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The Long Journey to Jake Palmer
What if there was a place where everything wrong in your life could be fixed?
Corporate trainer Jake Palmer coaches people to see deeper into themselves--yet he barely knows himself anymore. Recently divorced and weary of the business life, Jake reluctantly agrees to a lake-house vacation with friends, hoping to escape for ten days.
When he arrives, Jake hears the legend of Willow Lake--about a lost corridor that leads to a place where one's deepest longings will be fulfilled.
Jake scoffs at the idea, but can't shake a sliver of hope that the corridor is real. And when he meets a man who mutters cryptic speculations about the corridor, Jake is determined to find the path, find himself, and fix his crumbling life.
But "fixing things" is rarely that simple, and Jake's journey to healing will become more treacherous with each step he takes.
Includes discussion questions for book clubsChristy Award winner for Best Visionary Novel in 2017Standalone novel
Corporate trainer Jake Palmer coaches people to see deeper into themselves--yet he barely knows himself anymore. Recently divorced and weary of the business life, Jake reluctantly agrees to a lake-house vacation with friends, hoping to escape for ten days.
When he arrives, Jake hears the legend of Willow Lake--about a lost corridor that leads to a place where one's deepest longings will be fulfilled.
Jake scoffs at the idea, but can't shake a sliver of hope that the corridor is real. And when he meets a man who mutters cryptic speculations about the corridor, Jake is determined to find the path, find himself, and fix his crumbling life.
But "fixing things" is rarely that simple, and Jake's journey to healing will become more treacherous with each step he takes.
Includes discussion questions for book clubsChristy Award winner for Best Visionary Novel in 2017Standalone novel
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
50 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
James L. Rubart
43 books896 followersJames L. Rubart is a 28 year old trapped in an older man's body, who loves to water ski and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He's the bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, Carol, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award winning author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending stories of spiritual freedom. He's also an audio book narrator and co-owner of The Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
April 28, 2025
This is my seventh book by this author, and my least favorite. It’s a book about a man’s journey to inner healing that only comes from God. The message was solid and there were a few parts that were spiritually very powerful, but I had to listen to it a chapter at a time to push through it bc it just didn’t hold my interest, and I found the fantasy portions to out of the realm of anything that would interest me.
I am a fan of this author, but I did not care for this one.
I am a fan of this author, but I did not care for this one.
December 19, 2016
This is my second James L Rubart novel. As with the other novel (The Five Times I Met Myself), the message is phenomenal. I was very quickly pulled into this novel, very quickly. Somewhere along the way, the super natural got a bit too much for my reading enjoyment. I admit to not reading fantasy so other readers may very well thoroughly enjoy the super natural aspect to the novel. Jake Palmer's character growth and the overall message were both excellent. While I didn't enjoy this novel as much as The Five Times I Met Myself, it was a good novel and one I'd recommend. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
September 24, 2021
This is a 3.5 star book for me. James tries to help a girl in trouble and get burn in the process. Even when healed he cannot face what has happen to him. His wife leaves him, he cannot bike and climb mountains and he has a hard time going back into public speaking. So when he decides to go with his week trip with his friends he has only one condition, to go to a place where a new friend recommends him to go. There he hears of a cave he can go into and if he makes it in there he will be healed. So every morning he goes to look for it. When he finds it a man meets him in there but he has to face his fears to get what his heart desires. Can he? Will he get healed and who is this man who wants to helps him? This journey does dragged on some and I found myself not paying the attention that the book deserves. what I did like best is Jake slowly accepting who he is after the accident. To be told your life will change is hard to hear. I am facing this myself now and it takes time. Would I look for this cave, I probably would. His friends are his staple and would be there for him and maybe there is love interest as well? A good book for a chilly day for me which I did enjoy!
August 11, 2016
Just read it. That is all.
August 26, 2016
Jake Palmer is a life coach and corporate trainer who was involved in an horrific attack which left extensive burns to the lower half of his body. His wife has left him and his rehabilitation was long and arduous. Jake used to believe all the success principles he'd taught so many others, but since his traumatic injury, he found it all a bit cliched and struggled to go through the motions. While staying with friends at a secluded retreat, he hears local rumors of a secret corridor where the deepest longings of a seeker's heart will be fulfilled. Although he scoffs, he makes it his mission to look into it, just in case.
This isn't my favourite novel by James L Rubart. I felt there was sort of a contrived feeling in the holiday house, with many conversations between the couples introduced specifically instead of evolving naturally. Does anybody as consistently good-natured and goofy as Peter really exist? Most of all, I found it difficult to warm up to the main character. That may sound a bit harsh, considering all he'd been through. I didn't dislike Jake. It's just that over the long term, I grew depressed by his company and his headspace.
Jake is a mopey life coach, which seems to be a bit of a contradiction. He forever focuses on the negatives of his situation, while there are also many positives. He can still walk, row kayaks, ride dirt bikes, swim, water-ski, resume his job, and the upper half of his body is completely burn free, but he never once seems to express thankfulness for all that. I was hoping for somebody to remind him that the outcome of his attack could have been far worse. It never happens to the extent that I thought he deserved. When he isn't snapping at Peter to stop trying to set him up with women, he seems to be wallowing in self-pity that he's all alone. I wondered why so many women seemed interested to get to know him anyway, since he behaved so morose and rude to them.
I usually enjoy a good romantic thread, but reading all the ways in which Jake tries to fob off Ari, even though he's attracted to her, got a bit old. The story is written in such a way that it's easy to predict they'll get it together eventually. Seeing him keep up his insecure teenage boy act just detracts from the more interesting parts of the story.
I didn't think it started to rev up until about the sixty percent point, when Ryan, the supernatural guide, introduces himself. I did enjoy the way Jake's story becomes a parable, and he represents us all. His main issue turns out to be something we can surely almost all relate to, his response to guilt trips, and false and unnecessary grief about the ways he feels he's fallen short. Portals can be quite fascinating, and there are some intriguing thoughts about where fictional characters really exist, between the pages of books or in the individual imagination? So a tiny bit of Rubart's usual trademark magic did come through. It's just this book seemed to have to wade us through a fair bit more waffle to get there.
I guess every author is entitled to a few misses, and I've had several hits with Rubart's novels so far that I'll look forward to the next one. I liked the reference to Black Fedora coffee, which featured strongly in his last novel, The Five Times I met Myself.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for my review copy.
For more reviews, visit my blog, http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/
This isn't my favourite novel by James L Rubart. I felt there was sort of a contrived feeling in the holiday house, with many conversations between the couples introduced specifically instead of evolving naturally. Does anybody as consistently good-natured and goofy as Peter really exist? Most of all, I found it difficult to warm up to the main character. That may sound a bit harsh, considering all he'd been through. I didn't dislike Jake. It's just that over the long term, I grew depressed by his company and his headspace.
Jake is a mopey life coach, which seems to be a bit of a contradiction. He forever focuses on the negatives of his situation, while there are also many positives. He can still walk, row kayaks, ride dirt bikes, swim, water-ski, resume his job, and the upper half of his body is completely burn free, but he never once seems to express thankfulness for all that. I was hoping for somebody to remind him that the outcome of his attack could have been far worse. It never happens to the extent that I thought he deserved. When he isn't snapping at Peter to stop trying to set him up with women, he seems to be wallowing in self-pity that he's all alone. I wondered why so many women seemed interested to get to know him anyway, since he behaved so morose and rude to them.
I usually enjoy a good romantic thread, but reading all the ways in which Jake tries to fob off Ari, even though he's attracted to her, got a bit old. The story is written in such a way that it's easy to predict they'll get it together eventually. Seeing him keep up his insecure teenage boy act just detracts from the more interesting parts of the story.
I didn't think it started to rev up until about the sixty percent point, when Ryan, the supernatural guide, introduces himself. I did enjoy the way Jake's story becomes a parable, and he represents us all. His main issue turns out to be something we can surely almost all relate to, his response to guilt trips, and false and unnecessary grief about the ways he feels he's fallen short. Portals can be quite fascinating, and there are some intriguing thoughts about where fictional characters really exist, between the pages of books or in the individual imagination? So a tiny bit of Rubart's usual trademark magic did come through. It's just this book seemed to have to wade us through a fair bit more waffle to get there.
I guess every author is entitled to a few misses, and I've had several hits with Rubart's novels so far that I'll look forward to the next one. I liked the reference to Black Fedora coffee, which featured strongly in his last novel, The Five Times I met Myself.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for my review copy.
For more reviews, visit my blog, http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/
August 29, 2016
Jake Palmer is a management trainer who makes a living encouraging others to read what’s on their label rather than believing lies about themselves. But following a horrific incident, he finds himself on a journey to read his own label—to believe the truth about himself instead of the lies he’s been fed by the people he loved most, to the point he’s forgotten who he was.
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer is excellent. Excellent writing, excellent characters, excellent plot, and an excellent message about learning and believing the truth about ourselves, not the lie. It’s a novel of spiritual and emotional healing, subtly making the excellent point that the physical healing so many people search for is secondary to spiritual healing.
The metaphor (and I truly can’t believe I’m writing that in a book review!) of forgetting who we are is apt: I read an article yesterday which said most five-year-olds have creativity at near-genius levels. But we lose that as we get older until we become merely average. It’s the same message as Rubart shares with Jake Palmer’s story: we forget who we are, and we need to rediscover ourselves.
This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Recommended—although at over $10 for the ebook, you might want to treat yourself to the paperback.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer is excellent. Excellent writing, excellent characters, excellent plot, and an excellent message about learning and believing the truth about ourselves, not the lie. It’s a novel of spiritual and emotional healing, subtly making the excellent point that the physical healing so many people search for is secondary to spiritual healing.
The metaphor (and I truly can’t believe I’m writing that in a book review!) of forgetting who we are is apt: I read an article yesterday which said most five-year-olds have creativity at near-genius levels. But we lose that as we get older until we become merely average. It’s the same message as Rubart shares with Jake Palmer’s story: we forget who we are, and we need to rediscover ourselves.
This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Recommended—although at over $10 for the ebook, you might want to treat yourself to the paperback.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
July 15, 2021
This story dives into some pretty deep waters! It's hard to even write a review. There was much I liked about it and I found that the story gave me lots of philosophical points to ponder. The writing style is very good and the characters are interesting and well-developed. The plot moves along well and there's just enough mystery to keep you wondering "what's going to happen?". The author was the narrator of the audio version that I listened to and he did a great job (which, in my experience, is unusual for the author to also be a good narrator).
There's a lot of supernatural/fantasy stuff going on in this story. I personally like realistic fantasy, but when it also involves the Christian God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), then it makes me a bit uncomfortable, theologically speaking. But, all in all, it's still worth 4 stars to me.
Clean Readers: thankfully, there is no foul language or anything else that I found offensive in this novel.
There's a lot of supernatural/fantasy stuff going on in this story. I personally like realistic fantasy, but when it also involves the Christian God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), then it makes me a bit uncomfortable, theologically speaking. But, all in all, it's still worth 4 stars to me.
Clean Readers: thankfully, there is no foul language or anything else that I found offensive in this novel.
September 9, 2023
This is one of my favorite books, and this was my fourth time reading. It won't be the last. I love this story because I see more of myself in Jake Palmer than I do in any other protagonist of all the books I have ever read. Now, I know that most readers tend to connect with the protagonist as they are reading, or at least try to, and so there's nothing unique about that. It's rare to come across a story, however, that could easily be your own. That's what this book is for me.
Like Jake Palmer, I went through a divorce at a young age. I wasn't a burn victim as Jake was, at least not externally, but the analogy in the story is as painful as it is accurate. His strengths seem to be the same as mine. I can identify with his doubts and weaknesses as well. I share those struggles. When I read Jake's story, I know who the characters are. Growing up, I had better parents than Jake, but later on, I had a Sienna in my life. There was also an Ari. The sequence in meeting those two were different in my life than they were for Jake, but each left their marks on me, as they did on Jake. I wish I'd had a Susie and an Andrew at some point. I missed out on that during my own recovery, and I'd still welcome characters like that in my life today. I'm glad I didn't have a Camille, although that persona is prevalent to a lesser degree in many acquaintances in most everyone's life.
The takeaways from a book like this are priceless, even if someone reading this story doesn't identify with Jake as strongly as I have. Does Jake's story teach the value of perseverance? Absolutely. But it also teaches that the pursuit of peace and life satisfaction cannot be attained regardless of how relentless we are. Our resolve alone is inadequate, no matter how much of a Superman we or others may think us to be. We all have our burdens and our regrets, and they wear us down physically and emotionally over time, no matter how strong we think we are. We need the support of friends who are wise, spiritually grounded, and emotionally mature to lend the strength and encouragement necessary to overcome the obstacles of our lives.
We also have to remember our own God-given purpose. When personal tragedy occurs, it may derail us from that purpose for a season, even years, but it is through fulfilling work (not necessarily a job, although it was for Jake Palmer) that we rediscover life satisfaction. It is in serving and helping others that we find meaning. We each have a gift, something that we enjoy doing and that gives us a sense of accomplishment and zest and a desire to get up in the morning. It's that thing that makes life worth living. When Jake was able to finally return to his life's work with passion and purpose, he no longer allowed his tragedy to divert him from what he was born to do. That's when he had finally reached his destination. That was the Long Journey to Jake Palmer. We each have to take that same journey. It's the only way back. For Jake, it didn't erase or remove the scars of his past, and it won't for any of us either, but it also no longer held him back.
And there's something quite satisfying about that. It's called Freedom.
Like Jake Palmer, I went through a divorce at a young age. I wasn't a burn victim as Jake was, at least not externally, but the analogy in the story is as painful as it is accurate. His strengths seem to be the same as mine. I can identify with his doubts and weaknesses as well. I share those struggles. When I read Jake's story, I know who the characters are. Growing up, I had better parents than Jake, but later on, I had a Sienna in my life. There was also an Ari. The sequence in meeting those two were different in my life than they were for Jake, but each left their marks on me, as they did on Jake. I wish I'd had a Susie and an Andrew at some point. I missed out on that during my own recovery, and I'd still welcome characters like that in my life today. I'm glad I didn't have a Camille, although that persona is prevalent to a lesser degree in many acquaintances in most everyone's life.
The takeaways from a book like this are priceless, even if someone reading this story doesn't identify with Jake as strongly as I have. Does Jake's story teach the value of perseverance? Absolutely. But it also teaches that the pursuit of peace and life satisfaction cannot be attained regardless of how relentless we are. Our resolve alone is inadequate, no matter how much of a Superman we or others may think us to be. We all have our burdens and our regrets, and they wear us down physically and emotionally over time, no matter how strong we think we are. We need the support of friends who are wise, spiritually grounded, and emotionally mature to lend the strength and encouragement necessary to overcome the obstacles of our lives.
We also have to remember our own God-given purpose. When personal tragedy occurs, it may derail us from that purpose for a season, even years, but it is through fulfilling work (not necessarily a job, although it was for Jake Palmer) that we rediscover life satisfaction. It is in serving and helping others that we find meaning. We each have a gift, something that we enjoy doing and that gives us a sense of accomplishment and zest and a desire to get up in the morning. It's that thing that makes life worth living. When Jake was able to finally return to his life's work with passion and purpose, he no longer allowed his tragedy to divert him from what he was born to do. That's when he had finally reached his destination. That was the Long Journey to Jake Palmer. We each have to take that same journey. It's the only way back. For Jake, it didn't erase or remove the scars of his past, and it won't for any of us either, but it also no longer held him back.
And there's something quite satisfying about that. It's called Freedom.
December 19, 2016
This was definitely an interesting read. A motivational speaker who had spoken at hundreds of conventions, companies and events had his life totally changed all in one night. All because he tried to be a hero and help a woman who was being harassed by her pimp.
It was really sad what happened to him that night, but he let the scars overcome what he was. He had been a hiker, a mountain bike rider, a marathon runner, even an Ironman. He was not even close to any of those things anymore. As a matter of fact, his wife who he truly loved and thought she truly loved him, for what he was, left him. She couldn't bear the scars and his weaknesses any longer. That one sentence tells you what kind of woman she was, a witch with a capital "B". He felt no longer himself nor a man and was majorly embarrassed of his scars.
On an annual summer outing with his friends, in which this was their decade anniversary, he had decided he was not going. He had went the year before and felt like a fifth wheel, especially when he had to visibly show his scars. However, he met a man on a plane who talked him into changing the locale and told him that would make him feel better. Little did he know that new locale would give his life new meaning. Not exactly what he expected, but healing powers just the same.
I myself, thought the corridor part a little strange, but that's because I'm not a usual sci-fi reader nor a fantasy reader. However, I went on with the flow, it kept me interested. I didn't really understand some of it, until the final visit and then I got that knock you in the head "aha" feeling.
This was really a good read. I sometimes got a little tired of Jake's "woe is me" actions, but who's to know how I would be. To be able to do all of those things and then wham - It's a good day when I'm able to climb stairs. So apparently I needed a little more empathy while reading this book. Still, I kept reading, even thinking the corridor would do what he really wanted, not what he really needed. See, I was thinking fairy tale, duh!
Anyway, I did thoroughly enjoy the book for the most part and did end up loving it at the end. It was definitely entertaining and held my interest. I would most definitely recommend this to my friends.
Thanks to Thomas Zondervan for surprising me with this book in a huge box of books. I loved the opportunity to be able to read and review this book.
It was really sad what happened to him that night, but he let the scars overcome what he was. He had been a hiker, a mountain bike rider, a marathon runner, even an Ironman. He was not even close to any of those things anymore. As a matter of fact, his wife who he truly loved and thought she truly loved him, for what he was, left him. She couldn't bear the scars and his weaknesses any longer. That one sentence tells you what kind of woman she was, a witch with a capital "B". He felt no longer himself nor a man and was majorly embarrassed of his scars.
On an annual summer outing with his friends, in which this was their decade anniversary, he had decided he was not going. He had went the year before and felt like a fifth wheel, especially when he had to visibly show his scars. However, he met a man on a plane who talked him into changing the locale and told him that would make him feel better. Little did he know that new locale would give his life new meaning. Not exactly what he expected, but healing powers just the same.
I myself, thought the corridor part a little strange, but that's because I'm not a usual sci-fi reader nor a fantasy reader. However, I went on with the flow, it kept me interested. I didn't really understand some of it, until the final visit and then I got that knock you in the head "aha" feeling.
This was really a good read. I sometimes got a little tired of Jake's "woe is me" actions, but who's to know how I would be. To be able to do all of those things and then wham - It's a good day when I'm able to climb stairs. So apparently I needed a little more empathy while reading this book. Still, I kept reading, even thinking the corridor would do what he really wanted, not what he really needed. See, I was thinking fairy tale, duh!
Anyway, I did thoroughly enjoy the book for the most part and did end up loving it at the end. It was definitely entertaining and held my interest. I would most definitely recommend this to my friends.
Thanks to Thomas Zondervan for surprising me with this book in a huge box of books. I loved the opportunity to be able to read and review this book.
August 19, 2016
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer is indeed a journey to behold. Readers will be enticed from the first page to the last. I found myself lost within James L. Rubart's words. The character's journey is a realistic one that we all can relate to at one point in time. We have all felt like we have failed or lost something that we couldn't imagine going on without...yet life forces us to keep moving or to be stumbled upon...
James L. Rubart surprised me with his stunning novel. The tale instantly hooked me. His words were captivating. The struggles were believable. I could feels, sense, and understand the main character's emotions and thoughts. I felt like I was inside, his shoes. The main character, Jake Palmer, is a hero. He stands up for what's morally right even if the danger is high. He risked his life, to help others. Then, later on, he is still doing good things like motivating others. A positive speaker to helps others move forward and accept themselves in a more positive light. I loved that. I felt that the novel was also speaking out to me. It was easy to connect with Jake Palmer and the other lesser characters within the story. Very emotional and thought provoking. A deeper meaning. A purpose. Life was described as wild and rough as the sea during a storm but we can't move forward until we accept defeat sometimes. Maybe what we had wasn't meant to be. Yes, we all can still be hurt. But we got to make that jump if we planned to move. The writing was superb, well-written, well-developed characters. A plot that moved me forward to the last page. Overall, I loved reading it. I highly recommend The Long Journey to Jake Palmer to readers everywhere.
James L. Rubart surprised me with his stunning novel. The tale instantly hooked me. His words were captivating. The struggles were believable. I could feels, sense, and understand the main character's emotions and thoughts. I felt like I was inside, his shoes. The main character, Jake Palmer, is a hero. He stands up for what's morally right even if the danger is high. He risked his life, to help others. Then, later on, he is still doing good things like motivating others. A positive speaker to helps others move forward and accept themselves in a more positive light. I loved that. I felt that the novel was also speaking out to me. It was easy to connect with Jake Palmer and the other lesser characters within the story. Very emotional and thought provoking. A deeper meaning. A purpose. Life was described as wild and rough as the sea during a storm but we can't move forward until we accept defeat sometimes. Maybe what we had wasn't meant to be. Yes, we all can still be hurt. But we got to make that jump if we planned to move. The writing was superb, well-written, well-developed characters. A plot that moved me forward to the last page. Overall, I loved reading it. I highly recommend The Long Journey to Jake Palmer to readers everywhere.
September 4, 2016
Jake Palmer is a management trainer who helps people discover the labels they're hiding behind and the lies they've allowed themselves to believe. He involves himself in a situation late one night which has dire consequences for Jake's life. He's impacted physically, emotionally and relationally and retreats into a shell.
Eighteen months later he returns to work. In one of his first sessions, he's challenged by a particular man. Coincidentally, on the flight home he sits next to this same man, who we come to know as Leonard. Leonard shares a story of a mystical place on a lake and encourages Jake to rent a house nearby so he can explore it.
Fortunately, he has four supportive friends who after much coaxing get Jake to join them on their annual vacation. But Jake requests rather than going to their usual destination they try the place Leonard proposed. Jake begrudgingly attends and it's not long before he's on a kayak heading down river to find Leonard's mystical place.
It's in the quest and what happens afterward where the story really takes off.
This is Rubart at his excellent best. The writing, the depth of insight in his characters and his ability to weave the mystical, spiritual and natural together is simply outstanding. I loved this novel. You can't not read this novel and not be impacted by the themes of healing, discovery of identify, where we place our significance and the absolute desire our Creator has for us to know Him.
Best novel I've read in 2016 and very highly recommended.
Eighteen months later he returns to work. In one of his first sessions, he's challenged by a particular man. Coincidentally, on the flight home he sits next to this same man, who we come to know as Leonard. Leonard shares a story of a mystical place on a lake and encourages Jake to rent a house nearby so he can explore it.
Fortunately, he has four supportive friends who after much coaxing get Jake to join them on their annual vacation. But Jake requests rather than going to their usual destination they try the place Leonard proposed. Jake begrudgingly attends and it's not long before he's on a kayak heading down river to find Leonard's mystical place.
It's in the quest and what happens afterward where the story really takes off.
This is Rubart at his excellent best. The writing, the depth of insight in his characters and his ability to weave the mystical, spiritual and natural together is simply outstanding. I loved this novel. You can't not read this novel and not be impacted by the themes of healing, discovery of identify, where we place our significance and the absolute desire our Creator has for us to know Him.
Best novel I've read in 2016 and very highly recommended.
October 8, 2016
A brutal attack and a devastating divorce have left Jake struggling with his identity. When he hears the legend of a hidden place at Willow Lake where his life can be restored (or destroyed?), he can’t resist finding out if the legend is true in The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by author James L. Rubart.
Having read The Five Times I Met Myself by this author, I was expecting a story that would include an element of fantasy, and that’s what I got. (I wasn’t expecting a nod to Black Fedora, but I got that too, and it was fun!) Jake’s journey goes so far as to incorporate pieces of The Silver Chair from The Chronicles of Narnia, my favorite fantasy series. While this novel spends a good amount of time on Jake’s interaction with his friends on their lakeside vacation, I found myself wanting to get back to the legend of the lakeside corridor.
However, while I would’ve liked to feel that I was mainly learning along with Jake, it felt as if I spent most of the book waiting for him to catch up, to finally get past what seemed like the obvious surface of things. On the whole, I was a little surprised that the story didn’t surprise me much.
Still, the novel has an encouraging message of healing, along with its adventure into a realm where the possible and the impossible meet.
_________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Having read The Five Times I Met Myself by this author, I was expecting a story that would include an element of fantasy, and that’s what I got. (I wasn’t expecting a nod to Black Fedora, but I got that too, and it was fun!) Jake’s journey goes so far as to incorporate pieces of The Silver Chair from The Chronicles of Narnia, my favorite fantasy series. While this novel spends a good amount of time on Jake’s interaction with his friends on their lakeside vacation, I found myself wanting to get back to the legend of the lakeside corridor.
However, while I would’ve liked to feel that I was mainly learning along with Jake, it felt as if I spent most of the book waiting for him to catch up, to finally get past what seemed like the obvious surface of things. On the whole, I was a little surprised that the story didn’t surprise me much.
Still, the novel has an encouraging message of healing, along with its adventure into a realm where the possible and the impossible meet.
_________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
Poignant, funny, creative, redemptive, and brimming with hope and life... another excellent release from James Rubart. Check it out this August!
March 17, 2017
Excellent book! Rubart nailed it again with this novel. If I haven't said before, treat yourself to the audible version. Jim reads his own work. Who would know it better then he?
May 12, 2023
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L Rubart
Topic or themes I saw: Not feeling good enough. Faith over doubt. Hiding who you are, but desiring freedom to be seen and loved.
Story: I love Rubart’s novels. They are so unique in the sense that they aren’t fantasy, but they have this otherworldly element. This book paints such a beautiful picture of breaking free from the fears and bondage that holds onto us. There was one scene that was a physical adventure, but it portrayed a spiritual analogy so beautifully I read it a few times in a row.
Main takeaway: None of us are perfect. But we are perfectly loved by our Father and we are worth it all.
Some quotes I loved:
“…do not allow doubt to cloud your mind.”
“How tragic to live a life where you are loved for what you are instead of who you are.”
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
Topic or themes I saw: Not feeling good enough. Faith over doubt. Hiding who you are, but desiring freedom to be seen and loved.
Story: I love Rubart’s novels. They are so unique in the sense that they aren’t fantasy, but they have this otherworldly element. This book paints such a beautiful picture of breaking free from the fears and bondage that holds onto us. There was one scene that was a physical adventure, but it portrayed a spiritual analogy so beautifully I read it a few times in a row.
Main takeaway: None of us are perfect. But we are perfectly loved by our Father and we are worth it all.
Some quotes I loved:
“…do not allow doubt to cloud your mind.”
“How tragic to live a life where you are loved for what you are instead of who you are.”
How I rate books:
I largely rate books on how they make me feel which is incredibly subjective 🥰.
5⭐️–Absolutely adored and loved the book, a favorite.
4⭐️-Really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
3⭐️-Liked the book, it was engaging and interesting and I am glad I read it, but I wasn’t drawn in emotionally as much as others.
2⭐️- There was a strong theme that I did not agree with or overall the book just left me with a bad feeling.
October 11, 2020
This book was hard to put down. From real life, hard moments to moments with friends to mystical, other-worldly moments, this book is an easy, yet intense book to read. While it is published by a Christian publishing house, and I saw some Christian elements, this is more of a Find-who-you-truly-are book then one that focuses on Who Jesus is. I was a bit disappointed in that, but the story itself was still good.
June 5, 2021
This book is a good read for those seeking inspiration and those with a willingness to tap into self identity issues.
October 5, 2016
About the author: James L. Rubart
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. (Copied from thomasnelson.com)
http://www.jameslrubart.com
https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart...
http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-long-...
Great quotes: “I don’t think we’re really ourselves until who we are on the inside is the same as who we are on the outside.”
“We all wear masks and desperately hope no one will peek underneath. And yet there’s a big part of us that wants to take off the mask. That would be freedom.”
“How tragic to live a life where you are loved for what you are instead of who you are. You were given freedom form that curse-if you choose to live in it.”
About the book:
Before the accident Jake Palmer was a highly intelligent, athletic, high energy motivational speaker. But that was before the accident. Jake remains intelligent, but he is not adapting very well to his new circumstances. One evening he decided to play the hero for a young lady. Unfortunately the men who were harassing the young lady assaulted Jake. They set him on fire; he was badly burned. He lost his wife, his success, and all the self worth that he had before the accident. After taking a year off for recovery Jake returned to his former career as a motivational speaker. But he knew all along that he was a fraud. He was trying to encourage others, meanwhile he really didn’t know himself.
On the return flight Jake met a mysterious old man name Leonard. Overhearing Jakes phone conversation Leonard begin to pry into Jakes life. Turns out, Leonard was in the audience listening to Jake’s speech and he was able to see right through the facade. It had become an annual tradition for Jake and some friends to spend ten days at a cabin in the woods on the lake. But that was before the divorce. Leonard knows of a great place and so he recommends Willow Lake.
Willow Lake has a legendary corridor. The legend, “theres this hidden corridor at the end of the lake that can’t be found. But if you ever do find it, on the other side, on the other side of it there’s this place where you’ll get the thing you want most in the world, get everything fixed that’s screwed up in your life, you know?” The legend intrigues Jake and he believes that the corridor may be the answer to his problems. With great resolve Jake searches for the corridor. However, he doesn’t want his friends to know what he is doing so he conceals what he knows about the corridor. A week spent with friends and Jake’s experience of looking for and finding the corridor was exactly what he needed. What Jake needed and wanted was much different than what he anticipated. Within the story there is a good lesson for all of us, but you will have to read the book for yourself to discover the lesson.
In exchange for an honest review I have received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers. I have written an honest review.
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. (Copied from thomasnelson.com)
http://www.jameslrubart.com
https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart...
http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-long-...
Great quotes: “I don’t think we’re really ourselves until who we are on the inside is the same as who we are on the outside.”
“We all wear masks and desperately hope no one will peek underneath. And yet there’s a big part of us that wants to take off the mask. That would be freedom.”
“How tragic to live a life where you are loved for what you are instead of who you are. You were given freedom form that curse-if you choose to live in it.”
About the book:
Before the accident Jake Palmer was a highly intelligent, athletic, high energy motivational speaker. But that was before the accident. Jake remains intelligent, but he is not adapting very well to his new circumstances. One evening he decided to play the hero for a young lady. Unfortunately the men who were harassing the young lady assaulted Jake. They set him on fire; he was badly burned. He lost his wife, his success, and all the self worth that he had before the accident. After taking a year off for recovery Jake returned to his former career as a motivational speaker. But he knew all along that he was a fraud. He was trying to encourage others, meanwhile he really didn’t know himself.
On the return flight Jake met a mysterious old man name Leonard. Overhearing Jakes phone conversation Leonard begin to pry into Jakes life. Turns out, Leonard was in the audience listening to Jake’s speech and he was able to see right through the facade. It had become an annual tradition for Jake and some friends to spend ten days at a cabin in the woods on the lake. But that was before the divorce. Leonard knows of a great place and so he recommends Willow Lake.
Willow Lake has a legendary corridor. The legend, “theres this hidden corridor at the end of the lake that can’t be found. But if you ever do find it, on the other side, on the other side of it there’s this place where you’ll get the thing you want most in the world, get everything fixed that’s screwed up in your life, you know?” The legend intrigues Jake and he believes that the corridor may be the answer to his problems. With great resolve Jake searches for the corridor. However, he doesn’t want his friends to know what he is doing so he conceals what he knows about the corridor. A week spent with friends and Jake’s experience of looking for and finding the corridor was exactly what he needed. What Jake needed and wanted was much different than what he anticipated. Within the story there is a good lesson for all of us, but you will have to read the book for yourself to discover the lesson.
In exchange for an honest review I have received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers. I have written an honest review.
November 25, 2017
The long journey to (insert your name here)...
So good! A much needed journey. I will be listening to the closing chapters again as I sort through behaviours and thought patterns that are sucking a ton of joy out of life. Thank you!
(happy Audible customer)
So good! A much needed journey. I will be listening to the closing chapters again as I sort through behaviours and thought patterns that are sucking a ton of joy out of life. Thank you!
(happy Audible customer)
September 8, 2016
I love how James Rubart stretches the imagination and takes his readers to the edge. This story does that in a masterful way.
Jake Palmer is a motivational speaker and recently divorced. I quickly felt for Jake and his plight. As the story developed and the author reveals more about Jake and his past my compassion and ability to relate to him grew.
The story is very good. (Though, I think I enjoyed The Five Times I Met Myself better.) Rubart takes us into the unseen realm and teaches the reader some important truths.
Rubart enjoys giving readers stories that are, for a lack of a better word “supernatural.” But his stories always have a deep spiritual meaning. It took me awhile to truly understand what the message of this story is. When it hit me it was a “wow” moment. As I understood the message of this story I saw how it applied to me.
I also enjoy who the author pulls tidbits from his other books into his current story.
Rubart fans will not be disappointed with this book. If you have never read James Rubart this is a great one to start with.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Jake Palmer is a motivational speaker and recently divorced. I quickly felt for Jake and his plight. As the story developed and the author reveals more about Jake and his past my compassion and ability to relate to him grew.
The story is very good. (Though, I think I enjoyed The Five Times I Met Myself better.) Rubart takes us into the unseen realm and teaches the reader some important truths.
Rubart enjoys giving readers stories that are, for a lack of a better word “supernatural.” But his stories always have a deep spiritual meaning. It took me awhile to truly understand what the message of this story is. When it hit me it was a “wow” moment. As I understood the message of this story I saw how it applied to me.
I also enjoy who the author pulls tidbits from his other books into his current story.
Rubart fans will not be disappointed with this book. If you have never read James Rubart this is a great one to start with.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 21, 2016
Rubart has done it again with another uniquely written, stellar novel. The author comes up with the most original, thought-provoking concepts that readers can take lessons from to apply to their own lives. On the surface, the story is engaging. Jake is a fascinating character with many layers and hidden pain. Yet delve deeper and there is a gold mine full of spiritual and personal treasures to uncover. Who wouldn't want to find a mysterious corridor that grants your deepest desires?
Jake Palmer is a corporate trainer who encourages others to see themselves through the eyes of those around them. When a tragic incident shakes his self-worth to its very core, Jake must come to terms with what he has lost. A chance meeting with a man on an airplane leads Jake and his friends to rent a cabin on a lake. Once there, they hear about a hidden corridor that can grant a person's greatest wish. Jake sets out to see if it really exists, and what he finds will challenge everything he thinks about himself and others around him
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Jake Palmer is a corporate trainer who encourages others to see themselves through the eyes of those around them. When a tragic incident shakes his self-worth to its very core, Jake must come to terms with what he has lost. A chance meeting with a man on an airplane leads Jake and his friends to rent a cabin on a lake. Once there, they hear about a hidden corridor that can grant a person's greatest wish. Jake sets out to see if it really exists, and what he finds will challenge everything he thinks about himself and others around him
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
September 4, 2016
I have read all of James Rubart's books and this one was as satisfying as any of the others. He has a way of weaving a story that leaves you wanting more. Jake Palmer's character shows his weak broken side in the beginning and builds on his journey to learning who he really is. The story was engaging, tremendously uplifting and hopeful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who either has forgotten their way or is trying to find their way in accepting who they are.
Rubart points out that we are all flawed and carry baggage from our lives, and internalize it until it only leaves a glimmer of who we are, or what we could become. Through life we buy into the lies that stifle us, but there is a way of redemption and freedom. This book reminds us all of that fact.
Rubart points out that we are all flawed and carry baggage from our lives, and internalize it until it only leaves a glimmer of who we are, or what we could become. Through life we buy into the lies that stifle us, but there is a way of redemption and freedom. This book reminds us all of that fact.
September 1, 2016
Mesmerized from the first page, I hated to put this book down. James L. Rubart has written another gripping story. I read his book, Rooms a few years ago so I figured this would be great. I was not disappointed. Jake Palmer is on his way home and stops at a gas station. His life would never be the same. The rest of the book will take you on an emotional ride and won't stop until the last page. My faith was strengthened by this novel and the realization of how God loves me so unconditionally struck home loud and clear!
I highly recommend The Long Journey to Jake Palmer! It will move you in your heart and soul!
I received a copy from Net Galley for my honest opinion which I have given in this review.
I highly recommend The Long Journey to Jake Palmer! It will move you in your heart and soul!
I received a copy from Net Galley for my honest opinion which I have given in this review.
December 4, 2016
Loved, loved, loved this book. James Rubart tells a story that has hidden pearls of truth. Jake Palmer is such a book. Couldn't put it down as truth resonated throughout. If we will listen, God speaks through any and everything around us. We all hide under labels that have been placed on us since birth. Most not having a word of truth to them. As you follow Jake Palmer through the corridor, you will see yourself and the lies you have let be pasted on your person. We will never please other humans. Never be enough for them. We were created as enough for God. Created pleasing to Him. Find Him and you will discover who He is in you. Thanks to Mr. Rubart for being a faithful servant and sharing truth with all who will hear. Thanks to my nephew for sharing this book with me.
May 15, 2017
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer caused me to lose sleep! Very well written, insightful, caused me to think deeply and taught me something. Highly recommended!
September 3, 2016
Amazing story! Review to follow!
November 3, 2019
I was prepared to give this book three stars until I got to the end. I've come to a point in my life where there are some lines that I can't cross, and this book crossed one.
Let's start with my initial review: the book was just too cheesy for me. EVERYONE was a philosohper -- it didn't matter how minor the character, they all had deep, poetic observations about life. Except, of course, the main character. He's clueless.
Then there are his "friends." I struggled to understand why they were friends. And I struggled to understand how Jake managed to befriend so many people who could all know what's best for him, and they could all do it by looking at him. Everyone could look at his face/in his eyes and know exactly what he needed.
For this, I was willing to give the book three stars and chalk it up to "this just isn't my kind of book." What I can't overlook, however, is the misleading understanding of who we are in Christ.
My interpretation of the book is this: we're all okay. We're good enough because of who we are, who God created us to be.
Except the Bible doesn't say that.
If we were good enough, we wouldn't have needed Jesus. We aren't good enough, brave enough, or strong enough, but God in us is. This book seems to say that you need to accept yourself. God says to accept him. THEN we are to be transformed into his likeness. We're not to stay where we are/who we are because we aren't enough.
If this was a general market book, I'd chalk it up to worldly beliefs/understandings, but this book suggests that God just wants us to accept ourselves. That's a misleading statement and one that doesn't fit with scripture. For that reason, I can't actually recommend this book to anyone.
Let's start with my initial review: the book was just too cheesy for me. EVERYONE was a philosohper -- it didn't matter how minor the character, they all had deep, poetic observations about life. Except, of course, the main character. He's clueless.
Then there are his "friends." I struggled to understand why they were friends. And I struggled to understand how Jake managed to befriend so many people who could all know what's best for him, and they could all do it by looking at him. Everyone could look at his face/in his eyes and know exactly what he needed.
For this, I was willing to give the book three stars and chalk it up to "this just isn't my kind of book." What I can't overlook, however, is the misleading understanding of who we are in Christ.
My interpretation of the book is this: we're all okay. We're good enough because of who we are, who God created us to be.
Except the Bible doesn't say that.
If we were good enough, we wouldn't have needed Jesus. We aren't good enough, brave enough, or strong enough, but God in us is. This book seems to say that you need to accept yourself. God says to accept him. THEN we are to be transformed into his likeness. We're not to stay where we are/who we are because we aren't enough.
If this was a general market book, I'd chalk it up to worldly beliefs/understandings, but this book suggests that God just wants us to accept ourselves. That's a misleading statement and one that doesn't fit with scripture. For that reason, I can't actually recommend this book to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2020
Motivational speaker Jake used to be a manly guy, a handsome guy in a perfect physical shape. Then he got badly burned - and all that has changed. Divorced, he still tries to go on, still genuinely wanting to help people to see the light in themselves - but he is not able to see the light in him and he got lost hope.
Then, a kind stranger offer an advice during their plane talk - to change the place of Jack and his friends' annual summer retreat to a different lake. OK, what could go wrong. But maybe something might go right, as there is a legend about the Willow Lake, that there is a corridor to a place where one’s deepest longings can be fulfilled. Jack tries to find it for fun, but then a sparkle of hope starts to burn in his chest, as there is nothing more important in his mind that a healing, a return to who he used to be.
But maybe the journey to the real Jake Palmer is a lot longer than that.
Wonderful, deep read! One might not see its depth at the first look because the writing is very "male" (read "simple" - and I mean it in the best way!), but this is genuinely a gem. The author smartly mixes adventure, a bit of fantasy, a bit of this summer feeling of holidaying with your friends and great slices of life into a well-cooked, fulfilling dish of healing the soul. And healing of soul is what we, people of the modern age, need the most. We are mostly safe, sound and have the means to life - but our souls (and bodies) might be screaming for help in our loneliness, grief, guilt, shame...you name it. And this is a book about healing from the hidden scars, twisted patterns and untrue look at ourselves. And then we can offer the people our authenticity.
This is the best book of Mr Rubart to date - and he have got a new fan here.
Then, a kind stranger offer an advice during their plane talk - to change the place of Jack and his friends' annual summer retreat to a different lake. OK, what could go wrong. But maybe something might go right, as there is a legend about the Willow Lake, that there is a corridor to a place where one’s deepest longings can be fulfilled. Jack tries to find it for fun, but then a sparkle of hope starts to burn in his chest, as there is nothing more important in his mind that a healing, a return to who he used to be.
But maybe the journey to the real Jake Palmer is a lot longer than that.
Wonderful, deep read! One might not see its depth at the first look because the writing is very "male" (read "simple" - and I mean it in the best way!), but this is genuinely a gem. The author smartly mixes adventure, a bit of fantasy, a bit of this summer feeling of holidaying with your friends and great slices of life into a well-cooked, fulfilling dish of healing the soul. And healing of soul is what we, people of the modern age, need the most. We are mostly safe, sound and have the means to life - but our souls (and bodies) might be screaming for help in our loneliness, grief, guilt, shame...you name it. And this is a book about healing from the hidden scars, twisted patterns and untrue look at ourselves. And then we can offer the people our authenticity.
This is the best book of Mr Rubart to date - and he have got a new fan here.
July 13, 2020
I enjoy this author's books so was looking forward to listening to The Long Journey. I was not disappointed. With a blend of the speculative and reality, James L. Rubart brings to readers another thought-provoking and compelling story. A soul-searching story of a transformative journey. A magical journey to an unexpected healing. A journey to understanding God’s work in one’s life. Following a devastating injury and an ensuing divorce, Jake doesn't even realize how he isn't really on board with the principles he teaches in his life-coach classes. While reluctantly attending an annual trip with long-time friends, he hears of a secret corridor that could bring healing. There begins his journey. Will his hopes become reality or is this just another futile blow to his life? The author does a great job of portraying timeless emotions and struggles and threading them with spiritual truths to bring a tension-filled story, one with several twists to the plot keeping the reader wondering how things are going to turn out for Jake. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. The author narrated his own book and did a good job, making for an enjoyable listening experience.
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