The Everlasting (Paperback)

by Jamie S. Rich (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
It's 1999 in Portland, Oregon. Lance Scott has just turned 25 and has a pretty good life. Paul Weller is his god; music his constant companion. He has a great apartment, a spoiled cat, an easygoing roommate; only one thing is missing-- the girl of his dreams. But reality rarely lives up to dreams. Three girls take turns with his heart, but can he commit to any one of them, or will he always be looking back at what he's left and forward at what might come? And then there's the blue haired girl.

This sophomore novel by Jamie S. Rich takes a pop-culture filled look at the irony of a guy who is only able to be truly present in his relationship with his cat; and the accidents that happen when you try to reach forward toward a new love while simultaneously looking over your shoulder at the past.

From the Publisher
Willamette Week:

"Perhaps the only thing more painful than being in high school is being in your 20s, a time when you're convinced you're smart, but you're not smart enough to realize how stupid you really are. In his second novel, The Everlasting, local author Jamie S. Rich serves up a reminder of those transitional years when you have the audacity to think you know a thing or two. Set in Portland in 1999, Rich's multiple-narrative tale follows Lance Scott, a 25-year-old Web designer navigating a turbulent journey of romance and self-discovery. Lance is not unlike many of the real urban hipsters who troll local watering holes, expounding the superiority of vinyl over compact discs, fussing about looks and pontificating on pop culture."

Curled up with a Good Book:

"Rich's honest and tender prose about the complications of relationships is clever and engaging. We become friends with this zany, funny young man. Do not be deceived by the comic book-looking cover - this is definitely a read for adults only."

Reader Reviews:

"With a completely realistic style of writing, Jamie Rich finds a way to bring across everything from the somewhat disturbingly sarcastic sense of humor of his main character to the desperado, soul searching lost romantic boy trapped inside. While you will find yourself smirking at the completely realistic comments and attitudes we've all experienced in our life of romance, the author's ability to truly bring the character to life is uncanny and surreal."

Read All About It:

"Spurred on by duty and admiration, I've read almost everything Mr. Rich has published. But The Everlasting is easily his best and most enjoyable work yet. I'm only about a third of the way through and am having a hard time pacing myself enough to enjoy the story rather than giving in to my "what happens next?!?" impulse to finish it in a caffine-fueled evening."

Product Details

• Paperback: 520 pages
• Publisher: Oni Press (August 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932664548
• ISBN-13: 978-1932664546
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,377,403 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inside a man's mind, September 26, 2006

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (9/06)

Jamie Rich somehow delves deep within the mind and soul of his main character, Lance Scott, and reveals a realistic view of man's mind and how it works. While I'm certain the book wasn't intended to open the window to a whole gender's way of thinking, it certainly happened upon it, even if only by mistake, with the end results being a quick smack to the forehead as you realize you know this guy in real life!

Lance Scott is a typical 20-something man. What he has isn't enough, what he had was great but now gone and what he chases after isn't always what he wants once he gets it. A mixture of reality meeting fantasy, this outstanding novel encompasses the life and desires of Lance Scott who is searching for a comfort zone in his life. Facing numerous relationships, always searching for Mrs. Right but never realizing he had her until she's gone, and never quite content with his latest conquer, this quirky and somewhat humorous man finds a place in your heart. By the end of the book you're not sure what you think of Lance.... is he a pompous jerk, a caring and loving man, an inspiring artistic type or just a lost soul in the sea of complex relationships. At times you will love him and wish you were the "mysterious blue headed woman" he's intrigued with finding again and then within a few pages you'll be so angry at him for his own stupidity that you want to scream!

With a completely realistic style of writing, Jamie Rich finds a way to bring across everything from the somewhat disturbingly sarcastic sense of humor of his main character to the desperado, soul searching lost romantic boy trapped inside. While you will find yourself smirking at the completely realistic comments and attitudes we've all experienced in our life of romance, the author's ability to truly bring the character to life is uncanny and surreal.

A combination of fiction and romance, the story appeals to everyone from teens to those well into "middle age" who still remember what it's like to be 20-something and searching for the answers to life's questions. As you cheer on Lance's adventures, laugh at his sarcastic and quick wit, or cry with his train wreck relationships, you will truly not want to put this book down for a minute. When the final page is turned you will simply wonder how this talented writer will ever top something so good.