Official Review: Jesse by Glen Alan Burke

[ALynnPowers]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jesse" by Glen Alan Burke.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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If you’re looking for a fresh, original read, then Glen Alan Burke’s novel Jesse might just be the book for you. However, if you would prefer to avoid controversial topics, particularly those related to racism and slavery in the American South, padded with strong Christian teachings, then you should probably look somewhere else.

Set predominately in the 1960s in the rural northern Alabama town of Jess Rulam, with a few flashbacks to prior decades as far back as the days of slavery, Jesse tells the story of one town’s evolution over the years, thanks to a single boy. Jessup Christopher Savoiriè, Jesse for short, sticks out from the moment he shows up on the first day of school. He’s poor and dirty, and he just stands around smiling at everyone. He’s also the only black child in an all-white school; though he’s actually mixed-race, hatred toward non-whites is still alive and well in the present setting. However, as the years pass and desegregation is put into action, Jesse begins to change into a man that the town-folk respect, and it doesn’t take long for everyone to realize that there is something more supernatural, even miraculous, about having Jesse in their lives.

I feel like I can best explain my thoughts on this book by breaking it down into three sections. The first section takes up about half of the book, introduces the characters and setting, and sets up the plot of the story. This was easily my favorite section of the book. We get a nice look at the author’s ability to tell a good story, and he really proves himself excellent at such a task, with almost poetic prose that could easily compare with classic American novels such as To Kill A Mockingbird. The story is told through the point of view (POV) of Matt, one of Jesse’s classmates, who also serves as the all-knowing, third-person narrator during flashbacks to previous events. While there is potential for this type of POV-jumping to cause confusion, the author manages to pull it off effortlessly.

Then there is the second section of the book. More supernatural events begin to occur, and I couldn’t help feeling that the story had just “jumped the shark” and veered off in a completely absurd direction. Without giving away spoilers, I will just point out the obvious -- Jesse’s full name is “coincidentally” similar to the words “Jesus Christ Savior.” Keeping that in mind, you can imagine what kind of “miracles” occur, with slightly over-the-top religious messages revolving around promiscuity, pedophilia, and abortion. I must admit that I almost gave up on the book during this section. However, in the third section of the book, the story comes back around to the original plot involving overcoming racism in the small town. This last section really saved the book for me.

Jesse definitely opens a lot of door for discussion, and I could picture this book being read as part of the curriculum in high school or university classrooms. The controversial subject matter alone can stem a lot of conversation, but the symbolism can add even further depth to such discussions. I personally found myself drawn to the way the author represents the characters in the story. It’s almost like there are only two main characters: Jesse and the town.

I give Jesse a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. The content of the book might be offensive to many readers, and I personally didn’t care for a large chunk of the book that just seemed too outlandish in comparison with the rest of the story. However, the author’s writing style and story-telling ability are just too good to give a rating any lower. This is not a book to easily forget, and I’ll certainly remember this story for years to come.

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Jesse
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[zeldas_lullaby]

Wow, great review. This probably goes without saying, but my favorite part of the review was about how the book "jumps the shark." Immediately I'm picturing The Fonz on water skis. HA HA HA HA HA.

The concept reminds me of that old TV show, Joan of Arcadia, about the teen girl who kept interacting with God in the form of random people: a homeless man, a construction worker, someone on the bus, etc.

This also reminds me of a theater movie I saw many years ago. It had Jesus in it, and it dealt with political correctness (not letting kids wear Christmas sweatshirts to school, for example; or not allowing a nativity in certain parts of town).

Great review!!

[PashaRu]

Thanks for a good review and good analysis of the book. Great commentary and thoughts as to whom the book might appeal (or not). Sounds like a strange mixture of genres which isn't altogether successful, but the book partially redeems itself anyway.

[ALynnPowers]

Thanks guys! This was a tough one to review!

I really liked this book, but I can understand why some people might not be interested in it.

[bookowlie]

Well-written review! I particularly enjoying reading it as I almost chose this book a few weeks ago. I love reading other people's opinions of the books I almost chose. I've been there, where the writing is so good that you can forgive some of the flaws in the plot.

[ALynnPowers]

Whenever I read another reviewer's thoughts on a book I almost chose, I punch myself for not choosing that book for myself.

[bookowlie]

Whenever I read another reviewer's thoughts on a book I almost chose, I punch myself for not choosing that book for myself.

Well, I didn't punch myself. I wonder if I should.

[ALynnPowers]

You should try it. You might enjoy it.

[bluemel4]

Great review. I think the Jesus stuff would be a turn off for me.

I am glad the book managed to redeem itself. It's hard when books are a bit preachy. From the review it sounded like the book had enough going on to omit the supernatural element.

[bookowlie]

You should try it. You might enjoy it.

The next time I select a book for review, I will punch myself x number of times, depending on the number of books available that I didn't choose.

-- 03 Jun 2015, 20:49 --

You should try it. You might enjoy it.

The next time I select a book for review, I will punch myself x number of times, depending on the number of books available that I didn't choose.

On a serious note, I have always been interested in books are set in the Deep South. From an outsider's perspective, I think the locals are somewhat stuck in the past when it comes to a lot of issues. In some states I've visited, the locals still like to constantly talk about the Civil War.

[NadineTimes10]

Heeheehee, this review is worth reading just for the comments.

The whole Jesse/Jesus element reminds me of a novel called Joshua by Joseph F. Girzone that I believe was written in the 80s. The book was made into a film around 2002. I think the Joshua series is a Joshua/Jesus thing. (I've not read the series yet, but I have the books.) It'd be interesting to hear of any other books with the "John Doe"/Jesus premise.

[zeldas_lullaby]

Heeheehee, this review is worth reading just for the comments.

The whole Jesse/Jesus element reminds me of a novel called Joshua by Joseph F. Girzone that I believe was written in the 80s. The book was made into a film around 2002. I think the Joshua series is a Joshua/Jesus thing. (I've not read the series yet, but I have the books.) It'd be interesting to hear of any other books with the "John Doe"/Jesus premise.

Hmmmm..... I think I mentioned all the ones I know, but if I think of any other ones, I'll let you know! I vaguely recall the Joshua one.

[Rachaelamb1]

While I don't mind books with an overtly Christian theme, I don't care for ones that go off into someone performing a bunch of supernatural miracles. It reminds me too much of a book I read as a teenager that was really creepy. (Can't remember the name of the book or author though)

[ananya92]

Great review! I liked how divided the book into sections to adequately address your thoughts on the story. The story seems interesting, but I don't think I'll have enough patience to finish it.

[GWOTVet]

What a great review, it was very helpful! I love your thoughtfulness, thoroughness and honesty. I am going to add this book to my "want-to-read" list based on your review. I love a challenge!