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Book of Days
"… in Your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being." —Psalm 139:16 Young Cameron Vaux’s mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" —the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron’s search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does.
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2010
156 people are currently reading
1239 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 192 reviews
August 1, 2011
James L. Rubart ran to the top of my favorite authors list this week. After reading both "Rooms" and "Book of Days," I find myself astounded by his story-telling. His descriptions inspire me. I enjoy phrases like “something about you crumbled his Oreos” on nearly every page. His wordsmithing is refreshing, like ice cold sweet tea on a hot summer’s day.
Both novels are deep, searching, and thought-provoking. They challenge a believer to reflect on their faith, looking for a deeper relationship with God. And for the unbeliever or the doubter, Mr. Rubart writes in such a way that one can relate to his characters’ stories without preaching a sermon to them.
In "Book of Days," we meet Cameron Vaux. Cameron already lost his wife and his father, and now he thinks he’s losing his mind. Afraid of what that may mean, he decides it’s time to go on a journey to look for some answers. His wife and father asked him to search out an ancient book upon their deathbeds. Either they were both crazy, or the book is real. Will Cameron be able to find it before he forgets them altogether?
James Rubart weaves an intriguing tale of Cameron’s search for the "Book of Days." Filled with obstacles and characters who don’t want to reveal secrets hidden for decades, Cameron faces many challenges during his quest. Several secrets remain untold until Cameron nears the end of his journey. Filled with gripping suspense peppered with subtle hints, one will not find closure until the final chapters.
This is one of the first books I’ve read where I’ve been tempted to skip ahead a bit in search of answers to the questions each chapter brings.
I also enjoyed the movie and music references throughout the story. Being a lover of both, they assisted in my ability to relate to the characters.
An engaging read, I highly recommend "Book of Days." I enjoyed every second of reading it. I’d also encourage you to pick up a copy of "Rooms." Mr. Rubart will not disappoint.
Both novels are deep, searching, and thought-provoking. They challenge a believer to reflect on their faith, looking for a deeper relationship with God. And for the unbeliever or the doubter, Mr. Rubart writes in such a way that one can relate to his characters’ stories without preaching a sermon to them.
In "Book of Days," we meet Cameron Vaux. Cameron already lost his wife and his father, and now he thinks he’s losing his mind. Afraid of what that may mean, he decides it’s time to go on a journey to look for some answers. His wife and father asked him to search out an ancient book upon their deathbeds. Either they were both crazy, or the book is real. Will Cameron be able to find it before he forgets them altogether?
James Rubart weaves an intriguing tale of Cameron’s search for the "Book of Days." Filled with obstacles and characters who don’t want to reveal secrets hidden for decades, Cameron faces many challenges during his quest. Several secrets remain untold until Cameron nears the end of his journey. Filled with gripping suspense peppered with subtle hints, one will not find closure until the final chapters.
This is one of the first books I’ve read where I’ve been tempted to skip ahead a bit in search of answers to the questions each chapter brings.
I also enjoyed the movie and music references throughout the story. Being a lover of both, they assisted in my ability to relate to the characters.
An engaging read, I highly recommend "Book of Days." I enjoyed every second of reading it. I’d also encourage you to pick up a copy of "Rooms." Mr. Rubart will not disappoint.
April 15, 2011
Summary: Cameron’s father, dying of Alzheimer’s Disease, instructed him to find the Book of Days, in which the past, present and future of every soul are recorded. His wife mentioned the same
book in her dying moments. So Cameron sets off to find it when his own memory starts to fade, at age 33. In the tiny Oregon town in which he starts his search, he encounters some strange and strong personalities, who can only be with him or against him in his search...
I requested this through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program, and it was my first successful request through ER. The blurb (and I admit I didn’t look any further than that when I requested) made it sound like a fun piece of thriller/adventure, along the lines of The Codex (which I recently read and enjoyed). Thus I was somewhat non-plussed about the categorisation above the barcode on the back cover of the book when it arrived: “FICTION/Christian/Suspense”. Fine, thought I, I’ve never read any “Christian” fiction (“Christian” in quotation marks because I would say that Jane Eyre and The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall are both pretty heavy on the religion, but would not be described as Christian fiction), I’ll give it a try.
I gave up after 100 pages. The writing was appalling, riddled with similes and metaphors: within a single page, we have:
“the tumblers inside his dad’s mind had magically clicked”
“he laughed like stones skipping on a pond”
“A disease that made Swiss cheese of his dad’s memories” *
“enough of those [tears] over the past six years to fill Puget Sound”
* this one I liked.
Seriously. One page. Further in, there were some strange phrases: “like watching a 3D movie without glasses” and “fairy-book marriage” (I’m pretty sure the proof-reader missed that one, surely it should have been “fairy-tale marriage”?).
The sentences were also generally too short, yielding a fairly childish tone throughout. The dialogue between the protagonist and his business partner was abhorrently puerile – this writer hasn’t quite got the knack of editing real-life dialogue for the written page.
The writing unfortunately got in the way of a promising plot construction. As is customary for this style of book, there’s a prologue set in 1853 at an undisclosed location with ethnically ambiguous names and a secret passed down through the generations.
Cameron’s father’s dementia is handled with sensitivity and emotion (it’s no surprise that the author’s father had dementia) and I thought the Swiss cheese comment was spot-on – Alzheimer’s is so devastatingly selective in the memories which remain. Cameron’s memory loss is faded-in delicately as well, and the emotional pain of losing special memories is very honestly portrayed.
I was quite looking forward to the love interest with a strange connection (Cameron’s dead wife’s foster sister, who clearly has some history with Cameron), but I couldn’t bring myself to keep trudging through the descriptive devices.
As for the Christian theme – I think I gave up before it really started, so to draw conclusions from this would be unfair. I’ll give it another try if another one turns up with a higher quality of writing.
book in her dying moments. So Cameron sets off to find it when his own memory starts to fade, at age 33. In the tiny Oregon town in which he starts his search, he encounters some strange and strong personalities, who can only be with him or against him in his search...
I requested this through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program, and it was my first successful request through ER. The blurb (and I admit I didn’t look any further than that when I requested) made it sound like a fun piece of thriller/adventure, along the lines of The Codex (which I recently read and enjoyed). Thus I was somewhat non-plussed about the categorisation above the barcode on the back cover of the book when it arrived: “FICTION/Christian/Suspense”. Fine, thought I, I’ve never read any “Christian” fiction (“Christian” in quotation marks because I would say that Jane Eyre and The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall are both pretty heavy on the religion, but would not be described as Christian fiction), I’ll give it a try.
I gave up after 100 pages. The writing was appalling, riddled with similes and metaphors: within a single page, we have:
“the tumblers inside his dad’s mind had magically clicked”
“he laughed like stones skipping on a pond”
“A disease that made Swiss cheese of his dad’s memories” *
“enough of those [tears] over the past six years to fill Puget Sound”
* this one I liked.
Seriously. One page. Further in, there were some strange phrases: “like watching a 3D movie without glasses” and “fairy-book marriage” (I’m pretty sure the proof-reader missed that one, surely it should have been “fairy-tale marriage”?).
The sentences were also generally too short, yielding a fairly childish tone throughout. The dialogue between the protagonist and his business partner was abhorrently puerile – this writer hasn’t quite got the knack of editing real-life dialogue for the written page.
The writing unfortunately got in the way of a promising plot construction. As is customary for this style of book, there’s a prologue set in 1853 at an undisclosed location with ethnically ambiguous names and a secret passed down through the generations.
Cameron’s father’s dementia is handled with sensitivity and emotion (it’s no surprise that the author’s father had dementia) and I thought the Swiss cheese comment was spot-on – Alzheimer’s is so devastatingly selective in the memories which remain. Cameron’s memory loss is faded-in delicately as well, and the emotional pain of losing special memories is very honestly portrayed.
I was quite looking forward to the love interest with a strange connection (Cameron’s dead wife’s foster sister, who clearly has some history with Cameron), but I couldn’t bring myself to keep trudging through the descriptive devices.
As for the Christian theme – I think I gave up before it really started, so to draw conclusions from this would be unfair. I’ll give it another try if another one turns up with a higher quality of writing.
December 17, 2013
Psalm 139: 16 tells us that our days were all recorded in God's Book of Days before any of them came to be. The idea of the physical existence of such a book, with past, present and future histories of every man and woman written in it, is fascinating. As the characters in this story search for such a book, I was looking forward to getting stuck into it.
There is an Indiana Jones quest type feeling about it from the very start. The hero, Cameron Vaux, believes his wife and father found it when they young, but both have passed away. Cameron's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease at a freakishly young age, and now Cameron feels his own memories slipping away at the tender age of 32. He enlists the help of Ann Banister, the foster sister of his dead wife, Jessie, to help him locate the Book.
Two men in their late fifties were the most intriguing characters. Jason Judah, the town's spiritual leader, has an intense, manic sort of desire to find this Book. Taylor Stone has had a history of a Midas touch since he was a High School boy, leading many to believe he knows more about the Book than he ever lets on. Interestingly, these two, who were childhood best friends, have a long history of enmity.
For the first half of the story, clues were as subtle as mosquitoes landing. Characters were acting as if they were going to reveal something significant, and at the end of each exchange, I wondered how they wriggled out of saying anything at all. I kept reading on, knowing there would be a big reveal at the end, but if I'd been in Cameron's shoes, I probably would have packed up and gone home. Maybe he was used to dealing with elusive people. The flashbacks of his talks with his wife, Jessie, before her death, showed her to be just as slippery.
The part which deals with the Book of Days was worth waiting for. I really liked the way the predestination/free choice conundrum was addressed in this story. And the humorous dialogue and ready dry wit of the characters, particularly Cameron and Taylor, made it fun to read. The red herring was pretty funny too.
There is an Indiana Jones quest type feeling about it from the very start. The hero, Cameron Vaux, believes his wife and father found it when they young, but both have passed away. Cameron's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease at a freakishly young age, and now Cameron feels his own memories slipping away at the tender age of 32. He enlists the help of Ann Banister, the foster sister of his dead wife, Jessie, to help him locate the Book.
Two men in their late fifties were the most intriguing characters. Jason Judah, the town's spiritual leader, has an intense, manic sort of desire to find this Book. Taylor Stone has had a history of a Midas touch since he was a High School boy, leading many to believe he knows more about the Book than he ever lets on. Interestingly, these two, who were childhood best friends, have a long history of enmity.
For the first half of the story, clues were as subtle as mosquitoes landing. Characters were acting as if they were going to reveal something significant, and at the end of each exchange, I wondered how they wriggled out of saying anything at all. I kept reading on, knowing there would be a big reveal at the end, but if I'd been in Cameron's shoes, I probably would have packed up and gone home. Maybe he was used to dealing with elusive people. The flashbacks of his talks with his wife, Jessie, before her death, showed her to be just as slippery.
The part which deals with the Book of Days was worth waiting for. I really liked the way the predestination/free choice conundrum was addressed in this story. And the humorous dialogue and ready dry wit of the characters, particularly Cameron and Taylor, made it fun to read. The red herring was pretty funny too.
November 7, 2011
Book of Days was interesting in a totally Rubart sort of way. What I mean is that the mind-twisting content reminded me of Rooms, his first book. Now whether or not the third book, The Chair, has the same feel...we'll see. Regardless, I found myself enjoying the story. At first I was thinking, "where is this all going?" and "When will they decide what they want to do?" I enjoyed the flashbacks of Cameron's time with Jessie. I found that heart-wrenching and beautiful. I also found the history between him and Ann quite interesting, as well as Ann's connection to the whole story. Taylor was a bit of a mystery and I wasn't sure what to think of him for a long time. Jason was plain creepy. I disliked him in every sense of the word. The twist at the end was quite good. I found it believable. I also found myself smiling when things wrapped up.
The concept of the story was pretty deep. It's about choosing to love, choosing to forgive, and choosing to let go of the past. All of those things relate to the Book of Days in the story. I won't say how. Just know that it's true. I enjoyed the fact that the story revealed something we all need to remember...to have true peace you need to walk in the "light" of truth and in the present. You can't hold even a shred of unforgiveness in your heart, or it will keep you from true freedom. That was nicely woven into the plot. All in all, this is a book that makes you think about relationships and choices. While it did drag out in a few parts, overall, it was a compelling and insightful read. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to ponder life, it's meaning, and spiritual things. This book won't disappoint.
The concept of the story was pretty deep. It's about choosing to love, choosing to forgive, and choosing to let go of the past. All of those things relate to the Book of Days in the story. I won't say how. Just know that it's true. I enjoyed the fact that the story revealed something we all need to remember...to have true peace you need to walk in the "light" of truth and in the present. You can't hold even a shred of unforgiveness in your heart, or it will keep you from true freedom. That was nicely woven into the plot. All in all, this is a book that makes you think about relationships and choices. While it did drag out in a few parts, overall, it was a compelling and insightful read. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes to ponder life, it's meaning, and spiritual things. This book won't disappoint.
May 16, 2016
Cameron is in his early 30s but he’s losing chunks of his memory. His only hope lies in a cryptic mission from his father: to find the Book of Days. If such a thing exists, it holds everyone’s memories – past, present and future.
Supposedly this is God’s Book, based on Psalm 139:16. Cameron doesn’t believe in God, either, so that’s not much help. But his father did, and so did his wife.
Cameron’s quest forces him to turn to his dead wife’s foster-sister Ann for help, and it takes him to his father’s boyhood town, where secrets abound.
I enjoyed James Rubart’s writing style and the characters he created. There were plenty of clues, obstacles, and surprises along the way, as well as a few heart-warming moments. Looking back from the end, the only thing that doesn’t make sense to me is why a certain photo had been so carefully hidden.
The novel includes some well-turned phrases. Here’s my favourite:
Despite some of the New Age townsfolk, this is not an overly mystical novel, and I think it would suit anyone who enjoys a good contemporary story that includes Christianity, mystery and romance.
James L. Rubart is a writer and speaker whose website tag line is “Live free.” His most recent novel is The Five Times I Met Myself. For more about the author and his books, visit jameslrubart.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Supposedly this is God’s Book, based on Psalm 139:16. Cameron doesn’t believe in God, either, so that’s not much help. But his father did, and so did his wife.
Cameron’s quest forces him to turn to his dead wife’s foster-sister Ann for help, and it takes him to his father’s boyhood town, where secrets abound.
I enjoyed James Rubart’s writing style and the characters he created. There were plenty of clues, obstacles, and surprises along the way, as well as a few heart-warming moments. Looking back from the end, the only thing that doesn’t make sense to me is why a certain photo had been so carefully hidden.
The novel includes some well-turned phrases. Here’s my favourite:
...all he’d achieved was exhaustion. And a neck that felt like guitar strings tuned three octaves too high. [Kindle location 5415 in the Rooms/Book of Days/The Chair ebook box set]
Despite some of the New Age townsfolk, this is not an overly mystical novel, and I think it would suit anyone who enjoys a good contemporary story that includes Christianity, mystery and romance.
James L. Rubart is a writer and speaker whose website tag line is “Live free.” His most recent novel is The Five Times I Met Myself. For more about the author and his books, visit jameslrubart.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
November 13, 2016
The Book of Days owns a fascinating and engaging story, that will have you turning page after page despite the poor writing and very rushed story telling. Had the author spend a significantly larger amount of time on character development and creating a more thoroughly described setting, the plot could have been delivered with the support it deserves. Throughout the read, The Book of Days was riding a delicate surf between a one and two star rating. Due to a handful of pages towards the conclusion, I am offering a solid two stars.
February 18, 2019
Well... I found the topic intriguing but it just wasn't carried out very well. I honestly didn't like the main character. I felt he was self-centered and really rather boring. The book was extremely predictable, down to the actual villain in the end confrontation. I know the author was trying to make an Indiana Jones type storyline, remember the cup of Christ, but he fell short in my opinion. There were several areas in the book that could have used a good proofreader too. Just saying.
June 7, 2023
My first James Rubart book, and it wont be my last! So different than what I expected...so much better than I expected! I'm not quite sure how to even put how much I loved this book into words. I guess I had an expectation it might be, "weird". It was not at all. I feel like anything I write from this point out wont do it justice, so I'm shooting for sharing what I loved about this book, instead of a, "review".
The main character is a young guy named Cameron. After he looses his father to alzheimer's disease, and he himself begins to lose memories, he goes on a quest for Gods Book of Days. The book where God has all of our stories written. Throughout his journey, we're introduced to an entire community, as well as Cameron's late wife's foster sister, who decides to help him. Taylor is another main character who is an older man, and ends up playing a significant role in Camerons journey, that ultimately sets Taylor free from whats been holding him in bondage for years.
The story is full of mystery at every turn. There's mystery about the past, mystery about what they're currently dealing with, and mystery over if their pursuit will lead to anything and if so, what? It was not weird or spooky or New Age at all, but was heavily faith based. With an ending that had me in tears. Every single mystery, loose end and question came together beautifully at the end in a way that just screamed of Gods love for His children. I love stories that involve an entire community, but become frustrated and bored when different story lines veer off too far from each other. This book had the community element, but every story line tied together. Definitely a 5 starts from me.
Note-Memory loss is heavy in this storyline.
And last note, I think this book was extra special for me because we're currently stationed near Seattle, and I love hiking. The author included several mountain ranges and hiking trails near this area, and I just loved how descriptive he was of the PNW and how that was incorporated into the book.
Did I mention this one gets a 5 stars from me?! Loved it.
The main character is a young guy named Cameron. After he looses his father to alzheimer's disease, and he himself begins to lose memories, he goes on a quest for Gods Book of Days. The book where God has all of our stories written. Throughout his journey, we're introduced to an entire community, as well as Cameron's late wife's foster sister, who decides to help him. Taylor is another main character who is an older man, and ends up playing a significant role in Camerons journey, that ultimately sets Taylor free from whats been holding him in bondage for years.
The story is full of mystery at every turn. There's mystery about the past, mystery about what they're currently dealing with, and mystery over if their pursuit will lead to anything and if so, what? It was not weird or spooky or New Age at all, but was heavily faith based. With an ending that had me in tears. Every single mystery, loose end and question came together beautifully at the end in a way that just screamed of Gods love for His children. I love stories that involve an entire community, but become frustrated and bored when different story lines veer off too far from each other. This book had the community element, but every story line tied together. Definitely a 5 starts from me.
Note-Memory loss is heavy in this storyline.
And last note, I think this book was extra special for me because we're currently stationed near Seattle, and I love hiking. The author included several mountain ranges and hiking trails near this area, and I just loved how descriptive he was of the PNW and how that was incorporated into the book.
Did I mention this one gets a 5 stars from me?! Loved it.
December 15, 2010
I recently had the opportunity to review Book of Days, James Rubart's upcoming novel. The book draws from Mr. Rubart's personal experience as his father, who passed away during the writing, dealt with Alzheimer's disease.
About the book:
Cameron Vaux's mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier, are vanishing, just as his dying father said they would. So Cameron goes on a quest to find "the book with all the days in it" that both his father and his wife had mentioned to him. He enlists the help of his late wife Jessie's best friend, Ann, an investigative reporter who believes the book is a farce, but in spite of herself is drawn into the search. It quickly becomes apparent that others with evil motivations are also searching for this mysterious book, and are even willing to kill for it.
My thoughts:
I wanted to like this book. I enjoyed the writing and felt that the characters were well-developed and believable. But the plot? Not so much. It did keep my attention with many twists and turns...I can see that Mr. Rubart doesn't write the type of mystery that you have figured out after reading the first couple of chapters. But the entire premise was just, well, strange. An actual mysterious "book" written by God with all the days of our lives written in it? Maybe so, but not where we can physically locate it. I appreciated the point Mr. Rubart was trying to make...that God does "keep all our days"...but I just didn't enjoy the plotline he used to attempt to communicate that. Still, I felt that the book was well-written and the characters were likable. I wouldn't mind reading more by Mr. Rubart in the future.
Book of Days releases January 1, 2011.
Julie Gwinn at B&H Publishing provided my advance copy, but all opinions are my own.
Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/s...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
About the book:
Cameron Vaux's mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier, are vanishing, just as his dying father said they would. So Cameron goes on a quest to find "the book with all the days in it" that both his father and his wife had mentioned to him. He enlists the help of his late wife Jessie's best friend, Ann, an investigative reporter who believes the book is a farce, but in spite of herself is drawn into the search. It quickly becomes apparent that others with evil motivations are also searching for this mysterious book, and are even willing to kill for it.
My thoughts:
I wanted to like this book. I enjoyed the writing and felt that the characters were well-developed and believable. But the plot? Not so much. It did keep my attention with many twists and turns...I can see that Mr. Rubart doesn't write the type of mystery that you have figured out after reading the first couple of chapters. But the entire premise was just, well, strange. An actual mysterious "book" written by God with all the days of our lives written in it? Maybe so, but not where we can physically locate it. I appreciated the point Mr. Rubart was trying to make...that God does "keep all our days"...but I just didn't enjoy the plotline he used to attempt to communicate that. Still, I felt that the book was well-written and the characters were likable. I wouldn't mind reading more by Mr. Rubart in the future.
Book of Days releases January 1, 2011.
Julie Gwinn at B&H Publishing provided my advance copy, but all opinions are my own.
Read more: http://homewithpurpose.blogspot.com/s...
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
June 16, 2014
This was the first "Christian" book I've read, and I really hope it doesn't represent the genre as a whole, though it seemed on par with most Christian films I've seen. First, the Christian aspects did not bother me. In fact, they were fairly downplayed and generally referred to belief in God rather than straight up Christianity. At times they felt a little shoehorned in, and characters that were supposed to be overtly religious... um... didn't do anything overtly religious except tell people they were very religious.
That was the first of MANY problems with this book: the characters were inconsistent and unbelievable. Their motivations flat out didn't make any sense half the time or were over-exaggerated and their characteristics were often told rather than shown to the reader. It was frustrating.
The worst offender in the character department is token "bad guy," who felt so shoehorned into the story I almost wonder if the author originally planned the book without him and was told by an editor that he needed more tension or something stupid like that. Honestly, the story would have been so much better without the bad guy, but the bad guy made it so much worse because he was so over-the-top, so psychotic, so homicidal, and so cartoonish that it was impossible to take him seriously. And the way he is dispatched in the end is almost comically easy.
The book does have a few good moments, but is so hindered by its characters and REALLY BAD DIALOGUE that I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not.
In the end, this book did not scare me away from reading other Christian books, but it certainly did nothing to make me rush out and get another. I'd leave this one alone and look for something a bit more consistent.
That was the first of MANY problems with this book: the characters were inconsistent and unbelievable. Their motivations flat out didn't make any sense half the time or were over-exaggerated and their characteristics were often told rather than shown to the reader. It was frustrating.
The worst offender in the character department is token "bad guy," who felt so shoehorned into the story I almost wonder if the author originally planned the book without him and was told by an editor that he needed more tension or something stupid like that. Honestly, the story would have been so much better without the bad guy, but the bad guy made it so much worse because he was so over-the-top, so psychotic, so homicidal, and so cartoonish that it was impossible to take him seriously. And the way he is dispatched in the end is almost comically easy.
The book does have a few good moments, but is so hindered by its characters and REALLY BAD DIALOGUE that I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not.
In the end, this book did not scare me away from reading other Christian books, but it certainly did nothing to make me rush out and get another. I'd leave this one alone and look for something a bit more consistent.
December 4, 2010
MOM'S REVIEW:
Two stars for those who might like reading about the possibility of finding God's book that records our lives according to Psalm 139:16. The characters were genuine and believable, but the plot was not. I was encouraged with the ending to the story, though, and with the focus on God knowing and caring about all the details of our lives.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
"… in Your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being." —Psalm 139:16 Young Cameron Vaux’s mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" —the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron’s search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does.
BOOK DETAILS:
Published by: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 9781433671517
Price: $14.99
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing Group but the opinion expressed is my own.
Two stars for those who might like reading about the possibility of finding God's book that records our lives according to Psalm 139:16. The characters were genuine and believable, but the plot was not. I was encouraged with the ending to the story, though, and with the focus on God knowing and caring about all the details of our lives.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
"… in Your book all my days were recorded, even those which were purposed before they had come into being." —Psalm 139:16 Young Cameron Vaux’s mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" —the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron’s search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does.
BOOK DETAILS:
Published by: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 9781433671517
Price: $14.99
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing Group but the opinion expressed is my own.
October 13, 2016
From this moment
What a great read! Memories are a most precious gift. If you can't remember it, you never experienced it, in your mind. Alzheimer's is such a tragic illness that steals our memories of knowledge. I know this all too well, as my mother was taken slowly away over twelve years. There are those precious moments of innocence and love borne by becoming as a child, the regression of the disease. I treasure the moments I was given, the days that hold precious memories of my life. In the final moments as my mother passed into eternity, God allowed me a glimpse of knowledge that my Mama was at last free of the demon of confusion and restored in glory. I watched in awe as her face in earthly form transformed from deep etching into a ten years younger version of peace at last. Thank you, Lord for that assurance of answered prayers. Peace be upon us all, in His mercy.
Great book of one mans journey to find his days forgotten!
What a great read! Memories are a most precious gift. If you can't remember it, you never experienced it, in your mind. Alzheimer's is such a tragic illness that steals our memories of knowledge. I know this all too well, as my mother was taken slowly away over twelve years. There are those precious moments of innocence and love borne by becoming as a child, the regression of the disease. I treasure the moments I was given, the days that hold precious memories of my life. In the final moments as my mother passed into eternity, God allowed me a glimpse of knowledge that my Mama was at last free of the demon of confusion and restored in glory. I watched in awe as her face in earthly form transformed from deep etching into a ten years younger version of peace at last. Thank you, Lord for that assurance of answered prayers. Peace be upon us all, in His mercy.
Great book of one mans journey to find his days forgotten!
April 23, 2012
Just got this free from my library thru OverDrive.
It was ok. There is a strong spiritual undertone, some rock climbing, some romance, and some mystery. There were 2-3 inconsistencies throughout the book. (For example, they said they would meet for 6:30 for dinner and they met at 6:00.)
Overall, it was somewhat entertaining. More of a spiritual journey but not so thick that you had to put on your waders to get through it.
It was ok. There is a strong spiritual undertone, some rock climbing, some romance, and some mystery. There were 2-3 inconsistencies throughout the book. (For example, they said they would meet for 6:30 for dinner and they met at 6:00.)
Overall, it was somewhat entertaining. More of a spiritual journey but not so thick that you had to put on your waders to get through it.
February 16, 2014
Wow! Fast paced and well-crafted, I couldn't put this thriller down. I love it when I find an allegorical thread woven beneath the surface of an exciting book. Like Rooms, Book of Days robbed me of a night's sleep. James Rubart is a Master Storyteller. Novel Journey and I highly recommend Book of Days—it's a 5 star read!
April 12, 2014
What a great book!Mr. Rubart's books NEVER disappoint. I would love to see a sequel to this one.I believe it would be quite interesting. If you need a great read may I humbly recommend the following three by Mr. Rubart: ROOMS,The CHAIR, and BOOK of DAYS. Just do yourself a favor and read them all!:D
January 21, 2025
Young Cameron Vaux's mind is slipping. Memories of his wife, killed two years earlier in a car accident, are vanishing just as his dad predicted they would. Memories he knows he has to remember. His father tells Cameron that to save his mind he must find "the book with all days in it" - the past and future record of every soul on earth. When an obscure clue leads Cameron to a small central Oregon town, he meets enigmatic Taylor Stone, a possible guide to finding the book who seems to carry secrets far deeper than anyone imagines. Local hotshot TV personality Ann Bannister thinks the legend of the book is a farce, but she has her reasons to join Cameron's search anyway. Finally, there is fanatical New Age guru Jason Judah, who will stop at nothing to find the book of days before Cameron does.
As for the religious aspects of the book I cannot comment as I don’t believe but I don’t think it would make someone like me not wanting to read the book. It was an OK read and I felt more intrigued by wanting to find out if the Book of Days was going to exist or was it fake.
This book for me was another ‘Grail Tale’. In this case the ‘grail’ is a Book of Days. It doesn’t really matter if the grail is going to be a descendant of Christ, a chalice or even the Book of Days as in this case. What the grail in this book was hope and forgiveness for the seeker to find. Would I really want to know my own future, I don’t think so but I do believe that whatever your destiny is it will be.
This sort of book is not normally one I would read but I thought it was OK, quite easy to read and did keep me turning the pages. I did think it was a nice book and it didn't’t have any swearing and no sex scenes for a change. I do however like something a little bit more juicy but in this case it may have spoilt the book.
As for the religious aspects of the book I cannot comment as I don’t believe but I don’t think it would make someone like me not wanting to read the book. It was an OK read and I felt more intrigued by wanting to find out if the Book of Days was going to exist or was it fake.
This book for me was another ‘Grail Tale’. In this case the ‘grail’ is a Book of Days. It doesn’t really matter if the grail is going to be a descendant of Christ, a chalice or even the Book of Days as in this case. What the grail in this book was hope and forgiveness for the seeker to find. Would I really want to know my own future, I don’t think so but I do believe that whatever your destiny is it will be.
This sort of book is not normally one I would read but I thought it was OK, quite easy to read and did keep me turning the pages. I did think it was a nice book and it didn't’t have any swearing and no sex scenes for a change. I do however like something a little bit more juicy but in this case it may have spoilt the book.
November 8, 2018
This is another incredible story from the masterful storyteller, James Rubart.
This book, like all the others I've read of his, has a way of speaking to my very soul.
His words inspire and challenge in a way unlike most other fiction books can do.
Here we meet Cameron, a man who is in deep grief because he lost his beloved wife Jessie. He is on a quest to fulfill one of her last requests of him, that he needs to find the Book of Days. And now, he is desperate to find it for himself, because he feels his memories slipping away, and he hopes this mysterious Book of Days can help him regain those lost treasured memories.
But is the book really real? Or is it only seen in one's dreams.
And thus begins his search...
The quest is long, the adversaries are determined to put many obstacles in his path.
The story has many twists and turns, and I was captivated until the end.
This book, like all the others I've read of his, has a way of speaking to my very soul.
His words inspire and challenge in a way unlike most other fiction books can do.
Here we meet Cameron, a man who is in deep grief because he lost his beloved wife Jessie. He is on a quest to fulfill one of her last requests of him, that he needs to find the Book of Days. And now, he is desperate to find it for himself, because he feels his memories slipping away, and he hopes this mysterious Book of Days can help him regain those lost treasured memories.
But is the book really real? Or is it only seen in one's dreams.
And thus begins his search...
The quest is long, the adversaries are determined to put many obstacles in his path.
The story has many twists and turns, and I was captivated until the end.
September 4, 2025
This fascinating book is a Christian novel that’s hard to categorize. There’s a deep mystery all throughout. There’s romance. There’s a quest for a supernatural entity. And there’s suspense. It has it all.
This book has several themes running through it. The misuse of a gift from God. Religious fanaticism with the focus on the wrong thing. Living with secrets and not letting go of the past. Shutting out those most important in one’s life because of unresolved guilt. Dealing with the loss of loved ones. And one man’s spiritual journey.
Mr. Rubart’s writing is superb. The story captivated me from the beginning and kept me reading to the end. I recommend this book to everyone, regardless of your current state of faith, or no faith at all. No matter what genre you normally read, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It hits several genres and hits them well.
This book has several themes running through it. The misuse of a gift from God. Religious fanaticism with the focus on the wrong thing. Living with secrets and not letting go of the past. Shutting out those most important in one’s life because of unresolved guilt. Dealing with the loss of loved ones. And one man’s spiritual journey.
Mr. Rubart’s writing is superb. The story captivated me from the beginning and kept me reading to the end. I recommend this book to everyone, regardless of your current state of faith, or no faith at all. No matter what genre you normally read, I think you’ll enjoy this book. It hits several genres and hits them well.
December 17, 2017
The story sounded intriguing and it was mostly. It was a bit slow in the middle third and I was thinking 3 stars. Jason, the apparent antagonist, was interesting and I was a bit disappointed at Rubart's ending for him. However, the last 150 pages were very good and kept my interest exceedingly so I bumped it up a star. I'm a Christian and didn't want to overrate "The Book of Days" just because it is very much in that vein. I think most people could enjoy it, Christian or not. James L. Rubart is a skilled writer and this book is deep without ever seeming so. I can see why a discussion group might enjoy bantering about what is symbolic and what is not. To me, the bottom line is that it's a good book and I am now interested in read other books by the author.
July 15, 2018
The Book Of Days is what we wish...
I’ve now read several of James Rubarts books. I love that he loves The Lord and uses many scriptures in everyone. I just wasn’t that into ‘The Book Of Days’ as I was with the others. God always wants us to see our past and grow from it, but He will never show us our future, that’s wishful thinking. We live Day by day, if we knew our future we’d never make so many mistakes that we do. But I know this is fiction and it did show how everyone has to forgive in all circumstances, if we don’t we just play the same tape in our heads over & over.
I just thought it took a long time before the whole point and story got to and the fairy tale ending came too quietly..but it’s still a good book and I always recommend Rubarts novels.
I’ve now read several of James Rubarts books. I love that he loves The Lord and uses many scriptures in everyone. I just wasn’t that into ‘The Book Of Days’ as I was with the others. God always wants us to see our past and grow from it, but He will never show us our future, that’s wishful thinking. We live Day by day, if we knew our future we’d never make so many mistakes that we do. But I know this is fiction and it did show how everyone has to forgive in all circumstances, if we don’t we just play the same tape in our heads over & over.
I just thought it took a long time before the whole point and story got to and the fairy tale ending came too quietly..but it’s still a good book and I always recommend Rubarts novels.
August 26, 2018
Reading this book feels like a climb itself. You go through the journey with Cameron and Ann, picking up clues and mystery here and there, then you find what you are hoping to find--hope and some life wisdom like a hidden bottle of fine wine. The middle might get a little boring, but I would say the end is well worth it, especially when I read the end author's notes on where he got the idea of the story from, my eyes welled up a bit. Nice story, nice characters that teach you to live life to the fullest and don't regret.
September 18, 2018
I've had my on and offs with this book. I think I mainly disliked the charachter names, they were too similar and it took me probably till the very end to understand whom is whom. As for the story, the plot and concept is nice, maybe there was too much focus on the romantics to the point where it felt like the whole thing switched to a romance novel but it eventually got back on track. I'd totally recommend this with anyone who knows or has any memory loss diseases, I think it could be uplifting.
March 1, 2022
Book of Days flows from Psalm 139:16 (Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.). Is this a literal, physical book, visible here on Earth, or a spiritual and poetic statement phrasing by the psalmist?
There is a bit of intrigue, whispers of possible violence, splashes of romance, and a lot of contemplation required as you work your way through the novel. Overall though, it's an enjoyable read that will encourage the reader to consider different facets of faith and life.
There is a bit of intrigue, whispers of possible violence, splashes of romance, and a lot of contemplation required as you work your way through the novel. Overall though, it's an enjoyable read that will encourage the reader to consider different facets of faith and life.
April 19, 2019
i was hoping I would like this book, and I did. I read another book by the author in 2015, ROOMS, and I made a note to read more of his books.
I like his characters, because they are flawed and in some way are searching for hope, and a way to find peace with their pasts. He puts people in their lives who have struggled with something in their lives, but are further along in their search for the hope God offers them.
I like his characters, because they are flawed and in some way are searching for hope, and a way to find peace with their pasts. He puts people in their lives who have struggled with something in their lives, but are further along in their search for the hope God offers them.
March 12, 2024
A 33 year old guy is losing his memories. Why? Issue discussed: who is a person without memories?
He searches for a special book which his father had mentioned before he died which might help him. So he goes to a town which might have the book, meets people, searches, finds a bunch of religious stuff and mysteries.
All this searching got repetitive and frustrating with too much talking (except for the people who needed to talk). Too much buildup and not enough plot development.
He searches for a special book which his father had mentioned before he died which might help him. So he goes to a town which might have the book, meets people, searches, finds a bunch of religious stuff and mysteries.
All this searching got repetitive and frustrating with too much talking (except for the people who needed to talk). Too much buildup and not enough plot development.
May 8, 2024
Do you want to see your future? What if there was a book that could tell your future? Would you want to see it? What if you started losing your memories—would that make you long to find a book written by God to see your life and find healing? In “Book of Days” this is what happens to Cameron. I loved the twists and turns and couldn’t stop reading wanting to know what would happen to Cameron. As with all of Rubart’s fabulous books, you will love this very entertaining page-turner.
May 21, 2017
Kept my interest the entire story
I've read several Rubart books and consider myself a fan. This story is very intriguing and keeps you guessing what is really going on with the Book of Days. I was a little confused on what Jessie's visions were really tied to but overall, this book is worth reading and I do recommend it.
I've read several Rubart books and consider myself a fan. This story is very intriguing and keeps you guessing what is really going on with the Book of Days. I was a little confused on what Jessie's visions were really tied to but overall, this book is worth reading and I do recommend it.
September 4, 2017
A man was told by his dying father that he saw a book written by God that had recorded everyone's
life. Each day recorded of the living. It became an obsession to locate this book because the young man's memory was fading. "Psalm 139:16 All my days were written in Your Book and planned
before a single one of those began."
life. Each day recorded of the living. It became an obsession to locate this book because the young man's memory was fading. "Psalm 139:16 All my days were written in Your Book and planned
before a single one of those began."
September 7, 2023
Amazing!
Although fiction, this book amazed me from the beginning! Mr. Rubart has captivated me with his books. I’ve only read two, but the third one is already in my kindle library, and I’ll read more. This book has challenged me to dig deeper, both into my relationship with Jesus, and in my own writing journey that has really just begun.
Although fiction, this book amazed me from the beginning! Mr. Rubart has captivated me with his books. I’ve only read two, but the third one is already in my kindle library, and I’ll read more. This book has challenged me to dig deeper, both into my relationship with Jesus, and in my own writing journey that has really just begun.
August 30, 2024
This story is meandering and slow. I was frustrated all the way through wondering why Cameron didn't tell anyone the real reason he's looking for the book. He's losing his mind. His secrecy was stupid. The only good part of this book is the authors note on the last page. So, read that and skip this book.
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