Not Easily Broken: A Novel [Hardcover]

T. D. Jakes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2006

From New York Times bestselling author T.D. Jakes, comes the story of a couple whose marriage moves toward destruction, propelled by dramatic life changes.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

How does a marriage fall apart, and how does one go about saving it? Bestselling author T.D. Jakes (Woman, Thou Art Loosed!) puts those questions at the heart of his novel, which follows Dave and Clarice Johnson as they struggle to recover from a devastating car accident, which shattered Clarice's leg. The physical recovery proves to be far simpler than healing their dissolving marriage: lack of communication and respect, along with divergent priorities, have slowly worn down their relationship. So when Julie, a physical therapist from their church, proves ready to admire and appreciate Dave, an innocent friendship turns into a serious temptation. Are both Dave and Clarice willing to fight for their marriage? And should they? For Jakes, the answer to the second question is clearly yes. He captures the rapidity with which relationships can fall apart, along with the rigorous and painful healing process, which requires honest communication, self-denial and humility. The story is far from a fairy tale and at times too true to life to be readily enjoyable, but readers will find themselves attached to the characters. Jakes's faith appears throughout the story in a gentle way, which should make this book appeal to both Christian and general market readers. (Oct. 11)
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Review

How does a marriage fall apart, and how does one go about saving it? Bestselling author T.D. Jakes (Woman, Thou Art Loosed!) puts those questions at the heart of his novel, which follows Dave and Clarice Johnson as they struggle to recover from a devastating car accident, which shattered Clarice's leg. The physical recovery proves to be far simpler than healing their dissolving marriage: lack of communication and respect, along with divergent priorities, have slowly worn down their relationship. So when Julie, a physical therapist from their church, proves ready to admire and appreciate Dave, an innocent friendship turns into a serious temptation. Are both Dave and Clarice willing to fight for their marriage? And should they? For Jakes, the answer to the second question is clearly yes. He captures the rapidity with which relationships can fall apart, along with the rigorous and painful healing process, which requires honest communication, self-denial and humility. The story is far from a fairy tale and at times too true to life to be readily enjoyable, but readers will find themselves attached to the characters. Jakes's faith appears throughout the story in a gentle way, which should make this book appeal to both Christian and general market readers. --Publishers Weekly --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (October 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446576778
• ISBN-13: 978-0446576772
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,060,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

T. D. Jakes is the CEO of TDJ Enterprises, LLP; founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas, Inc., which has over 30,000 members; and the author of the New York Times bestselling Making Great Decisions and Reposition Yourself. Time magazine and CNN referred to him as "America's Best Preacher." His TV show, The Potter's Touch, reaches 67 million households per month. He has been the host of national radio and television broadcasts and is regularly featured on the highly rated Dr. Phil show. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife, five children, and two grandchildren.

Visit T. D. Jakes online at www.tdjakes.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Easily Broken..., February 9, 2007

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not Easily Broken: A Novel (Hardcover)

David and Clarice, the main characters of NOT EASILY BROKEN by T. D. Jakes, were once a happily married couple, but are slipping away from each other because of their lack of communication. Clarice's inability to share her fears with David and truly open up to him goes from bad to worse when she's in a fatal accident and refuses to lean on him for strength. David loves his wife and does all he can to show her he's there for her, but feels useless and unneeded. It becomes obvious after a while that they are two very different people with different goals in life.

Before the accident, Clarice is busy climbing the corporate ladder and keeping up with everyone else while David is content with running his janitorial business and helping out in the community. The accident should have drawn them closer, but instead it pushes them further apart. David finds himself spending more time with Clarice's physical therapist (a single mom) and mentoring her son. In the process, he becomes attracted to her and a father figure to the young boy. He learns more about himself, and what it feels like to spend time with people who care about him and share similar beliefs and dreams. Clarice notices the difference in David and begins to wonder if he's having an affair. After a tragic accident, she confronts David and forces an answer. What follows gives the book more drama than seen in most Christian Fiction or Inspirational reads.

While I enjoyed NOT EASILY BROKEN, some of the issues seemed glazed over and Clarice's character worked my nerves to no end. I really felt nothing for her, and though I knew David was being led down a road of temptation, I wanted him to find some type of happiness and it didn't seem that Clarice was capable. Her selfish demeanor will turn off many readers, but others will find her realistic and a portrayal of a woman balancing her career and marriage. On the flip side, Jakes did a wonderful job of showing David's side of things and there are some very moving areas in NOT EASILY BROKEN that will resonate with the reader. The resolution was satisfying, though predictable, and sends a message that what God puts together cannot be easily broken.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific dialogue, good look inside a crumbling marriage, October 10, 2006

By 

Christina Lockstein "Christy's Book Blog" (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Not Easily Broken: A Novel (Hardcover)

Not Easily Broken by T.D. Jakes is the first book I've read by the bishop, but I'll definitely be returning for more! Dave and Clarice Johnson's marriage is shaky to begin, but after an accident shatters Clarice's leg, it appears that their relationship may also be destroyed. Dave is drawn to Clarice's physical therapist, Julie, and things begin to spiral out of control. I was moved by the in depth look Jakes gives to both spouses' sides of the story without excusing either of them. One of the strongest elements of the book is the realistic dialogue. Jakes captures conversations, flirtations, and fights with equal strength, and it really brings the characters to life. He also incorporates God into the story without being preachy or forcing the characters to act in ways that seem unrealistic.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Man Put Asunder, February 2, 2007

By 

Jennifer Coissiere "The Tough Critic"... (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Not Easily Broken: A Novel (Hardcover)

Not Easily Broken is another captivating, thought-provoking, spiritual lesson hidden in words woven by T.D. Jakes. Sometimes when we grow up lessons that we are taught by our parents, stay with us a little longer than we would like. Our dreams that we have for ourselves when we are growing up is not always the path we take.

Clarice and David Johnson had been married for fifteen years. Though they went through the motions of being married and successful in their careers, something was lacking. Due to a horrible mistake, they were in a very bad accident and this is when God saw the opening to teach a lesson.

Clarice had listened to her mother tell her for years to be dependent on only herself. Due to this, Clarice pushed herself to be one of the best real estate agents at the firm she worked. She did not understand why David would not give up his custodial business and do something more promising and showcase his potential. Never really learning how to depend on someone else drove Clarice into a dark place when the accident happened. It also gave her time to reflect on herself

David gave of his self to everyone, from his employees that did not have any skills to the children's little league baseball he coached. The one person he tried to care for the most was not very receptive of his natural caring and giving nature but that did not stop him from trying. When someone else started to take notice of this rare quality, David found he liked the attention.

T.D. Jakes has woven a story of love, loss, and love again. Sometimes we have to sit and reflect on things that God wants us to heed, but when we are not receptive He can be rather funny in the route He takes to teach us. I recommend this to a reader that is not used to listening and compromising.

Jennifer Coissiere