vince. Fleisher does an excellent job making Vince, one of the three main protagonists, relatable.
Van Fleisher deserves credit for exploring a narrative in the science fiction genre that includes current events in a new, suspenseful plot. I caution readers who are seeking to avoid a politically motivated book. Final Notice is anything but politically unbiased and to Van Fleisher’s credit, he makes no secret about this.
In his About the Author page on Amazon, Van Fleisher makes his views on politics, the NRA, MeToo, and immigration, clear. His personal ideologies are augmented throughout the book and will turn off readers who are not prepared. I suggest reading more about Van Fleisher and his views on sensitive topics before plunging into Final Notice.
Final Notice earns a 4 out of 5. For his first novel, Fleisher creates a science fiction / suspense novel that is perfect for a summer read or weekend vacation. For those wishing to dive into a unique story, be forewarned. Van Fleisher’s views on society aren’t subtle and will turn many readers off during the first few chapters.
It’s clear that Van Fleisher has a creative mind. With a more refined approach to sensitive political topics, Fleisher has the opportunity to encompass a larger audience into his imaginative world.
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review
Final Notice by Van Fleisher is one of the most unique stories I have ever read. When I write reviews, I usually like to compare it to other books I’ve read, to give my audience an idea of what they’re in for. With Van Fleisher’s novel, I have nothing to compare it to. The story isn’t without flaws, but the plot is unique.
Following multiple protagonists, Fleisher does an excellent job keeping the story moving forward while sufficiently supplying the reader with ample background. The story is set in modern times and pushes current day politics into the overall plot. If you are looking for a political free book, Final Notice is not for you.
The book reads quickly, as does the audible version. I finished the book in a weekend while vacationing with my family. The science fiction genre is blended with suspense that absolutely takes over during the last 2/3’s of the book. It’s a page turner with ample amounts of humor and emotional drama to keep the readers psyche in a constant state of flux.
Yes, there are three protagonists, Vijay, Zoe, and Vince, each involved in the plot in mostly equal parts. With that said, as a reader, I did not like them all the same.
Who is the antagonists? That is where Fleisher’s writing wisdom really shines. The villain in the book isn’t a simple answer, but a conglomerate of issues and individuals fusing together at the right / wrong time. This is where the science fiction tag comes into play. Technology, in addition to people, are the villain. Fleisher writes this distinctive conflict in the novel intelligently.
Final Notice has a predictability problem in some areas, although the well-written suspense scenes will keep the audience engaged throughout. It’s very easy to see the book turned into a mini-series, although the author’s liberal take on current events will need to be toned down to bring in a larger audience.
Fleisher’s writing style is clear cut and to the point. He occasionally skips over defining the scene in exchange for emotional engagement and gripping suspense. It some cases, Fleisher tells of the action, instead of showing or inviting the audience to create the action in their mind. This comes in clusters, then Fleischer realizes it and reverts back to his creative writing for a several chapters.
Very few authors can manage multiple protagonists and keep the story moving. Fleisher keeps the overlap to minimum while keeping their individual perspectives and thoughts on the conflict internalized. I commend Fleisher on this piece, for very authors, even experienced writers, could have accomplished such a feat.
As I mentioned before, Final Notice is a turn pager unlike anything I’ve read in recent memory. The TV2 watch and it’s effect on the user isn’t that far-fetched, but still resides in the field of science fiction. I found it very easy to place myself, or even my elderly parents, in the shoes of Vince. Fleisher does an excellent job making Vince, one of the three main protagonists, relatable.
Van Fleisher deserves credit for exploring a narrative in the science fiction genre that includes current events in a new, suspenseful plot. I caution readers who are seeking to avoid a politically motivated book. Final Notice is anything but politically unbiased and to Van Fleisher’s credit, he makes no secret about this.
In his About the Author page on Amazon, Van Fleisher makes his views on politics, the NRA, MeToo, and immigration, clear. His personal ideologies are augmented throughout the book and will turn off readers who are not prepared. I suggest reading more about Van Fleisher and his views on sensitive topics before plunging into Final Notice.
Final Notice earns a 4 out of 5. For his first novel, Fleisher creates a science fiction / suspense novel that is perfect for a summer read or weekend vacation. For those wishing to dive into a unique story, be forewarned. Van Fleisher’s views on society aren’t subtle and will turn many readers off during the first few chapters.
It’s clear that Van Fleisher has a creative mind. With a more refined approach to sensitive political topics, Fleisher has the opportunity to encompass a larger audience into his imaginative world.
March 14, 2019
If we know we are near death do we get revenge against our enemies?
Final Notice by Van Fleisher is an extremely thought provoking book. The premise is actually quite simple. If you knew you were going to die within 7 to 30 days would you kill someone knowing you would get away with it. Maybe kill an enemy who has hurt you emotionally or financially. Maybe a cheating spouse or a criminal who robbed or beat you.
I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. The premise alone is intriguing and the author has created imaginative scenarios that make sense and make you understand how someone who is normally a kind, educated, law abiding citizen could be made to commit murder.
The story is about a product invented by a brilliant and decent doctor that goes beyond the average Fitbit. This invention named the VT2 is a watch that besides telling you your heart rate and blood pressure will send you a final notice if it detects that your body is starting to fail and you only have a week to 30 days to live.
The book begins at the time the product is being test marketed mostly to senior citizens through their doctors. Coinciding with this testing is the NRA's own marketing plan to increase gun sales by offering senior citizens 50 percent off any gun they buy. These two seemingly unrelated market tests coincide to create an original, imaginative, and haunting plot.
I did not give this 5 stars mainly because the ending for me was too contrite. Many events were resolved especially for the main characters but there were too many unanswered questions and the ending felt a little too far fetch but was fun to read.
I think if you are a liberal Democrat you will like this story. It is extremely anti NRA. However, if you are a card carrying NRA member you will probably be annoyed with this book especially the ending. I do believe It is good for us to read about views other than our own so that maybe we will better understand the other view and have empathy for it.
The author brings to light many ethical questions such as is murder ever justified besides self defense. Are senior citizens taken advantage of by groups like the NRA because they often viewed as gullible and easily influenced to be parted from their money. Are we a nation of immigrants or a nation that has forgotten our heritages because of international terrorism.
There are many sub plots to this story and my favorite is the relationship between Vince and Trudi the elderly liberal couple whose opinions on guns changes as their story progresses throughout the book. They go through an awful trauma and are witnesses to the prejudices their immigrant friends encounter. Following their story made me realize that I might not be so sure how I would react to a final notice after being victimized the way they were by what seems like some awful people.
There was nothing I disliked about this book. I just wanted more about what happens to Vince and Trudy and their friends and the eventual outcome of the VT2 product. The ending is a surprise and was exciting to read but the pragmatist in me could not help feeling it would never happen in real life. However, in a movie the ending would be awesome to see played out. In fact this book would a great movie with Donald Sutherland as Vince and Helen Mitten as Trudi. I can guarantee the NRA would boycott the movie!
Final Notice by Van Fleisher is an extremely thought provoking book. The premise is actually quite simple. If you knew you were going to die within 7 to 30 days would you kill someone knowing you would get away with it. Maybe kill an enemy who has hurt you emotionally or financially. Maybe a cheating spouse or a criminal who robbed or beat you.
I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. The premise alone is intriguing and the author has created imaginative scenarios that make sense and make you understand how someone who is normally a kind, educated, law abiding citizen could be made to commit murder.
The story is about a product invented by a brilliant and decent doctor that goes beyond the average Fitbit. This invention named the VT2 is a watch that besides telling you your heart rate and blood pressure will send you a final notice if it detects that your body is starting to fail and you only have a week to 30 days to live.
The book begins at the time the product is being test marketed mostly to senior citizens through their doctors. Coinciding with this testing is the NRA's own marketing plan to increase gun sales by offering senior citizens 50 percent off any gun they buy. These two seemingly unrelated market tests coincide to create an original, imaginative, and haunting plot.
I did not give this 5 stars mainly because the ending for me was too contrite. Many events were resolved especially for the main characters but there were too many unanswered questions and the ending felt a little too far fetch but was fun to read.
I think if you are a liberal Democrat you will like this story. It is extremely anti NRA. However, if you are a card carrying NRA member you will probably be annoyed with this book especially the ending. I do believe It is good for us to read about views other than our own so that maybe we will better understand the other view and have empathy for it.
The author brings to light many ethical questions such as is murder ever justified besides self defense. Are senior citizens taken advantage of by groups like the NRA because they often viewed as gullible and easily influenced to be parted from their money. Are we a nation of immigrants or a nation that has forgotten our heritages because of international terrorism.
There are many sub plots to this story and my favorite is the relationship between Vince and Trudi the elderly liberal couple whose opinions on guns changes as their story progresses throughout the book. They go through an awful trauma and are witnesses to the prejudices their immigrant friends encounter. Following their story made me realize that I might not be so sure how I would react to a final notice after being victimized the way they were by what seems like some awful people.
There was nothing I disliked about this book. I just wanted more about what happens to Vince and Trudy and their friends and the eventual outcome of the VT2 product. The ending is a surprise and was exciting to read but the pragmatist in me could not help feeling it would never happen in real life. However, in a movie the ending would be awesome to see played out. In fact this book would a great movie with Donald Sutherland as Vince and Helen Mitten as Trudi. I can guarantee the NRA would boycott the movie!
March 29, 2019
Final Notice by Van Flesher was a very conflicting book for me. I was excited to read this book after I read over the description but found myself to be extremely disappointed. The concept was good but the way the book was written completely lost my interest. I debated a few different times about putting the book down but felt that I owed it to the author to give the book a chance. That being said, just because I did not like it does not mean that other readers would not find it enjoyable.
A company creates a watch called the VT2 and it can monitor a person's health with surprising accuracy. It also has the capability of giving a person a Final Notice when it detect a change that will ultimately lead to death. At the same time the NRA started offering a discount to senior citizens to buy guns in order to defend themselves in their families. On top of these two events, many states are being pushed to have loser laws that will make it easier for people to get guns. These three factors together line up to create a series of horrible events.
The Final Notice feature was intended to give people a chance to get their affairs in order. However, for some once they get their notice they realize with having nothing to lose they can get revenge on people who have wronged them in the past. Some seniors lash out at others, specifically younger people who insulted them in some way. Other people go after political figures that they do not agree with. People who work for the company that created VT2 even joke about how if they knew they were going to die they had a list of people that they would try to take with them. The company ends up working with the FBI and a journalist to offset the negative impact of the VT2 and market it to the public in a positive light.
Many books did not include specifics about religion but that's one does. I found that to be a nice change as it made some of the characters feel more authentic. It also tackled some hard issues, not just the gun laws but also refugees and immigration focusing on those from Syria. With how anti-gun and anti-NRA this book is I was surprised at how casually other issues are mentioned. I would think topic such as underage drinking, fake IDs, and teen pregnancy would also be shown in a more negative light and not just as a passing memory. There were also a few attempt at humor towards the end of the book that just felt weird, in fact I am not even completely sure if it was supposed to be humor. The author says " the author feel sorry..." and " the author was tempted..." and as these are the only time this writing style is used it feels out of place. Morals are also called into question a three different times over the course of this book. It makes the reader question just because you can make money off of something and it is legal does that automatically make it alright?
The target readers for this book would be adult to our supporters of gun control. High school teachers might find this book interesting to teach with topics for group discussion by the students. Also people who are against the NRA in general would probably find this books topics to be enjoyable. After much the bay I have decided to give this book a 2 out of 4. Originally, I was only going to give the book a 1 but the concept of the watch is too interesting. Many chapters or paragraph felt repetitive of previous statements and I think that was largely what turned me away from this book.
A company creates a watch called the VT2 and it can monitor a person's health with surprising accuracy. It also has the capability of giving a person a Final Notice when it detect a change that will ultimately lead to death. At the same time the NRA started offering a discount to senior citizens to buy guns in order to defend themselves in their families. On top of these two events, many states are being pushed to have loser laws that will make it easier for people to get guns. These three factors together line up to create a series of horrible events.
The Final Notice feature was intended to give people a chance to get their affairs in order. However, for some once they get their notice they realize with having nothing to lose they can get revenge on people who have wronged them in the past. Some seniors lash out at others, specifically younger people who insulted them in some way. Other people go after political figures that they do not agree with. People who work for the company that created VT2 even joke about how if they knew they were going to die they had a list of people that they would try to take with them. The company ends up working with the FBI and a journalist to offset the negative impact of the VT2 and market it to the public in a positive light.
Many books did not include specifics about religion but that's one does. I found that to be a nice change as it made some of the characters feel more authentic. It also tackled some hard issues, not just the gun laws but also refugees and immigration focusing on those from Syria. With how anti-gun and anti-NRA this book is I was surprised at how casually other issues are mentioned. I would think topic such as underage drinking, fake IDs, and teen pregnancy would also be shown in a more negative light and not just as a passing memory. There were also a few attempt at humor towards the end of the book that just felt weird, in fact I am not even completely sure if it was supposed to be humor. The author says " the author feel sorry..." and " the author was tempted..." and as these are the only time this writing style is used it feels out of place. Morals are also called into question a three different times over the course of this book. It makes the reader question just because you can make money off of something and it is legal does that automatically make it alright?
The target readers for this book would be adult to our supporters of gun control. High school teachers might find this book interesting to teach with topics for group discussion by the students. Also people who are against the NRA in general would probably find this books topics to be enjoyable. After much the bay I have decided to give this book a 2 out of 4. Originally, I was only going to give the book a 1 but the concept of the watch is too interesting. Many chapters or paragraph felt repetitive of previous statements and I think that was largely what turned me away from this book.
April 21, 2019
Fleisher’s novel tells a story about a sports watch that is developed to tell someone the exact day they are going to die. The developers of the watch find a group of senior citizens to test the beta versions of the watch and out of the group a handful resort to committing violent gun crimes. The guns the seniors possess were apparently purchased as a result of an NRA “discount” for senior citizens to obtain weapons to protect themselves. The main characters, Vince and his wife Trudi, introduce a lot of the story’s premise and their involvement and eventual decisions present some good plot twists and turns.
The story premise is very good. It drew me in right away. Answering the question about what a person would do if they knew they were going to die in a few days is intriguing. This is what attracted me to read this book and is easily it’s strongest characteristic.
The storytelling is a miss. I had a hard time reading this book. There is no flow in the progression of the story between the various characters and sub plots. Often times the author jumps around within chapters between different scenes and there doesn’t seem to be a natural reason for it. In addition, none of the characters seemed real and I had a hard time relating to any of them.
Dialogue was another issue for me. Very few passages of dialogue seemed genuine or sounded like a real person was speaking. There was very little to no diversity in the way each character spoke, which created for very dull conversation exchanges. Also, there were multiple instances of passages where characters would go on lengthy soliloquies as they spoke to one another. For example, the main character and his wife attend a dinner party and all the attendees exchanged passages of dialogue that were each one-third to half a page long. For me, this made it very difficult to engage in the conversations. Lastly, as it relates to dialogue, the characters often said things that were completely unbelievable or just didn’t need to be in the story. For example, Trudi asks Vince about purchasing an iPad and what the “pros and cons” are. Vince gives a long-winded response as if he were a salesman in an Apple store.
Last issue I had with the book was the message. I found the delivery of the Author’s intended message (anti-gun, pro-immigration) was to “in your face” for my taste. I’m a big fan of books that tell a story and also send a message, but the story is most important. To this Author’s credit he tells readers up front (in the first few pages) the reason he wrote the book, and even commits to donate a portion of his profits to his cause.
The middle to ending of the book does pick up and there are plenty of interesting scenes and eventual plot twists. Due the issues I stated it was difficult to get through this book with all the distractions. I gave it three stars because overall it does not have major grammar/spelling issues, has a compelling premise, and some good action scenes. The aforementioned issues with storytelling, dialogue, and overall message is what drags this book down.
The story premise is very good. It drew me in right away. Answering the question about what a person would do if they knew they were going to die in a few days is intriguing. This is what attracted me to read this book and is easily it’s strongest characteristic.
The storytelling is a miss. I had a hard time reading this book. There is no flow in the progression of the story between the various characters and sub plots. Often times the author jumps around within chapters between different scenes and there doesn’t seem to be a natural reason for it. In addition, none of the characters seemed real and I had a hard time relating to any of them.
Dialogue was another issue for me. Very few passages of dialogue seemed genuine or sounded like a real person was speaking. There was very little to no diversity in the way each character spoke, which created for very dull conversation exchanges. Also, there were multiple instances of passages where characters would go on lengthy soliloquies as they spoke to one another. For example, the main character and his wife attend a dinner party and all the attendees exchanged passages of dialogue that were each one-third to half a page long. For me, this made it very difficult to engage in the conversations. Lastly, as it relates to dialogue, the characters often said things that were completely unbelievable or just didn’t need to be in the story. For example, Trudi asks Vince about purchasing an iPad and what the “pros and cons” are. Vince gives a long-winded response as if he were a salesman in an Apple store.
Last issue I had with the book was the message. I found the delivery of the Author’s intended message (anti-gun, pro-immigration) was to “in your face” for my taste. I’m a big fan of books that tell a story and also send a message, but the story is most important. To this Author’s credit he tells readers up front (in the first few pages) the reason he wrote the book, and even commits to donate a portion of his profits to his cause.
The middle to ending of the book does pick up and there are plenty of interesting scenes and eventual plot twists. Due the issues I stated it was difficult to get through this book with all the distractions. I gave it three stars because overall it does not have major grammar/spelling issues, has a compelling premise, and some good action scenes. The aforementioned issues with storytelling, dialogue, and overall message is what drags this book down.
May 24, 2020
Final Notice by Van Fleisher is a scientific thriller that catches your attention from the beginning and keeps it to the end. A scientist invents a watch called the VT2 that can pinpoint your time of death to the day. The watch is distributed randomly at first, and the creating lab monitors the results. We also follow the journey of several scenarios where the watch has given the final notice and how different people react. Around the time of the watch distribution, the NRA decides to provide a discount for senior citizens on the purchasing of guns.
I enjoyed reading this novel. The story itself was very intriguing. Each of the chapters was divided by giving a location that would help alert the reader to character perspective change. What I liked most was the many current issue topics discussed. We read on violence in our schools and whether a teacher should be armed. We also learned about the process of obtaining a gun, along with the screening process. There is even mention of climate change, immigration and US citizenship, the elderly in our society and rights they have, and the effects of social media and the news on the decisions that we make. Being introduced to the many characters also might appear to be overwhelming, but it honestly was not. The author was able to weave each of their individual stories into the plot and make them essential in telling the tale.
What I disliked most in the story were the strong political opinions of the author. At first, I thought it was my imagination, but the farther I read into the story, it became more profound. The NRA is extremely disliked. While this is expressed as Vince and Trudi's viewpoints, the two main characters, the depth of their feelings, is believed to stem from the author's own opinions. There were also several references to different television news stations that are known to be more affiliated with one political party over the other. Another aspect I did not care for was found towards the end of the novel. The author addresses the reader directly in two separate instances to make comments. I felt these were unnecessary and even interrupted the flow of the story as well.
My rating of this novel is 3 out of 4 stars. The idea of the story is excellent, and I could see this being made into a tremendous fast-paced science fiction/action movie. The story flowed great and was an easy read. It would also be a great book to use in a book discussion group. I would recommend it for adult readers. Due to the different issues discussed, I feel that a more mature audience would be needed to grasp the seriousness of such topics. The book was edited very well.
What would you do if you were wearing the watch telling you that you had ten days left with your time on earth? Would you try to check off bucket list items or take a vacation? Would you say goodbye to those you love and get your affairs in order? Or would you allow your emotions to rule and seek revenge on your enemies? This story stays in your mind long after you put the book down.
October 7, 2018
Well written
If you ever pondered the notion, if you knew you were going to die in 10, 20 or 30 days, what would you do? This book follows a few characters as they are given the device, a watch, that is programmed to them. You get to know them and feel for them.
I gave it a two star rating, mainly because of the political aspect that the author touches on. I enjoy reading books that are hypothetical, instead of referring to things going on in society issues taking place now. This book is good for the time now, but will be lost in years to come.
I do think the author is a good story teller and shouldering it.
Spoilers .... Spoilers in next section, so if you don't want to know, stop here
I feel that stating that the politicians we have know do not care about our country, elderly or immigrants, is way off. The sitting President, President Trump has stated that he has no problem with immigrants coming into the country, if they do it the LEGAL way, just like the characters Rasha and her husband, but we need to do health checks, make sure they aren't bringing in viruses, small pox, whooping cough and the likes we had all ready gotten under control. The seniors, through the years I have heard of cuts, then next budget reactivating what they cut and calling it by something else. Personally we should take care of our seniors, they are our reminders of what has occurred in the past.
To the NRA issue, they need to raise the age to 21, require the purchaser to go through extensive military training of owning a gun, mainly the proper keeping it clean, locked up and, if needed, how to use it, but to say the guns are the problem, is not correct, it's the person behind the gun, that is the problem. The school shootings are going to happen as long as we do nothing about the bullying in the school, give the schools the power to help the overseeing bullied and help the bullies.
The bit about a female President and her openly gay vice president doing a good job was a little odd. Yes, as a female I feel a female can be a great president, but I don't think the right female has come forward as of yet to do the job,but I look forward to that day. The part about openly gay vice president was a little weird, there is more to a person then their sexuality.
I did enjoy the book, I just took offense to the last bit, if you are going to call it a work of fiction, then why even mention things that have been going on for more than a decade and make it seem that it is the sitting politicians that are to blame, well that is true in our Congress, but not the White House, the amendment is written to keep the President from having too much power. An amendment needs to be written that limits the sitting Congress to two terms,then maybe we would see a difference.
As I said in the title, well written, I wish this author nothing but success.
If you ever pondered the notion, if you knew you were going to die in 10, 20 or 30 days, what would you do? This book follows a few characters as they are given the device, a watch, that is programmed to them. You get to know them and feel for them.
I gave it a two star rating, mainly because of the political aspect that the author touches on. I enjoy reading books that are hypothetical, instead of referring to things going on in society issues taking place now. This book is good for the time now, but will be lost in years to come.
I do think the author is a good story teller and shouldering it.
Spoilers .... Spoilers in next section, so if you don't want to know, stop here
I feel that stating that the politicians we have know do not care about our country, elderly or immigrants, is way off. The sitting President, President Trump has stated that he has no problem with immigrants coming into the country, if they do it the LEGAL way, just like the characters Rasha and her husband, but we need to do health checks, make sure they aren't bringing in viruses, small pox, whooping cough and the likes we had all ready gotten under control. The seniors, through the years I have heard of cuts, then next budget reactivating what they cut and calling it by something else. Personally we should take care of our seniors, they are our reminders of what has occurred in the past.
To the NRA issue, they need to raise the age to 21, require the purchaser to go through extensive military training of owning a gun, mainly the proper keeping it clean, locked up and, if needed, how to use it, but to say the guns are the problem, is not correct, it's the person behind the gun, that is the problem. The school shootings are going to happen as long as we do nothing about the bullying in the school, give the schools the power to help the overseeing bullied and help the bullies.
The bit about a female President and her openly gay vice president doing a good job was a little odd. Yes, as a female I feel a female can be a great president, but I don't think the right female has come forward as of yet to do the job,but I look forward to that day. The part about openly gay vice president was a little weird, there is more to a person then their sexuality.
I did enjoy the book, I just took offense to the last bit, if you are going to call it a work of fiction, then why even mention things that have been going on for more than a decade and make it seem that it is the sitting politicians that are to blame, well that is true in our Congress, but not the White House, the amendment is written to keep the President from having too much power. An amendment needs to be written that limits the sitting Congress to two terms,then maybe we would see a difference.
As I said in the title, well written, I wish this author nothing but success.
July 9, 2020
I received this book in exchange for a review. Final Notice by Van Fleisher is a novel about an extremely technologically advanced watch. The VT2 is a series of new watches in the testing process, and tells the participants that are wearing it when they will die, up to 30 days in advance, calling it their 'final notice.' If you knew for sure that you were going to die in ten days, how exactly would your life change? Would you settle all of your loose ends, do something on your bucket list, or even something more extreme as taking revenge on someone from your past? That is what happens to these people.
Vince and Trudi Fuller were the main characters during the storyline, although it did switch between multiple characters throughout the entire novel, which could have been slightly confusing. Vince was an older man who acknowledged the problems in the world and felt that he should become a gun owner, as NRA has been pressing it lately to the senior citizens, making it easier and cheaper for them to purchase guns. He feels that he is started to get bullied in his old age, and wants precautions.
This book was pretty political and stated things such as "watched Fox News to hear the other side." It was evident where the author stands politically. Because of this stance, I would not recommend this book to anyone that was very conservative. I would also not recommend this book to anyone that has been personally affected by gun violence, as there were quite a bit of shootings throughout the novel. When people received their' final notices', frequently they would kill others, then turn the gun on themselves. The NRA was shown to be the cause of many of the problems surrounding gun violence, and they were shown as apathetic.
The book as a whole got me thinking about what I would do if I were to be given my' final notice', which was interesting to think about personally. The book also had a good plotline, although there was a lot of added fluff in there. Some scenes were described in detail that had nothing to do with the story and an excessive amount of scientific data to describe the watch and its technology.
It was a little odd that the author also referred to himself sometimes in the book, such as stating "for those of you wondering if he was wearing socks – seriously? – the author feels sorry for you but is compelled to say he was". I had to reread that section multiple times to see if it was discussing an article or something in the novel, which was weird. The ending was also a bit ambiguous, which may be useful if there is a sequel, but I was just left wondering. Overall, I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It was very true to some of the problems that the country is facing today. It also entertained me and kept me reading, but I am not sure that I would reread it.
Vince and Trudi Fuller were the main characters during the storyline, although it did switch between multiple characters throughout the entire novel, which could have been slightly confusing. Vince was an older man who acknowledged the problems in the world and felt that he should become a gun owner, as NRA has been pressing it lately to the senior citizens, making it easier and cheaper for them to purchase guns. He feels that he is started to get bullied in his old age, and wants precautions.
This book was pretty political and stated things such as "watched Fox News to hear the other side." It was evident where the author stands politically. Because of this stance, I would not recommend this book to anyone that was very conservative. I would also not recommend this book to anyone that has been personally affected by gun violence, as there were quite a bit of shootings throughout the novel. When people received their' final notices', frequently they would kill others, then turn the gun on themselves. The NRA was shown to be the cause of many of the problems surrounding gun violence, and they were shown as apathetic.
The book as a whole got me thinking about what I would do if I were to be given my' final notice', which was interesting to think about personally. The book also had a good plotline, although there was a lot of added fluff in there. Some scenes were described in detail that had nothing to do with the story and an excessive amount of scientific data to describe the watch and its technology.
It was a little odd that the author also referred to himself sometimes in the book, such as stating "for those of you wondering if he was wearing socks – seriously? – the author feels sorry for you but is compelled to say he was". I had to reread that section multiple times to see if it was discussing an article or something in the novel, which was weird. The ending was also a bit ambiguous, which may be useful if there is a sequel, but I was just left wondering. Overall, I rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It was very true to some of the problems that the country is facing today. It also entertained me and kept me reading, but I am not sure that I would reread it.
March 27, 2018
What would you do if you knew you were going to die in a month? Van Fleisher makes each reader ask themselves that question in his novel, Final Notice, where your smartwatch monitors much more than a Garmin can. The VT2 can measure, analyze, and even diagnose complex health issues. The VT2 also issues the wearer a notice when they have ten, twenty, or thirty days remaining in their life. The wearer can input their doctor’s information so that they also get alerted. This can help the individual take control of their final days.
With these smart watches in the user testing phase, there are a number of murders committed by senior citizens after getting their notice warning them of their imminent death. One person chose to murder a cashier who was rude to him, while another shot twelve of his fellows in a retirement home. Others made less fatal choices upon receiving their notices such as having their guns melted down or donating belongings to charities. With the NRA in the novel giving hefty discounts to senior citizens, will these shootings continue?
The book follows Vince and Trudi as they go through personal struggles for and against gun ownership. This internal struggle is one that I have often faced. I was raised in a rural area where guns were a normal part of life, and now I live in a safe town where guns are not nearly as necessary. This book led me to the decision to not get a gun, as I had been considering for safety on my long trail runs. If you are considering buying a gun but you are truly on the fence, I’d recommend reading this book, as the characters go through many factual pros and cons to gun ownership.
I can honestly say that this was my favorite book of 2018 so far. Final Notice may not be as enjoyable for readers that have conservative leanings, as it is highly satirical and in favor of left leaning policies. One of the news organizations talked about in the book is BrightFahrt, clearly satirizing Breitbart. If you find that to be amusing, then this book is for you. This book is chock full of politics that are sometimes painful to read because they ring so true, even while being satirical.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I was sucked into the world created in the book and the characters felt like friends I was having deep conversations with. I was slightly disappointed by a few questions I had when I finished the last chapter, only to find a full epilogue detailing each one of my questions about how the characters were doing. I did find a few grammatical errors in Final Notice but they were inconsequential, e.g. capitalizing a dog breed that is not a proper noun. These errors didn’t detract from my thorough enjoyment of this novel, which is why I feel so confident in my rating.
With these smart watches in the user testing phase, there are a number of murders committed by senior citizens after getting their notice warning them of their imminent death. One person chose to murder a cashier who was rude to him, while another shot twelve of his fellows in a retirement home. Others made less fatal choices upon receiving their notices such as having their guns melted down or donating belongings to charities. With the NRA in the novel giving hefty discounts to senior citizens, will these shootings continue?
The book follows Vince and Trudi as they go through personal struggles for and against gun ownership. This internal struggle is one that I have often faced. I was raised in a rural area where guns were a normal part of life, and now I live in a safe town where guns are not nearly as necessary. This book led me to the decision to not get a gun, as I had been considering for safety on my long trail runs. If you are considering buying a gun but you are truly on the fence, I’d recommend reading this book, as the characters go through many factual pros and cons to gun ownership.
I can honestly say that this was my favorite book of 2018 so far. Final Notice may not be as enjoyable for readers that have conservative leanings, as it is highly satirical and in favor of left leaning policies. One of the news organizations talked about in the book is BrightFahrt, clearly satirizing Breitbart. If you find that to be amusing, then this book is for you. This book is chock full of politics that are sometimes painful to read because they ring so true, even while being satirical.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I was sucked into the world created in the book and the characters felt like friends I was having deep conversations with. I was slightly disappointed by a few questions I had when I finished the last chapter, only to find a full epilogue detailing each one of my questions about how the characters were doing. I did find a few grammatical errors in Final Notice but they were inconsequential, e.g. capitalizing a dog breed that is not a proper noun. These errors didn’t detract from my thorough enjoyment of this novel, which is why I feel so confident in my rating.
October 8, 2018
Final Notice: What would you do if you knew – for certain – that you had 10 days to live is the first and only book written by Van Fleisher. Fleisher spent 21 years as the Director of International Marketing with the TWA and then 30+ years as an International Management consultant. His many years in these 2 very interesting careers have given him a lot of insight on different cultures and an open mind about current events. He used his life experiences to write Final Notice.
Final Notice focuses on the current state of our nation. It covers gun violence, technology, politics, immigration, and our treatment of seniors. Each event is described through the eyes of a group of people from different races, ages, and religions. Using current events, we see how each person is affected and how their reactions are shaped from personal experiences. From a senior couple to a tech genius, each person has a different view and grows from each event they experience.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters within it. Each character was written with their own personality and thoughts on what was happening around them. I thought Fleisher wrote each character brilliantly, giving them growth though out the book and helping me to grow along them. I became emotionally attached to each character, even hoping that things would work out for them in the end.He made his characters very three dimensional. They were created with heart and thought, causing me to become invested in what was happening to them. I read the book hoping to find out if things worked out for them or became worse. I wanted nothing but the best for the majority of the characters. I love books with such characters that I can root for or hate. It makes it just that much more enjoyable for me while I read.
Personally, I believe that Fleisher wrote this book with thought and heart. The use of real life events in the book helped to make it more realistic and more emotional. I've never seen other books use this technique and it was quite refreshing to see something new. Seeing how each character reacted differently to terror attacks and school shootings hit even harder. It was interesting to see what America is like though different eyes kept the story moving and my interest locked. Even reading about each event in the book shocked me, because I didn't expect it. It made the story line more entertaining and kept me reading.
There were a few mistakes though out the book, basically just odd spacing and incorrect fonts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Final Notice: What would you do if you knew – for certain- that you had 10 days to live more than I had originally expected. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about current events and thrillers.
Final Notice focuses on the current state of our nation. It covers gun violence, technology, politics, immigration, and our treatment of seniors. Each event is described through the eyes of a group of people from different races, ages, and religions. Using current events, we see how each person is affected and how their reactions are shaped from personal experiences. From a senior couple to a tech genius, each person has a different view and grows from each event they experience.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters within it. Each character was written with their own personality and thoughts on what was happening around them. I thought Fleisher wrote each character brilliantly, giving them growth though out the book and helping me to grow along them. I became emotionally attached to each character, even hoping that things would work out for them in the end.He made his characters very three dimensional. They were created with heart and thought, causing me to become invested in what was happening to them. I read the book hoping to find out if things worked out for them or became worse. I wanted nothing but the best for the majority of the characters. I love books with such characters that I can root for or hate. It makes it just that much more enjoyable for me while I read.
Personally, I believe that Fleisher wrote this book with thought and heart. The use of real life events in the book helped to make it more realistic and more emotional. I've never seen other books use this technique and it was quite refreshing to see something new. Seeing how each character reacted differently to terror attacks and school shootings hit even harder. It was interesting to see what America is like though different eyes kept the story moving and my interest locked. Even reading about each event in the book shocked me, because I didn't expect it. It made the story line more entertaining and kept me reading.
There were a few mistakes though out the book, basically just odd spacing and incorrect fonts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Final Notice: What would you do if you knew – for certain- that you had 10 days to live more than I had originally expected. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about current events and thrillers.
Read
July 9, 2019I got this book free in exchange for reviewing it. It was great! A little slow at first, but as you progress it draws you in and hooks you. The ending was a surprise, but well done!! From the jacket: What Would You Do If You Knew – For Certain – That You Had 10 Days To Live?
Some would get their legal affairs in order. Others would contact family, friends, lovers, ex-lovers. Some might take a trip or make an exceptional donation. Still others might clean the house and do the laundry. And some…might kill.
The year is the very near future. A brilliant young doctor and mathematician, Vijay Patel, has invented a new health/sport watch that monitors blood chemistry so accurately, it can actually predict when someone will die – within 10, 20, or 30 days. The intention of this “Final Notice,” as it is called, is to allow people to get their affairs in order and reach out to loved ones before it’s too late. But when those notified have easy access to a gun, the result is sometimes lethal for more than just the watch-owner.
These are the stories of several people who receive their Final Notice and their very different reactions...including a desire to get revenge with impunity. They range from an 89-year-old resident in a retirement home to a U.S. Senator...from a benevolent widow to a crass tycoon to a noted climate change scientist.
But in this fresh, fast-paced, political thriller, page-turner, their stories are all set against the all-too-recognizable backdrop of a guns-gone-wild America, and the relentless push by the NRA and their surrogate politicians to make guns even easier to acquire.
Their stories are also connected by the involvement of several likeable protagonists. These include: the inventor of the watch ... the FBI agent charged with stopping the killings...and a recently retired, middle-class couple, Vince and Trudi Fuller, with their brave immigrant friends and a very endearing Corgi, Miles.
Vince and Trudi live happily in their “California bubble” until Vince is knocked down by a young punk in a parking lot. His sense of shame and rage, resulting from feelings of age-related vulnerability, triggers a first-time interest in guns. Trudi resists, but later, an unprovoked attack on Miles and Vince – and a growing friendship with two courageous Syrian refugees – changes her mind. With very unexpected consequences.
There is plenty of dark humor and political satire in FINAL NOTICE, as well as touching scenes and outright suspense. So expect to laugh out loud, dry some tears, and bite your nails (not necessarily in that order).
It is, despite the somewhat “sci-fi” premise of the watch, a very realistic reflection of American society and the many problems we face today.
Some would get their legal affairs in order. Others would contact family, friends, lovers, ex-lovers. Some might take a trip or make an exceptional donation. Still others might clean the house and do the laundry. And some…might kill.
The year is the very near future. A brilliant young doctor and mathematician, Vijay Patel, has invented a new health/sport watch that monitors blood chemistry so accurately, it can actually predict when someone will die – within 10, 20, or 30 days. The intention of this “Final Notice,” as it is called, is to allow people to get their affairs in order and reach out to loved ones before it’s too late. But when those notified have easy access to a gun, the result is sometimes lethal for more than just the watch-owner.
These are the stories of several people who receive their Final Notice and their very different reactions...including a desire to get revenge with impunity. They range from an 89-year-old resident in a retirement home to a U.S. Senator...from a benevolent widow to a crass tycoon to a noted climate change scientist.
But in this fresh, fast-paced, political thriller, page-turner, their stories are all set against the all-too-recognizable backdrop of a guns-gone-wild America, and the relentless push by the NRA and their surrogate politicians to make guns even easier to acquire.
Their stories are also connected by the involvement of several likeable protagonists. These include: the inventor of the watch ... the FBI agent charged with stopping the killings...and a recently retired, middle-class couple, Vince and Trudi Fuller, with their brave immigrant friends and a very endearing Corgi, Miles.
Vince and Trudi live happily in their “California bubble” until Vince is knocked down by a young punk in a parking lot. His sense of shame and rage, resulting from feelings of age-related vulnerability, triggers a first-time interest in guns. Trudi resists, but later, an unprovoked attack on Miles and Vince – and a growing friendship with two courageous Syrian refugees – changes her mind. With very unexpected consequences.
There is plenty of dark humor and political satire in FINAL NOTICE, as well as touching scenes and outright suspense. So expect to laugh out loud, dry some tears, and bite your nails (not necessarily in that order).
It is, despite the somewhat “sci-fi” premise of the watch, a very realistic reflection of American society and the many problems we face today.
November 11, 2021
The only thing people fear more than public speaking is death according to many social surveys taken in America over the last few years. Much of that fear stems from the unknown or unexpected quality of death. But if you knew exactly how much time you had left, give or take a few hours, what would you do with it? That is the central question being posed within Final Notice by Van Fleisher, and the author does not shy away from presenting the many possible answers to it.
More medical accessory than smartwatch, a tech company releases a fitness wearable capable of accurately detecting a person's demise up to 30 days before it will happen. This "final notice" is a notification to the wearer that they should start getting their affairs in order and say their goodbyes. What the engineers of this watch do not anticipate is that part of those affairs for many people might include injuring or even killing those around them to finally right some perceived wrongs. With imminent death, fear of prosecution or jail time is a moot point.
Set primarily in America, the novel is incredibly relevant to current social and political climates. Although the material is presented with a healthy amount of authorial bias, it encompasses such topics as gun control, treatment of the elderly, technological advancements, and populism. The situations that the characters experience within the novel feel true to life, as do the many of their actions.
I was excited and fascinated by the premise of the novel, but I feel that the execution could have been better. As stated above, there was quite a bit of bias in the writing. The author centered his novel around some very controversial topics but presents them as black and white, right and wrong. The few times I find the novel veering toward the unrealistic, it is because of this polarization. The main characters themselves are polarized. They are either very young, attractive, and fit adults or very old, retired, and trying to stay as fit as possible.
Because of the wonderful premise and appeal to many types of readers, I eventually decided to rate Final Notice at 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in political fiction or near-future science fiction. I do not recommend this novel to any reader that cannot tolerate a heavy liberal slant on current hotbed topics.
More medical accessory than smartwatch, a tech company releases a fitness wearable capable of accurately detecting a person's demise up to 30 days before it will happen. This "final notice" is a notification to the wearer that they should start getting their affairs in order and say their goodbyes. What the engineers of this watch do not anticipate is that part of those affairs for many people might include injuring or even killing those around them to finally right some perceived wrongs. With imminent death, fear of prosecution or jail time is a moot point.
Set primarily in America, the novel is incredibly relevant to current social and political climates. Although the material is presented with a healthy amount of authorial bias, it encompasses such topics as gun control, treatment of the elderly, technological advancements, and populism. The situations that the characters experience within the novel feel true to life, as do the many of their actions.
I was excited and fascinated by the premise of the novel, but I feel that the execution could have been better. As stated above, there was quite a bit of bias in the writing. The author centered his novel around some very controversial topics but presents them as black and white, right and wrong. The few times I find the novel veering toward the unrealistic, it is because of this polarization. The main characters themselves are polarized. They are either very young, attractive, and fit adults or very old, retired, and trying to stay as fit as possible.
Because of the wonderful premise and appeal to many types of readers, I eventually decided to rate Final Notice at 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in political fiction or near-future science fiction. I do not recommend this novel to any reader that cannot tolerate a heavy liberal slant on current hotbed topics.
September 5, 2018
Final Notice
by Van Fleisher
Over all the book Final Notice, has good content. The average person could conclude what the intended purpose of the books was, by having read the book. But, the books meaning is only inferred by the books title. The covers picture; does give it away the topic of the book, gives a perception of what you might think that the book would be about. A books topic is running ramped in all our communities of the world and gets people all riled up in to thinking that it might be ok, when in fact it is never ok.
The title is misconstruing; for most these words would normally lead a person to believe, that the book would be about a person that has just given notice to termination their employment with a company. Not the case here, the title did however, attract my attention enough to read the book; only to find out that it was coined for a different type of meaning. A topic that does need to be questioned, discussed and thought about, more clearly.
The books cover picture; was inclined to blow the cover off for the story inside the book, (no pun intended). Pictures are always worth a thousand words. Each has an inferred: meaning, a vision, a purpose; they add color, and perception to the cover. Sometimes the covers picture will cloud the meaning of a book.
This story is an accounting of one man’s experience, of a single day of his life. Things that can and do happen to each of us, every day. His story tells of how we tend to cope with the events, be it the right or wrong way. The normal way of thinking for most of society; is becoming an issue for us all, the things that can and do happen in our society daily. This books topic, can raised our culture to be rational in the choices made; therefore, I must give this book a 3 out of 4 rating.
Our world has become a melting pot of: cultures, and beliefs; a world filled with differences. No matter where you look; you will find something having to do with one person or a group of people, taking control over someone else. Who is to say; what is the right way to stop these everyday occurrences. A way of stopping the cycle, being able to end the need, and going home to live in peace; on this planet we call home.
by Van Fleisher
Over all the book Final Notice, has good content. The average person could conclude what the intended purpose of the books was, by having read the book. But, the books meaning is only inferred by the books title. The covers picture; does give it away the topic of the book, gives a perception of what you might think that the book would be about. A books topic is running ramped in all our communities of the world and gets people all riled up in to thinking that it might be ok, when in fact it is never ok.
The title is misconstruing; for most these words would normally lead a person to believe, that the book would be about a person that has just given notice to termination their employment with a company. Not the case here, the title did however, attract my attention enough to read the book; only to find out that it was coined for a different type of meaning. A topic that does need to be questioned, discussed and thought about, more clearly.
The books cover picture; was inclined to blow the cover off for the story inside the book, (no pun intended). Pictures are always worth a thousand words. Each has an inferred: meaning, a vision, a purpose; they add color, and perception to the cover. Sometimes the covers picture will cloud the meaning of a book.
This story is an accounting of one man’s experience, of a single day of his life. Things that can and do happen to each of us, every day. His story tells of how we tend to cope with the events, be it the right or wrong way. The normal way of thinking for most of society; is becoming an issue for us all, the things that can and do happen in our society daily. This books topic, can raised our culture to be rational in the choices made; therefore, I must give this book a 3 out of 4 rating.
Our world has become a melting pot of: cultures, and beliefs; a world filled with differences. No matter where you look; you will find something having to do with one person or a group of people, taking control over someone else. Who is to say; what is the right way to stop these everyday occurrences. A way of stopping the cycle, being able to end the need, and going home to live in peace; on this planet we call home.
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