The Lamp

by Jim Stovall

For Stanley, life stopped dead in its tracks the day his young son was accidentally killed. His wife, Lisa, tried to push forward into the future-but her husband didn't even know where to begin.

Then Charles Montgomery III appeared out of nowhere and challenged the couple to consider the inconceivable, "What I am about to tell you will change your life. You can have anything you want, including true happiness, and I am going to tell you the secret of how to get it."

Will Stanley let go of the past and grab hold of a future full of love and a new destiny? Will Lisa take her friend's advice and leave Stanley for the guy at the fitness club? Or will they continue to be haunted by the pain and guilt of that fateful day when Eddy died?

The Lamp brings Stanley and Lisa face to face with past tragedy and future hope-all wrapped in the gift of three wishes that will challenge you to live beyond the hurt and pain, if you just believe.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Novels, Ebooks, Inspirational, Fantasy

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Jim Stovall has been a national champion Olympic weightlifter, the President of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, and a highly sought after author and platform speaker. He is the author of the best selling book, The Ultimate Gift, which is a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin. He is also author of The Ultimate Life and The Ultimate Journey, which have inspired another major motion picture to be released September 2013.
Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes magazine, says, “Jim Stovall is one of the most extraordinary men of our era.”    
For his work in making television accessible to our nation’s 13 million blind and visually impaired people, The President’s Committee on Equal Opportunity selected Jim Stovall as the Entrepreneur of the Year.  He was also chosen as the International Humanitarian of the Year.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn Rinehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this! I loved the storyline! You can believe that something can happen. It is better to believe in the person of Jesus Christ. (For Salvation and a fulfilling life)

[Lovely Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

A couple find an old lamp-a genie comes out and grants them 3 wishes.

Not at all what I was expecting. Turned out to be a fairly obvious allegory with what seemed to be an underlying message of "You can manifest your own success in life if you truly want it and work for it"...

[Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another easy read. Like a parable. So many take aways...start with be thankful for where we are.

[Vishakha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perspectives changed after reading it. Loved it.
Fictional but relateable
It's a story of a couple who were desperate to change their life in terms of financial and love.
One fine day Lisa bought one old ceremonic lamp and her live went upside down.

Review
Mr. and Mrs. Walters had some real-life problems like a job in which they were not interested in and cursing each other in frustration.
No love life and less social life had made their lives like living hell. No scope of getting things better and normal wishes also seems to be impossible. One fine day when Lisa bought an old lamp from their neighbor's garage made Stanley angry because it seems of no use...
.
But then there was some magic when from that old ceremonic lamp mysteriously one genie appeared.
Both were stunned into silence and stared at him.
Then they had a blast of questions on him along with his introduction to how magically he approached...
He changed their Life upside down then they truly understood what is the meaning of life and the choice we make in our lives, the quest of achieving everything.
.
How we run for satisfying our quest instead of serving each other without expecting anything. How we know everything but still unaware of our neighbors, our old friends...
This book is filled with motivational quotes as well as eye-opening experience...

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this inspirational little story in a box at the back of my bookshop. Initially I picked it up because it was obviously quite a thin book and I thought it would help pass the time between customers. I quickly found myself unable to put it down. It's a heartwarming tale focused on a lacklustre couple who find themselves in a deep rut in life. They lack ambition, motivation, and everything they do seems to be done with the least amount of enthusiasm possible; their morning routines, their relationship, careers.... Until one day something happens that lights a fire under them; has them excited and dreaming of possibilities. It's a catalyst that starts them on a different route in life.

I thought this was a brilliant little story packed with such great life lessons.

I noticed somewhere that this was tagged as Christian fiction, and while not particularly religious myself, I think anyone would benefit from the lessons this lovely little book teaches.

(Note: I think there must be different versions of this book? After reading other reviews it's obvious the copy I read is missing a large part of the storyline that other reviews mention...)

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relationship, wishing,hoping and believing in a magic lamp is a quick read. A couple who are very unhappy in work, relationship and life in general find they have a lamp in their possession along with a genie. Getting three wishes really changes their lives but truthfully they have to dig deep down and search their lives for the answers to their wishes.

[KATHY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believable and uplifting

Don't we all wish we could have a magic lamp? And who hasn't thought about what they would wish for!
An inspirational book about how the requirements to really think about what you want improves your life and your relationships.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this twist on the genie's lamp but found the story a bit simplistic, lacking the depth of character and detail that I expected as it moved forward. It was still a pleasant easy read with a bit of a moral to the story

[Sidrah Siddiqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author made the characters turn their wishes into reality without having to tell readers how they did it all. That part would have been more interesting to read than the predictable substance of the whole book.

[Nancy Holte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a couple who lost their son and how they healed. A man shows up one day seemingly because of a mysterious lamp. I enjoyed it.

[kReN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each one of us has the abiity to create the life we want. We just need to believe we can.

[J.D. Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally inspirational. Big surprise at the end . . . make me stop and think . . .
Very worthwhile reading.

[Aman Dhindsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worth easy read !

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book! It is very inspiring and worth reading! Thank you so much for this masterpiece, Jim Stovall.

[Windi]

No stars since i didnt read far enough to judge it fairly. I may watch the movie, but the book was just not reading well for me. Sounds kike a good stiry though.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Excellent story!
Good writing!
Interesting characters!
Don't miss!

[Janette Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley and Lisa Walters have had a rocky marriage for the past two years. Two years ago they lost their only child, their son Eddy. Stanley has not been able to write a book since then, which in turn caused financial issues. He has been overcome with anger and grief.

Lisa works out of the house and briefly considers an affair, but she remembers that there used to be something great between she and Stanley. The local baseball team, which Eddy played for, is having a garage sale to raise funds for new uniforms. Lisa decides that it is time to give back and donates some of Eddy's things. Lisa also inadvertently inherits an antique golden lamp. The lamp has "Just Believe" engraved on the side. This lamp has a special messenger that comes with it.

Charles Montgomery III is the messenger and he is sent to the Walters to bring hope back to their lives. He gives them three wishes but they must follow these rules;
1.) They cannot wish for something that they can do for themselves,
2.) They cannot wish to bring back the dead,
3.) They cannot interfere with another person's free will.

Charles ensures them that life can become happy again and he will return in 30 days. When he returns they are to have decided on their three wishes. Within days the couple begin to feel a renewed sense of hope, they are "believing" that things in their lives can change, even with tragedy in their past. Stanley begins writing, slowly but surely, and he becomes involved with the local baseball team again. Lisa begins to feel like she is gaining control of her life again.

As Stanley and Lisa progress on their journey they become closer to each other and closer to their neighbors. What will the wishes grant for these two? Will they ever feel like a real family again?

"The Lamp" is a quick and easy read. In the Foreword, the book discusses how so many young people start out life with high hopes and dreams and that most end up content with ordinary lives. It proceeds to state that this book could be the change that is needed if we are stuck in such a predicament.

This is a heartwarming story of a marriage that is in shambles and is able to find that spark of hope necessary to keep moving forward. "Just believe" becomes their motto, as in "all things are possible if you just believe". I like the message in the story although it is a bit predictable and the writing is simplified as if written for a younger audience.

[Mary Hladio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lamp by Jim Stovall is an inspiring and heartwarming tale that explores the power of dreams and the importance of perseverance. Stovall crafts a story that is both uplifting and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read for anyone in need of motivation and encouragement.

The novel follows the journey of Stanley Walters, who discovers a magical lamp that grants him three wishes. Rather than the typical fantastical approach, Stovall uses this premise to delve into deeper themes of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of one's true potential. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each facing their own challenges and transformations throughout the story.

Stovall's writing is straightforward yet evocative, effectively conveying the emotional highs and lows of the characters' experiences. The narrative is filled with insightful life lessons and practical wisdom, making it not only an entertaining read but also a source of inspiration for readers.

While the plot is somewhat predictable and leans heavily on familiar motivational themes, the overall message is powerful and impactful. The simplicity of the story allows the underlying lessons to shine through, resonating with readers on a personal level.

Overall, The Lamp is a touching and motivational novel that encourages readers to reflect on their own dreams and aspirations. Jim Stovall delivers a heartfelt story that is both engaging and meaningful, earning it a solid four stars.

[Zury · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a free book (at the time) this was a very well written novel with a storyline that made you feel connected to the plot as well as to the characters. It's obviously about a genie or rather a "Messenger" as he calls himself. If you were given 3 wishes and you had about a month or less to ponder it over, what would it be? That's the choice that was given to the main characters of this story. The couple in this story are going through an extremely tough time in their marriage. They lost their 7 year old son to a horrible accident and they can't seem to move past it. Especially the father. Because of this, they have grown apart and they feel like just giving up. However, with the magic of finding a lamp with an engraving on the bottom saying "Just Believe" this gave Lisa hope.

I didn't know what to expect from this book so this was a surprise with a very positive message. The author was able to take an extreme case of tragedy and quickly turn it around to something positive that I believe all of us can appreciate and take to heart in our own lives.

Granted the story is a bit predictable, especially the ending. But even as you read the ending, you can't help but smile at such joy. Great job Mr. Stovall. A very pleasant read that left me smiling after closing the book.

[Bob Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanley and Lisa are each grieving, in their own ways, the tragic death of their son, Eddy. Lisa buries herself in being a fitness trainer. Stanley, a writer (at one point it seems he's a writer of technical manuals; at another he seems to be a novelist), is lost — he can't write, he sleeps in Eddy's room, he doesn't talk to Lisa, he goes to the Little League field where he coached his son but can only criticize the coach and players, he is constantly annoyed by the foster children next door and accuses them of petty thievery — he's just checked out because he blames himself for Eddy's death. The foster mother, Miss Esther, has donated a lamp to a yard sale to raise money for new uniforms for the Little League team. Lisa takes the lamp home; Stanley tries, in vain, to discard and destroy the lamp. Miss Esther cays that the lamp "is a very special oil lamp...will bring its owner the wisdom of the ages…." This is supposedly a Christian Aladdin's lamp. But, if one takes it as Christian, then it's actually animism. The only way this is a good story is to treat it as purely legend, like the story of Aladdin's lamp. Pretty well written and the reactions of Lisa and Stanley to Eddy's death are realistic.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really would have liked to have given this a better rating. It has a wonderful positive message that many could benefit from and it flows pretty well. However, the story is completely predictable, the writing style is over simplified, and there is much too much repetition throughout for my taste. I like to be challenged as a reader and I like to imagine things in detail. So, for my taste it was just too easy of a read. I would recommend this for juvenile readers or younger. Also, the book was written by a blind man. Perhaps that's why it lacks sophisticated visual descriptions??

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and wish I could have given it a better rating. It was at first difficult to read as the couple is in distress regarding their loss of their 7 year old and I have an almost 7 year old and couldn't imagine life without him. Once I got into it though, I didn't want to put it down as I felt I had to know how it ended. It has a very positive message yet it's delivered in a predicable way. I could have guessed the ending before I was more than half way through and was almost hoping it wouldn't end like I thought, but it did.

[Cherie Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now...to watch the movie! Jim Stovall's The Lamp was a good read. At times I felt as if the book was written purposely for a middle school kid. It was very simple, to the point, and I felt it was missing a lot of details that would have been pertinent to the story line. The message of the story was great, and moving. I heard that Mr. Stovall movies are incredibly good and I am excited to watch the movie.

[Cheryl Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Stovall has accomplished writing a simple, somewhat predictable, uplifting story!

Stanley and Lisa are going through a tough time in their marriage after the tragic loss of their only child. With the help of a few strangers, they find how to live again. If you "just believe" is a running theme and brings them back to each other. The challenge of the three wishes makes them realize what they have and could have again.

I enjoyed this book! I would like to see the movie!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, there are things that happen in life that are out of our control. That is just the way life is. We many not be able to control what is going on around us, but we can control ourselves. We get to choose how we respond to what life throws at us. We get to choose to believe that anything is possible - even if it looks like things aren't going to happen the way we hoped they would. The question is, are you willing to believe? pg 182

[Sandy Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice screenplay, but not a novel

This was a quick read - nice, inspiring story. It's more like a screenplay than a novel. There's a lot of "telling" rather than "showing" - as a result, the characters are not very deep.

It reminds me of a made-for-TV-movie where everything gets perfectly resolved. That's nice, but it feels a little too simplistic. There's great potential here for good storytelling. It makes you think, which is why it was written.

[Mavelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a family experiences death in their immediate family they are torn apart by their grief and feelings of hopelessness. The Lamp enters into their lives and healing begins to take place. An interesting story of life and fantasy that makes them rethink their priorities and above all else, to think of others.

[Bethany Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love everything Jim Stovall

Once again Jim Stovall delivers a poignant, thought provoking, deeply layered yet simple story that will stay with you while you process on it for a long while. A Master at every day family, real issues and hope, all in an uplifting journey. Everyone should read The Lamp.

[Sharon Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Fairytale

The story was entertaining, but not really inspirational. The author wrote about real loss and pain and trials, but the resolution was shallow fiction. And everything worked out perfect and they all lived happily ever after. It was fun to read, but not believable.

[Dinakar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really makes you think... and unlike other so called self help books, it does not ask you to do this or that or follow their success steps.
It just says live your life the way it should be lived.

A good and must read.