All Of Satan's Men
Shane Hoffman
ISBN: 9781432722562
Outskirts Press
Reviewed By Heather Slocumb
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
Teenage
angst has been studied for years. Numerous experts, from psychologists
to nutritionists to behavioral analysts, have attempted to isolate the
true causes behind the proclivities of postpubescents, often citing
such well-known factors as hormone changes and peer pressure. What many
of the so-called "experts" fail to realize, though, is that the true
nature of teens' problems most likely lies quite a bit deeper beneath
the surface…
In All Of Satan's Men,
Shane Hoffman sheds invaluable insight on such nature, providing the
reader with an unfiltered, straight-ahead look into the struggles of a
soul in daily flux. The autobiographical account spans a 5-year period
of Hoffman's life during which he wrests with depression, familial
drama, teenage love, and the deaths of loved ones. Each chapter is
written as an entry in a personal journal, on which Hoffman relies as
an outlet for the difficulties that continue to compound in his daily
life. By recording his thoughts & feelings in such a way, Hoffman
captures his ongoing internal conflict within the framework of humanity
at its most personal, which facilitates the reader's ability to relate,
based on his/her own personal experiences.
Most impressive about
Hoffman's musings is the fact that he often utilizes song lyrics and
poetry to express his innermost turmoil and pain, and he does so with a
polished maturity that is rare for someone of such a young age.
Witness, for example, this passage from the poem entitled "Life":
Here I go I just began
Build me up so I can fall again
Feels like I'm being cut with a knife
Here we are, this is Life
Hoping God will help me see the light
Please Jesus get me through another night
I feel my life slipping away
I wander [sic] if I'll see another day
Written
at the entry point of Hoffman's slow descent into depression &
confusion, such sentiments laconically convey the essence of a powerful
personal struggle that defines the daily existence of dozens of
everyday souls.
Throughout his battles with intensely personal
demons, though, Hoffman repeatedly seeks the guidance and protection of
God, acknowledging his own weakness at the same time that he petitions
for the strength that he needs to endure. The importance of this act
cannot be underscored enough, and it provides Hoffman's tale with the
spiritual substance it needs in order to make an indelible impression
on the reader: though it may be titled All Of Satan's Men,
at the heart of Hoffman's story is the ultimate triumph of the human
spirit over the legions of evil that plague it without respite – and
such triumph is never possible without the necessary spiritual "boost"
that lends us all the ultimate advantage in the perpetual war between
good and evil.
All Of Satan's Men
is a refreshing, empowering read. Composed by a seasoned spiritual
solider, Hoffman's gripping account serves as inspiring testimony to
the true power of humility and conviction in the face of seemingly
insurmountable odds. His narrative should be required reading among
church youth groups, as well as featured prominently in high school
guidance offices and teenage crisis centers worldwide.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Shane Hoffman (All Of Satan's Men)
Apex Reviews: Shane, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Many of the struggles that we go through in life are intensely personal, which many people often choose to keep private. What gave you the courage to share your experiences with the world at large?
Shane Hoffman: I felt that a part of the recovery was to be open about your experiences. I wanted to let others that are or have gone through rough times to know that they are not alone in this battle. I believe everyone goes through some of these issues in their life. I needed to be open and honest.
AR: In the book, in detailing the "voices" you often heard in your head, you reference the movie "Field Of Dreams" on quite a few occasions. What's the particular significance of that film in relation to your experiences?
SH: My reference is that the man in the movie often hears and sees things others don't. And that is how it was for me. I could hear things and that wasn't always a bad thing. I am in no way trying to say that I have contact with sources others do because that would be a lie. I could hear and see what i did because I was opening my senses like no one does. I knew that there were things I had to do and things that I couldn't allow myself to do. In the movie, people thought the man was going insane, but in reality he was just as sane as anyone claims to be.
AR: Please share more with our readers about the precise nature of the character "Raum."
SH: Raum was someone who was a fictional character in my head. No one, not even my parents, knew anything about this. I could always hear his voice, and that's how he presented himself to me. All the struggles I would have with "Raum" were real and terrifying. Being just a child and dealing with a present that wasn't normal was difficult beyond explanation. I had to present myself in front of the Lord for an exorcism, in sort of speak.
AR: None of the struggles you endured are atypical of the teenage experience, yet many teens don't survive their postpubescent years. How were you able to overcome the adversity of your life without succumbing to the looming spectres of doom & destruction?
SH: God, God, and some more God. I needed something just as powerful on my side to pull me through and it was definitely from a higher power. The love I received from my parents shouldn't be underestimated either. They were always there for me and I had two great key friends involved named Bill Miller and Dominic Herbst. I talked to these individuals often, and their wisdom and experience gave me confidence.
AR: What advice do you have for anyone who may be contemplating suicide?
SH: Imagine your funeral. Imagine people suffering over your death. Do you really want your loved ones to suffer immeasurable levels of pain and agony? There is always a way. Turn to Jesus Christ. I say this from experience. I know for a fact it's true. Tell God of your pains and sorrows, and don't be afraid to let God do some of the talking. People always ask why God doesn't talk to people these days. God talks to more people than ever. He is always there and listening. People just need to LISTEN. His words are spoken loud and clear. It's up to you whether they are felt. Just because God doesn't answer first or a few times doesn't mean he doesn't care. Sometimes he makes two wrongs work together to form a right.
AR: What kinds of reactions have you gotten to the book?
SH: I have received positive and heart warming reactions for the most part. There have been a few people that have been startled.
AR: How would you describe your publishing experience with Outskirts Press?
SH: They were very helpful and guided me through the process.
AR: What's next for you?
SH: I will be attending Mansfield University in the fall. My writings will be continued. I am currently at work on a book titled Yes, The River Knows, which will be great. It will include my best poetry/lyrics yet. I am also in the process of writing a book titled Teenage Wasteland. Sometime soon there will be a band formed by the name of All of Satan's Men, and it will be making a double disc of all original writings in the book and maybe a few cover tunes. I am very excited over that.
AR: How can our readers learn more about your writings and other efforts?
SH: They can by visiting www.outskirtspress.com/AllofSatansMen and www.myspace.com/AllofSatansMen
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
SH: The way you live does determine the way you die. Don't live on how society thinks you should act, dress, and feel. Do what makes you happy. And thank you, Apex Reviews.
AR: Thanks again, Shane, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!