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Pam of Babylon #6
The Tao of Pam
A beautiful life at the beach is marred by secrets and lies as the legacy of Jack Smith's debauchery continues to haunt his widow, Pam. The Tao of Pam finds Pam at a crossroad which will take her to the next phase of her life. Her children, Brent and Lisa move on, dealing with their own life choices, as one by one, they all come down off their pedestals. The Tao of Pam prepares fans of the Pam of Babylon series for Book Seven....In Memoriam.
229 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 6, 2013
109 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Jenkins
261 books364 followersSuzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore. She is the author of Pam of Babylon and the series; Don’t You Forget About Me,Dream Lover, Prayers for the Dying, Family Dynamics and The Tao of Pam. The Greeks of Beaubien Street,and The Princess of Greektown from the Greektown Stories, Alice's Summertime Adventure, The Savant of Chelsea and Someone Like You.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 18, 2019
The Tao of Pam: Pam of Babylon Book # 6 -a review by Rosemary Kenny
When a family loses the central character in their midst, (in this case after his death), there's a minor aftershock, depending on the circumstances, whether it was a peaceful passing or a long drawn out saga of suffering etc. In the Smith family's ongoing story Jack Smith is still the MC, as his widow the eponymous Pam has to endure shock after horrible shock, as her husband's secret double life and its consequences have struck the whole family, like an erupting emotional volcano's aftershock.
Tao or peace, is the furthest thing from Pam's mind, meaning the title is rather tongue-in-cheek.
Nevertheless that's not to detract from Suzanne Jenkins' excellent novel in the slightest...the characters are well-developed and the action/dialogue, though gritty at times is so realistic that you want to buy the whole series, just so you can get the whole backstory and progress of this fascinating (and awe-inspiring at times), generational masterpiece that will have you begging for the next in the Pam of Babylon series, of which The Tao of Pam is the wonderful Suzanne Jenkins' 6th novel. Please don't miss this amazing saga of modern family life at its worst - and very best!
When a family loses the central character in their midst, (in this case after his death), there's a minor aftershock, depending on the circumstances, whether it was a peaceful passing or a long drawn out saga of suffering etc. In the Smith family's ongoing story Jack Smith is still the MC, as his widow the eponymous Pam has to endure shock after horrible shock, as her husband's secret double life and its consequences have struck the whole family, like an erupting emotional volcano's aftershock.
Tao or peace, is the furthest thing from Pam's mind, meaning the title is rather tongue-in-cheek.
Nevertheless that's not to detract from Suzanne Jenkins' excellent novel in the slightest...the characters are well-developed and the action/dialogue, though gritty at times is so realistic that you want to buy the whole series, just so you can get the whole backstory and progress of this fascinating (and awe-inspiring at times), generational masterpiece that will have you begging for the next in the Pam of Babylon series, of which The Tao of Pam is the wonderful Suzanne Jenkins' 6th novel. Please don't miss this amazing saga of modern family life at its worst - and very best!
May 6, 2017
This series is like crack - can't stop reading it. If you ever wonder about the far-reaching, long-ranging effects fo abuse, read this series.
May 21, 2019
Love this series!
I've been captivated by Pam and her family from the first book! The way things develop makes it impossible to put down! I can't wait to see what happens next!
I've been captivated by Pam and her family from the first book! The way things develop makes it impossible to put down! I can't wait to see what happens next!
February 8, 2024
Pam: The Next Generation
This review contains some spoilers.
In this installment of Pam, we dive more in-depth with the next generation of Babylon. With her sister Marie gone, Pam begins to put more of a focus on her kids, Lisa and Brent who have begun their own lives as adults and come back to Babylon.
Lisa is married with a child, but not all is happy. It seems as the curse of Jack isn't over as Lisa deals with some complications, tragedy and we find out she isn't so innocent either.
Brent seems hellbent on following in his father's footsteps, which is unfortunate and worries Pam.
We're also still getting to know jack's longtime lover, Ashton and his family, and there is no lack of drama there, either.
And of course, our Pam, despite trying to pick up the pieces of her life a few years after Jack's death and her world crashing in, isn't safe from more drama and heartbreak.
This review contains some spoilers.
In this installment of Pam, we dive more in-depth with the next generation of Babylon. With her sister Marie gone, Pam begins to put more of a focus on her kids, Lisa and Brent who have begun their own lives as adults and come back to Babylon.
Lisa is married with a child, but not all is happy. It seems as the curse of Jack isn't over as Lisa deals with some complications, tragedy and we find out she isn't so innocent either.
Brent seems hellbent on following in his father's footsteps, which is unfortunate and worries Pam.
We're also still getting to know jack's longtime lover, Ashton and his family, and there is no lack of drama there, either.
And of course, our Pam, despite trying to pick up the pieces of her life a few years after Jack's death and her world crashing in, isn't safe from more drama and heartbreak.
October 5, 2022
Pam's daughter Lisa, is going to her boyfriends parents house. When she comes home she doesn't have that boyfriend. She has hooked up with his brother the priest. They have a very quick romance and walla a baby is born. The ex priest can not keep his privates in his pants and is arrested the weekend of the big family celebration at the beach house.
Pam has semi moved Dan into her home, they argue he leaves and walla he and Lisa have a fling.
This is better than a SOAP Opera. Has a movie been made based on this series?
Pam of Babylon is my guilty pleasure.
Pam has semi moved Dan into her home, they argue he leaves and walla he and Lisa have a fling.
This is better than a SOAP Opera. Has a movie been made based on this series?
Pam of Babylon is my guilty pleasure.
February 24, 2018
Better than any soap opera.
November 8, 2018
I'm now reading book 15, these books are so addictive can't stop reading one after the other.
July 26, 2020
Who are these characters? So many secrets, so much betrayal, but I must keep reading to see how it all turns out.
July 5, 2019
There are many lies and cover ups in Pam's lie mainly left from the double life of her late husband Jack Smith. This book finds her at a crossroad of life. She must either continue the lies and deception, or she must change and make new life for herself. This book covers the major changes she made in her life, with a new boyfriend, who she found cheated on her, revelations about her daughters and her family.
Read this book to find out whether or not Pam was successful in overcoming her past life. Excellent book.
Read this book to find out whether or not Pam was successful in overcoming her past life. Excellent book.
February 2, 2017
Started this on Kindle on 2nd Jan 2017. Quite disappointing really compared to earlier ones in the series. She did this, he did that.
December 31, 2013
I have read all of the Pam of Babylon books so far and have to admit this one just blew me away. It was the best one so far.
Pam has been through so much and when she thought she had finally found love with Dan, but he betrayed her too. Her children Brent and Lisa are both going through problems of their own and she is trying to be there for them and have her yearly Memorial Day Beach Party. Her mother and mother in law are both in a home now and doing fine, except Bernice is getting very forgetful. Bernice is Pam's mother in law. Nelda is Pam's mother who was not there for her children due to a drinking problem. But Pam always forgives them and others in her family.
Brent's fiance has broken off their engagement and moved back from California to her parents home. They hate Brent because he is Jack Smith's son. His dad figures that he could be just like his dad. Brent may have problems but not like his dad.
This book was just a great one to read after you read the other Pam books and it kept me turning the pages as fast as I could read them. I loved it and can't wait for the next one to find out what is going to happen to Brent, Lisa, Dan, Sandra, Ted, Ashton, Natalie, Deborah and of course her boyfriend Zach. Also what will become of Pam. Will Brent get Julie back or is she setting him up for a big let down?? All the characters from the other books are brought back in this one with lots of surprises, split ups, a few deaths maybe(won't know for sure until the next book).
I loved this book and all the memories from the past although I think Pam, Sandra, and Ashton are crazy to keep thinking Jack was so wonderful after all the things he did. I was afraid that Lisa was not going to be a good mother but she surprised me, only because she was such a spoiled girl herself. Her husband Ed is going through something that she does not understand but she starts getting very worried about him. Will he stay with Lisa and Megan or does he have a mental problem that will lead to a bad ending for everyone?
I honestly hate to write a review like this, giving a few things about the book, although nothing is revealed that will ruin the story for anyone. It is such a rollercoaster ride that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The one thing I really wanted to see happen was for Natalie to find true love for herself. Maybe in the next book or maybe she has found it and doesn't know it yet. You have to read this book to find out all the great ups and downs that are going on with the Smith family and friends.
It was one of those books that leaves you wanted and demanding more. Can't wait for the next book to find out the things that were not told in this one but we know will be revealed in the next one.
Ms Suzanne Jenkins is a great author and did no less than I expected with this story. Kept me wanting more and I am sure I will after reading the next Pam book. I just hope it does not end with the next one... Will have to wait and see I suppose.
I gave this book a 5 star because it did keep my interest and kept me wanting more and more. I never lost interest and was not disappointed in it at all. Not in the least. Great, wonderful, awesome, with a touch of suspense throughout. A must read for anyone that has read the other Pam of Babylon books.
Pam has been through so much and when she thought she had finally found love with Dan, but he betrayed her too. Her children Brent and Lisa are both going through problems of their own and she is trying to be there for them and have her yearly Memorial Day Beach Party. Her mother and mother in law are both in a home now and doing fine, except Bernice is getting very forgetful. Bernice is Pam's mother in law. Nelda is Pam's mother who was not there for her children due to a drinking problem. But Pam always forgives them and others in her family.
Brent's fiance has broken off their engagement and moved back from California to her parents home. They hate Brent because he is Jack Smith's son. His dad figures that he could be just like his dad. Brent may have problems but not like his dad.
This book was just a great one to read after you read the other Pam books and it kept me turning the pages as fast as I could read them. I loved it and can't wait for the next one to find out what is going to happen to Brent, Lisa, Dan, Sandra, Ted, Ashton, Natalie, Deborah and of course her boyfriend Zach. Also what will become of Pam. Will Brent get Julie back or is she setting him up for a big let down?? All the characters from the other books are brought back in this one with lots of surprises, split ups, a few deaths maybe(won't know for sure until the next book).
I loved this book and all the memories from the past although I think Pam, Sandra, and Ashton are crazy to keep thinking Jack was so wonderful after all the things he did. I was afraid that Lisa was not going to be a good mother but she surprised me, only because she was such a spoiled girl herself. Her husband Ed is going through something that she does not understand but she starts getting very worried about him. Will he stay with Lisa and Megan or does he have a mental problem that will lead to a bad ending for everyone?
I honestly hate to write a review like this, giving a few things about the book, although nothing is revealed that will ruin the story for anyone. It is such a rollercoaster ride that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The one thing I really wanted to see happen was for Natalie to find true love for herself. Maybe in the next book or maybe she has found it and doesn't know it yet. You have to read this book to find out all the great ups and downs that are going on with the Smith family and friends.
It was one of those books that leaves you wanted and demanding more. Can't wait for the next book to find out the things that were not told in this one but we know will be revealed in the next one.
Ms Suzanne Jenkins is a great author and did no less than I expected with this story. Kept me wanting more and I am sure I will after reading the next Pam book. I just hope it does not end with the next one... Will have to wait and see I suppose.
I gave this book a 5 star because it did keep my interest and kept me wanting more and more. I never lost interest and was not disappointed in it at all. Not in the least. Great, wonderful, awesome, with a touch of suspense throughout. A must read for anyone that has read the other Pam of Babylon books.
November 15, 2013
*******POSSIBLE SPOILERS*********
I don't even know where to begin. This series is just fantastic. Each book gets more intense and for me the last two have been mind blowing as they lead you to the ending.
Jack god it always boils down to being about him. Will it ever end? Evidently not now that his son is grown and about to walk in his shoes.
Brent Smith - Pam & Jack's son has broken up with his girlfriend and returned back to Babylon for the first get together of the summer. He's harboring a few secrets that will come to light but will they make a difference in what happens as the summer progresses?
Lisa Smith - Pam & Jack's daughter, now married and a new mother has found out her husband isn't the man she thought she married. Will their marriage survive or will tragedy prevail? Will Lisa unknowingly burn the bridge of closeness with her mother forever in the name of love?
Pam Smith - Her relationship with the younger lawyer Dan is being put to the test before the summer even starts. Will she make a grave error when she breaks her ties with him?
Sandra - Jack's former mistress, has she learned nothing from the pain and loss of Jack that she can't stop her self from looking at his son Brent as a replacement for her torn heart?
Ashton - Jack's ex lover, Ted, Natalie, Zach & Deborah - will they work out there differences after Ashton has a long coming jealous meltdown and tears the family they all hoped for apart?
It's back to Babylon once again to find out where this all leads as Jack Smith's children now grown and his widow try to move on with their lives but Jack even dead still has a hold on them all...
If I could give this any rating it would be 10 stars for keeping the story fresh, each book feels more intense that the last one yet still has that new feel as you dig in to all the drama, emotion and heart ache you felt the first time you walked into Babylon and met The Smith's. Huge golf claps and cheers to Suzanne Jenkins, another great read that has left me breathlessly waiting for more.
I don't even know where to begin. This series is just fantastic. Each book gets more intense and for me the last two have been mind blowing as they lead you to the ending.
Jack god it always boils down to being about him. Will it ever end? Evidently not now that his son is grown and about to walk in his shoes.
Brent Smith - Pam & Jack's son has broken up with his girlfriend and returned back to Babylon for the first get together of the summer. He's harboring a few secrets that will come to light but will they make a difference in what happens as the summer progresses?
Lisa Smith - Pam & Jack's daughter, now married and a new mother has found out her husband isn't the man she thought she married. Will their marriage survive or will tragedy prevail? Will Lisa unknowingly burn the bridge of closeness with her mother forever in the name of love?
Pam Smith - Her relationship with the younger lawyer Dan is being put to the test before the summer even starts. Will she make a grave error when she breaks her ties with him?
Sandra - Jack's former mistress, has she learned nothing from the pain and loss of Jack that she can't stop her self from looking at his son Brent as a replacement for her torn heart?
Ashton - Jack's ex lover, Ted, Natalie, Zach & Deborah - will they work out there differences after Ashton has a long coming jealous meltdown and tears the family they all hoped for apart?
It's back to Babylon once again to find out where this all leads as Jack Smith's children now grown and his widow try to move on with their lives but Jack even dead still has a hold on them all...
If I could give this any rating it would be 10 stars for keeping the story fresh, each book feels more intense that the last one yet still has that new feel as you dig in to all the drama, emotion and heart ache you felt the first time you walked into Babylon and met The Smith's. Huge golf claps and cheers to Suzanne Jenkins, another great read that has left me breathlessly waiting for more.
August 13, 2014
Suzanne Jenkins has done it again, another page turning story in the Pam of Babylon, and the saga of the Jack Smith family. If you have read the other books in this series, you need to read this one, and if you haven’t read the others, this can be a read alone, but really don’t deprive yourself.
In this book Pam is still dealing with Jack’s death, and probably will for the rest of her life. It seems that Pam is never destined to have a peaceful life, and this dark cloud seems to be following the rest of her family.
The book opens with the planning of the annual Memorial Day picnic, sans Jack of course, he may not be there physically, but his memory seems to be with everyone. All of the family is expected along with friends, and as expected nothing is ever easy.
Lisa, who married Ed and has a new baby, seems to be having problems. Brent who was engaged Julie, is now living in CA, and struggling. Then there are the mother’s living at the Eagles Nest, and still rather a hoot, if you can get past the acid of Bernice’s tongue.
We are reunited with Ashton, and Ted, and now Denise and Natalie, what a cast of characters. We also have Sandra back, and her husband Tom and Marie’s daughter, and we are going to go on with their lives, and Pam’s in particular. What is in store here will blow your mind, and you won’t even see it coming, more than once.
Don’t miss this great read, and get yourself ready for the next book.
I received this book from the Author Suzanne Jenkins, and was not required to give a positive review.
In this book Pam is still dealing with Jack’s death, and probably will for the rest of her life. It seems that Pam is never destined to have a peaceful life, and this dark cloud seems to be following the rest of her family.
The book opens with the planning of the annual Memorial Day picnic, sans Jack of course, he may not be there physically, but his memory seems to be with everyone. All of the family is expected along with friends, and as expected nothing is ever easy.
Lisa, who married Ed and has a new baby, seems to be having problems. Brent who was engaged Julie, is now living in CA, and struggling. Then there are the mother’s living at the Eagles Nest, and still rather a hoot, if you can get past the acid of Bernice’s tongue.
We are reunited with Ashton, and Ted, and now Denise and Natalie, what a cast of characters. We also have Sandra back, and her husband Tom and Marie’s daughter, and we are going to go on with their lives, and Pam’s in particular. What is in store here will blow your mind, and you won’t even see it coming, more than once.
Don’t miss this great read, and get yourself ready for the next book.
I received this book from the Author Suzanne Jenkins, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 28, 2016
Let’s see: Pam has a new, good looking beau but still can’t stop thinking about Jack. She has major issues. Get some therapy already!
Julie breaks up with Brent because she learns he’s as perverted as his daddy was. She moves home; they discuss reconciliation and tragedy strikes.
Sandra & Tom are one big happy family, or so it seems. Want to guess which one will mess it up?
Lisa meets Ed, falls in love within a week, gets pregnant and gets married. Then tragedy strikes and betrayal ensues.
Dan tells his sisters that Pam has AIDS. Pam sees this as the ultimate betrayal and throws Dan out. She has no idea what’s in store for her.
Julie breaks up with Brent because she learns he’s as perverted as his daddy was. She moves home; they discuss reconciliation and tragedy strikes.
Sandra & Tom are one big happy family, or so it seems. Want to guess which one will mess it up?
Lisa meets Ed, falls in love within a week, gets pregnant and gets married. Then tragedy strikes and betrayal ensues.
Dan tells his sisters that Pam has AIDS. Pam sees this as the ultimate betrayal and throws Dan out. She has no idea what’s in store for her.
January 4, 2014
Not one of my favorite Pam of Babylon books, but I did like that Pam finally got a backbone and stopped letting people walk all over her. Without a doubt, I will continue to read, but I'm getting antsy waiting for the series to end.
February 2, 2014
I have read all of this series and was looking forward to this one. I was very disappointed it was like the author was grasping at straws to come up with a story. I won't be reading the next one. Just ridiculous.
April 29, 2014
Once again this family draws you in, like the Mob. I could be wrong but maybe there is something brewing with Pam that will be a surprise in the book to come. The characters all seem to be taking a turn, maybe it's the coming out after the grieving is finished.
May 28, 2015
Wow! More twists and turns!
At first I thought things were panning out for Pam but I was shocked. So much more devastation in store for her and her family, and everyone else that Jack was involved with.
At first I thought things were panning out for Pam but I was shocked. So much more devastation in store for her and her family, and everyone else that Jack was involved with.
January 19, 2014
Can't wait for the next one!
October 22, 2015
OMG....where does the writer come up with her plot lines.....LOVED this...and can't wait to start #7
June 28, 2015
Love this series!!!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews