Tim Bishop (3)

After the passing of his beloved Ruth, Doug starts on an incredible journey that was sparked by his departed wife’s worry about her husband not living life once she’s gone. Doug is not only on a physical journey but a mental and spiritual journey as he treks across the country by recumbent bike. Meeting interesting characters on the trail, Doug is faced with his personal demons with each encounter, to the point that he can’t turn away and must face them in the quiet moments on the road. For me, that all sounds like a nightmare, and certain times I believe Doug concurs, as it is hard to face the truth about yourself, especially when you’re hit with it head on.

The pace of this novel is on the slow side but it’s clear that it was written with passion and heart, which is why I continued to read despite moments of drudgery. It is very wordy and could’ve been more condensed and still had the same effect, but since this was the author’s first attempt at fiction I will give a little more grace on this front.

There is no way I could ever accomplish what Doug does but then again I think most people feel that way until they actually attempted it. It did have me wondering, ‘Is there anything that would help spur me on to embark on such a harrowing journey myself?’ Honestly, there was only one reason I would and, even if that occurred, I still don’t think I’d have the guts to do it. Truthfully, I found myself fighting conflicting feelings about Doug as a person. There were moments my heart grieved for him but then there were moments he was a total jerk.

There were some deep subject matter tackled relating to illness, death and suicide that could be triggering, especially in its intensity but it is so raw and real, something that many authors shy away from but this author hit head on. The climactic scene at the end had my heart literally pounding and shows the author’s skill at capturing his audience’s attention and brining them into that moment.

Though I had a love/hate relationship with Doug, I loved Lauren’s character so much! She is a sound voice that lives her faith instead of preaching like everyone else, which is exactly what Doug (and all of us) need us Christians to be.

Though the novel did drag at times, it presents a great message of living life after death and the importance of having supportive people surrounding you, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to read it.… (més)

The Persistent Suitor by Tim Bishop is a Contemporary Christian Fiction/outdoor adventure. Doug Zimmer loses his job and then loses his wife to cancer. She believed in God, while he was not a believer. He honors her last request by riding up the Pacific Coast on a bicycle so he can stop at sites she wants him to remember and read letters written by her.

A battle for his soul is waged through the pages of this book. From beautiful scenery to dangers from nature to danger from vehicles, the author takes the reader on an incredible journey. Lauren Bumgarner is a young woman he encounters on his journey. She and some other zealots he meets along the way confront him about his disdain for religion.

I loved reading this book and found myself unable to put it down. I wanted to learn more about his journey across America.

So, if you enjoy works of Contemporary Christian Fiction/outdoor adventures, check out The Persistent Suitor by Tim Bishop for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (més)

The Persistent Road is as the title might imply, a story about one man's journey from grief and anger to healing. The author did a great job describing the scenes, making me feel like I was right there with the characters. As Doug cycled the various highways, he met a number of individuals who caused him to reflect on his life and to more diligently search for meaning and purpose in his life. It is a journey of hope and forgiveness. The cycling journey itself is quite impressive. I can't even begin to think about riding a bike hundreds of miles. There are a lot of twists and turns to the journey and the story kept my interest. There is a strong Christian theme in the book with the message of the gospel clearly laid out. Readers who enjoy stories of adventure and nature will not want to miss The Persistent Road. I read a complimentary copy of the book through LibraryThing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.… (més)

The Persistent Road is the story of Doug Zimmer's road to faith both literally and figuratively. Doug takes to the road on a recumbent bicycle following the loss of his job and the death of his wife. Along the way seeds planted by his wife and sister are nurtured through the beauty of God's creation, God's intervention and protection, and people he meets along the way. The story proceeds at a slow pace, and does require some persistence on the part of the reader. One has to enjoy lengthy descriptions of the scenery Doug passes through. His interactions with many kinds of people keep the readers engaged.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Persistent Road from Open Road Press via LibraryThing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.… (més)