Book Review: "Ladies and Gentlemen...The Redeemers" by Michael Scott Miller

Title: Ladies and Gentlemen...The Redeemers

Author: Michael Scott Miller

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN, PUB Date: 978-1456363475, December 10, 2010

Reviewed by: Shawn Edwards for Author Exposure

Ladies and Gentlemen…The Redeemers is a story by Michael Scott Miller about an out-of-luck musical manager named Bert Ingram. Living between newspaper and cardboard, Bert pulls together a number of talented musicians off the street for one last chance to pursue their dream. Combining a hodgepodge of genres into a sound they call “street thump” they form a band and name themselves The Redeemers. Persevering through the obstacles of fame, finances, personal obligations, distractions, and internal conflicts, the band eventually rises above their playing-for-change origins to another level of success.

At its core, Ladies and Gentlemen…The Redeemers is a sincere motivational novel about one belief: Chase your dreams against all odds. Readers will enjoy the band’s optimism as well as its diversity; members range from a sour college student guitarist to a con man saxophonist to an optimistic beatnik drummer to a retired bassist who never made it. They all display a steadfast loyalty to one another that belies the disputes and differences between them. Miller tries to bring this likable group of musicians to the reader’s ear with brief attempts at literal, rhythmic musical descriptions. The results are hit and miss, but the style remains a trademark of Ladies and Gentlemen…The Redeemers.

This novel is Miller’s first novel, and at times it shows. Foremost among the common writing rules he breaks is, “Show, don’t tell.” Describing actions that imply emotion is what keeps the reader more involved in a story. Instead, using adverbs, adjectives, and inner monologue, Miller produces dialogue that reads more like an essay. Additionally, proper English grammar dominates the largely urban cast of characters and uncommon words like “mettle” find their way into children’s mouths. Both seem out of place. The emotions of characters are often overly simplified, as are the dilemmas they face. When problems arise, they are solved with minimal resistance, often within a page of being introduced. The simple and predictable course of events stifles any mounting sense of suspense.

This novel swings hard and consistent when it comes to affirming the book’s theme of never giving up on your dreams, but problems seem to unrealistically resolve themselves if the band keeps the spirit. Readers in need of an inspirational novel but tired of complicated plots or intense action will enjoy the good nature of Ladies and Gentlemen… The Redeemers. Other readers will likely find Miller’s ungraceful style or use of kiddy gloves when it comes to building conflict enough to send their attention wandering.