The Mason Jar

LINGERFELT, JAMES RUSSELL
THE MASON JAR

What if your old college roommate called, raving about a book someone sent her, calling it the most beautiful book she’s ever read? “But,” she said, “it’s about you.” The author is your college ex.

In The Mason Jar, Clayton Fincannon is a Tennessee farm boy raised at the feet of his grandfather. He and his grandfather leave letters for each other in a Mason jar on his grandfather’s desk—letters of counsel and affirmation. When Clayton attends college in Southern California, he meets and falls in love with a dark debutante from Colorado. However, when an unmentioned past resurrects in her life and she leaves, Clayton is left with unanswered questions.

Clayton goes on to serve as a missionary in Africa, while he and his grandfather continue their tradition of writing letters. When Clayton returns home five years later to bury his grandfather, he searches for answers pertaining to the loss of the young woman he once loved. Little does Clayton know, the answers await him in the broken Mason jar.

My Review:

This book was first published in 2012 and then reissued in a revised edition in 2014. I was given an ebook to review by Litfuse Publicity Group, but when I discovered my public library had the 2012 print copy, I read that first and then compared it to the ebook.  I have to say that the revised book is definitely better. Especially in Eden's storyline. Her actions are more understandable now. But having said that, there is still something missing for me.

When I read a fiction book, I want to feel it. Smell it. Taste it. I want to live it. The Mason Jar reads like an essay. It is told instead of shown.  I felt like a passive bystander in this reading experience.

I did love the whole concept of the mason jar letters. Clayton's grandfather is by far my favourite character and their rich relationship is a definite strength in the story. The rest of the book just didn't hold my attention.

The Mason Jar is being made into a movie and I can certainly see how elements of the story would translate well to the big screen. In a way, the book reads like a script and I think actors will be able to bring the story to life.

While I am not offering a giveaway copy of this book, Litfuse Publicity Group is. Details are below. click on the links to enter.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/jlingerfelt




One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. Winner will be announced October 20th at James Russell's blog, Love Story from the Male Perspective.