The Chair: A Novel by James L. RubartMy rating:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started 'The Chair' - because this is the first book that I've read by James L. Rubart - but I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed it! It had suspense, drama, and a good story.
If you were given an ancient-looking chair and told Jesus Christ made it, would you believe it?
Corin Roscoe, the owner of an antiques store, is given a chair and told it was made by the most talented craftsman the world has ever known. He is then taken on an intense journey of grief, joy, sorrow, and restoration.
He lives with guilt over pain from the past, deals with claustrophobia, and is afraid of going in water because of something that happened when he was young.
I found many parts of 'The Chair' weird (which I think was the intent) and I felt as though I was reading a mystery. There was so much going on, but until the end you didn't know the full intent (and even now I'm still slightly confused). I feel there should have been at least one more chapter (or at least an epilogue) - the ending didn't feel like the end (if that makes sense).
I found the characters intriguing. People you thought were friends, were foes. And people you thought were against Corin, were actually for Corin.
'The Chair' puts a whole new light on James L. Rubart's books. I now plan to read other books by him in the future. I recommend this if you enjoy reading books that have a slightly weird plot, but are really interesting (kind of like Ted Dekker's books).
*Many thanks to B&H publishing and JKSCommunications for my review copy.*
Watch the book trailer:
My mom is always telling me I should read some of Rubart's books. But I've never really made the time (because my mom doesn't always make the best recommendations...) But after this review? I'm going to have to go out of my way to get a copy of this one.
ReplyDelete(My mom will be thanking you, I'm sure ;) )
This sounds like a great read, and the premise is definitely interesting...
I have this one in my tbr pile. I read the Book of Days at the beginning of the year and really liked Mr. Rubart's writing style.
ReplyDeleteThis artfully woven story includes not just the mystery of the chair, but explores themes like relationships, forgiveness, healing and faith. One thing I appreciated is that although the book is Christian, it isn’t overly simplistic. There’s a Christian character who’s a hypocrite (but wrestles with what he sees himself becoming), and someone who doesn’t believe in Christianity that is very likable but has obviously been burned and doesn’t want to open her heart. Some of the characters are changed as they grow spiritually, others look at faith and walk away. I love that! It’s not all neat and tidy—much more like real life.
ReplyDeleteCame back to let you know that the publisher just released a very cool video to go with The Chair. check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBEh5gabKp0 . Since you have other videos with your review, I thought you might want to add this one--it's a short but suspenseful story that's a "prequel" to The Chair.
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