Customer Reviews

Not Easily Broken: A Novel

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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.

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

I can count on one hand the number of fiction books I've read in the last 10 years, but I couldn't put this one down! It captured my attention from the very first page, and I could relate to the characters immediately. I read it in two evenings. You'll want to keep going to see what happens, especially after the book takes a surprise turn. The other reviewer is correct...it's real without being preachy. And it should speak to the hearts of married women, esp. those of us with good men that we sometimes take for granted. Grab the book, light up the fire, get a cup of coffee, get the kids to bed, and have at it! A great book!!!

I found this book to be a waste of time. I was struggling to get through it. My entire book club was in a state of awww at this book. Not deep at all, very shallow and weak. I wouldn't advise anyone to go out of their way to read this book. I don't think there was much thought or "work" put into this book. I especially didn't care for all the details in the scenes at the baseball field. I found it to be a lot of filler!!

Bishop TD Jake's third novel, Not Easily Broken, sends a strong message about the importance of having and maintaining healthy relationships.

Dave and Clarice Johnson have been married for fifteen years. However, this novel demonstrates that although a couple has been together for awhile it does not prove that all is well in a marriage.

This becomes evident when a car accident leaves Clarice with a physical injury. Career-driven and independent, Clarice begins to shut down emotionally in spite of Dave's many attempts to make his wife comfortable. Why is Clarice so withdrawn? Does she fear she will lose her credibility as a real estate agent? Is she mad at Dave?

Anxious to get back to her normal work schedule, Clarice gets physical therapy in her home to recuperate. Julie, Clarice's physical therapist helps her to get better. They get along well. However, Julie, a divorcee, begins having feelings for Dave, because he shows an interest in her son, Bryson. It seems to work out well for both Julie and Dave: Julie has a role model for her son as well as a relationship with a man; and, Dave feels appreciated for a change. Nevertheless, the one person who should be appreciating Dave: his wife, Clarice, is not. Why doesn't Clarice show her husband the love and encouragement he so desperately needs? Has he done something in the past to hurt her?

In addition, Clarice is battling with the ever so loud voice of her mother who believes that men, including Dave, aren't worth two cents. How does her mother's perspective affect her ability to relate to Dave? Will Clarice's mother put an even larger wedge between the once so vibrant couple?

On the other hand, while Dave is being pushed away from the arms of his wife, he is being tempted to run to the arms of Julie.

Will Dave and Clarice's marriage survive the tension of emotional baggage, sexual temptation, and a nagging mother? How can Dave say no to Julie when their emotions for one another feel so right? Will Dave stay with Clarice or will he leave her for Julie?

Not Easily Broken is a lesson for married couples to put time, effort, and communication into their marriage. It is also a lesson for men and women to appreciate loved ones and not allow your upbringing to hinder you from enjoying the blessings of God.

Powerful story Bishop Jakes!

T.D. Jakes' book is timely and engaging! Each page will have you yearning for more. Not Easily Broken book proves how, no matter how earth shattering the struggle, God is still a God of healing and restoration within marriages. I highly recommend it; excellent read!
-Kimberley Brooks, author of "He's Fine...But is He Saved?"

People won't be able to stop talking about this one. "Oh, no he didnnnt" is what they will be saying. T.D. Jakes is a master at telling powerful stories and this book is one of the best ones yet. Get your tissues out when you read this one and don't hate when you read what the brother is tempted to do. This book is sure to stir some feathers and make you appreciate the scripture "love never fails" in a brand new way. Can't wait for the movie!

Pam Perry
Chocolate Pages Reviewer
[...]

To be honest when I purchased this book ( book club pick ) I thought I would get a sermon. This novel was a pretty good read and not religiously overbearing. The story was very realistic and also entertaining. Unlike most novels with a similar story line it focused more on being unfaithful not within a physical aspect.

Can This Marriage Be Saved?

Dave and Clarice have been married forever; yet the things that they do not know about one another could fill up a small house. That is the basic problem in their marriage. They have grown apart over the years, rather than together. How many marriages are the same way?

Not Easily Broken is the latest novel by mega preacher, T. D. Jakes about an upper class African American couple who find that their marriage has fallen into disrepair right before their eyes. Neither one of them seem to be able to acknowledge the truth of the matter. They have gotten used to acting like nothing is wrong until they are involved in a near-fatal car crash and Clarice is seriously injured. As David fails miserably at his attempts to take care of his wife; he finally admits that he no longer feels needed. Her lack of neediness and her inability to trust him with her fears is at the core of their problems. Suddenly; the wonderful life that they have built is no longer enough. The house, the cars and the material possessions are no longer fulfilling because they both realize that they have lost that loving feeling between them.

Jakes weaves an interesting tale of woe in this novel. What I appreciated most about the book is that it is not your average work of Christian fiction where every little detail is wrapped up in a nice little package in the end because the characters are following the call of the Lord. The characters in this book are real. Clarice is a woman who makes you want to actually slap her. Her self-centered persona is portrayed so realistically that she could be someone that you know. Although the Johnsons belong to a church that they attend regularly; they don't seem to be spirit-filled believers. They aren't the type that lean on God for guidance; at least not until they find themselves deep in trouble which is the case with most people. While Clarice is caught up with keeping up with the Joneses and climbing the ladder of success in the real estate business; Dave is a down to earth man who is more interested in mentoring young males in the community than making money. His humble position as the owner of a small janitorial services business is enough for him and that bothers Clarice. On the other hand; her disinterest in having children is a thorn in Dave's side. You wonder what brought these two together in the first instance.

The real drama unfolds when a young, single mother and her son comes into their lives and Dave finds himself attracted to the woman and committed to the child. Clarice realizes that she could lose her husband and finally takes some action and looks outside of her own wants and needs to try to save the marriage. Despite a tragic turn of events; they both acknowledge that they have something worth saving. With the help of a marriage counselor and a renewed faith in God; Clarice and Dave discover that their bond is "not easily broken".

The author has a gift for seeing into the hearts of women in his national ministry. He does the same with the female characters in this book. He also gives us some very realistic male characters and the circumstances for relationship building. I enjoyed the story and would recommend Not Easily Broken to readers who like contemporary Christian fiction. It was well written and kept me interested. I liked the fact that the author did not skate around the issues of temptation and sin. He also held the characters responsible for their actions and showed through scriptural references how Christian couples need to invite God into their relationships. I'd rate it a four on a scale of one through five.

Idrissa Uqdah for AALBC.com