Review: I Have Lived by Douglas Lanzo

I wrote this book for Clean Fiction Magazine Winter 2025 Edition Link              

 A rating Written for Winter Edition 

Back of the Book: Brian Johnson and Beth McKenzie have selflessly dedicated their lives in service to God, country, and fellow man. As their storybook wedding day unfolds, events from the past resurface and threaten to shake the future they’ve waited so long to share. From the neighborhoods of historic Maryland to the mountains of war-torn Afghanistan, Brian and Beth's story reveals the essence of living and trusting in God’s purpose for our lives during the most trying of times.

First impression: This book is written from an omniscient point of view in a more memoir format, with most of it unfolding in backstory and memories. The romance is light in its translucence, and the story has a mystery of hardships and outcomes as those unfold in the pages.  

Action: The scene in Afghanistan represents real-life action and is the most visual part. The reader is pulled into the intense action of warfare with almost a perception of the pungent acrid smell as ammunition is expelled and erupts.   

Adventure: It opens with a poignant scene in Africa with a tribesman in full gala and symbolism with a token and promise. Each player in the story experiences missionary medical trips to faraway regions, and some performing heroic deeds. The story takes Brian on a journey of discovery. He endures tremendous hardships and battle scars both inside and out. He learns from others who have also endured unfathomable ordeals.  

Romance: The romance between Lieutenant Brian Johnson and Beth McKenzie is light and sparse, sprinkled throughout in memories and small scenes. Love in all the relationships of comrades, family, and the wedding couple is strong and well portrayed. Their wedding is glorious and impactful. The pageantry and beauty abound from gardens to ice sculpture and DJ to Pastor. The ring bearer and flower girl are delightful.  

Religion: This is a book full of Christian faith that takes the characters through their lives. The epilogue is unique and heavenly centered. Bible verses are quoted and footnoted. A meeting of the elders of the church pulled prayer requests and discussed ways to help them and prayed over them.

Art: The beauty and pageantry of the wedding in setting and description, delights and encapsulates most girls’ dreams.

Final Thoughts: I read this book that was billed as romantic suspense, but I found myself in a memoir fiction. The lightweight romance is almost feathery in perception. The book received an award and numerous endorsements from veterans and influencers. At times I enjoyed the piece very much and a few times caught me off guard and where I had to get tissues. The war scene and the last few chapters were delightful to read and my favorite parts. The struggles Brian endured were written well and expressed through Brian’s thoughts and memories. Lou Gehrig’s quote made me cry and was spot on for that particular moment in Brian’s life. The unexpected prologue seemed to me an appropriate way to tie up the loose strands and end the book.  

I give this 3.5 stars 

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