Review of JTs World

[Carly Sprout]

[Following is a volunteer review of "JTs World" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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JT's World is a western novel that follows the story of John Thurgood Thomas, JT, a man seeking to make a name for himself in the American West. Along the way, JT is aided by a cast of colourful characters, including a tough-as-nails female rancher and a retired gunfighter with a troubled past. Through it all, JT must rely on his intelligence, bravery, and his very own cowboy code of honour, to survive and establish a lasting legacy. JT's World, by E. Alan Fleischauer, is an exploration of the human quest for redemption and a sense of purpose in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving, while also highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness.

The opening pages of this book promise a thrilling adventure, but unfortunately, the fast-paced writing does not continue throughout the rest of the story. Instead, the plot meanders through a series of loosely connected events, including bowling alley murders, bounty hunters, and the grand opening of an ambitious amusement park, to name just a few. Although some readers may appreciate the emphasis on character experiences and interactions, others may find it frustrating if they are looking for a more traditional plot-driven story.

The author's writing style often prioritizes conveying the facts of the story rather than artfully conveying them through the story's elements. This approach can result in the repetition of information in the book, as the author may feel the need to restate certain facts to ensure the reader understands them. However, this can be frustrating for readers who prefer a more nuanced and immersive storytelling style. In a character-driven narrative, the emphasis is often placed on the characters' thoughts, feelings, and relationships. However, when the writing is not strong enough to support this kind of novel and these characters are stereotypical and uninteresting, it can make for a disengaging read. The one-dimensional characters in this book lack the depth and complexity needed to make them relatable and compelling. This not only makes it difficult for readers to care about the characters, but also makes the story feel unfocused and unsatisfying.

Furthermore, the book's tonal inconsistencies and lazy writing choices only add to the disappointment. While it is important to acknowledge the historical reality of racism and prejudice in the American West, it is also important to approach these depictions critically and with sensitivity to their potential impact on readers. The use of derogatory depictions of marginalized groups and the constant threat of sexual violence towards women feel like cheap plot devices rather than thoughtful storytelling. Additionally, the excessive focus on characters' physical appearances and the binary of "good" versus "evil" based on Euro-Western standards of attractiveness detracts from the overall quality of the book. Moreover, the author introduced numerous irrelevant characters, further adding to the book's lack of focus. This could have been avoided with more careful editing and a tighter narrative structure. While some may argue that the book is intended to be a fun, escapist read, the lack of effort put into the character development and storytelling leaves this reader feeling unsatisfied.

There were some positive aspects to the book, though. The novel's rich historical setting and thrilling action sequences were enjoyable. I believe the story was not overly formulaic or predictable, but the author relied heavily on JT's unrealistic character trait of giving out money, which became grating. However, I appreciated the simplicity of the author's language use and the fact that this novel had enough context that it may be read as a standalone book. The standout chapters were those that focused on individual characters and their histories, providing insight into their motivations within the novel.

Despite its flaws, JT's World may still appeal to readers who are interested in the American West and enjoy slow-paced and supposed character-driven stories. Readers looking for stories with themes of redemption and forgiveness, however undeserving it may be, may enjoy this book too. However, readers who are sensitive to racism, misogyny, violence, and sexual content, should approach this book with caution. Ultimately, as a reader, it is up to you to decide what you are comfortable with and what you are willing to engage with in literature. Following this logic, I chose to rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. While the book has some positive qualities, it fails to deliver a compelling story and suffers from numerous flaws, such as outlined above, that detract from the reading experience.

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JTs World
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[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I think there are still people like JT in this world, who are willing to lend a helping hand and give support to the less fortunate. Giving enough money. But I know it's rare. Thanks for your honest and well-written review, Carly!