Jim the Boy : A Novel by Tony Earley
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Book Reviews of Jim the Boy : A Novel
Book Review: Book Club selection: Super Easy Read
Summary: 3 Stars
So this book took me only a day to read which: Awesome because I didn't have a lot of time this month. It was a simple story so I'm not sure what there is to discuss at the book club, I guess we'll have to see. Worth the read, definately G rated so read it to your kids.Book Review: Jim the Boy: a Perspective of "Coming of Age"
Summary: 4 Stars
Jim the Boy is an extremely simple tale of a boy who is "coming of age." Earley uses uncomplicated language which paint an effortless depiction of what it would be life to live and work on a farm in North Carolina during the Great Depression. There are many elements in the novel which speak to the times as they were such as, racism, economic depression, and first signs of electricity. These elements, however, were the backdrop to the story and only painted an idea of life during the times.
In the Prologue we come across a letter stating that Jim's father has `passed.' The letter is directed to the boy's grandfather and from this very short letter the entire scene of the novel sets the stage. We learn that there is something dysfunctional about the grandfather and he is unwelcomed in the life of Jim and Jim's mother. Moving along ten years, the novel starts with Jim's tenth birthday where he celebrates with his three uncles and his mother. From this day on Jim is presented as being tried as a `man' working in the fields and comparing himself to his uncles.
The tales Jim's life takes us through are tales of boyhood and growing up without a father. Jim is fortunate enough to have his three uncles as male role models, but his thoughts and actions exemplify to the reader that there are trials and tribulations he is experiencing within as he learns about life through living.
This story is a quick read for someone who enjoys a light read about family, pride and coming of age. It is excellent for an adolescent just starting to enjoy reading themselves, for they will breeze through and learn a different perspective about coming of age and recognize how not so different life was, even eighty years ago!
Book Review: Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
Jim the Boy is a beautiful, simple work that details the life of a fatherless farm boy in North Carolina during the Great Depression. The simplicity of Earley's prose is what makes it so impacting. He has a way of saying so much with so little.
While some adults may find the book morally trite, I think that to do so misses the point. It is important to remember first that the book is written to be accessible to a child. It is also important to keep in mind that moral complexity does not necessarily imply quality. What Jim the Boy lacks in moral breadth, it makes up for amply in depth. The emotional range that Earley taps into is a wonderful accomplishment. I would recommend this to readers of all ages.
Book Review: Jim the Boy
Summary: 3 Stars
Tony Earley's Jim the Boy is a warm hearted coming of age novel. It is set in North Carolina during the Great Depression and follows the life of a young boy named Jim, beginning on his tenth birthday. Readers are able to witness the changes that occur within Jim's life in the short one year span. Earley displays the importance of family and how imperative the simple things in life can be. Although this is not the most engaging novel I have ever read, it is beautifully written. I loved the poetic descriptions, especially of the land and Jim's surroundings, that occured throughout the novel. Even though it is a quick read, some people may find Jim the Boy to be relatively boring. It wasn't the most exciting piece of literature I have ever read, but it was definitely worth reading. I think that many young adolescents could relate to some of the feelings that Jim encounters. This novel would also be a great text to utilize in order to enhance students' reading skills.Book Review: Jim the Boy: A Review
Summary: 3 Stars
If only for the mere fact that I really enjoyed some of the more corky characters like Whitey and the Uncles, Jim the Boy was a bit of a snoozer. Although it was a fast read, I still wasn't connecting with the main character on any kind of level. A pretty good coming of age story, but Jim is no Holden Caulfield in my opinion.
The lessons to be learned throughout the book are typical. Some scenes were very touching and well-written, but because I felt disconnected from Jim, I didn't emotionally react. This is a good book to read for leisure, but as far as teaching it to students, one might have a difficult time coming up with material that's fresh.