~* Riven - Book Review*~

Riven

by Jerry Jenkins

Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc

ISBN 10: 1-4143-0904-X

Released: August 2008

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Thomas Carey - a "failed" pastor turned prison chaplain.  And he hasn't had any "success" there either. He loves God, has done his best to serve Him faithfully, yet he seems to be just one big failure.  Can his life of failure ultimately be redeemed?

Brady Wayne Darby -  a loser in almost every way from his childhood through his adult life.  Each scheme he trys to pull off only gets him in further trouble until he crosses the line of no-return.  Is there any hope for him?

Grace Carey - Wife and truest of helpmeets to Thomas Carey can she continue fulfilling her role in the face of death?

Ravinia Carey-Blanc - rebellious daughter of Thomas and Grace Carey.   She believes in God but not in religion and definitely not in those who practice religion. How can she ever be the daughter/wife/mother her parents want her to be when she can't embrace their faith?

As an adult she becomes immeshed in the life of Brady Wayne Darby.  She knew she could have an impact on his life, the last thing she expected was his ability to impact hers.

Dirk Blanc - estranged husband of Ravinia, father to their child - Summer, a man who has it all together, or does he?

PLOT SUMMARY

Thomas Carey and Brady Wayne Darby seem like polar opposites: good guy/bad guy.  And yet they share the common status of being considered a failure by those around them.  Different roads lead them to a common intersection and the meeting between them becomes a world-shaking event.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm writing this review as the tears are just beginning to dry on my face.  Riven by Jerry Jenkins is a powerful, life-changing/impacting novel.

Read the unfolding story of these lives, how they affect each other, and ultimately how Truth revealed changes all their lives.

Riven is for the person who feels absolutely hopeless. Riven is for the person who has given and given in ministry yet feel their work has yielded no results. Riven is for the person who enjoys good reading. Riven is one of those rare books that's for everyone.

If you buy only one book this year, buy Riven. 

Comments

[Steph]

What a terrific review! It sounds like this book offers great character development along with Big Ideas.

[pharris]

Just finished readin Riven - fastest 527 pages that ever went by. Jenkins really led reader into truly knowing each character. You feel for Brady all along the way and rejoice at his transformation. You empathize with Thomas and know you probably know someone just like him. You become thankful that he never gives up. References to scripture really make an impact and the visualization of spiritual transformation and the impact of just one believer will stay with you forever. Definitely worth reading.

[Wendi S]

Truely the most moving book I've ever read.

[Pooky]

I was a little skeptical at first, judging by the size of the novel. It was well, well worth it. Anyone who doesn't read it is truly missing out.

[Sheryl R]

Thanks for stopping by, Pooky.  I agree this book is well-worth reading!