Something that Lasts    by James David Jordan Order:  USA  Can Integrity, 2006 (2004) Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Reverend David Parst is well-known and respected in his community. It is the 1970s, and he has built his church into a strong influence in the St. Louis suburbs. Unfortunately, this position goes to David's head and he ends up having an affair with a church member. When the information becomes public, the news deeply affects David's wife Sarah and his young son Jack. The affair sets into motion a series of events that carries across the next generation, into Jack's adulthood and even shows its scars to Jack's children. As David, Sarah, and Jack struggle with their reactions, they also struggle with God and His hand in everything that happened. Will they allow God to remain a part of their lives? Or will they let the past destroy what they have left? This is a difficult book to read. It's almost like watching a wreck - you are morbidly curious and can't turn away, but you know you should. The one incident detailed above is just the beginning of the turmoil and tragedy these people experience. It is believable for a while, but one horrible thing after another keeps happening, and it becomes forced and unrealistic. The emotion and message behind Something that Lasts makes the book a worthwhile read. It can show readers how sin can affect more than just our immediate lives in the moment it occurs. Sometimes the consequences last our entire lives. It is an important lesson for everyone to see that adultery is much less glamorous than Hollywood and the tabloids might portray. Real people's lives can be forever ruined. The ultimate battle here is for the characters to realize that God is in control. They must learn to surrender and forgive, and in some instances it occurs too late. This realistic approach will touch the heart and surprisingly instills hope. Overall, Something that Lasts is a unique story, full of flawed, but redeemable characters. If one can overlook the flaws and the movie-of-the-week melodrama, there are some real nuggets of wisdom and insight in this book. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews