Book Review: The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt

The Mason Jar written by James Russell Lingerfelt is a coming of age love story that will stay with me for a very long time. The author’s writing style drew me in right away. I finished reading the book in one day.

The story read like a long beautiful poem with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was there in person. The story chronicles the main character Finn’s first relationship with a fellow student named Eden. Finn fell madly in love with Eden, but unfortunately, Eden did not feel the same way about Finn.

Finn has a difficult time accepting that his relationship with Eden ended abruptly. As I read the story, I kept asking myself the question: What hidden message is the author trying to convey to the reader?

At times, I grew somewhat impatient with Finn’s obsession with Eden. Get over her already and move on to another relationship. It took me a while to figure out the author’s intent. Human relationship is a very complex thing, and one must find closure before complete healing can begin. One can spend a lifetime wondering why a person acted a certain way, but until you take the time to find a resolution, you can waste a lot of time and energy with ill feelings of despair. I learned a valuable lesson from reading this well written book. Do not spend too much time wondering why. In the case of Finn, he could have saved himself many years of despair if he had taken the time to confront Eden on her sudden decision to end their relationship.

I loved the relationship Finn had with his grandpa. The author did an outstanding job portraying how his grandpa helped shaped him into a man of good solid morals. Here is an excerpt of a letter Finn’s grandpa wrote to him:

Finn,

I know right now all you can see is the pain. So, I’m not sure the words I say to you will resonate. But know that feelings just are. Experience them. Don’t deny them or push them away. If you do, it will come out through other avenues like short-tempers and sharp answers to friends and loved ones who don’t deserve to be mistreated.

We do not deny our experiences, good or bad. We must embrace them. They are a part of who we are. The point is to keep from dwelling on the past or holding on to the bad times. This way, we don’t lead ourselves into resentment, cynicism and bitterness. If we want to get angry and scream at God because we think it’s His fault, that’s okay. He can handle our anger. God might not appear to care, but He does. He promises us that. We can give up on Him and walk away, but how much better off will we be?

Understand, son, that we can only help those who have hit rock bottom when we ourselves have seen existence through that same lens. Therefore, you can use the pain you’ve experienced to ease the pain in others.

-Grandpa

Finn’s grandpa gave him solid advice that he later applied by traveling to Nairobi, Africa to help run a street children ministry. I found it very refreshing that Finn could find his calling by giving himself to service by helping the less fortunate street children in an impoverished, country of Nairobi. The lesson learned is there is always someone must worse off than you.

I am hugely impressed with the fact that sales through Pepperdine University in 2012 will go to fund student scholarships to Pepperdine since the author is an alumni and wishes to give back to the school.

If you are looking for a superficial Hollywood ending, this book is not for you. However, if you want a realistic ending that will make you appreciate what life is all about, then I urge to pick up a copy of The Mason Jar.

I applaud Mr. Lingerfelt loudly, for he has penned a very well written book that I plan to read again and again.

For more information about the author, please visit his website: http://jamesrussell.org