If there was a title for “Most Renowned Christian Novelist”, Jerry B. Jenkins would be a top contender. With more than 170 published works, fiction and non-fiction, 12 New York Times bestsellers and over 63 million copies of his books sold since 1995 I’m not sure who else could come close to claiming the title. With such a massive body of work, I cannot claim to be remotely acquainted with his range of writing abilities. I have read the Left Behind series, co-authored with Tim LaHaye, that catapulted Jenkins into the household conversations of Christian families nation-wide.
Jenkins’ latest solo novel, Riven is both similar to and completely disparate from the series that drove him to fame. While the Left Behind series did speak to me during the time that I was first coming to know Christ, I'm pleased to say that Jenkins' writing has markedly improved since then.
Riven is the story of two men – a sinner and a saint. Thomas Carey is a devoted man of God. Committed to pouring himself out for God’s people, he and his wife Grace are devout followers of Jesus; never failing in their devotions, always striving onwards and upwards, despite the lack of fruit from their ministry. Brady Wayne Darby is the archetypal bad boy. Raised in a trailer park by an alcoholic mother, he soon falls pray to the sinful nature that begins to devour him. Like us all, he is unable to escape from sin under his own power. He quickly falls prey to lying, theft, drug abuse, and various felonies that lead to repeat visits to correctional institutes over the course of his adult life.
While the contrast of these two lives may seem contrived within the context of a review, it is anything but. The characters of these two men are developed over the course of hundreds of pages. We follow each of them through their struggles, their difficulties and their crises. We become first hand witnesses of their lives; we come to know them as personally as a friend or relative.
Article comments
1 - CeeCee
I noticed this book in the book store today. Maybe next time, I'll give it another chance.
2 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Hi CeeCee, thanks for reading! I see that you are a book blogger as well, and that you tour with Teen FIRST, and FIRST. You should join FIRST Wild Card Tours. Riven is coming up for a tour with them. I don't know what the deadline is off-hand, but worth a try!
This is my top recommendation for Christians for 2008. Statistics say Americans are only reading 1 book/year now. Let it be this one!
3 - Vicky Gratton
I have read many books, I mean I read aleast 2 books a week, christain and other books as well. I have read classics, and murder mysterys, I've read everything. but I have never been so moved to act or just moved as when I read Riven!!! This book touched me in so many ways I am still not done recovering from it. I have told so many people about this book that sales should be going through the roof. It's been 2 weeks since I finished Riven and I am still hearing from the Lord. Has the story changed my mind about going back to church? Not yet, but i am now listening.
4 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Vicky. Riven is truly an awe-inspiring book, reminding us of the Saviour's love for us in a deep and abiding way. So glad to hear that the Lord is speaking to you through it!
5 - mayen
Just finished reading Riven 5 minutes ago! It was excellent. I have no time for reading during the school year ( I teach my children at home), but thought, I should just buy this book and check it out for my teens to read (as The Left Behind Series is required reading in our home)...
I gave a copy to my mom and our teens will continue reading it. It is compelling, real...
I have never looked at people around me like I have been over the 2 whole weeks it took me to read this book! The characters were so well described and so close to realistic people... Thank you Jerry!
6 - Annette Postma
Masculine Author, Masculine Characterizations throughout. Its all from the guys point of view. The female characters, Erlene and Grace ,we were really not allowed in their hearts. Was Erlene struggling to raise her sons? Couldn't Grace have at least owned a cat?? Ravinia was masculine job, lifestyle. Still very good book but Jerry, you have lots of female readers.
7 - Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family
Hi Annette,
Certainly, Riven is focused nearly entirely upon two male characters. But - how many novels have you read by female authors where the male characters were almost entirely ignored? Many more I'd imagine :). I find it refreshing to read a novel with strong, well developed male characters.
I much prefer it when an author writes to his or her strengths in characterization rather than putting the focus on areas of weakness.
8 - Joyce Bridgman
Just finished the book Riven and just loved it.I am going to reread right away the reason being I did skip over quite a few lines. (shame!) Thanks Jerry (I will e-mail again after I reread.)
9 - Joanna Davis
Word to the wise; before you pick up a Jerry Jenkins book (Left Behind, Riven, or soon) make sure you have a nice lazy weekend ahead of you because you will lose sleep! On the other hand, if you're going to be deprived of sleep, being up all night reading a good book is the best way to do it!
After finishing the last page of the last book of the 'Soon' series, I staggered to my computer at 5:30 in the morning, and emailed the author to say THANKS! Not too long after, I got 'Riven', and again, spent many a night unable to put the book down until I just about gave myself a concussion (hard cover).
My boss doesn't care for Jerry Jenkins much, (mainly because he's keeping me up all night!) but I love him! Jerry and fellow Christian writer Karen Kingsbury are a great source of entertainment for Christian readers and a well-spring of inspiration for Christian writers!
10 - LINDA MALLARD
JUST FINISHED RIVEN YESTERDAY AND WOW! I JUST LOVE HOW MY GOD CAN TAKE SUCH A WASTED LIFE AND BRING SUCH GLORY OUT OF IT. YES, IT IS A HIGHLY UNLIKELY SCENARIO BUT GOD IS IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS, ISN'T HE!!
11 - Carolyn
Riven is a book that once you read it, you will want almost need to give it to someone else to read. We passed ours on and received a call when the next person read it. Not only did it change how I see Christ but compeled me to memorize Scripture. thank you Jerry Jenkins for allowing a 20 year dream and plot to flow onto paper.