After my interview with Erin Bethea earlier in the year, you may have seen 2008’s #1 independent box office hit, Fireproof. What was not mentioned in the interview was Fireproof: The Novelization by Eric Wilson, which I have recently read. Fireproof: The Novelization spent 17 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and if you’ve seen the film, then you can only imagine how much more is packed into the novel.
Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the fire fighter’s adage: Never leave your partner. Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.
Growing up, his wife Catherine always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter…just like her father. Now, after seven years of marriage, she wonders when she stopped being “good enough.” Countless arguments and anger have them wanting to move on to something with more sparks.
As they prepare for divorce, Caleb’s father challenges him to commit to a 40-day experiment: “The Love Dare.” Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, for his father’s sake more than for his marriage.
Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever…rescuing his wife’s heart.
Fireproof: The Novelization was a very satisfying read as there is more character development and minor back story and subplots than seen in the film. Eric Wilson has created such rich details in every chapter and also captured a few moving moments that were not portrayed in the film. What I really enjoyed about the novel is that Eric digs deep into the emotions and thoughts of Caleb and Catherine, which helps the reader come to a better understanding of each character. There is a more detailed ending in the novel which is not very realistic, therefore not as powerful an ending as in the film.
If you have already seen the film, I would only encourage that you buy the novel if you are really interested in the back story and the thoughts of Caleb and Catherine, as well a the special notes in the back of the book which include a discussion group guide, The “Making of Fireproof,” production photos, and a special message from Alex and Stephen Kendrick. I say this because the majority of the novel’s dialogue is the screenplay’s dialogue verbatim. It would really be best to read the novel first and then watch the film. Overall, Eric’s writing definitely kept my attention – I read this page turner in one day. This book gives you something to think about whether you are married or not, is the perfect wedding gift, and the novel and/or the film is a must have for every family.
Fireproof the Novelization is available now.