I know these men as I have known few other characters – I will never forget them. Thomas, so stubbornly faithful, clings to the rock though he lacks a fruitful ministry. Brady slips deeper into darkness, the burden of his sin mounting, and no hope in sight. I came to love them both. I have never developed such a heart for an unsaved character. Brady must have been difficult for Jenkins, a believer, to write. Once a man is saved it is difficult to remember the burden, the despair, being lost. Jenkins captures it all, magnificently. Thomas and Brady need each other, and when they finally meet the world is shaken for Jesus.
I’m surprised that controversy hasn’t arisen over this title. The entire premise, particularly the conclusion, is sensational, unbelievable. I was swept away in an emotional maelstrom that had me weeping throughout the last 100 pages. It is easy to suspend disbelief when you can hardly see through your tears. Read with Kleenex at hand is my cautionary warning.
Jenkins makes it work, once again rattling hearts for God. I was not at all expecting what this book offered me: a graphic reminder of what Jesus has done for me, a story of radical redemption, the promise of hope, and something more than these three added together, something elusive and hard to define that exists in the melding of these elements.
Who’s to know what impact Riven will have as the good news spreads? Jenkins work has touched the hearts of many and led them to repentance and belief. I can picture it happening again. Riven is a treasure to share, not only amongst believers, but also for those who don’t realize that what Jesus did on the cross was for them.
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.