Official Review: Touchstone by Linda Eatmon-Jones

Yoli García · Post by **Yoli García** » 11 Nov 2018, 15:35

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Touchstone" by Linda Eatmon-Jones.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Written by Linda Eatmon-Jones, Touchstone celebrates the life and accomplishments of Earle Francis Jones. The author thinks that it is important to praise and honor people while they are still alive. With this book, she has taken the opportunity to honor her husband's admirable life. More than that, she hopes that "Earle's life story and his legacy provide the inspiration for anyone in any stage of their life to realize that your thoughts create beliefs, beliefs create attitudes, attitudes create behaviors, and behaviors create results."

This non-fiction book is a collection of essays that could be considered a biography. It has nine major sections, which discuss different spheres of Earle's life. These sections are: "Family," "Church," "Education," "The World of Work," "Friends," "Boards, Associations & Foundations," "Congressional Lobbying," "Personal Business Relationships," and "Books, Books, Books." Family members, worshippers, educators, coworkers, friends, executives, and members of Congress contributed essays to celebrate Earle. They all share how Earle is a family-oriented, honorable, loyal, and dependable man who puts his family and God above all else.

What I liked the most about this book is that it is a labor of love. Linda Eatmon-Jones wrote a book to sing the praises of her husband's character and achievements. She got a lot of people to participate in the book. The fact that a significant number of people who know Earle wrote essays to honor him elucidates on the quality of Earle's persona. Earle's values, family life, work ethic, and acts of service impressed me. He followed the steps of his hard-working grandparents and his cultured parents. He raised his stepson as his son. He stood by his wife when she had cancer. He treats everyone with respect and gentleness. He has had a long, successful career. He serves his church in the parking ministry. He is an advocate for African-American causes.

Pastor Marshal L. Ausberry Sr. says that his "observation of Earle is that he is a man who desires deeply to live a life that is pleasing to God." David L. Cohen argues that "Earle's leadership, his presence, his credibility, and his stature all have played a central role in building Comcast's reputation on Capitol Hill." Congressman G.K. Butterfield maintains that "there is no doubt that Earle's service on the council furthered CBCF's mission to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. His professional drive is matched by his love for family."

I rate Touchstone by Linda Eatmon-Jones 3 out of 4 stars because it is a labor of love. It is incredible how a lot of people shared their sentiments about Earle and their experiences with him. Earle is indeed a role model for everyone to admire and follow. I deducted a star because I found more than ten grammatical errors in the book, which means that it needs another editorial revision. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy biographies and collections of essays about remarkable individuals.

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Touchstone
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Book Lover 35 · Post by **Book Lover 35** » 26 Nov 2018, 00:45

She sounds like a loving wife. That's sweet that she chose a book dedicated to him. Great review!

Caylie_Cat · Post by **Caylie_Cat** » 26 Nov 2018, 20:16

I agree that we need to appreciate and honour each other, while we still live. It is a terrible shame that we mostly say good things about a person only at their funeral when they are not present to hear them. I had not heard of Earle Jones, but from reading your insightful review, he seems to be someone I would like to meet and spend time with. Thank you.

T_stone · Post by **T_stone** » 27 Nov 2018, 02:52

I agree with Caylie on the fact that people should be celebrated and honoured while they're still alive; not dead! This is a very insightful review and I'll like to indulge my myself in it. Also, my moniker is a short form of "Touchstone"

Post by **kandscreeley** » 27 Nov 2018, 16:28

I love that she loved her husband so much as to take the time to write this book about him. Still, it's not something I would normally gravitate to. I'm glad you enjoyed it, though. Thanks.

owiezeek · Post by **owiezeek** » 29 Nov 2018, 05:25

Yes people should be appreciated and honored why they are still alive... Well said and we need it done.... Thank you

EvaDar · Post by **EvaDar** » 29 Nov 2018, 23:04

What a dear book - a wife honoring her husband with a biography about his leadership and his interesting life. Sounds really positive. And I enjoyed reading your review.

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 27 Dec 2018, 19:35

The author thinks that it is important to praise and honour people while they are still alive.

I could see whether the author is coming from. It's better to be early than late, indeed, in more senses than one. Thank you for your well-written review.

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 28 Dec 2018, 03:09

I absolutely agree with the author's view that people should be made aware of how much they mean to us while they are alive. This book reflects an unusual take on the author's part. But the approach is mind-blowing as it shows her (and others') appreciation for Earle and also creates an inspirational read. Thanks for the wonderful review, Yolimari.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 28 Dec 2018, 11:04

The author thinks that it is important to praise and honor people while they are still alive. With this book, she has taken the opportunity to honor her husband's admirable life. More than that, she hopes that "Earle's life story and his legacy provide the inspiration for anyone in any stage of their life to realize that your thoughts create beliefs, beliefs create attitudes, attitudes create behaviors, and behaviors create results."

I agree with this sentiment. We often wait until we lose someone to value their accomplishments and celebrate their life. Why not do it while they're alive?
This biography seems very inspirational and, as you say, the most important is that it's a work of love and we should value and respect that.
Thank you for your review.

holsam_87 · Post by **holsam_87** » 31 Dec 2018, 22:41

What a wonderful way to honor her husband. He sounds like a great person.

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 31 Dec 2018, 23:01

It is good that Earle's wife and friends had many good things to contribute to the book about his life and influences. The public doesn't always hear about all the people who have made a difference in others' lives. He influenced the "global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public."

gali · Post by **gali** » 23 Feb 2019, 12:59

A biography about the legacy of the author's husband sounds inspiring. It is touching that the author honored her husband that way. It sure shows her love to him. That each essay is written by a different man, shows how popular Earl is. Hopefully, the errors were fixed by now. Thank you for the review!

amafie · Post by **amafie** » 23 Feb 2019, 13:15

What a keen eye you have! I am becoming stronger with this and appreciate your thoughts and insight. I love stories that are focused on love and admiration. I will look for the errors mentioned so I can become better with detail!

Kister Bless · Post by **Kister Bless** » 23 Feb 2019, 13:17

This book sounds so inspiring. The author is right. It's good to praise and honor people when they are still alive and not after they have died.With Touchstone by Linda Eatmon-Jones, the author has taken the opportunity to honor her husband's admirable life. Can't wait to read it. Great review!