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236th out of 598 books
—
1,402 voters
Jim the Boy (Jim Glass #1)
by
Tony Earley
Both delightful and wise, Jim the Boy brilliantly captures the pleasures and fears of youth at a time when America itself was young and struggling to come into its own.
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
April 1st 2001
by Back Bay Books
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I'm a fraud. I write children's book reviews and I'm an adult. In an ideal world children would write books for children, as well as, review those books, right? The child-adult dual audience dilemma (that's a mouthful) addressed in children's literature studies crossed my mind because the author says he wrote this book from a ten-year-old's perspective for adults, and not, for children. But I don't agree with him. The story reads like a children's book that addresses children and adults as its a...more
Jul 28, 2008
Thomas
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
writers who would like to learn how to craft an emotionally resonant scene
Recommended to Thomas by:
fellow writers from my MFA program
I'm ashamed to admit the first time I tried reading this book I put it down. "What a dumb title for a book," my wife said when she saw what I was reading. Last summer, about sixty pages in, I put it away, thinking it too simple and quiet.
But of two of my good writing friends were unwavering in their testimony about this novel, so I picked it up again a few days ago, and I am so glad I did.
Jim the Boy is a wonderful novel, one of those books that will stand the test of time. From the perfect meta...more
But of two of my good writing friends were unwavering in their testimony about this novel, so I picked it up again a few days ago, and I am so glad I did.
Jim the Boy is a wonderful novel, one of those books that will stand the test of time. From the perfect meta...more
12 likes
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like
· see review
This book is my favorite novel of the past decade. The hardback version looked to me like a children's book; fortunately, I read the cover of the paperback edition closely enough to realize better. Earley has crafted a wonderful version of a fatherless boy coming to understand the world beyond that of his immediate family. Although set in the Depression, Jim Glass' family does not suffer too much from economic hardship. It is in interacting with others that Jim gains some understanding of hard t...more
2 likes
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like
· see review
A novel set in the 1930s with a 10 year old boy as the central character. Jim’s father dies one week before Jim is born, who is then raised by his mother and his 3 bachelor uncles in North Carolina. Author Earley’s simple prose and dialogue move this story along, with his descriptions of nature becoming almost a character. The book is tender and helps one to understand the love of others in shaping our lives. I read the last two pages 3 or 4 times out of enjoyment. I would recommend this book. W...more
I picked this book up at a used-book store, not knowing anything about it. I read it in one night and it was beautiful. I see a number of reviews that criticize the lack of "plot," but I found that in the book's favor. The book starts with Jim's 10th birthday and covers a year of his life in a small, rural North Carolina town in the 1930s. Jim's father died of heart failure a week before Jim was born and he is being raised on a farm by his mother and her three brothers. It's true. No much happen...more
Jim the Boy is a quiet, evocative novel. It reads easily, but I found myself reading slowly, taking breaks after each chapter, in order to savor the book for a bit longer. The titular Jim lives in North Carolina during the Great Depression and while Earley's writing certainly takes you to a specific time and place, Jim the Boy is also the story of growing up and the aches and pains that process brings. Can you remember longing for more responsibility, only to want to shirk your duties once they...more
Earleys' rendering of a Perfect Past has it's attractions andcharms, and is in many ways endearing, as long as the reader remembersthat there was never a time in either their life or the life of anyone they know when such earnest happiness and satisfyingly extended good- will ruled the day. Suspension of disbelief is the best advice before perusing these pages.
Early evokes the simple tale of a boy being raised by his mother and four uncles in such a poetically sustained way--sure language, spare...more
Early evokes the simple tale of a boy being raised by his mother and four uncles in such a poetically sustained way--sure language, spare...more
Tony Earley- Jim the Boy (Little, Brown and Company 2001) 4.75 Stars
After Jim Glass passed away leaving behind an expecting wife, Cissy sees no other choice than to call her son Jim Glass in honour of the man she loved. Now Jim is ten years old and he lives with his mother during the Great Depression. His three uncles are left to teach him the responsibilities of being a man. He is trying to learn the breaks and now his school has been combined with all of the outlying schools, including the mou...more
After Jim Glass passed away leaving behind an expecting wife, Cissy sees no other choice than to call her son Jim Glass in honour of the man she loved. Now Jim is ten years old and he lives with his mother during the Great Depression. His three uncles are left to teach him the responsibilities of being a man. He is trying to learn the breaks and now his school has been combined with all of the outlying schools, including the mou...more
The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. 11/15/09
Coming of Age in North Carolina
Although much young adult literature today is dark, edgy, and/or ironic, Tony Early’s “Jim the Boy” (Little, Brown & Company, 2000) and “The Blue Star” (Little, Brown & Company, 2008) are none of the above. Technically speaking, they’re not young adult novels, either: Earley has described “Jim the Boy” as “a children’s book for adults.” Still, many teen readers will love these books, especially those who...more
Coming of Age in North Carolina
Although much young adult literature today is dark, edgy, and/or ironic, Tony Early’s “Jim the Boy” (Little, Brown & Company, 2000) and “The Blue Star” (Little, Brown & Company, 2008) are none of the above. Technically speaking, they’re not young adult novels, either: Earley has described “Jim the Boy” as “a children’s book for adults.” Still, many teen readers will love these books, especially those who...more
This was required reading in a Methods of Teaching Class, and it was unfortunately one of the worst books I've ever read. The characters were not well developed, there was no climax to the plot, which itself was way too wholesome and very picturesque. I would never ask anyone, especially students whose time is so limited anyway, to read this book.
Simply written, with little to no progress or plot. Shortly put, it's a microscopic glimpse into the life of a ten year old, but the spurts in time and the slow progression once an event was introduced made it feel like it was a transcript of a discussion with an Alzheimer's patient.
Discounting the lack of an actual story or character development (SO MUCH MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE!!! ARG!!), the writing is good. It's obvious that Earley has talent, it just felt like all that was presented was a...more
Discounting the lack of an actual story or character development (SO MUCH MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE!!! ARG!!), the writing is good. It's obvious that Earley has talent, it just felt like all that was presented was a...more
ARC from Regal
Many times, I am introduced to books by authors I had no previous knowledge of. Authors that I may never have read, were it not for a helping hand. Regal Literary was the helping hand that introduced me to "Jim the Boy" by Tony Earley.
Set in North Carolina during the Great Depression, Earley takes us through a year in a young boys life, where he deals with the joys and frustrations of growing up, learning to appreciate who he is and where he comes from, and realizing that the world...more
Many times, I am introduced to books by authors I had no previous knowledge of. Authors that I may never have read, were it not for a helping hand. Regal Literary was the helping hand that introduced me to "Jim the Boy" by Tony Earley.
Set in North Carolina during the Great Depression, Earley takes us through a year in a young boys life, where he deals with the joys and frustrations of growing up, learning to appreciate who he is and where he comes from, and realizing that the world...more
May 19, 2011
Leslie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Leslie by:
book review
Like all really good books, this book is about love. It is a perfectly-rendered story about a year in the life of a ten-year old boy who is raised by his three uncles and his widowed mother. He is growing up in rural North Carolina in 1936, and it is a window on that time and place. We witness his dawning comprehension of the world of adults, and of what it really means to be a man. We listen to his uncles' stories, we are with him when he sees the ocean for the first time, when he almost meets...more
Malcolm Jones of Newsweek said this about the author, “Tony Earley bewitches his readers with an idyll of boyhood so completely realized that we never want to leave it.” In this Novel, Jim the Boy, the author does exactly that. He steps into his story immediately and immerses the reader in the mind and thoughts of a 10 year old boy.
Here is the first passage of the book:
“During the night something like a miracle happened: Jim’s age grew an extra digit. He was nine years old when he went to sleep...more
Here is the first passage of the book:
“During the night something like a miracle happened: Jim’s age grew an extra digit. He was nine years old when he went to sleep...more
A somewhat anecdotal exploration into the life of a ten-year-old Depression-era boy from a small town in Appalachian North Carolina as he deals with life with his widowed mother and three uncles, and a courting seed drummer, as the world too is going through some transformations (the coming of electricity and a new regional elementary school). Not exactly sure what has sent me into reading lately about this region. This book will not be to many people's tastes, I suspect, as there is no real cen...more
This is a lovely story that spans one year of the life of a ten year old boy who is being raised by his mama and three uncles. I learned something obvious to some, but poignant to me and that is that a child wants to be a child and protected as such. Honestly, I appreciate the reminder.
There is a Wizard of Oz quality to the story, though. Jim reminds me of Dorothy. Aliceville reminds me of Kansas. The three uncles remind me of Dorothy's three uncles/beloved friends. Mama could be Aunt Em, the mo...more
There is a Wizard of Oz quality to the story, though. Jim reminds me of Dorothy. Aliceville reminds me of Kansas. The three uncles remind me of Dorothy's three uncles/beloved friends. Mama could be Aunt Em, the mo...more
Usually when one holds a book and turns each page they can guage how much more of the story the author wants to tell. The edition of 'Jim The Boy' I read had a ~20 page reading guide at the end, so as I neared the 'real' end of the story, I thought hmmm...it will go on. Which made me happy.
Turning the last page of 'Jim The Boy' was such a surprise, I blurted, "oh no!" It was so sad, for me. This charming little boy, whose father died before he was born, is done speaking. He's said it all, for s...more
Turning the last page of 'Jim The Boy' was such a surprise, I blurted, "oh no!" It was so sad, for me. This charming little boy, whose father died before he was born, is done speaking. He's said it all, for s...more
This novel was one of the books that Rochester, NY reads. People keep raving about this book and perhaps I must read it again to appreciate it. However, I was constantly in search of the plot. The simple sentences lulled me into a dullness. The meaness of the uncle's teasing as the main way to show love to their nephew, a fatherless boy, was probably real. Yet,Jim was likeable. I attended a discussion with the author and he was interesting...perhaps tired by the time I heard him speak after a fe...more
It is so surprising to me that this book was written in 2001, it has such an old fashioned feel to it. Not just that the book took place in the 1930s, but the writing style. This was a quiet, gentle story of a boy growing up in rural North Carolina.
The book is a quick read, I finished it in a few nights. I have even seen it become part of the curriculum for some high school English classes, but I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much when I was younger. The writing is really beautiful i...more
The book is a quick read, I finished it in a few nights. I have even seen it become part of the curriculum for some high school English classes, but I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much when I was younger. The writing is really beautiful i...more
Earley does a fine job of representing the closeness and distance between the young boy and his older relatives. Some of my favorite parts of the episodic narrative are the arrival of electricity in the town, the beautifully rendered friendship between Jim and his peer Penn, and Jim's mother's efforts to live by her own beliefs. Perhaps her faithfulness to her husband even years after his death situates the story in the 1930s; it's easy to see her decision as a way of maintaining some autonomy f...more
If I could go 3.5, I would. Jim the Boy is just a good, old fashioned book. Nothing too deep, nothing groundbreaking. Simple though at times lush storytelling--no, character development (there's not much story in there, outside of the typical coming-of-age grind). In fact, if not for the well-placed (and paced) similes and metaphors, I might have felt strung along, as nothing much happens until the book is almost over. That said, I'm intrigued enough to read the sequel (The Blue Star), which mos...more
Jim is a ten year old boy who lives in rural North Carolina. His father died a week before he was born so his mother and her three brothers are raising him. He lives "in town" which has a few buildings including his brothers' three houses. In comparison to the "hillbillies" who live in the surrounding mountains, he is wealthy. His grandfather still lives up in the mountains, an old bootlegger who was once in prison for running a still. Jim has never met him.
This is a coming of age story. The new...more
This is a coming of age story. The new...more
The "If All Rochester Read....." selection for 2009. This is a lovely story of a young boy growing up in the Depression era, in a small town in North Carolina. Jim is being raised by his mother and his uncles, and the story reflects the deep love amongst them all. I liked the book for several reasons, including, the notion that cross-cultural issues arise between the closest neighbors, such as the "hill people" and the "town people", and that although divorce may not have been common at that tim...more
Reading this book feels like floating down a lazy river on a cool summer's day. There is serenity in Earley's prose. The simplicity of the story invites the reader in.
Written in an elegantly minimalist style, set in rural 1930s N Carolina, the novella is unassuming yet broad in scope. Despite the simple plot, the broad themes of growth, discovery, loss, love, wonder, yearning, and innocence attach themselves to you and dont let go. I found myself nostalgic for my childhood after reading this boo...more
Written in an elegantly minimalist style, set in rural 1930s N Carolina, the novella is unassuming yet broad in scope. Despite the simple plot, the broad themes of growth, discovery, loss, love, wonder, yearning, and innocence attach themselves to you and dont let go. I found myself nostalgic for my childhood after reading this boo...more
I enjoyed this book. It's basically a story of a boy who is turning 10 in the 1930's in the States. He and his family live on a farm. At first the title seemed a bit strange but it made sense to the story. Jim's father died in a accident a week before he was born and his mother struggles to raise him herself. It didn't seem that he had a very close relationship with her. He gets along with his 3 uncles. This is a ver subtle story. It seems to meander along but raises a lot of issues along the wa...more
Set in North Carolina during the Great Depression, this is a sort of coming of age story as 10-year-old Jim becomes aware of the wide world around him. The story is beautifully told and Jim's family and friends (especially Uncle Zeno, Penn, and Jim's long-dead father) are interesting and well-drawn. There isn't much of a central conflict and a resulting climas as it is resolved which may frustrate some readers. But if one does not mind the quiet, more poetic "climax" found on the story's final p...more
Jim the Boy- Tony Earley
This is an awesome book for teenagers and adults alike.
It is definitely unoriginal, but it’s not ordinary. It’s a beautifully crafted and sweet story of young Jim McBride Glass growing up fatherless in a small town in North Carolina during the Great Depression. Along with his eccentric uncles, beautiful mother and a cast of Southern and coming of age archetypes; it’s an elegiac and tender story of growing up and finding the joys in life amidst an ever present and looming...more
This is an awesome book for teenagers and adults alike.
It is definitely unoriginal, but it’s not ordinary. It’s a beautifully crafted and sweet story of young Jim McBride Glass growing up fatherless in a small town in North Carolina during the Great Depression. Along with his eccentric uncles, beautiful mother and a cast of Southern and coming of age archetypes; it’s an elegiac and tender story of growing up and finding the joys in life amidst an ever present and looming...more
Apr 13, 2013
Greg
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
bedtime-books-for-the-banshees
This book was recommended to me years ago by my old creative director Mark Figliulo, and even though it’s usually categorized as a young adult book, I read it with my six-year-old Ansel over the course of a few months. It a gentle, vivid, and beautifully Southern story that would sit comfortably in the company of To Kill A Mockingbird, Tom Sawyer, and Where The Red Fern Grows.
It’s a collection of stories - loose and formative experiences, really - centered around Jim Glass, a 10-year-old boy li...more
It’s a collection of stories - loose and formative experiences, really - centered around Jim Glass, a 10-year-old boy li...more
I expected to like this book more than I did, having enjoyed listening to Tony Earley speak at a writers conference and having pretty much drooled over every page of his short story collection (whose name escapes me at the moment).
And even though I didn't love "Jim the Boy," I finished it positive I should have: All the necessary bits were there -- jewellike bits of prose, quirky characters with quirky relationships living in a quirky town and going about their quirky lives under the benevolent...more
And even though I didn't love "Jim the Boy," I finished it positive I should have: All the necessary bits were there -- jewellike bits of prose, quirky characters with quirky relationships living in a quirky town and going about their quirky lives under the benevolent...more
Jim the Boy by Tony Earley opens on Jim's tenth birthday. He's at a crossroads in his life, feeling the urge to take on greater responsibilities and the uncertainty that comes with growing up.
Jim is growing up during the Great Depression in Aliceville, North Carolina. Aliceville and he have odd histories. Aliceville is named for a little girl who died and Jim is named for a father who died before he was born.
Like my own family during the Depression, Jim and his mother live with her brothers. The...more
Jim is growing up during the Great Depression in Aliceville, North Carolina. Aliceville and he have odd histories. Aliceville is named for a little girl who died and Jim is named for a father who died before he was born.
Like my own family during the Depression, Jim and his mother live with her brothers. The...more
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Wait. I write plenty of children's book reviews, and I am not a fraud! Am I? :)
25 mar. 05:50
25 avr. 16:22