The Everlasting

Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (9/06) Jamie Rich somehow delves deep within the mind and soul of his main character, Lance Scott, and reveals a realistic view of man's mind and how it works. While I'm certain the book wasn't intended to open the window to a whole gender's way of thinking, it certainly happened upon it, even if only by mistake, with the end results being a quick smack to the forehead as you realize you know this guy in real life! Lance Scott is a typical 20-something man. What he has isn't enough, what he had was great but now gone and what he chases after isn't always what he wants once he gets it. A mixture of reality meeting fantasy, this outstanding novel encompasses the life and desires of Lance Scott who is searching for a comfort zone in his life. Facing numerous relationships, always searching for Mrs. Right but never realizing he had her until she's gone, and never quite content with his latest conquer, this quirky and somewhat humorous man finds a place in your heart. By the end of the book you're not sure what you think of Lance.... is he a pompous jerk, a caring and loving man, an inspiring artistic type or just a lost soul in the sea of complex relationships. At times you will love him and wish you were the "mysterious blue headed woman" he's intrigued with finding again and then within a few pages you'll be so angry at him for his own stupidity that you want to scream! With a completely realistic style of writing, Jamie Rich finds a way to bring across everything from the somewhat disturbingly sarcastic sense of humor of his main character to the desperado, soul searching lost romantic boy trapped inside. While you will find yourself smirking at the completely realistic comments and attitudes we've all experienced in our life of romance, the author's ability to truly bring the character to life is uncanny and surreal. A combination of fiction and romance, the story appeals to everyone from teens to those well into "middle age" who still remember what it's like to be 20-something and searching for the answers to life's questions. As you cheer on Lance's adventures, laugh at his sarcastic and quick wit, or cry with his train wreck relationships, you will truly not want to put this book down for a minute. When the final page is turned you will simply wonder how this talented writer will ever top something so good.