Wednesday, February 16, 2011

On My Nightstand - Rooms by James L. Rubart

He had it all...or so he thought. As head of RimSoft, Micah Taylor enjoyed all the perks of a successful CEO. The penthouse, travel, power, and a beautiful business partner/girlfriend kept him busy.

When he receives a letter from his long-dead Uncle Archie informing him he's inherited a house at Cannon Beach, he's disturbed and a little angry. He's shunned that area for years because of unhappy childhood memories.

Micah finally checks out the house, and finds a home. It reflects every part of him and takes him on an unexpected spiritual journey.

As I read Rooms, I was struck by how much it reminded me of The Shack. Both characters faced a traumatic experience that affected their lives. God leads each one through a process of healing and forgiveness.

Mr. Rubart reached deep into Micah's soul, wading through all the confusion, anger, and hurt of his past. He didn't rush the process or give easy answers. The battles within Micah's heart resonated with some of my own life events.

I'm not one to re-read books other than the Bible, but I find myself drawn to it. I suspect I haven't uncovered layers of meaning. While it held my attention and moved along at a nice pace, I suggest taking time to pause and reflect on his points. There were many "Selah" moments for me.

I would give this book as a gift without hesitation. I hope many people discover this unusual and effective story.

Have you read any novels that impacted your spiritual life in unexpected ways? I'd like to hear about it.

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Susan. Rooms sounds like a very good book.

Two book I have recently have helped me understand the spiritual war that goes on.

This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti.

Have a great rest of the week!

Jessica Nelson said...

Wow, that sounds like a great book!
I'd agree, books by Peretti and Rivers have in the past affected me. Ted Dekker used to but I lost taste for where his writing went.

Karen Lange said...

I've heard good things about this book. Appreciate your thoughts on it. Just saw where the author is speaking at a conference, Washington state I think.
Happy Wednesday,
Karen

Anonymous said...

I read my wife's book The Supernatural Way of Royalty by Kris Vallatton. I needed a fresh perspective of our standing in Christ and this book delivered. helped shake off the black yuckiness that tends to stick to you sometimes.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sonia -

I've read both those books and enjoyed them a lot. Of all Frank Peretti's books, those two are my favorites.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

My mother recently read a famous Francine Rivers' book. (I'm having one of those moments where I can't grab the title.) She loved it and wants me to read it.

I don't usually read and recommend older, popular books. People are already familiar with them. I think I might make an exception in this case.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Yes, Jim Rubart will be the keynote speaker at the conference Jan Cline is directing. I wish I could hear him speak. Maybe he'll come to Philly sometime.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Stephen -

I hadn't heard of this book prior to you mentioning it. I'll have to check it out. :)

Blessings,
Susan

DenaNetherton said...

Hi Susan, Thanks for reminding about this book. I need to read it.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dena -

I loved this book. I'd be interested to hear what you think.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

When I really enjoy a book, I buy a few copies and give 'm away as gifts! That gets the word around.
Thank you Susan!

Kristen said...

I've heard so much about this book. I guess I'm just going to have to go and get it:):)
Thanks, Susan.
have a great day

Rhonda Schrock said...

Now that sounds interesting. I'll have to look for it at the library.

I've read a lot of novels over the years that have influenced me. It would be hard to pick one.

Thanks for telling us about this!

Rhonda

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

You've just made many authors very happy. :)

I'm enjoying your book, but haven't finished yet.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

I wish there was some way to get the buzz going for this book. I think it would make an awesome movie.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

Being a mystery lover, I think you'd find this story intriguing.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Terri Tiffany said...

Susan,
I get to meet Jim at the conference I am speaking at next month. He's the key speaker so I really look forward to it:) I wish I'd read his book!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

It's not too late!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Tonya said...

Susan this sounds really good. Thank you for sharing. I may check this one out. Blessings.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Tonya -

You're welcome. This book drew me in and held my interest to the last page.

Blessings,
Susan :)

James L. Rubart said...

Thanks for the support, all!

Jim

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Mr. Rubart -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Great book! I can't wait to read Book of Days.

Blessings,
Susan :)