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Rooms
What would you find if you walked into the rooms of your soul? One man is about to find out.
James L. Rubart is the bestselling, four-time Christy Award-winning author of nine novels, and has won numerous other accolades for his unique, mind-bending stories.
About ROOMS:
It was just a letter. Cryptic, yes absolutely. But Seattle software tycoon Micah Taylor can’t get it out of his mind—the claim that a home was built for him by a great uncle he never knew, on the Oregon coast. In Cannon Beach. The one place he loves. The one place he never wants to see again.
Micah heads to Cannon Beach to sell the house and keep his past buried, but the nine thousand square-foot home instantly feels like it’s part of him.
Then he meets Sarah Sabin at the local ice cream shop ... maybe Cannon Beach can be the perfect weekend getaway.
But strange things start happening in the house. Things Micah can’t explain. Things he can barely believe. All the locals will say is the house is “spiritual.” Unsettling since Micah’s faith slipped away like the tide years ago.
And then he discovers the shocking truth: the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul.
James L. Rubart is the bestselling, four-time Christy Award-winning author of nine novels, and has won numerous other accolades for his unique, mind-bending stories.
About ROOMS:
It was just a letter. Cryptic, yes absolutely. But Seattle software tycoon Micah Taylor can’t get it out of his mind—the claim that a home was built for him by a great uncle he never knew, on the Oregon coast. In Cannon Beach. The one place he loves. The one place he never wants to see again.
Micah heads to Cannon Beach to sell the house and keep his past buried, but the nine thousand square-foot home instantly feels like it’s part of him.
Then he meets Sarah Sabin at the local ice cream shop ... maybe Cannon Beach can be the perfect weekend getaway.
But strange things start happening in the house. Things Micah can’t explain. Things he can barely believe. All the locals will say is the house is “spiritual.” Unsettling since Micah’s faith slipped away like the tide years ago.
And then he discovers the shocking truth: the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
1101 people are currently reading
3625 people want to read
About the author
James L. Rubart
44 books897 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 802 reviews
December 16, 2015
Holy crap! No, that's not a two word review, but it could be. This book was not at all what I was expecting. As a "non-religious" person, I found this book to be a little too over the top with the holy-roller stuff. If you're a confirmed believer in all things God/Savior/Sin, you will probably love it. If you are turned off by televangelists or Jehovah's Witnesses, you will probably hate it. I had the distinct feeling that if the author met me, he would tell me I was going to burn in hell.
The Christian angle notwithstanding, I didn't find the characters to be particularly believable. A good novel tends to ease into the supernatural aspects of the story. I thought the book jumped into it quickly, before I really had time to get the whole "suspension of disbelief" thing going. I also didn't think there was much in the way of meaningful suspense, and what little suspense there was seemed to be resolved in a pretty heavy-handed, expedient manner. Not being all that familiar with christian-based fiction, maybe that's just the way these sorts of novels are. Certainly not a complete waste of time, but I did find myself rolling my eyes on occasion because of some of the inane actions of and conclusions drawn by the characters. I guess I couldn't relate.
The Christian angle notwithstanding, I didn't find the characters to be particularly believable. A good novel tends to ease into the supernatural aspects of the story. I thought the book jumped into it quickly, before I really had time to get the whole "suspension of disbelief" thing going. I also didn't think there was much in the way of meaningful suspense, and what little suspense there was seemed to be resolved in a pretty heavy-handed, expedient manner. Not being all that familiar with christian-based fiction, maybe that's just the way these sorts of novels are. Certainly not a complete waste of time, but I did find myself rolling my eyes on occasion because of some of the inane actions of and conclusions drawn by the characters. I guess I couldn't relate.
August 12, 2015
As I was reading Rooms, I thought about the rooms in my heart for Jesus Christ. Am I allowing Him first place in every area of my heart? That question has stayed with me throughout the reading of this book. It was truly a soul searching and thought-provoking experience. I highly recommend it to all readers. Please make room in your heart for Jesus Christ.
October 15, 2019
Let me also start off by stating very clearly that this novel is Christian Fiction. Very strongly so. That is fine with me but I know some do not enjoy reading it and the plot synopsis does not exactly share that crucial tidbit.
So there is my first urging to all readers-if this novel's Christian basing does not match your beliefs, there is a good chance you will not enjoy this book. Even for me, as a Christian, I can see this book as being potentially intimidating and how the path to God is shown here would have bothered me deeply, even if it is taken to an extreme. When I first grabbed the book, I did not know if was a religious novel so the original summary does not express that at all and I feel that it should. I have since read a few variations that have improved upon this, luckily for future readers.
The story itself was enjoyable for me. Micah starts of as a wealthy, worldly man who gets a strange inheritance in the form of an amazing and very special house. I want to quickly interject here that upon his first tour of the house I would LOVE to live there myself! Some of the rooms he discovers are fantastic, others a bit more disturbing, but each is very unique. Although I also wanted MORE from it.
Micah's journey and transformation was quite interesting. What an experience! I cannot say too much on this without giving anything away though. And at the same time I would not want to live the dual lives he finds himself in.
The messages in this book are great but a bit over the top in how they are expressed, even for a novel. While it's form is spot on, the presentation needed a lot of polishing as did the writing. These things cost a the book for me. it was predictable. Parts were too outlandish to match the rest of the book and characters seemed like they needed a lot of polishing up in my opinion. It does drift a bit. I wanted more from this. The second time reading it I almost didn't enjoy it much at all. Could be that all the mystery was gone. So not a worthy re-read. A once through is enough. The narrator via audiobook did didn't help. Flat and monotone.
Still I enjoyed reading it. A fun read for Christians, but if your faith differs or is shaky this may not be the book for you as the messages and the manner in which they are laid out are a bit "preachy."
So there is my first urging to all readers-if this novel's Christian basing does not match your beliefs, there is a good chance you will not enjoy this book. Even for me, as a Christian, I can see this book as being potentially intimidating and how the path to God is shown here would have bothered me deeply, even if it is taken to an extreme. When I first grabbed the book, I did not know if was a religious novel so the original summary does not express that at all and I feel that it should. I have since read a few variations that have improved upon this, luckily for future readers.
The story itself was enjoyable for me. Micah starts of as a wealthy, worldly man who gets a strange inheritance in the form of an amazing and very special house. I want to quickly interject here that upon his first tour of the house I would LOVE to live there myself! Some of the rooms he discovers are fantastic, others a bit more disturbing, but each is very unique. Although I also wanted MORE from it.
Micah's journey and transformation was quite interesting. What an experience! I cannot say too much on this without giving anything away though. And at the same time I would not want to live the dual lives he finds himself in.
The messages in this book are great but a bit over the top in how they are expressed, even for a novel. While it's form is spot on, the presentation needed a lot of polishing as did the writing. These things cost a the book for me. it was predictable. Parts were too outlandish to match the rest of the book and characters seemed like they needed a lot of polishing up in my opinion. It does drift a bit. I wanted more from this. The second time reading it I almost didn't enjoy it much at all. Could be that all the mystery was gone. So not a worthy re-read. A once through is enough. The narrator via audiobook did didn't help. Flat and monotone.
Still I enjoyed reading it. A fun read for Christians, but if your faith differs or is shaky this may not be the book for you as the messages and the manner in which they are laid out are a bit "preachy."
May 25, 2024
A Quickie Review
An imaginative allegory, Rooms was a great read that I finished in one sitting. Those who aren't fans of fantasy may not like it, but for a geek like me, it was an insane read. The writing was great, as was the story. It's not as scary as it would seem, but it does have its weird moments.
Score: 4.5/5
An imaginative allegory, Rooms was a great read that I finished in one sitting. Those who aren't fans of fantasy may not like it, but for a geek like me, it was an insane read. The writing was great, as was the story. It's not as scary as it would seem, but it does have its weird moments.
Score: 4.5/5
August 28, 2011
Wow, not sure what I want to say about this book that I just finished up? I guess I will start with my first anticipation....
Rooms was toted as being similar to "The Shack". I loved "The Shack"! In fact I think during the time that book was in my hands all I wanted to do was read it and nothing else. It was fantastical (fantastic, fantasy, mystical - all rolled into one word). When I happened across Rooms at the bookstore, it was the cover that first drew me in. Yes, I am one of those people who judge books by their cover! :) The cover appears that the story will be foreboding, possibly filled with turbulence. After reading the backcover and reading over the "Praise for Rooms" contained in the first couple of pages, I was anxious to open the book up and dive in.
The story line was intriguing, it captured me fairly quickly. However, somewhere midway in this book the overwhelming preachiness and really hard to believe types of things going on in the story started irking me a bit. By the time I was finishing the last 100 or so pages, I just wanted to finish reading the book and be done.
There are aspects about Rooms that I really enjoyed, but it is so overwrought in what I think of when I think of crazy tele-evangelists that it lost a whole lot of glamour the longer the story went on. This is just one for you to decide for on your own if you want to pick it up. I'd advise to read online reviews prior though. You will find 5-star raving reviews and 1-star critiques, whichever your heart leans more towards will decide if you want to read Rooms. I'd say both the 5-star and 1-star type reviews are accurate, it's just a preference to what extent and lengths you want to have Christianity in your fictional literature. For me this was too much.
Rooms was toted as being similar to "The Shack". I loved "The Shack"! In fact I think during the time that book was in my hands all I wanted to do was read it and nothing else. It was fantastical (fantastic, fantasy, mystical - all rolled into one word). When I happened across Rooms at the bookstore, it was the cover that first drew me in. Yes, I am one of those people who judge books by their cover! :) The cover appears that the story will be foreboding, possibly filled with turbulence. After reading the backcover and reading over the "Praise for Rooms" contained in the first couple of pages, I was anxious to open the book up and dive in.
The story line was intriguing, it captured me fairly quickly. However, somewhere midway in this book the overwhelming preachiness and really hard to believe types of things going on in the story started irking me a bit. By the time I was finishing the last 100 or so pages, I just wanted to finish reading the book and be done.
There are aspects about Rooms that I really enjoyed, but it is so overwrought in what I think of when I think of crazy tele-evangelists that it lost a whole lot of glamour the longer the story went on. This is just one for you to decide for on your own if you want to pick it up. I'd advise to read online reviews prior though. You will find 5-star raving reviews and 1-star critiques, whichever your heart leans more towards will decide if you want to read Rooms. I'd say both the 5-star and 1-star type reviews are accurate, it's just a preference to what extent and lengths you want to have Christianity in your fictional literature. For me this was too much.
May 12, 2014
What can I say here? I really, really wanted to like this book. A friend of mine here "kids" me because I so often open a review with, "I'm a Christian". I do that so anyone who reads my review will understand the point of view with which I approach the book in question.
This is....make no mistake...a Christian fiction. It sets out to tell a slightly allegorical tale (not precisely allegorical but that's getting semantic) of a man's journey back to Christ.
Now, that isn't a spoiler and I include it because if you read the synopsis it's written so that you might think this is sort of a paranormal mystery. I read several "bad" reviews where people rated the book low simply because they were mislead and didn't find the type of story they went into the book expecting.
So, a Christian story told taking place in a supernatural house with its mysterious "rooms" that appear and disappear unpredictably.
So far so good. I find no "real problem" with the lessons the book attempts to teach (though there will be differences in theology within most Christian books. There is a core of teachings most Christians "that's most Christians" can agree on and then there are more peripheral teachings where we often disagree). No my problem isn't with what the book says.
It's with how it says it...the book itself. I'm sorry and I don't want to discourage other readers too much as tastes differ, but I just thought the book wasn't all that well written. I found myself constantly laboring to stay with it. It was so often "yawn worthy". I finally resorted to the old standby of skimming forward.
Look, I'll not write the author off, but I really didn't get into this book. I wasn't enthralled with the people nor the lives they'd lived. They were a little cookie cutter and not that well presented.
Now that's my take. maybe others will like the book better, but I just couldn't get into it.
Sorry.
This is....make no mistake...a Christian fiction. It sets out to tell a slightly allegorical tale (not precisely allegorical but that's getting semantic) of a man's journey back to Christ.
Now, that isn't a spoiler and I include it because if you read the synopsis it's written so that you might think this is sort of a paranormal mystery. I read several "bad" reviews where people rated the book low simply because they were mislead and didn't find the type of story they went into the book expecting.
So, a Christian story told taking place in a supernatural house with its mysterious "rooms" that appear and disappear unpredictably.
So far so good. I find no "real problem" with the lessons the book attempts to teach (though there will be differences in theology within most Christian books. There is a core of teachings most Christians "that's most Christians" can agree on and then there are more peripheral teachings where we often disagree). No my problem isn't with what the book says.
It's with how it says it...the book itself. I'm sorry and I don't want to discourage other readers too much as tastes differ, but I just thought the book wasn't all that well written. I found myself constantly laboring to stay with it. It was so often "yawn worthy". I finally resorted to the old standby of skimming forward.
Look, I'll not write the author off, but I really didn't get into this book. I wasn't enthralled with the people nor the lives they'd lived. They were a little cookie cutter and not that well presented.
Now that's my take. maybe others will like the book better, but I just couldn't get into it.
Sorry.
July 19, 2013
It seems the blurb and cover of this book led some reviewers to think this would be a haunted house story. It's actually something like a Christian version of "Sliding Doors" which intrigued me from the start.
Micah Taylor is a young business tycoon in the computer software industry. One day, he receives a letter from a great-uncle who's been dead for twelve years, informing him that a new coastal home has just been completed for him to inherit.
The house turns out to have creepy goings-on behind the doors of various rooms, and weird things filter in to every aspect of Micah's life. People he was with on certain occasions are sure their meetings never happened, while apparent strangers seem to think he should remember them well. And what about his car clocking up thousands of kilometres unexpectedly?
Micah is pulled between two worlds and thinks he can pick and choose the best of both. On one side is his company, fellow-founder and recent girlfriend, Julie, fame, money, international trips, influence. On the other, is his new reflective life at the coast, with the friendship of Rick, the enigmatic mechanic, and the lovely Sarah who works at the local ice-cream parlour. Micah discovers that his two lives are mutually exclusive in a riveting battle for his soul.
Although it's not difficult for the discerning reader to figure out which influence Micah should flee from, the predictability is not the point of the story. What earned it five stars from me is that the evil influence came across sounding so chillingly reasonable and even godly. I'm sure I won't be the only one who realises that I've been duped by similar voices at various times in my life.
And who hasn't sometimes wondered what our life might have looked like had we chosen another path that seemed an attractive option at the time? As I can't do it myself, I enjoy getting drawn into stories such as Micah's.
Micah Taylor is a young business tycoon in the computer software industry. One day, he receives a letter from a great-uncle who's been dead for twelve years, informing him that a new coastal home has just been completed for him to inherit.
The house turns out to have creepy goings-on behind the doors of various rooms, and weird things filter in to every aspect of Micah's life. People he was with on certain occasions are sure their meetings never happened, while apparent strangers seem to think he should remember them well. And what about his car clocking up thousands of kilometres unexpectedly?
Micah is pulled between two worlds and thinks he can pick and choose the best of both. On one side is his company, fellow-founder and recent girlfriend, Julie, fame, money, international trips, influence. On the other, is his new reflective life at the coast, with the friendship of Rick, the enigmatic mechanic, and the lovely Sarah who works at the local ice-cream parlour. Micah discovers that his two lives are mutually exclusive in a riveting battle for his soul.
Although it's not difficult for the discerning reader to figure out which influence Micah should flee from, the predictability is not the point of the story. What earned it five stars from me is that the evil influence came across sounding so chillingly reasonable and even godly. I'm sure I won't be the only one who realises that I've been duped by similar voices at various times in my life.
And who hasn't sometimes wondered what our life might have looked like had we chosen another path that seemed an attractive option at the time? As I can't do it myself, I enjoy getting drawn into stories such as Micah's.
October 6, 2010
"A wonderful fictional portrayal of the mysterious, adventurous, and amazing workings of God in the life of a believer on his way to his hearts desire.”
Are you a believer? Or, are you on your way to walking with God? If so, you are going to find the events in this novel right up your alley.
Micah Taylor, the twenty-something founder of a multi-million dollar software company finds himself finds himself summoned to a journey of fulfillment like he has never known before which will take him through changes that many Christians undertake.
First he is intrigued by a letter from a long dead great-uncle. Then, he experiences doors that appear, disappear and then reappear – each one purposed to challenge him in his walk with God.
Though shaken and apprehensive, he begins to taste the sweetest of a walk with his Creator and is finally faced with a moment that may cost him everything he has worked for.
What did I love most about this novel? Quite a number of things; how deception by some things we consider dear plays out in a life, the waywardness of Micah’s decisions that somehow resembled those in my own life, and perhaps the most striking was the way a heart resurfaces at an appointed time to call a soul home.
Loved the dialogue, loved the warmth of the characters, and the supernatural aspect visually portrayed in the rooms. Just a great read for those of us who have traveled the internal struggles Micah faced in this story.
If you are looking for a different kind of novel that portrays what many of us go through on our way back to God, this is great choice. I recommend it highly.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
Are you a believer? Or, are you on your way to walking with God? If so, you are going to find the events in this novel right up your alley.
Micah Taylor, the twenty-something founder of a multi-million dollar software company finds himself finds himself summoned to a journey of fulfillment like he has never known before which will take him through changes that many Christians undertake.
First he is intrigued by a letter from a long dead great-uncle. Then, he experiences doors that appear, disappear and then reappear – each one purposed to challenge him in his walk with God.
Though shaken and apprehensive, he begins to taste the sweetest of a walk with his Creator and is finally faced with a moment that may cost him everything he has worked for.
What did I love most about this novel? Quite a number of things; how deception by some things we consider dear plays out in a life, the waywardness of Micah’s decisions that somehow resembled those in my own life, and perhaps the most striking was the way a heart resurfaces at an appointed time to call a soul home.
Loved the dialogue, loved the warmth of the characters, and the supernatural aspect visually portrayed in the rooms. Just a great read for those of us who have traveled the internal struggles Micah faced in this story.
If you are looking for a different kind of novel that portrays what many of us go through on our way back to God, this is great choice. I recommend it highly.
Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
April 25, 2010
This book is everything I dislike about most Christian fiction: it is preachy, it is unrealistic and it is annoying. I am a sci-fi fan so I am all for suspending reality for a good story but this was ridiculous. I don't know how anyone could compare it to The Shack, not even close. I never really cared about Micah and I only kept reading it because I knew it would be quick read. For a software genius the guy was just a tad slow to grasp the obvious. I was also bothered by some of the author's theology, particularly his literal take on giving up worldly possessions. I am by no means a proponent of the popular "prosperity gospel" but what exactly was he trying to say? I do like his theme of freedom which is the only reason that I gave it 2 stars, that and the character Rick. Sorry, not my cup of tea. For Christian fiction I will stick to Francine Rivers.
January 6, 2013
How would you feel if you inherited a house on a beach made just for you? Oddly enough, it reflected your personality? Would you be excited? What about, if this house came from an uncle you never really met, and this uncle was the family weirdo? Still excited? Well... I'd think that I would be ecstatic... until, maybe living there made feel like I was losing my sanity.
Micah Taylor, inherits a home from his long been dead Uncle Archie. An uncle he has never met. Micah is the owner of his own soft ware company and a multi- millionaire. His life revolves around work and his upscale lifestyle. At first he is not sure he wants to go visit the home in Cannon Beach, where he put his past to rest. But curiosity gets the best of him. He is determined to see it and put it up for sale. But God's plan is different. Micah feels drawn to the home, and Cannon Beach. He meets some amazing people there. Slowly he begins to see his life in a different light. The longer he stays in Cannon Beach, the more his life in Seattle changes. Some days he feels like he is loosing his sanity. The house is a reflection of his soul. Every now and then a new room just shows up. Micah has to make a choice. Will he choose God, and his new life in Cannon Beach, or will he choose to go back to Seattle where he seems to be on top of the world and in control.
Matthew 16:26
What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
This book is INTENSE! There were times I just had to put it down. Micah had so many decisions to make. Sometimes his life was going fine, other times he felt like he was losing it. God tells us there is nothing we can gain that is worth more than our life or our relationship with God. That should always come first. One of the parts of the book that really got to me was the room with the Voice. Micah thought it was his own voice and he would go in and consult the voice, discuss things that were happening etc. The voice would at times confuse him. It would quote Scripture to him but many times with a twist that confused him more than helped. Sometimes he would listen to the voice, other times he wouldn't. I know there have been times in my life, I can relate to that situation. What to do or not to do.... Every decision Micah made affected his life in Cannon Beach or in Seattle. I know I want to always choose GOD, but at times it seems the choice is not always black and white.
I picked this book up at my local library and am being compensated in no way for this review. I just really like this book.
Micah Taylor, inherits a home from his long been dead Uncle Archie. An uncle he has never met. Micah is the owner of his own soft ware company and a multi- millionaire. His life revolves around work and his upscale lifestyle. At first he is not sure he wants to go visit the home in Cannon Beach, where he put his past to rest. But curiosity gets the best of him. He is determined to see it and put it up for sale. But God's plan is different. Micah feels drawn to the home, and Cannon Beach. He meets some amazing people there. Slowly he begins to see his life in a different light. The longer he stays in Cannon Beach, the more his life in Seattle changes. Some days he feels like he is loosing his sanity. The house is a reflection of his soul. Every now and then a new room just shows up. Micah has to make a choice. Will he choose God, and his new life in Cannon Beach, or will he choose to go back to Seattle where he seems to be on top of the world and in control.
Matthew 16:26
What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
This book is INTENSE! There were times I just had to put it down. Micah had so many decisions to make. Sometimes his life was going fine, other times he felt like he was losing it. God tells us there is nothing we can gain that is worth more than our life or our relationship with God. That should always come first. One of the parts of the book that really got to me was the room with the Voice. Micah thought it was his own voice and he would go in and consult the voice, discuss things that were happening etc. The voice would at times confuse him. It would quote Scripture to him but many times with a twist that confused him more than helped. Sometimes he would listen to the voice, other times he wouldn't. I know there have been times in my life, I can relate to that situation. What to do or not to do.... Every decision Micah made affected his life in Cannon Beach or in Seattle. I know I want to always choose GOD, but at times it seems the choice is not always black and white.
I picked this book up at my local library and am being compensated in no way for this review. I just really like this book.
May 5, 2010
Great read, similar to The Shack but, to me, better written. Both are allegorical stories about how God can mend a broken man but Rooms, as far as the allegory connects to Scriptural truth, is much more solid. Someone not interested in the Christian faith might struggle, but if you are a Christian, curious or even open-minded, worth your time.
April 22, 2011
What if you had the choice of choosing A) A life with prestige, fame, wealth and power or B) A life with a deep and meaningful relationship with God? What if you had the opportunity to wander back and forth between both lives and see the results of those choices? Pretty thought provoking stuff. James Rubart examines these ideas and many more in his book Rooms: A Novel.
Micah Taylor, a very successful up-and-comer Seattle based Software mogul, is put into a huge quandary. “Is the life I’m living really the life I want?” when he receives a mysterious letter from a deceased Great Uncle Archie. In this letter, his uncle has left him a rather large house built for him in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Having never met this Great Uncle, Micah is incredibly confused and rather skeptical that this offer can be real. “It’s time to face your past”, his Great Uncle writes him and that’s the last thing that Micah wants to do. But the mystery is too much, so Micah acquiesces and goes to check out the house. It is a house like no other and “face his past” he does, along with a great many other things in his life that need serious attention. The house was designed specifically for Micah and its quite a ride as he confronts many things in the ever-changing house. There are now choices to be made worldly success, or God- and he finds himself with one foot in both worlds. What would you choose?
Coming at this book from a Christian world view I found that James Rubart really raises so many truly intriguing questions in this book and takes Micah Taylor on quite a spiritual journey- one that we can all relate to. What are those things in our life that we have let pull us away from a deeper relationship with God? There are so many fascinating aspects to this story that I can’t fit it in to this review. I would encourage you to read it for yourself and just like the house in the story that was ever-changing , I suspect that each reader will take away something different that impacts them in a unique way. My only negative comment is I felt that the story got a little slow in the middle, but it truly is worth plowing through because the ending is brings the whole story to a great conclusion. I will definitely keep reading this author and look forward to his reading his next book “Book of Days”.
I was graciously provided a review copy of this book by B&H Books through the Netgalley program and the opinions I expressed were my own.
Micah Taylor, a very successful up-and-comer Seattle based Software mogul, is put into a huge quandary. “Is the life I’m living really the life I want?” when he receives a mysterious letter from a deceased Great Uncle Archie. In this letter, his uncle has left him a rather large house built for him in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Having never met this Great Uncle, Micah is incredibly confused and rather skeptical that this offer can be real. “It’s time to face your past”, his Great Uncle writes him and that’s the last thing that Micah wants to do. But the mystery is too much, so Micah acquiesces and goes to check out the house. It is a house like no other and “face his past” he does, along with a great many other things in his life that need serious attention. The house was designed specifically for Micah and its quite a ride as he confronts many things in the ever-changing house. There are now choices to be made worldly success, or God- and he finds himself with one foot in both worlds. What would you choose?
Coming at this book from a Christian world view I found that James Rubart really raises so many truly intriguing questions in this book and takes Micah Taylor on quite a spiritual journey- one that we can all relate to. What are those things in our life that we have let pull us away from a deeper relationship with God? There are so many fascinating aspects to this story that I can’t fit it in to this review. I would encourage you to read it for yourself and just like the house in the story that was ever-changing , I suspect that each reader will take away something different that impacts them in a unique way. My only negative comment is I felt that the story got a little slow in the middle, but it truly is worth plowing through because the ending is brings the whole story to a great conclusion. I will definitely keep reading this author and look forward to his reading his next book “Book of Days”.
I was graciously provided a review copy of this book by B&H Books through the Netgalley program and the opinions I expressed were my own.
January 20, 2025
"Everything about Archie pointed towards freedom, didn't it?" "If you're going to focus on one thing, it's a pretty good choice, don't you think?...and he loved to show people how to live for something bigger than the next ball game or vacation. Help them find their destiny and glory."
This quote from the book is supposed to describe a character in the book, but I couldn't help but think how much it described this author. This story is one of freedom, and the true cost of being willing to lose our lives in order to find ourselves in Him. I don't even need to say the story was richly faith based, because the fabric of every page is rooted in faith. There was a strong fantasy element and it delved into the spiritual world a bit, but was not dark or creepy.
Last note, I love books where (but don't come across them often), the authors writes characters in such a way I'm honestly not sure if they're a villain or an ally for a good bit of the book. I enjoyed that part of this book! I really loved all of the characters in this book! Looking forward to reading other books from this author in the future.
This quote from the book is supposed to describe a character in the book, but I couldn't help but think how much it described this author. This story is one of freedom, and the true cost of being willing to lose our lives in order to find ourselves in Him. I don't even need to say the story was richly faith based, because the fabric of every page is rooted in faith. There was a strong fantasy element and it delved into the spiritual world a bit, but was not dark or creepy.
Last note, I love books where (but don't come across them often), the authors writes characters in such a way I'm honestly not sure if they're a villain or an ally for a good bit of the book. I enjoyed that part of this book! I really loved all of the characters in this book! Looking forward to reading other books from this author in the future.
December 31, 2019
There have unfortunately been far too few books that I have picked up and then been unable to put down. One of those books was James Rubart’s Rooms. It snagged me from the beginning and I found myself doing the ‘one more chapter’ thing late into the night.
Who wouldn’t want to inherit a house or money from someone we don’t know, a distant uncle or cousin. Micah had enough wealth that the letter that notified him about the house just served as a brief interruption in his busy life. Micah is curious enough to go to Oregon to see it and to put it on the market and get back to his full schedule. Only he finds more than he anticipated. The house is possessed. It is attractive to him, holding his interest and challenging him to inhale its atmosphere and facing the challenges of the rooms that appear and disappear. As he stays, his life back in Seattle also changes, parts that appear and parts that disappear. Micah, as he tries to decide what to do with the changes in his life and faces the challenges that house presents is torn between his ‘real’ life in Seattle and what life would be like in Oregon.
The book is well written and the premises are one that is not terribly cliché. Usually reading a book (or watching a movie) about a spiritually live house is one that promises horror and near bloody defeat. The possibility in Rooms is that the house is pretty benign showing or reflecting Micah choices in different ways. Micah faces a suppressed childhood memory, finding relief in ways that would make the lot of us broken people want to pilgrimage to the house for healing.
Three stars, four stars, one-hundred stars. James Rubart is truly creative, and this book will certainly show you entertaining reading and some wonderful word-smithing.
Who wouldn’t want to inherit a house or money from someone we don’t know, a distant uncle or cousin. Micah had enough wealth that the letter that notified him about the house just served as a brief interruption in his busy life. Micah is curious enough to go to Oregon to see it and to put it on the market and get back to his full schedule. Only he finds more than he anticipated. The house is possessed. It is attractive to him, holding his interest and challenging him to inhale its atmosphere and facing the challenges of the rooms that appear and disappear. As he stays, his life back in Seattle also changes, parts that appear and parts that disappear. Micah, as he tries to decide what to do with the changes in his life and faces the challenges that house presents is torn between his ‘real’ life in Seattle and what life would be like in Oregon.
The book is well written and the premises are one that is not terribly cliché. Usually reading a book (or watching a movie) about a spiritually live house is one that promises horror and near bloody defeat. The possibility in Rooms is that the house is pretty benign showing or reflecting Micah choices in different ways. Micah faces a suppressed childhood memory, finding relief in ways that would make the lot of us broken people want to pilgrimage to the house for healing.
Three stars, four stars, one-hundred stars. James Rubart is truly creative, and this book will certainly show you entertaining reading and some wonderful word-smithing.
July 31, 2021
The book has an interesting concept with the house, and I like that the main character is working through his issues. Some of the theology got iffy, and the book went a little long in the middle for, but I think this is a novel that men would particularly enjoy.
April 13, 2010
This was a life-changing book for me. Great storytelling and spiritually impacting!
April 30, 2013
Wonderful book!
September 28, 2023
As of right now, I am not going to go further. I think if this was polished better, it would be a good book. I like that it deals with spiritual warfare. I don't have many books on that.
My problem is the writing. I like the aspect of the room, but most of the book is about his normal life. I want more of the rooms. The stripping that is going on in his life, I don't like where it's going. I understand what the author is trying to do, but it's not for me.
I don't want to discourage those from reading this. I'm just saying it's not me.
My problem is the writing. I like the aspect of the room, but most of the book is about his normal life. I want more of the rooms. The stripping that is going on in his life, I don't like where it's going. I understand what the author is trying to do, but it's not for me.
I don't want to discourage those from reading this. I'm just saying it's not me.
September 21, 2021
I fail to see what makes this book any good? what I read sounded very unintelligent the writing was very boring. The characters have no sense of importance. Stupid names that were hard to pronounce I don't recommend this book
June 8, 2010
I loved Rooms! I purchased it as a gift but snuck a peak when I got it home, and then I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I liked the simplicity of the description combined with the complexity of the surreal fantasty of a house that keeps changing. It’s a journey of personal healing, of finding what really matters, and of letting go of that which hinders God from something better than we expected. Although wealth doesn’t mutually exclude a relationship with Jesus. For Micah Taylor, his pursuit of worldly acclaim and wealth did hinder him from what God wanted for him. It isn’t about what distracts Micah as much as it is about readers seeing that what they think is a noble pursuit might be exactly what’s holding them back. And it’s about seeing how giving up financial security and taking a risk is both difficult and rewarding all at the same time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginative twists of discovering rooms, and the mystery of how the past could be altered by Micah’s decisions. Author James Rubart has done a marvelous job of spinning a fantasy tale that grips a reader. It reminded me of Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker’s writing.
One drawback about the book was that the letters from Uncle Archie lost a little momentum towards the end. I thought these could have been a bit more dramatic or exciting. I also wondered about his brother, Mick. He’s mentioned here and there in reflections on the past but then left out of most of the story and I wondered about their relationship. Perhaps there is more to come in a another. I’m not sure what I missed, but I didn’t get the last line of the book.
Despite all this, I think James Rubart has fantastic potential as an imaginative writer and I can’t wait to see more from him. I wonder if any readers can figure out the clever way Rubart came up with the name of the main character.
I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginative twists of discovering rooms, and the mystery of how the past could be altered by Micah’s decisions. Author James Rubart has done a marvelous job of spinning a fantasy tale that grips a reader. It reminded me of Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker’s writing.
One drawback about the book was that the letters from Uncle Archie lost a little momentum towards the end. I thought these could have been a bit more dramatic or exciting. I also wondered about his brother, Mick. He’s mentioned here and there in reflections on the past but then left out of most of the story and I wondered about their relationship. Perhaps there is more to come in a another. I’m not sure what I missed, but I didn’t get the last line of the book.
Despite all this, I think James Rubart has fantastic potential as an imaginative writer and I can’t wait to see more from him. I wonder if any readers can figure out the clever way Rubart came up with the name of the main character.
August 11, 2014
I like James Rubart and loved 2 of his previous books, Soul's Gate and Memory's Door. Rooms was another trip into the wonders of what God can do on levels that defy our basic understanding of Him. Rooms was an interesting book based on the premise of what relationships and choices do to your life. I loved the house and the rooms! Very interesting and exciting! I liked the characters Rick,and Sarah. I was not as accepting of the main character Micah. I think he was extremely stupid for a software genius, and I found him irritating. Some very obvious truths he just could not seem to grasp. I also think the book was a little too long, some things were unnecessarily drawn out. I think the point of giving up worldy things was taken a bit too literal. You do not have to be a pauper living on the street wearing rags to know God on the most intimate levels.
I gave the book 3 stars because I loved where the story was going, I loved the scenery, and the house, and I loved Rick's character. however I could not give the book more than 3 stars because Archie's character was under developed, the mother was barely a factor, other than dying, and the father had no depth of character. I think I expected more from the character development and I definitely expected more from Micah. It was unbelievable how dense he was even with certain truths staring him in the face! I find it hard to really enjoy a book when I am increasingly irritated by the characters lack of common sense. I needed more character depth from the supporting cast and less confused ramblings & verbiage from the main character.
I gave the book 3 stars because I loved where the story was going, I loved the scenery, and the house, and I loved Rick's character. however I could not give the book more than 3 stars because Archie's character was under developed, the mother was barely a factor, other than dying, and the father had no depth of character. I think I expected more from the character development and I definitely expected more from Micah. It was unbelievable how dense he was even with certain truths staring him in the face! I find it hard to really enjoy a book when I am increasingly irritated by the characters lack of common sense. I needed more character depth from the supporting cast and less confused ramblings & verbiage from the main character.
August 30, 2017
This book is nothing like the blurb on the back and it pissed me off that I read this book under false pretenses, I never would have touched it if the blurb really described what was in this book. A rip off of The Shack with way too much bible preaching for my taste. There is little to no character development and the characters aren't even very fleshed out to begin with. A the man guy is the most solid and he's an a**hole that I couldn't and don't want to connect with. The time jumps and pacing of the story is annoying as it starts slow, speeds up, slows down and speeds up again and again without really going anywhere. Also the message that the author is trying to get across isn't really clear as he tries to cover too much stuff at once without really digging into it and trying to do it all at once but mixing it up. God has taken away free will here and if you don't do what he wants your life is going to suck. It also dates itself with all the pop culture references of early 2010's that won't matter in a few years. Also the events for which this "deep thinking via the bible" is supposed to enlighten is so completely unbelievable it's laughable. I could see something like it happening in the distant past but not after the 80's and the events happen in the 90's. By the end of this book I was rolling my eyes at every other sentence I thought they would fall out, if I was someone in this story I would have shot myself in the head back at the beginning. How I wish there was a way to erase the brain of some things, this would be first on the list...for everyone who read it as an apology for picking this book up.
October 20, 2012
Let me start out by saying that I feel bad giving this book three stars. Not because the book deserves more--I think three stars is just about right--but because the author is such a nice guy.
I met James Rubart at a Christian writer's conference several years ago. Back then, I was a teenager still in college, struggling to write even a short story that I was happy with, wondering if I was meant to be a writer or if I should just quit while I was ahead. Rubart was the keynote speaker at a local writer's conference, and he talked about his own journey in writing Rooms. Apparently, he too had enjoyed writing stories as a child, had given it up as an adult, and thought his writing days were over when his wife told him, "I think God wants you to write a book." So he did, and he had it published.
Hearing Rubart's story was such an encouragement to me that I decided to give writing another shot. He talked about jumping off a metaphorical cliff--making a leap of faith--and "building your writing wings on the way down." That was just what I needed to hear at the time, and I think back on his words often when I feel discouraged.
All that being said, I have to add that perhaps Rubart should have spent more time studying wing building before jumping off the proverbial cliff.
Rooms is not a bad book. It actually has a good story to tell--the story of how God went after one man and helped bring him back to where he was supposed to be, and gave him much more besides. Rubart illustrates this in a very creative way: Mica, our protagonist, inherits a mansion whose rooms actually reflect parts of his soul. These rooms show him who he is, what he was created to be, and how he strayed from his destiny. They show him areas of his life that still need work, like a room full of dirty movies and a room with an unfinished painting.
The prose is good--it moves the story along at a nice clip without bogging the reader down in too much description. Rubart is somewhat unapologetic about sprinkling his prose with pop culture references, which adds a bit of realism to the book....for the first few chapters, anyway. After a while, the endless references to Lost, Apocalypse Now, Jack Johnson and just about every other pop culture icon you can think of grows old. He does the same thing with Cannon Beach, where the story is set: At first, the description is good, vivid, and shows Rubart has clearly been to Cannon Beach. But he overdoes it when describing "luxury hotels just steps from the sand...." by naming each and every one of them. Rubart, I got the hint that you know what you're talking about when you described the beaches, the grey skies, and the pine trees. You don't need to name every single building and outbuilding in town.
The characters are....okay. They're well drawn, but Mica is the only character Rubart shares enough details on. I didn't fall in love with any of them, but they felt real enough, I guess.
My biggest problem with the book was the theology. Now, I know that many readers have complained that it was too "holy-roller" for them, and that's fine. I'm not one of them. I go to church every Sunday, I've been to church camp--in other words, I'm what those readers might call a "holy-roller." And I STILL had problems with the theology.
My first problem is that the sin in Mica's life is too easily dealt with. For example, he escapes his problems by watching dirty movies. After he becomes a Christian, he feels a twinge of guilt for going to a raunchy comedy. He comes home, and the mansion has sprouted another room: It's filled, floor to ceiling, with dirty movies. Jesus comes in and destroys them all. Mica is never tempted to watch another dirty movie again. Puh-leeze. Whether you believe in sin or not, I'm sure that many of you reading this review have tried to kick a bad habit, or have gone on a diet, or have tried to abstain from something for any length of time. It's HARD. Don't believe me? Ask someone who has tried to kick smoking if, once they resolved not to smoke anymore, they were never tempted to smoke another cigarette. (You'll be laughed out of the county, so be prepared.)
That leads to my second problem: Christianity is portrayed as a panacea for all of life's problems. I've been a Christian for quite some time now, and I can tell you that it is NOT a cure-all, that once you accept Christ, your problems will all either make sense or vanish altogether. What Christianity gives you is perspective, a way to understand the tragedies and pitfalls that occur, and peace in the hard times that will inevitably come.
My final problem--and I think this was the biggest one--is Rubart's treatment of businessmen. He doens't portray them in a negative light, exactly, but Mica only begins to soften when he starts to drift away from the software company he founded. At the beginning of the book, he is shown as somewhat ruthless; by the end, he is a genuinely nice guy. What changed? His vocation, mostly; turns out God never wanted him to start a business. God wanted him to be an artist. Mica became an artist, and everyone lived happily ever after.
Now, I can see how that could happen. I can see how someone could start a business when their true calling was art, and how they could be happier as an artist. However, by having this happen to Mica, Rubart seems to be saying that you can only serve God in the artistic realm. If you are good at business, if you are successful in business, then that's all fine and dandy; but if you want to make a difference for God, you had better improve your painting skills or take up guitar, because that's the only thing that makes God happy. Your business is little more than a distraction.
In reality, that's not the case. I know many successful Christian businessmen and women, and they have had a HUGE impact for God. They run their businesses and conduct their lives according to God's standards. They are ethical and fair in all their dealings, they give to charity, and they are active in their communities. Many of them have families, and they are careful to take time out of their lives to build those families, to spend time with their kids and spouses. Could some of these businessmen and women be great artists underneath it all? Sure. But they have had a bigger impact on their communities than they ever could have had in the artistic realm. Business was their calling, they went after it with all they had, and it's clear God has blessed them for it.
In conclusion, Rooms is not a bad book. It just wasn't as good as it could have been. I do hope Rubart's later books are better, as he is a nice guy and I don't wish him anything but the best.
I met James Rubart at a Christian writer's conference several years ago. Back then, I was a teenager still in college, struggling to write even a short story that I was happy with, wondering if I was meant to be a writer or if I should just quit while I was ahead. Rubart was the keynote speaker at a local writer's conference, and he talked about his own journey in writing Rooms. Apparently, he too had enjoyed writing stories as a child, had given it up as an adult, and thought his writing days were over when his wife told him, "I think God wants you to write a book." So he did, and he had it published.
Hearing Rubart's story was such an encouragement to me that I decided to give writing another shot. He talked about jumping off a metaphorical cliff--making a leap of faith--and "building your writing wings on the way down." That was just what I needed to hear at the time, and I think back on his words often when I feel discouraged.
All that being said, I have to add that perhaps Rubart should have spent more time studying wing building before jumping off the proverbial cliff.
Rooms is not a bad book. It actually has a good story to tell--the story of how God went after one man and helped bring him back to where he was supposed to be, and gave him much more besides. Rubart illustrates this in a very creative way: Mica, our protagonist, inherits a mansion whose rooms actually reflect parts of his soul. These rooms show him who he is, what he was created to be, and how he strayed from his destiny. They show him areas of his life that still need work, like a room full of dirty movies and a room with an unfinished painting.
The prose is good--it moves the story along at a nice clip without bogging the reader down in too much description. Rubart is somewhat unapologetic about sprinkling his prose with pop culture references, which adds a bit of realism to the book....for the first few chapters, anyway. After a while, the endless references to Lost, Apocalypse Now, Jack Johnson and just about every other pop culture icon you can think of grows old. He does the same thing with Cannon Beach, where the story is set: At first, the description is good, vivid, and shows Rubart has clearly been to Cannon Beach. But he overdoes it when describing "luxury hotels just steps from the sand...." by naming each and every one of them. Rubart, I got the hint that you know what you're talking about when you described the beaches, the grey skies, and the pine trees. You don't need to name every single building and outbuilding in town.
The characters are....okay. They're well drawn, but Mica is the only character Rubart shares enough details on. I didn't fall in love with any of them, but they felt real enough, I guess.
My biggest problem with the book was the theology. Now, I know that many readers have complained that it was too "holy-roller" for them, and that's fine. I'm not one of them. I go to church every Sunday, I've been to church camp--in other words, I'm what those readers might call a "holy-roller." And I STILL had problems with the theology.
My first problem is that the sin in Mica's life is too easily dealt with. For example, he escapes his problems by watching dirty movies. After he becomes a Christian, he feels a twinge of guilt for going to a raunchy comedy. He comes home, and the mansion has sprouted another room: It's filled, floor to ceiling, with dirty movies. Jesus comes in and destroys them all. Mica is never tempted to watch another dirty movie again. Puh-leeze. Whether you believe in sin or not, I'm sure that many of you reading this review have tried to kick a bad habit, or have gone on a diet, or have tried to abstain from something for any length of time. It's HARD. Don't believe me? Ask someone who has tried to kick smoking if, once they resolved not to smoke anymore, they were never tempted to smoke another cigarette. (You'll be laughed out of the county, so be prepared.)
That leads to my second problem: Christianity is portrayed as a panacea for all of life's problems. I've been a Christian for quite some time now, and I can tell you that it is NOT a cure-all, that once you accept Christ, your problems will all either make sense or vanish altogether. What Christianity gives you is perspective, a way to understand the tragedies and pitfalls that occur, and peace in the hard times that will inevitably come.
My final problem--and I think this was the biggest one--is Rubart's treatment of businessmen. He doens't portray them in a negative light, exactly, but Mica only begins to soften when he starts to drift away from the software company he founded. At the beginning of the book, he is shown as somewhat ruthless; by the end, he is a genuinely nice guy. What changed? His vocation, mostly; turns out God never wanted him to start a business. God wanted him to be an artist. Mica became an artist, and everyone lived happily ever after.
Now, I can see how that could happen. I can see how someone could start a business when their true calling was art, and how they could be happier as an artist. However, by having this happen to Mica, Rubart seems to be saying that you can only serve God in the artistic realm. If you are good at business, if you are successful in business, then that's all fine and dandy; but if you want to make a difference for God, you had better improve your painting skills or take up guitar, because that's the only thing that makes God happy. Your business is little more than a distraction.
In reality, that's not the case. I know many successful Christian businessmen and women, and they have had a HUGE impact for God. They run their businesses and conduct their lives according to God's standards. They are ethical and fair in all their dealings, they give to charity, and they are active in their communities. Many of them have families, and they are careful to take time out of their lives to build those families, to spend time with their kids and spouses. Could some of these businessmen and women be great artists underneath it all? Sure. But they have had a bigger impact on their communities than they ever could have had in the artistic realm. Business was their calling, they went after it with all they had, and it's clear God has blessed them for it.
In conclusion, Rooms is not a bad book. It just wasn't as good as it could have been. I do hope Rubart's later books are better, as he is a nice guy and I don't wish him anything but the best.
June 22, 2019
All in all, it was disappointing. There were several plot holes and a good amount of repetition. The book could have ended about 100 pages sooner. I kept going, because I wondered if perhaps the ending would be so good it would make up for the rest of it. The ending was definitely bigger and better, but overall not enough to make the whole book enjoyable.
November 2, 2019
Thought-provoking book
I have never read a book quite like this one. Absolutely loved it! Couldn't put it down! Even though it was bizarre, it was almost believable. Definitely made me reflect on my own life and whether or not I am living my best life, fully surrendered and sold out to Jesus.
I have never read a book quite like this one. Absolutely loved it! Couldn't put it down! Even though it was bizarre, it was almost believable. Definitely made me reflect on my own life and whether or not I am living my best life, fully surrendered and sold out to Jesus.
January 6, 2012
When I was in Jr. High my Sunday school class decided to study the book of “Job”. Up until this point I had never done any extensive studying of a particular book, just stand alone versus, so the fact that I shook with the anticipation of learning what would happen next (to this poor soul – as I liked to refer to him at the time) floored me. Over the years I have continued to study the bible, reading scripture and trying (sometimes is vain) to make it make sense to me. Sometimes I fail horribly, while other times the message I read sparks like a lightning bolt to my brain, I get it instantly. Now, after all these years one fact remains… I remember the book of “Job” more than any other book I have ever read. Why am I telling you all of this you may ask? Because “Job” has just come back to life in James L Rubarts’ novel “Rooms”
We all travel through our lives with a set plan, some are significantly more ambitious than others, but regardless if your “plan” is to eat that 1 lb tub of gummy bears before next Monday, or become a millionaire by the time you are 30… the fact remains that you have a plan. For Micah the plan was to put a house up for sale and go back to his corporate life in Seattle, but when the house (that his deceased uncle left him) starts to sprout extra rooms that speak to his soul, calling Caldwell Banker doesn’t seem all that simple anymore. LIFE doesn’t seem all that simple anymore. With daily assaults of horrendous childhood memories and a slew of possibilities Micah is forced to make a choice, walk the path that God has forged for him, or walk the path that he forged for himself. Both choices have their ups and downs, and the art of choosing is the most difficult of all. Would you give up everything for a slim chance of happiness or would giving up everything make you unhappy?
Writing a spiritual novel is a quest all on its own, for the author (more often than not) they are slaves to the voice inside their heart vs. the voices of the publishing Gods, but when an author can merge a life lesson into a genuinely intriguing plot, what’s left is simply beautiful. Here is a novel that was captivating from the 1st chapter, reaching out to grab it’s audience with the reality of inner confliction. Which way do I go? To whom do I turn? The “lesson” was blatantly obvious (as it rightfully should have been) but the way in which it was expressed was refreshing and thought provoking. Rubart posed questions many of us would feel uncomfortable asking ourselves, but he did it in a way that left you unable to avoid the answers.
I nod my head in a sincere kudos to the man that chose to write a beautiful piece of literature, “because he had something to say.” And I encourage those of you that are wandering the path of uncertainty to join in the journey Rubart has created.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: we are all tightly wound balls of yarn, and it’s not until we start to unravel that we see what can be made out of a few tiny strings.
We all travel through our lives with a set plan, some are significantly more ambitious than others, but regardless if your “plan” is to eat that 1 lb tub of gummy bears before next Monday, or become a millionaire by the time you are 30… the fact remains that you have a plan. For Micah the plan was to put a house up for sale and go back to his corporate life in Seattle, but when the house (that his deceased uncle left him) starts to sprout extra rooms that speak to his soul, calling Caldwell Banker doesn’t seem all that simple anymore. LIFE doesn’t seem all that simple anymore. With daily assaults of horrendous childhood memories and a slew of possibilities Micah is forced to make a choice, walk the path that God has forged for him, or walk the path that he forged for himself. Both choices have their ups and downs, and the art of choosing is the most difficult of all. Would you give up everything for a slim chance of happiness or would giving up everything make you unhappy?
Writing a spiritual novel is a quest all on its own, for the author (more often than not) they are slaves to the voice inside their heart vs. the voices of the publishing Gods, but when an author can merge a life lesson into a genuinely intriguing plot, what’s left is simply beautiful. Here is a novel that was captivating from the 1st chapter, reaching out to grab it’s audience with the reality of inner confliction. Which way do I go? To whom do I turn? The “lesson” was blatantly obvious (as it rightfully should have been) but the way in which it was expressed was refreshing and thought provoking. Rubart posed questions many of us would feel uncomfortable asking ourselves, but he did it in a way that left you unable to avoid the answers.
I nod my head in a sincere kudos to the man that chose to write a beautiful piece of literature, “because he had something to say.” And I encourage those of you that are wandering the path of uncertainty to join in the journey Rubart has created.
Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: we are all tightly wound balls of yarn, and it’s not until we start to unravel that we see what can be made out of a few tiny strings.
April 4, 2016
Micah Taylor has it all: prestigious business, penthouse condo, a girlfriend who’s his perfect match. Until he leaves Seattle for Cannon Beach, Oregon, to check into a house he inherited.
The house is everything he’d have wanted had he designed it himself – except for the location, stirring memories of childhood tragedy. And except for the mysterious rooms that suddenly appear.
Rooms is a supernatural tale of how God might lead a person to revisit “rooms” in his heart to bring healing and truth.
The more Micah begins to trust God, the more things in his world shift. Events he remembers haven’t happened. His status begins to slip. Micah’s new friend and confidant, Rick, assures him he’s not crazy, but Micah doesn’t know how much more he can take. He wants this deeper relationship with God... but at what cost?
Favourite line:
Micah’s experiences wouldn’t happen in real life, but the principles and truth he learns about freedom in Christ translate directly into Christians’ lives today. So do the deceptions he faces. I found the story an intriguing way to look at the concept of our identity in Christ, and how life events and choices limit our spiritual growth – and how God may want to revisit those things to free us.
James L. Rubart is a writer and speaker whose website tag line is “Live free.” Rooms was his first novel. His most recent is The Five Times I Met Myself. For more about the author and his books, visit jameslrubart.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
The house is everything he’d have wanted had he designed it himself – except for the location, stirring memories of childhood tragedy. And except for the mysterious rooms that suddenly appear.
Rooms is a supernatural tale of how God might lead a person to revisit “rooms” in his heart to bring healing and truth.
The more Micah begins to trust God, the more things in his world shift. Events he remembers haven’t happened. His status begins to slip. Micah’s new friend and confidant, Rick, assures him he’s not crazy, but Micah doesn’t know how much more he can take. He wants this deeper relationship with God... but at what cost?
Favourite line:
He walked toward the door on his toes, drawing short sips of air as if a deep breath would alert whatever was in the room to his presence. [Kindle location 1623]
Micah’s experiences wouldn’t happen in real life, but the principles and truth he learns about freedom in Christ translate directly into Christians’ lives today. So do the deceptions he faces. I found the story an intriguing way to look at the concept of our identity in Christ, and how life events and choices limit our spiritual growth – and how God may want to revisit those things to free us.
James L. Rubart is a writer and speaker whose website tag line is “Live free.” Rooms was his first novel. His most recent is The Five Times I Met Myself. For more about the author and his books, visit jameslrubart.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
April 4, 2010
Micah Taylor has the good life. He is rich, has a girlfriend, and is the boss of his own company. What more could he ask for? One day Micah receives a letter written by is Uncle Archie. His uncle tells Micah that five months ago he built a home on the Oregon coast especially for Micah. The home is to bring Micah resolve and restoration. Micah first thinks it is a joke…a home built for him. Micah has never really known his uncle. Also Micah has not been back to Oregon since the accident.
Micah decides to leave Seattle for a bit and check the home out. Through he has no plans of staying. Once in Oregon, Micah meets Sarah, who works at the local ice cream shop and Rick, a mechanic. There is something different about Rick but Micah can’t quite put his finger to it. Will Micah find the resolve and restoration he didn’t know he was looking for or will he go back to his posh life in Seattle?
Rooms is the first book I have read by James Rubart. After reading this book, I look forward to more to come from him. This book was filled with suspense, intrigue, some paranormal elements, any a good message. The parts I was most intrigued about was when Micah was in the house and things were happening to him and a man’s voice kept calling out and saying things to Micah. Also the letters that Micah’s uncle wrote were not light reading. It goes to show that God puts people and us in situations for a reason. Rooms is a very fast paced read. Won’t you come along on this journey with Micah and check out Rooms today!
Micah decides to leave Seattle for a bit and check the home out. Through he has no plans of staying. Once in Oregon, Micah meets Sarah, who works at the local ice cream shop and Rick, a mechanic. There is something different about Rick but Micah can’t quite put his finger to it. Will Micah find the resolve and restoration he didn’t know he was looking for or will he go back to his posh life in Seattle?
Rooms is the first book I have read by James Rubart. After reading this book, I look forward to more to come from him. This book was filled with suspense, intrigue, some paranormal elements, any a good message. The parts I was most intrigued about was when Micah was in the house and things were happening to him and a man’s voice kept calling out and saying things to Micah. Also the letters that Micah’s uncle wrote were not light reading. It goes to show that God puts people and us in situations for a reason. Rooms is a very fast paced read. Won’t you come along on this journey with Micah and check out Rooms today!
April 10, 2012
Potentially a classic of Christian speculative fiction. It combines a modern setting and protagonist point of view with a classic Christian confrontation and choices. Not quite an allegory, but certainly not "normal" fiction. Sort of like It's a Wonderful Life (upside down) meets A Christmas Carol.(The liner notes do it a disservice by comparing it to The Shack It's much better, though both are contemporary stories touched by the supernatural.)
Can't discuss any of the plot or characters without spoiling the fun of subsequent readers. (If you think you may read it, do not read any synopses. Let it happen to you.)
Fantasy works best opening in a believable atmosphere. If anything the opening (Seattle) portion is the weakest of the book. It reads like an outsiders daydream of a successful insiders life. But don't let that stop you; press on. It gets better. The Cannon Beach portion feels real and immediate. Yes, even the weird stuff.
Having tipped us early on who/what two of his major characters were, Rubart still maintained the mystery as long as possible. (No, I'm not telling!)
I had some theological concerns--the story seems to ignore sin--but feel they were acknowledged, if not dealt with, by the end. Otherwise, the issues and choices facing Micah were consistent with current Christian thought, though many readers--Christian and not--may find issues to quibble about.
Provisionally giving five stars, though it's not quite perfect.
Can't discuss any of the plot or characters without spoiling the fun of subsequent readers. (If you think you may read it, do not read any synopses. Let it happen to you.)
Fantasy works best opening in a believable atmosphere. If anything the opening (Seattle) portion is the weakest of the book. It reads like an outsiders daydream of a successful insiders life. But don't let that stop you; press on. It gets better. The Cannon Beach portion feels real and immediate. Yes, even the weird stuff.
Having tipped us early on who/what two of his major characters were, Rubart still maintained the mystery as long as possible. (No, I'm not telling!)
I had some theological concerns--the story seems to ignore sin--but feel they were acknowledged, if not dealt with, by the end. Otherwise, the issues and choices facing Micah were consistent with current Christian thought, though many readers--Christian and not--may find issues to quibble about.
Provisionally giving five stars, though it's not quite perfect.
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