Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for End of Days:
Plenty of judgement to go around.
Quick synopsis:
The story of the Ruby Ridge tragedy and how it all happened.
Fact for Non-History People:
In 2021, 15% of Americans believed the government had fallen under the control of a Satan-worshiping cabal of pedophiles. Probably a higher number now.
Fact for History Nerds:
The matriarch of the Weaver clan, Vicki, took the second commandment so literally that she would not allow photos, art, or dolls that looked human.
My Take on End of Days:
A lot of people are going to be upset with this book. Come to think of it, everyone should find something to be upset with in Chris Jennings’ End of Days. The writing and storytelling are the only things that didn’t fill me with dread.
The book is ostensibly about Ruby Ridge. For the uninitiated, “Ruby Ridge” is shorthand for the 1992 standoff between a survivalist family in Idaho and the federal government. Before the Oklahoma City bombing was Waco and before Waco was Ruby Ridge. However, the most compelling aspect of this book for me was Jennings’ very clearly explaining that Ruby Ridge was far from the beginning of this particular strain of paranoia, fundamentalism, and persecution complex.
Where did it start? The Bible of course! No, not all of it. Just one particular part of it. The truly unhinged Book of Revelation. Jennings takes the time to meticulously walk the reader through the many interpretations of Revelation which ultimately lead to the aforementioned survivalist family on one side of the standoff, the Weavers. I think that this portion of the book may be uncomfortable for some, much like how I, as a Catholic, squirm reading about the Inquisition or Crusades. It is important to note that Jennings doesn’t mock anyone’s beliefs or call them stupid. He will, however, quietly (and often hilariously) point out when specific people are being quite hypocritical and unchristian-like.
Lest you get concerned that this is a one-sided narrative, I can wholeheartedly disabuse you of that notion. While the Weavers are not heroes in this story, the federal government looks no better and, it can coherently be argued, actually look worse. While the feds are not the evil minions of the antichrist that the Weavers perceive them to be, they ultimately end up doing a heck of a lot of things that line up quite well with the idea of an oppressive force bent on destroying the family. However, Jennings’ clear-eyed look at their operations leads you to the old adage, “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.” While the first part of the book will not endear many to the Weavers, the final portion humanizes them and will make you sympathize with their losses even while abhorring their more extreme views.
This is all wonderful and thought-provoking stuff. However, the true gem of this book is Jennings’ writing. It flows so easily and his word choices lean into the religiosity of the story. Jennings does everything with a purpose. A little alliteration here and there is also fun. It is an example of an author who wants to take his writing to a higher level without showing off and taking away from the themes of the book. It is excellent from beginning to the apocalyptic end.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company.)
Verdict:
A must read. Buy it here!
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