Something That Lasts

I read this book back a few years ago, so I don't remember a whole lot about it. I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed the story- although sad. I liked the characters, the storyline.

I don't read much fiction. Somehow I tend to feel that I need to "learn a lesson" to make reading worth while. If I had held to that silly idea, it would have been my loss. This is an enormously compelling book! Mr. Jordan's realistic portrayal of deep struggles of the heart will give all but the most casual reader reason to take a penetrating look inside. This is a story of the invisible but, very real and protracted war for people's hearts; it is about the battle for a heart willing to both give and receive grace and forgiveness, something that for me seems to come by the inch rather than by the mile. Although some of the characters' circumstances were more spectacular than I have experienced, their struggles of dealing with deep pain took me to places in my own heart I often prefer to avoid. Ultimately, however, it is both a book about the grace and forgiveness found only in God and, a reminder that only as we receive those gifts from Him we can give them to others and ourselves. If you are looking for some light entertainment, this is not the book for you. But if you start it, you'll not want to put it down until you're finished. Unless it's to probe your own heart with God's light.

I admit I was initially dubious that I could become deeply involved in this story, and nervous about how heavy-handed the Christian themes might be presented. How wonderful that I was quickly swept away by a compelling, beautifully articulated, clever narrative, so consumed in fact that I forgot I was reading a book. It was hard to tear myself away, reading late into the wee hours to find out what would become of characters I suddenly cared very much for. Perhaps the characters could be fleshed out more thoroughly, but even so I readily empathized with each of them as they struggled through crises that profoundly affect relationships and family. I was moved to tears a few times. When it was time for me to return to my own mundane reality, I was surprised how frequently the characters and themes of the book persisted in my thoughts as if they were real and immediate. I admire the author's skill in tackling such difficult subjects - death, adultery, estrangement, the fallibility/humanness of family/heroes/leaders (religious or otherwise), loss of faith - with apparent ease, grace and clarity. Mr. Jordan's book gives the reader a lot to think about, forcing a self-awareness that is so evidently missing from the mainstream. And he conveys a positive, hopeful message without ever becoming cloying or beating the reader over the head. The book speaks to anyone - not just Christians - who has a family, who cares about doing the right thing, who struggles with relationships, faith, and the meaning of existence. I wish more novels had such an effect. A plea to the author, please publish more. The public awaits.

LOVED THIS BOOK!! I picked it up one morning, and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. The characters were beautifully developed, and the well-crafted story made me cry at the same time that it filled me with joy. Highly recommended.

Mr. Jordan artfully navigates powerful emotional family issues to challenge the reader to examine their faith. Books like this are rare. A wonderful book that will cause you to seriously consider your relationship with God, the rest of your life and how you want to live in relationship to your loved ones. I can't wait for the next one.