by Jason Joyner | Sep 22, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
I would really like to give props to the author of this week’s blog tour, James David Jordan. On one hand, this blog tour is great internet publicity. On the other, he’s opening his book up to a bunch of wannabe authors and reviewers, AND published authors as well. Not necessarily the easiest thing to do.
His book, Something That Lasts, spans the 70’s through the 90’s, following one family’s travails through three generations. One single event that happens to Rev. David Parst changes the trajectory of his whole family, and the rest of the book draws out the consequences of his actions. I don’t really want to give more synopsis, as the book has a simple premise that is followed throughout the story.
Even though the book stays true to this central core, it is an engaging read. He keeps the pace moving briskly, making one always interested in turning the next page. There is the potential to dwell and slow things down, but he does a good job of staying on target. He makes use of some recurring themes to speak into the lives of the characters. Baseball in particular is a lynch-pin, and it helps the theme resonate greater than if he had simply told the story without it.
His characters are believable, and he shows honest progression through their lives for the most part. The ending turns are a little forced, but not so much that it throws off the finale.
I think for a first time author Jordan has written a good novel. His description and characterizations sometimes suffer from the pace of the plot. He has a habit of returning to familiar images too often – I counted three separate characters who “shoved their hands into their back pockets”. Some events were foreshadowed so that the outcome was easily predictable. However, it was an easy and enjoyable read in just a couple of days.
Overall the writing is pretty well done, but I appreciate mostly what the author is trying to accomplish. I read elsewhere that he was tired of Hollywood and other entertainment showing certain mistakes without consequences. Jordan doesn’t shy back from showing the problems of his book’s premise, and it is a promising direction for a Christian fiction book to pursue.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 22, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
I would really like to give props to the author of this week’s blog tour, James David Jordan. On one hand, this blog tour is great internet publicity. On the other, he’s opening his book up to a bunch of wannabe authors and reviewers, AND published authors as well. Not necessarily the easiest thing to do.
His book, Something That Lasts, spans the 70’s through the 90’s, following one family’s travails through three generations. One single event that happens to Rev. David Parst changes the trajectory of his whole family, and the rest of the book draws out the consequences of his actions. I don’t really want to give more synopsis, as the book has a simple premise that is followed throughout the story.
Even though the book stays true to this central core, it is an engaging read. He keeps the pace moving briskly, making one always interested in turning the next page. There is the potential to dwell and slow things down, but he does a good job of staying on target. He makes use of some recurring themes to speak into the lives of the characters. Baseball in particular is a lynch-pin, and it helps the theme resonate greater than if he had simply told the story without it.
His characters are believable, and he shows honest progression through their lives for the most part. The ending turns are a little forced, but not so much that it throws off the finale.
I think for a first time author Jordan has written a good novel. His description and characterizations sometimes suffer from the pace of the plot. He has a habit of returning to familiar images too often – I counted three separate characters who “shoved their hands into their back pockets”. Some events were foreshadowed so that the outcome was easily predictable. However, it was an easy and enjoyable read in just a couple of days.
Overall the writing is pretty well done, but I appreciate mostly what the author is trying to accomplish. I read elsewhere that he was tired of Hollywood and other entertainment showing certain mistakes without consequences. Jordan doesn’t shy back from showing the problems of his book’s premise, and it is a promising direction for a Christian fiction book to pursue.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Puff…puff…puff. Sorry, just trying to catch my breath from all of these tours! They’re so successful that they just keep coming.
This is the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (CFBA) tour for the book Something That Lasts by James David Jordan. This is his first novel, about a problem that tears down a family over generations. He is a lawyer, and has his journalism degree as well.
Be sure to check out the other members of the CFBA for further information on this book. I will talk about it over the next two days, and have a review for it as well. Lots of good books coming out, and the CFBA will keep highlighting them!
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Puff…puff…puff. Sorry, just trying to catch my breath from all of these tours! They’re so successful that they just keep coming.
This is the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (CFBA) tour for the book Something That Lasts by James David Jordan. This is his first novel, about a problem that tears down a family over generations. He is a lawyer, and has his journalism degree as well.
Be sure to check out the other members of the CFBA for further information on this book. I will talk about it over the next two days, and have a review for it as well. Lots of good books coming out, and the CFBA will keep highlighting them!
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
I have a little more to say about Edenstar, the website focus of the Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy tour for September.
First of all, for those befuddled by the pirate post from yesterday, let me explain. No, there is too much, let me sum up:
Edenstar has special features like author interviews and some reviews.
I also want to point out that it talks not just about books, but video games and movies as well. Now, most of this consists of Lord of the Rings materials, in both departments. Actually, I’m surprised they don’t have the first Narnia movie listed yet.
Overall, I am impressed with Edenstar’s work, and hope to see it expand and continue to provide a great service. Thanks guys!
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
I have a little more to say about Edenstar, the website focus of the Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy tour for September.
First of all, for those befuddled by the pirate post from yesterday, let me explain. No, there is too much, let me sum up:
Edenstar has special features like author interviews and some reviews.
I also want to point out that it talks not just about books, but video games and movies as well. Now, most of this consists of Lord of the Rings materials, in both departments. Actually, I’m surprised they don’t have the first Narnia movie listed yet.
Overall, I am impressed with Edenstar’s work, and hope to see it expand and continue to provide a great service. Thanks guys!
