What do you think?
Haddie's in Our Closet!
With this book, J.H. Soeder continues his tradition of amazing his readers with gems plucked from his grab-basket of very out-of-the-ordinary true experiences. Who ever heard of a heartwarming, belly-laugh-provoking, reality-stretching, conscience-pricking, stereotype-busting true ghost story about a 150-year-old African American nanny ... who slept in the author’s and his wife’s bedroom closet and promised not to “peek”? Who ever heard of a pious ghost who turned on a bone-chilling deep freeze whenever you tried to turn on the TV, yet who had such insatiable curiosity about the modern world and its other marvels that she rode to work with you and plied you with nonstop questions—in front of your boss? Better yet, who ever heard of a ghost nanny who could get your very real children to behave—indeed, completely turn their demeanor around overnight? Surely not I, before I began reading this amazing ghost story from J.H. Soeder. Shades of Nanny McPhee! With this little book you are in for a ride at the same time hilarious and poignant—and you will hear a tale scarcely believable, yet from a talented author known for his sincerity and dedication to sharing truth about spiritual matters, not to mention his sensitivity to the communications of the animal world. It would be inconsiderate of me to include any more of what are commonly called “spoilers” in this foreword, so I won’t. But I will mention one other important fact: Haddie’s mannerisms and language are not the author’s invention, but his best effort to replicate the speech of this African woman who lived and died a slave in the American South of the middle 1800s. This should never, ever be considered an attempt to stereotype, for her language and personality were pure expressions of her spirit. This is the story of an irrepressible ghost named Haddie, who, with the help of her new friend Jon, found ways both to enrich and enliven his and his wife’s lives and make things better for others in a world she was unable to physically touch. This story will bring a few tears to your eye, but more than that it will make you laugh, and it will make you stop and marvel at the miracle and wonder that is life. –D.E.Lamont
182 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2011
About the author
J.H. Soeder
19 books11 followersJon Soeder has in many ways lived many lives, all in one lifetime. A resident of Southern California since birth, except for his studies at the University of Miami in Florida, he initially intended to become a marine biologist. The story of how he arrived at a different calling is revealed in one of his stories of amazing sequential events which are described in Fingers in the Light. These events led to his decision to become a fine artist and commercial graphic designer—a profession that became lifelong.
During the 1970’s Jon also participated in a 9,500 mile run marathon, called “Liberty Torch” in which he placed a foot in each of the continental United States. He also taught math and coached swimming at a private school in Florida, and worked as a missionary in his church, as well as having traveled the world.
But the external biographical facts don’t necessarily reflect a person’s inner life or what is most important. Jon’s real story is about his quest to understand his true path and his place in life in relation to his amazing experiences of divine guidance and his God-given gifts and abilities. This quest and all that he has learned through his experiences is now being told for the first time in his books.
Jon’s love for and advocacy of marine mammals continues, as does his sensitivity to the natural world and its creatures. These avocations are explored in True Tails, which was his first autobiographical book and centers around his gift of coherent two-way communication with animals and other many-legged creatures. He also works for the preservation of marine mammals—his gently persuasive and rational arguments for ending the killing of whales and other sentient marine creatures are expressed in his popular website blog, The Whale People (www.thewhalepeople.com).
And although his first books are of a non-fiction nature, Jon has begun working on a five series, science fiction adventure called “Element 238 - The Search for Truth.” The first volume he plans to release in the Spring of 2012 - watch for it!
His author website: jhsoeder.com also has links to his short stories, both fiction and non-fiction.
Jon’s graphic design company, Soeder Designs, Inc. is located in Port Hueneme, California (website: www.jonsoeder.com), and Jon in Ventura County. His books are widely available in softcover and e-book format. You can follow Jon on Twitter or Facebook.
–D.E.Lamont
During the 1970’s Jon also participated in a 9,500 mile run marathon, called “Liberty Torch” in which he placed a foot in each of the continental United States. He also taught math and coached swimming at a private school in Florida, and worked as a missionary in his church, as well as having traveled the world.
But the external biographical facts don’t necessarily reflect a person’s inner life or what is most important. Jon’s real story is about his quest to understand his true path and his place in life in relation to his amazing experiences of divine guidance and his God-given gifts and abilities. This quest and all that he has learned through his experiences is now being told for the first time in his books.
Jon’s love for and advocacy of marine mammals continues, as does his sensitivity to the natural world and its creatures. These avocations are explored in True Tails, which was his first autobiographical book and centers around his gift of coherent two-way communication with animals and other many-legged creatures. He also works for the preservation of marine mammals—his gently persuasive and rational arguments for ending the killing of whales and other sentient marine creatures are expressed in his popular website blog, The Whale People (www.thewhalepeople.com).
And although his first books are of a non-fiction nature, Jon has begun working on a five series, science fiction adventure called “Element 238 - The Search for Truth.” The first volume he plans to release in the Spring of 2012 - watch for it!
His author website: jhsoeder.com also has links to his short stories, both fiction and non-fiction.
Jon’s graphic design company, Soeder Designs, Inc. is located in Port Hueneme, California (website: www.jonsoeder.com), and Jon in Ventura County. His books are widely available in softcover and e-book format. You can follow Jon on Twitter or Facebook.
–D.E.Lamont
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 29, 2011
HADDIE’S IN OUR CLOSET by J.H. Soeder
[Review by Charlotte M. Liebel © 2011
Introduction: It is not unusual to reject an unfamiliar experience such as believing in the presence of living ghosts. However, some unexplained occurrences do happen. In J.H. Soeder's biography at Goodreads.com - “Jon’s real story is about his quest to understand his true path and his place in life in relation to his amazing experiences...” It is, therefore, my opinion that those of an open mind will be entertained and enlightened by HADDIE'S IN OUR CLOSET, which is a story from his life experiences.
An incredible tale is woven and delivered in a fast moving story called [book: HADDIE’S IN OUR CLOSET] by J.H. Soeder who is a person noted for paranormal phenomenon. As his story opens ~ a newly married couple fall in love and marry without planning a honeymoon. The new dad is swiftly introduced to fatherhood with a short introduction to his wife's two children who are three and seven and truly disorganized. Shortly, thereafter, the family is invited to a relative's lavish wedding with lodgings for the entire family at a Southern Plantation. As with all other decisions, the couple are quick to embark on the weekend trip and consider this the ideal invitation. Now, they not only get a bonus honeymoon but greet all the visiting relatives who attend the wedding. Of course, the bride and groom they plan to visit happen to live over 2000 miles from California in a rural backwoods suburb of Louisiana outside of New Orleans.
When Jon and Nadine arrive at the plantation, Nadine's brother greets them on the porch. He states that dozens of relatives and children arrived earlier and now occupy the huge mansion. Rather than hassle the crowd, Julia ~the owner of the mansion~ invites them to spend their visit in a charming bungalow once known as the servants' quarters. Their children can join the comfortable arrangement of the cousins in the house. Relatives will care for them as their own. Jon and Nadine take their luggage down the short path to the bungalow.
Nadine's joy at the charming atmosphere inside the bungalow causes an unusual temperature increase at her remarks. Jon is keenly sensitive to the lights that brighten and the warmth of the room as Nadine hums happily. She unpacks her bags and states that she will shower. Meantime, Jon has a look around and finds a small TV, which he turns on just as Nadine comes into the room with a towel wrapped around freshly washed hair. Suddenly, and without warning, the room becomes icy cold and the couple look at each other and ask what is happening?
Jon's mind picks-up these thoughts: “Evil…evil…work of the Devil!” Such is their new companion's introduction. Thereafter, Jon continues this type of conversation with their temporary visitor who attaches herself to the couple: first at the cottage and later when she follows the family to California in the 21st Century.
What is so unusual is that Haddie is this elderly woman who has never been off the grounds of her Southern plantation in over 150 years. Jon becomes the interpreter for Haddie, whether she has a question for his wife or the behaviors of others in her environment. Her dialogue is outspoken and she speaks with the authority of an African-American nanny speaking to her charges whom she considers children.
Left to a growing concern between Jon and Haddie is the question about her presence in the 21st Century when she has witnessed the demise of her family and friends during 150 years. The storyteller and Haddie explore and explain the details in a plausible answer. The dialogue is astounding and thereafter left to an innate understanding by the reader. Dialogue is appropriate to the former Black slave who never married but was assigned the household duties of childcare on her plantation.
Haddie has materialized as a living ghost in the lives of the charming family of Jon and Denise. The delicately told story, HADDIE'S IN OUR CLOSET by J.H. Soeder, is delightful and entertaining. It is available at all booksellers in Paperback and eBook editions.
[Review by Author Charlotte M. Liebel, JOURNEY TO THE M.A. DEGREE (c)2010]
[Review by Charlotte M. Liebel © 2011
Introduction: It is not unusual to reject an unfamiliar experience such as believing in the presence of living ghosts. However, some unexplained occurrences do happen. In J.H. Soeder's biography at Goodreads.com - “Jon’s real story is about his quest to understand his true path and his place in life in relation to his amazing experiences...” It is, therefore, my opinion that those of an open mind will be entertained and enlightened by HADDIE'S IN OUR CLOSET, which is a story from his life experiences.
An incredible tale is woven and delivered in a fast moving story called [book: HADDIE’S IN OUR CLOSET] by J.H. Soeder who is a person noted for paranormal phenomenon. As his story opens ~ a newly married couple fall in love and marry without planning a honeymoon. The new dad is swiftly introduced to fatherhood with a short introduction to his wife's two children who are three and seven and truly disorganized. Shortly, thereafter, the family is invited to a relative's lavish wedding with lodgings for the entire family at a Southern Plantation. As with all other decisions, the couple are quick to embark on the weekend trip and consider this the ideal invitation. Now, they not only get a bonus honeymoon but greet all the visiting relatives who attend the wedding. Of course, the bride and groom they plan to visit happen to live over 2000 miles from California in a rural backwoods suburb of Louisiana outside of New Orleans.
When Jon and Nadine arrive at the plantation, Nadine's brother greets them on the porch. He states that dozens of relatives and children arrived earlier and now occupy the huge mansion. Rather than hassle the crowd, Julia ~the owner of the mansion~ invites them to spend their visit in a charming bungalow once known as the servants' quarters. Their children can join the comfortable arrangement of the cousins in the house. Relatives will care for them as their own. Jon and Nadine take their luggage down the short path to the bungalow.
Nadine's joy at the charming atmosphere inside the bungalow causes an unusual temperature increase at her remarks. Jon is keenly sensitive to the lights that brighten and the warmth of the room as Nadine hums happily. She unpacks her bags and states that she will shower. Meantime, Jon has a look around and finds a small TV, which he turns on just as Nadine comes into the room with a towel wrapped around freshly washed hair. Suddenly, and without warning, the room becomes icy cold and the couple look at each other and ask what is happening?
Jon's mind picks-up these thoughts: “Evil…evil…work of the Devil!” Such is their new companion's introduction. Thereafter, Jon continues this type of conversation with their temporary visitor who attaches herself to the couple: first at the cottage and later when she follows the family to California in the 21st Century.
What is so unusual is that Haddie is this elderly woman who has never been off the grounds of her Southern plantation in over 150 years. Jon becomes the interpreter for Haddie, whether she has a question for his wife or the behaviors of others in her environment. Her dialogue is outspoken and she speaks with the authority of an African-American nanny speaking to her charges whom she considers children.
Left to a growing concern between Jon and Haddie is the question about her presence in the 21st Century when she has witnessed the demise of her family and friends during 150 years. The storyteller and Haddie explore and explain the details in a plausible answer. The dialogue is astounding and thereafter left to an innate understanding by the reader. Dialogue is appropriate to the former Black slave who never married but was assigned the household duties of childcare on her plantation.
Haddie has materialized as a living ghost in the lives of the charming family of Jon and Denise. The delicately told story, HADDIE'S IN OUR CLOSET by J.H. Soeder, is delightful and entertaining. It is available at all booksellers in Paperback and eBook editions.
[Review by Author Charlotte M. Liebel, JOURNEY TO THE M.A. DEGREE (c)2010]
July 21, 2011
According to the International Association for Near Death Studies, it states that “(life after death) …is a very popular interpretation, although there is no "proof" in a statistical sense and no consensus of opinion. A more cautious explanation is that near death experiences suggest that some aspect of human consciousness may continue after physical death. No means currently exists to demonstrate whether this speculation is true.”
His new book shakes the foundation of the above assertion and uncovers a world that has been but barely touched by others and where speculation is rampant.
There are currently many ideologies held by many religious and non-religious organizations that argue with each other as to what happens when a person dies.
According to scientists and researchers, there are only three views of life after death possible. The first is based on observation and conjectures, made by humans or electrical devices, namely physical research or laboratory research. The second is faith based, as told by ancestors or religious books. The third is the argument is that humans are not the body and for some time continue in some form after the loss of the body.
Author J.H. Soeder’s book “Haddie’s in Our Closet” relates his personal experience with his family and the people surrounding the incident, shattering many strongly held beliefs he had about the spirit of Man and what really happens when a person dies.
His book is about a fantastic but true story that he and his family experienced at what he thought would be normal wedding held at a Southern plantation outside New Orleans, Louisiana. “That’s where we met “Haddie” – a one hundred and fifty year old African American nanny. And that meeting changed all of our lives forever!”
In his book, it turns out that not only did he and his wife have a real paranormal experience with a ghost, but all the trappings - deep temperature drops, lights flickering and “a voice that came from nowhere!”
“But it didn’t stop there at the plantation,” Soeder said. “Haddie ended up following us back on the plane to Los Angeles! She stayed with us for about six weeks – and believe it or not, she helped us with our kids! I would not have believed something possible like this, had I not experienced it personally!”
How she did it and what she did is all in his book. “It just broke all the rules, all the things I had been told about ghosts, spirits and life after death. But it happened and it was real.”
This is the third book in Soeder’s writing career. His first book “True Tails”, having won two national book awards, focuses on his personal experiences with the animal kingdom and has culminated in a blog site, http://www.thewhalepeople.com, where he is an active environmentalist and writes about the need to protect our marine environment.
But his personal story had to be told, he commented. “That experience changed my life, and it will change yours! I remember an excerpt from William Shakespeare’s As You Like It – “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players; some have their exits and entrances.” – and then there was Haddie!”
His new book shakes the foundation of the above assertion and uncovers a world that has been but barely touched by others and where speculation is rampant.
There are currently many ideologies held by many religious and non-religious organizations that argue with each other as to what happens when a person dies.
According to scientists and researchers, there are only three views of life after death possible. The first is based on observation and conjectures, made by humans or electrical devices, namely physical research or laboratory research. The second is faith based, as told by ancestors or religious books. The third is the argument is that humans are not the body and for some time continue in some form after the loss of the body.
Author J.H. Soeder’s book “Haddie’s in Our Closet” relates his personal experience with his family and the people surrounding the incident, shattering many strongly held beliefs he had about the spirit of Man and what really happens when a person dies.
His book is about a fantastic but true story that he and his family experienced at what he thought would be normal wedding held at a Southern plantation outside New Orleans, Louisiana. “That’s where we met “Haddie” – a one hundred and fifty year old African American nanny. And that meeting changed all of our lives forever!”
In his book, it turns out that not only did he and his wife have a real paranormal experience with a ghost, but all the trappings - deep temperature drops, lights flickering and “a voice that came from nowhere!”
“But it didn’t stop there at the plantation,” Soeder said. “Haddie ended up following us back on the plane to Los Angeles! She stayed with us for about six weeks – and believe it or not, she helped us with our kids! I would not have believed something possible like this, had I not experienced it personally!”
How she did it and what she did is all in his book. “It just broke all the rules, all the things I had been told about ghosts, spirits and life after death. But it happened and it was real.”
This is the third book in Soeder’s writing career. His first book “True Tails”, having won two national book awards, focuses on his personal experiences with the animal kingdom and has culminated in a blog site, http://www.thewhalepeople.com, where he is an active environmentalist and writes about the need to protect our marine environment.
But his personal story had to be told, he commented. “That experience changed my life, and it will change yours! I remember an excerpt from William Shakespeare’s As You Like It – “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players; some have their exits and entrances.” – and then there was Haddie!”
August 16, 2011
I got this book as a giveaway & I really enjoyed it. I liked how understand the characters were toward Hattie. Her being so out of touch with what goes on in the world and asking so many questions, most people wouldn't have put up with her! I also liked how indulgent the wife was, because i don't believe many people would actually believe her husband when he said some dead lady was trying to talk to him! Plus her actually participating in a conversation with someone should couldn't see!
I use to want to visit one of those old haunted plantations houses, but after reading this book not anymore! I know this was a nice ghost, but i don't think any ghost following me home would be in anyway a good thing! I would think i was going crazy to have some person that i couldn't see talking in my head! It's a good thing everyone in this book was a believer or whatever cause I could totally see it turning into strait jackets and insane asylums. (I could see the sequel to this book being turned into a horror story.)
I will defiantly check out this author in the future.
I use to want to visit one of those old haunted plantations houses, but after reading this book not anymore! I know this was a nice ghost, but i don't think any ghost following me home would be in anyway a good thing! I would think i was going crazy to have some person that i couldn't see talking in my head! It's a good thing everyone in this book was a believer or whatever cause I could totally see it turning into strait jackets and insane asylums. (I could see the sequel to this book being turned into a horror story.)
I will defiantly check out this author in the future.
August 7, 2011
I just finished reading Haddie's in Our Closet and I really enjoyed it. I downloaded it to my HTC Evo phone Kindle app.
John's stories never cease to amaze me. I too was a Topper fan as a child. But when you take that premise out of the fiction category and put it into real life, it has some amazing implications. It will make you question some of your stable datums on the afterlife, spirits and ghosts.
John and Nadine's handling of the situation was heart warming and filled with kindly lessons on life.
A good quick read of an amazing story. I can't wait to see what happens in his next story.
Thanks John
John's stories never cease to amaze me. I too was a Topper fan as a child. But when you take that premise out of the fiction category and put it into real life, it has some amazing implications. It will make you question some of your stable datums on the afterlife, spirits and ghosts.
John and Nadine's handling of the situation was heart warming and filled with kindly lessons on life.
A good quick read of an amazing story. I can't wait to see what happens in his next story.
Thanks John
August 11, 2011
Well I got this book in the mail as a first read. It was a REALLY easy quick read (about 2 hours). It is a sweet story at that, but for me it could have had a bit more "meat" to it. I am not sure if this book was suppose to be a short story/novella or not but it was kind of choppy to me. Also it was a bit to "new age" for me, but that did not take away from the sweet story behind all that. Over all I would say that if you want a quick read to take to the beach or an afternoon by the pool this would be the story for you....
July 31, 2011
A well written book of the Author's ( and his wife's) personal account with a friendly ghost who they coincidentally met whilst they were away attending to a family wedding. I highly recommend this book, it is very unique it will make you laugh and cry! I read it all within a day.
I've not seen or read a book like it anywhere else, you'll be glad you purchased it, it’s well worth the money spent!
I've not seen or read a book like it anywhere else, you'll be glad you purchased it, it’s well worth the money spent!
August 27, 2011
Found this to be a well written story of the author and his wife's encounter with a 150 year old ghost named Haddie. This was a fast read.
They meet her when attending a family wedding. John tell how he and his wife handle this encounter with Haddie and explains
how they answer Haddie's questions of life now compared to 150 years ago.
The story will warm your heart, make you laugh and at times cry.
Well worth reading.
They meet her when attending a family wedding. John tell how he and his wife handle this encounter with Haddie and explains
how they answer Haddie's questions of life now compared to 150 years ago.
The story will warm your heart, make you laugh and at times cry.
Well worth reading.
September 2, 2011
"Haddie's in Our Closet"by J.H. Soeder Centers around Haddie a 150 Yr old ghost that is able to communicate with a man and his wife and follows them home. She sees so many new things that wasn't around in her time and has many questions(sometimes to many)!I really liked Haddie and would loved more of her story!A enjoyable quick read!~♥ ♥~♥♥~♥ :)
August 17, 2011
I won this book through the Goodreads First-reads giveaway program,Thank You!"Haddie's in Our Closet" by J.H. Soeder is a fun quick read! The story is humorous and very heart warming!! I really enjoyed reading this book!!I highly recommend!!
August 30, 2011
A very well written book of the Author's and his wife's dealings with a friendly ghost who they met while attending a family wedding. Their handling of the situation was wonderfully heartwarming and filled with life lessons. It will make you question your beliefs of afterlife, spirits, and ghost.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews