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Deep Secrets and Hope #5
Work Boots and Tees
Deep Secrets and Hope: Book Five
Sixteen-year-old Jim Frankel has become the thing he loathes, and he can’t stand thinking about what he has done.
After being accused of sexual assault by two girls, Jim serves out his sentence in a juvenile detention facility. He’s shocked by the arrest for what he thought was consensual sex, and terrified his own childhood sexual abuse has twisted him into a predator—just like the man who molested him.
Upon release, Jim is no longer welcome at his family home, and with nowhere else to turn, he travels from Massachusetts to Michigan to live with his father’s cousin, Delia. Keeping his head down, Jim works hard at Delia’s art supply shop and prays no one will find out about the awful crime he committed. It’s his chance for a new beginning, but when he makes his first friend in Man-Shik Park, Jim is afraid to let him get too close. But by walling himself off from the support Manny’s offering, Jim might sabotage the opportunities in front of him.
Sixteen-year-old Jim Frankel has become the thing he loathes, and he can’t stand thinking about what he has done.
After being accused of sexual assault by two girls, Jim serves out his sentence in a juvenile detention facility. He’s shocked by the arrest for what he thought was consensual sex, and terrified his own childhood sexual abuse has twisted him into a predator—just like the man who molested him.
Upon release, Jim is no longer welcome at his family home, and with nowhere else to turn, he travels from Massachusetts to Michigan to live with his father’s cousin, Delia. Keeping his head down, Jim works hard at Delia’s art supply shop and prays no one will find out about the awful crime he committed. It’s his chance for a new beginning, but when he makes his first friend in Man-Shik Park, Jim is afraid to let him get too close. But by walling himself off from the support Manny’s offering, Jim might sabotage the opportunities in front of him.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Jo Ramsey
37 books41 followersJo Ramsey has been telling stories since she could talk, and has been writing them down since age five, when someone finally showed her how to make those funny little squiggles on paper. Out of desperation to keep Jo occupied, her kindergarten teacher encouraged her to write stories based on books in the classroom library, and the writing addiction was born.
When Jo was a teenager, she started writing young adult fiction, and still has some of the stories she wrote during junior high and high school. And no one else will EVER see them! Many of her stories involved “normal” teenagers who ended up doing or seeing extraordinary things. Her main influences were Susan Cooper and Madeleine L’Engle.
Although Jo never stopped writing entirely, real life interfered for a while after she graduated college. She worked as a special education teacher, married, and had two offspring. During that time, writing was both an escape and therapy. Continuing the themes from her earlier stories, Jo wrote for the teens she knew who were struggling with academics and with their lives, hoping that someday they and others like them would read and find encouragement from those stories.
Jo’s first young adult novel was published in 2010. Although her books vary widely in plot and characters, they all have one thing in common: The belief that anyone is capable of being a hero, whether to others or in their own lives, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.
Jo lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats, one of whom, like Jo, has refused to grow up.
When Jo was a teenager, she started writing young adult fiction, and still has some of the stories she wrote during junior high and high school. And no one else will EVER see them! Many of her stories involved “normal” teenagers who ended up doing or seeing extraordinary things. Her main influences were Susan Cooper and Madeleine L’Engle.
Although Jo never stopped writing entirely, real life interfered for a while after she graduated college. She worked as a special education teacher, married, and had two offspring. During that time, writing was both an escape and therapy. Continuing the themes from her earlier stories, Jo wrote for the teens she knew who were struggling with academics and with their lives, hoping that someday they and others like them would read and find encouragement from those stories.
Jo’s first young adult novel was published in 2010. Although her books vary widely in plot and characters, they all have one thing in common: The belief that anyone is capable of being a hero, whether to others or in their own lives, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.
Jo lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats, one of whom, like Jo, has refused to grow up.
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December 14, 2015I'm adding this to my review at 60% to get something off my chest before I explode.
I am reading Work Boots and Tees as a standalone, never having read this author prior. This book is meant for Young Adult readers, and I don't see how this could be perceived as a moral or as entertainment for that age group.
I understand what the author is trying to convey by showcasing the responsibility of date rape and how there is a fine line of consent. I applaud the effort, but the execution has the opposite effect because what was shown as date rape was NOT. If anything, I felt those girls should have been arrested for falsely accusing a person.
100% of the time in cases like these, it's guilty until proven innocent, and doing so is nearly impossible. With Jim, he was manipulated and twisted for life by his own rape to be able to stand up for himself. So it doubly makes this entire book horrific to read. Page after page of Jim being torn to shreds by everyone but mostly himself, all because he didn't get a YES, but not once was issued a no. <= that's the problem.
The author is making the true victim out to be a monster, to the point he tries to commit suicide, and then his own psychiatrist is still telling him he's a predator for having CONSENSUAL Sex.. The only victim in this entire story is Jim, besides the boy he beat up. Those girls have a responsibility in this as well. They were not mutes.
And before anyone calls me a monster for saying so. This is why I feel as such.
Jim was raped as a child by his mother's boyfriend, then beaten by the man she finally marries, and his father ignored him. So he had a rough start, bad-tempered, and was easily manipulated after all of that. Head twisted to think he was crap. This sets it up to where you'd assume the author would allow Jim to realize he is NOT a rapist, it is hammered home constantly page after page that he is... when he is NOT. If anything, he's a victim of every person he's ever came into contact with. Now I get he was probably shown in a bad light in previous books, but as I stated above, I'm reading this as a standalone, so I can only go off what the author gives me. Also, being a bully and bad-tempered does not a rapist make.
This is what we're shown by the author (by 60%) Jim had sex with two girls at different times. Once with his friend-with-benefits, and he thought all was well. Once with his girlfriend, whom he was dating. He took her v-card, she did cry because it hurt, and then stayed for hours cuddling afterward.
So more than 3 months goes by, and then they accuse him of rape AFTER (which is a motive of their lying, imo) he beat up their friend in a rage (not the bullied kid's fault, I gather. I assume he made Jim uncomfortable, bringing up memories of his childhood molestation, thinking it turned him gay. So he beat up the gay kid. Bad, Jim. Bad! But that doesn't make him a rapist). Since he is broken from what was done to him by a monster, he assumes he is as well, and pleads guilty to two counts of date rape. Mind you, the author specifically states neither girl said NO at any time, nor did they struggle or try to stop him. In fact, the one cuddles with him afterward. But Jim was charged with rape because they never actually said... YES...
This Yes business. There should only be NO. Yes is too easily misconstrued. Over and over at ad nauseam the reader is subjected to how Jim didn't get a YES prior to having sex with his girlfriend and friend with benefits. While I get the author's need to show date rape from another angle, this is beyond absurd.
Why?
When no force or coercion is involved, the yes is presumed. The girl had to have been an active participant or it would have been like Jim made out with a frozen girl, and it wouldn't have continued far enough to evolve to sex. Furthermore, If a boy asked a girl to say yes, she might be saying yes to kissing but not sex. What if yes was given, but midway through the girl said no, does that mean it's not rape in a court of law because she verbally gave a yes for sex but changed her mind?
A yes can change at a moment's notice, but a NO IS FINAL!!!
If those girls had said yes, but then said no, Jim would be a date rapist.
But that didn't happen. You see. AT ALL.
Engaging in sex with a consenting party, who never once shows any distress, never voices a stop or no, never pushes you off (most girls would be pretty dang vocal about this, and kick the crap out of you trying to save themselves) and then precedes to cuddle for hours afterward.. that is called sex, honey.
The only logic behind this argument is the word NO. Yes is too easily misconstrued, even if vocalized. Girls and boys both need to be taught the power of no. NO is a dead stop, party over.
Jim, our character, and every boy out there, is not a mind-reader. Jim was portrayed as not realizing he was raping them simply because they didn't say no, stop, or shove him off of them.(Which isn't that how normal sex is? The girl NOT saying NO while touching back, kissing back, generally having sex with him?) All because they didn't vocalize a YES.
They were not drugged, drunk, gagged, or incapacitated in any way, but the fact that they didn't say yes or no, while engaging in sex, made Jim a rapist.
Did Jim say yes? Shouldn't he also have to say yes for it to be mutually consensual? So wouldn't that also make the girls rapists too? Men can be raped too, which was also a major point in the book about Jim being abused as a child. Where was Jim's YES? Where was it?
Jim's yes was that he was having sex. Is this only because he's male? Isn't the girl's yes also because she is an active participant in sex? So the only way for it to be rape is if NO is said, or if they are incapable of voicing no.
A female has just as much power and responsibility in the act as a male does. If he doesn't want to have sex, he wouldn't. If she doesn't want to have sex, the only way he'll know is by her verbal and body language. Don't make all males out to be rapists because the girl refused to voice her opinion on the matter.
Just as a yes shouldn't be assumed, neither can a no be.
They were not being forced, nor restrained in a way that they didn't have a voice to vocalize a no.
How was Jim to know? He's not a mind-reader, nor is anyone else on the planet.
So while trying to push the yes issue, which is important, I think the more important need would have been to show the power of NO. If unable to say no or if they say no and are ignored, it's rape. Full stop. Not this issue of not saying yes, when 99% of all sex takes place without one... (think about that. How often do you actually say yes prior to sex taking place. Your behavior and body language is a voice of its own, and only a NO or trying to physically remove oneself but being unable would turn it into rape)
Just as a boy is responsible for his actions, as is the girl. If you don't like someone hurting you, you don't sit there and let them continue to harm you. Example: if someone has a gun to your head and you don't say, "NO! Don't pull the trigger," does that mean you're committing suicide?
Yes, that's how absurd I find these TWO example of date rape young Jim is punishing himself over.
*A guy pulls up next to a girl and opens the door*
Guy: "Wanna ride?"
*Girl gets in car*
Guy: "Wouldn't want you getting soaked in the rain storm."
Girl: "Thank You.
*once home, boy is taken into custody for kidnapping because girl never said Yes or NO*
*A guy asks a girl if she could lend him 5 bucks for lunch*
*She hands him all the money in her wallet- a 10*
*has him arrested for mugging/theft because she didn't say Yes or No*
*Guy and Girl are making out*
*Girl lets guy take off her panties because she gave no indication it wasn't okay, by saying no or pulling away*
*They have sex*
*three months later, girl has guy brought up on charges of rape*
In all the cases above, the fact she got in the car, handed him the money, or had sex with him is her affirmation. There was no need for a yes as her actions were the yes. Only NO would have given the guy a clue that she didn't want a ride, or to give him 5 bucks, or to have sex.
A girl is responsible for her actions or inaction in a situation.
This is giving the impression that girls can't say no. She is afraid he's a mugger, therefore he's a mugger. She's afraid he's a rapist, therefore he's a rapist. When all she has to do was NOT get in the car, or NOT give him the money, or NOT have sex with him. or just said NO.
*girl's friends jump off bridge, but she never was the voice of reason by saying they would get hurt simply because she was afraid they wouldn't like her if she did. Is the girl a murderer now? is she responsible for their actions, or her inaction?*
This makes it sound as if girls are to simply follow the guy anywhere, and then call foul afterward. Whether it's a stranger or a friend or a boyfriend, a girl has a right to say NO in every situation. What she doesn't have the right to do is to passively follow, and then hit the guy with a rape charge because she didn't say yes or no. Whatever reason she has for not having voice during the act (in this case, as any use of no would have been a full stop for Jim) her fears or whatnot are on her, as they are her private thoughts and he is not privy to them, and he should not be subject to them later on.
I feel this is giving a bad example about date rape instead of a logical one. If anything, it's a great motivator for abstinence, as any person who has sex could fear 3 months later their date calling rape for whatever pissed them off, all because there wasn't a yes in writing, but there most definitely was never a no.
Personally, I don't know if I will continue on to finish the story. Simply because I feel like 60% of the book has been about shaming a child for having sex and NOT BEING A MIND READER.
(Also, I find it suspect that two girls came forward, but only when it suited an assault case to make it feel as if Jim was a bigger monster. Also, the friend with benefits must have been experienced enough to know NO means NO, so her coming forward and having charges brought up should have resulted in her for falsely accusing a person. The virgin may have had buyers remorse. And I'm going off what the author wrote.)
In reality, Jim would have never been indited. The girls should have been taught something other than it's the boy's fault for not being a mind-reader in the least, or taught a lesson about ruining lives because they felt shame and buyers remorse.
As a 37 year old woman, who has been 'there', I'm appalled and wouldn't allow a teenager to read this story, as I feel it gives off the wrong message. Jim, the victim, is turned into a monster by the author for not being a mind-reader, while the girls aren't taking responsibility for having their own voice.
NO Anyone and everyone can say yes and not mean it, but NO! means NO!. This message was buried under hundreds of pages of not saying yes, but never once saying no. & that is NOT what date rape is.
I also think it's irresponsible in the way it comes off like Jim, a molestation survivor, grew up to not know what consent meant (Jim was written as not being as bad because he was ignorant to both girls not wanting to have sex with him). Like he was destined to become a rapist because of his past.
***I believe this 'didn't say yes, but didn't say no, so it's rape' storyline came about was a way to erase the monster written in previous books by redeeming him. But in doing so, it gave a bad example of date rape and the lack &/or too much responsibility by both participants.
_______________
Edit:
After finishing the book, and reading the author's note at the end. The line, No means no doesn't work, that it should be only yes means yes...
As a survivor myself, that is the most irresponsible thing I've ever read. As I stated above, yes can be misconstrued, leading to getting more than you bargained for, and minds change.
We need to be teaching both our daughters and sons the meaning of both yes and no, and how both can be verbal and through body language. No most certainly means no under all circumstances, but yes doesn't mean yes under all circumstances because both parties are NOT of a like-mind.
Mind-reading is for fiction, not reality.
Minds change. Mid-sex, a girl or guy can decide they aren't emotionally or physically ready, and they need to know they are allowed to say no once a yes has been said.
Our children, no matter boy or girl, they need to be taught empowerment and to have a voice and how to use it. Both circumstances shown would have never occurred if they all would have been taught, not only what yes meant, but to know it's okay to say no.
Following along with your boyfriend is not rape, and he shouldn't have to wear that badge for life because the girl refused to have a voice. I'm not shaming- I've been there. But at some point we all need to learn how to speak. Being passive does not equate being raped. That is a victim mentality without holding yourself accountable for your own inaction.
I understand what point the author is trying to get across, but I feel it does more damage than good. I'll agree to disagree.
I am reading Work Boots and Tees as a standalone, never having read this author prior. This book is meant for Young Adult readers, and I don't see how this could be perceived as a moral or as entertainment for that age group.
I understand what the author is trying to convey by showcasing the responsibility of date rape and how there is a fine line of consent. I applaud the effort, but the execution has the opposite effect because what was shown as date rape was NOT. If anything, I felt those girls should have been arrested for falsely accusing a person.
100% of the time in cases like these, it's guilty until proven innocent, and doing so is nearly impossible. With Jim, he was manipulated and twisted for life by his own rape to be able to stand up for himself. So it doubly makes this entire book horrific to read. Page after page of Jim being torn to shreds by everyone but mostly himself, all because he didn't get a YES, but not once was issued a no. <= that's the problem.
The author is making the true victim out to be a monster, to the point he tries to commit suicide, and then his own psychiatrist is still telling him he's a predator for having CONSENSUAL Sex.. The only victim in this entire story is Jim, besides the boy he beat up. Those girls have a responsibility in this as well. They were not mutes.
And before anyone calls me a monster for saying so. This is why I feel as such.
Jim was raped as a child by his mother's boyfriend, then beaten by the man she finally marries, and his father ignored him. So he had a rough start, bad-tempered, and was easily manipulated after all of that. Head twisted to think he was crap. This sets it up to where you'd assume the author would allow Jim to realize he is NOT a rapist, it is hammered home constantly page after page that he is... when he is NOT. If anything, he's a victim of every person he's ever came into contact with. Now I get he was probably shown in a bad light in previous books, but as I stated above, I'm reading this as a standalone, so I can only go off what the author gives me. Also, being a bully and bad-tempered does not a rapist make.
This is what we're shown by the author (by 60%) Jim had sex with two girls at different times. Once with his friend-with-benefits, and he thought all was well. Once with his girlfriend, whom he was dating. He took her v-card, she did cry because it hurt, and then stayed for hours cuddling afterward.
So more than 3 months goes by, and then they accuse him of rape AFTER (which is a motive of their lying, imo) he beat up their friend in a rage (not the bullied kid's fault, I gather. I assume he made Jim uncomfortable, bringing up memories of his childhood molestation, thinking it turned him gay. So he beat up the gay kid. Bad, Jim. Bad! But that doesn't make him a rapist). Since he is broken from what was done to him by a monster, he assumes he is as well, and pleads guilty to two counts of date rape. Mind you, the author specifically states neither girl said NO at any time, nor did they struggle or try to stop him. In fact, the one cuddles with him afterward. But Jim was charged with rape because they never actually said... YES...
This Yes business. There should only be NO. Yes is too easily misconstrued. Over and over at ad nauseam the reader is subjected to how Jim didn't get a YES prior to having sex with his girlfriend and friend with benefits. While I get the author's need to show date rape from another angle, this is beyond absurd.
Why?
When no force or coercion is involved, the yes is presumed. The girl had to have been an active participant or it would have been like Jim made out with a frozen girl, and it wouldn't have continued far enough to evolve to sex. Furthermore, If a boy asked a girl to say yes, she might be saying yes to kissing but not sex. What if yes was given, but midway through the girl said no, does that mean it's not rape in a court of law because she verbally gave a yes for sex but changed her mind?
A yes can change at a moment's notice, but a NO IS FINAL!!!
If those girls had said yes, but then said no, Jim would be a date rapist.
But that didn't happen. You see. AT ALL.
Engaging in sex with a consenting party, who never once shows any distress, never voices a stop or no, never pushes you off (most girls would be pretty dang vocal about this, and kick the crap out of you trying to save themselves) and then precedes to cuddle for hours afterward.. that is called sex, honey.
The only logic behind this argument is the word NO. Yes is too easily misconstrued, even if vocalized. Girls and boys both need to be taught the power of no. NO is a dead stop, party over.
Jim, our character, and every boy out there, is not a mind-reader. Jim was portrayed as not realizing he was raping them simply because they didn't say no, stop, or shove him off of them.(Which isn't that how normal sex is? The girl NOT saying NO while touching back, kissing back, generally having sex with him?) All because they didn't vocalize a YES.
They were not drugged, drunk, gagged, or incapacitated in any way, but the fact that they didn't say yes or no, while engaging in sex, made Jim a rapist.
Did Jim say yes? Shouldn't he also have to say yes for it to be mutually consensual? So wouldn't that also make the girls rapists too? Men can be raped too, which was also a major point in the book about Jim being abused as a child. Where was Jim's YES? Where was it?
Jim's yes was that he was having sex. Is this only because he's male? Isn't the girl's yes also because she is an active participant in sex? So the only way for it to be rape is if NO is said, or if they are incapable of voicing no.
A female has just as much power and responsibility in the act as a male does. If he doesn't want to have sex, he wouldn't. If she doesn't want to have sex, the only way he'll know is by her verbal and body language. Don't make all males out to be rapists because the girl refused to voice her opinion on the matter.
Just as a yes shouldn't be assumed, neither can a no be.
They were not being forced, nor restrained in a way that they didn't have a voice to vocalize a no.
How was Jim to know? He's not a mind-reader, nor is anyone else on the planet.
So while trying to push the yes issue, which is important, I think the more important need would have been to show the power of NO. If unable to say no or if they say no and are ignored, it's rape. Full stop. Not this issue of not saying yes, when 99% of all sex takes place without one... (think about that. How often do you actually say yes prior to sex taking place. Your behavior and body language is a voice of its own, and only a NO or trying to physically remove oneself but being unable would turn it into rape)
Just as a boy is responsible for his actions, as is the girl. If you don't like someone hurting you, you don't sit there and let them continue to harm you. Example: if someone has a gun to your head and you don't say, "NO! Don't pull the trigger," does that mean you're committing suicide?
Yes, that's how absurd I find these TWO example of date rape young Jim is punishing himself over.
*A guy pulls up next to a girl and opens the door*
Guy: "Wanna ride?"
*Girl gets in car*
Guy: "Wouldn't want you getting soaked in the rain storm."
Girl: "Thank You.
*once home, boy is taken into custody for kidnapping because girl never said Yes or NO*
*A guy asks a girl if she could lend him 5 bucks for lunch*
*She hands him all the money in her wallet- a 10*
*has him arrested for mugging/theft because she didn't say Yes or No*
*Guy and Girl are making out*
*Girl lets guy take off her panties because she gave no indication it wasn't okay, by saying no or pulling away*
*They have sex*
*three months later, girl has guy brought up on charges of rape*
In all the cases above, the fact she got in the car, handed him the money, or had sex with him is her affirmation. There was no need for a yes as her actions were the yes. Only NO would have given the guy a clue that she didn't want a ride, or to give him 5 bucks, or to have sex.
A girl is responsible for her actions or inaction in a situation.
This is giving the impression that girls can't say no. She is afraid he's a mugger, therefore he's a mugger. She's afraid he's a rapist, therefore he's a rapist. When all she has to do was NOT get in the car, or NOT give him the money, or NOT have sex with him. or just said NO.
*girl's friends jump off bridge, but she never was the voice of reason by saying they would get hurt simply because she was afraid they wouldn't like her if she did. Is the girl a murderer now? is she responsible for their actions, or her inaction?*
This makes it sound as if girls are to simply follow the guy anywhere, and then call foul afterward. Whether it's a stranger or a friend or a boyfriend, a girl has a right to say NO in every situation. What she doesn't have the right to do is to passively follow, and then hit the guy with a rape charge because she didn't say yes or no. Whatever reason she has for not having voice during the act (in this case, as any use of no would have been a full stop for Jim) her fears or whatnot are on her, as they are her private thoughts and he is not privy to them, and he should not be subject to them later on.
I feel this is giving a bad example about date rape instead of a logical one. If anything, it's a great motivator for abstinence, as any person who has sex could fear 3 months later their date calling rape for whatever pissed them off, all because there wasn't a yes in writing, but there most definitely was never a no.
Personally, I don't know if I will continue on to finish the story. Simply because I feel like 60% of the book has been about shaming a child for having sex and NOT BEING A MIND READER.
(Also, I find it suspect that two girls came forward, but only when it suited an assault case to make it feel as if Jim was a bigger monster. Also, the friend with benefits must have been experienced enough to know NO means NO, so her coming forward and having charges brought up should have resulted in her for falsely accusing a person. The virgin may have had buyers remorse. And I'm going off what the author wrote.)
In reality, Jim would have never been indited. The girls should have been taught something other than it's the boy's fault for not being a mind-reader in the least, or taught a lesson about ruining lives because they felt shame and buyers remorse.
As a 37 year old woman, who has been 'there', I'm appalled and wouldn't allow a teenager to read this story, as I feel it gives off the wrong message. Jim, the victim, is turned into a monster by the author for not being a mind-reader, while the girls aren't taking responsibility for having their own voice.
NO Anyone and everyone can say yes and not mean it, but NO! means NO!. This message was buried under hundreds of pages of not saying yes, but never once saying no. & that is NOT what date rape is.
I also think it's irresponsible in the way it comes off like Jim, a molestation survivor, grew up to not know what consent meant (Jim was written as not being as bad because he was ignorant to both girls not wanting to have sex with him). Like he was destined to become a rapist because of his past.
***I believe this 'didn't say yes, but didn't say no, so it's rape' storyline came about was a way to erase the monster written in previous books by redeeming him. But in doing so, it gave a bad example of date rape and the lack &/or too much responsibility by both participants.
_______________
Edit:
After finishing the book, and reading the author's note at the end. The line, No means no doesn't work, that it should be only yes means yes...
As a survivor myself, that is the most irresponsible thing I've ever read. As I stated above, yes can be misconstrued, leading to getting more than you bargained for, and minds change.
We need to be teaching both our daughters and sons the meaning of both yes and no, and how both can be verbal and through body language. No most certainly means no under all circumstances, but yes doesn't mean yes under all circumstances because both parties are NOT of a like-mind.
Mind-reading is for fiction, not reality.
Minds change. Mid-sex, a girl or guy can decide they aren't emotionally or physically ready, and they need to know they are allowed to say no once a yes has been said.
Our children, no matter boy or girl, they need to be taught empowerment and to have a voice and how to use it. Both circumstances shown would have never occurred if they all would have been taught, not only what yes meant, but to know it's okay to say no.
Following along with your boyfriend is not rape, and he shouldn't have to wear that badge for life because the girl refused to have a voice. I'm not shaming- I've been there. But at some point we all need to learn how to speak. Being passive does not equate being raped. That is a victim mentality without holding yourself accountable for your own inaction.
I understand what point the author is trying to get across, but I feel it does more damage than good. I'll agree to disagree.
November 2, 2015
First of all i have to admit that i'am not the target audience for this book. I'am neither female nor assault survivor and that is clearly the audience author was writing it for. As a gay man my perspective is very different from author's and most of the other readers.
For me it was the book about young boy whose horrible past made him susceptible to blaming himself when wrongly accused of rape. He is the only victim it this story.
He plead guilty to the charges that should have never been brought against him and if brought should have been dismissed immediately by judge.
This is not a paranormal story, Jim is not telepath or empath as apparently he was expected to be. He could not be aware of his girlfriend reluctance, or her internal doubts and fears if she didn't voice them aloud. The term buyer's remorse come to mind, when looking at the situation objectively from a side.
What i find most disgusting in this book is all characters constantly telling him what a very very horrible crime he committed even knowing details and knowing that there was no actual crime to what i'am sure criminal justice system would agree.
I read author's afterword and i can understand her bias in story like that but i can't appreciate it.
For me it was the book about young boy whose horrible past made him susceptible to blaming himself when wrongly accused of rape. He is the only victim it this story.
He plead guilty to the charges that should have never been brought against him and if brought should have been dismissed immediately by judge.
This is not a paranormal story, Jim is not telepath or empath as apparently he was expected to be. He could not be aware of his girlfriend reluctance, or her internal doubts and fears if she didn't voice them aloud. The term buyer's remorse come to mind, when looking at the situation objectively from a side.
What i find most disgusting in this book is all characters constantly telling him what a very very horrible crime he committed even knowing details and knowing that there was no actual crime to what i'am sure criminal justice system would agree.
I read author's afterword and i can understand her bias in story like that but i can't appreciate it.
July 11, 2016
This was a difficult book to review. First, It was hard to read this as a stand-alone, since apparently Jim is a character in other books in the series - mostly as a bully and pretty unpleasant guy. Not having that background made it difficult to assess how Jim was making changes in his life, or if he was able to do so, given that he was so badly damaged by abuse as a young child.
I'm not looking for a comfortable read every time I pick up a book, but geesh it was agonizing to read continually how Jim was a monster, a rapist, a horrible person, especially when given the somewhat murky details of the crime.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not looking for a comfortable read every time I pick up a book, but geesh it was agonizing to read continually how Jim was a monster, a rapist, a horrible person, especially when given the somewhat murky details of the crime.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2015
This is a difficult book to review. I identify very strongly and personally with his victims, but at the same time, for me, because I cannot avoid empathizing with everyone, I felt very bad fro Jim. He was abused by everyone who should have cared for him, and he had a difficult time adapting to life as a result. I tend to judge people by their intentions and I really felt that if he had known what he was doing to the girls was hurtful he would have stopped. This doesn't do his victims any good, but I guess it reinforces my strong belief that the world is not black and white and people should pay more attention to the million shades of grey.
I found myself very protective of Jim, and reading the author's note afterward made me feel bad about that. As if I shouldn't have and that because I had I was part of the problem, which was somewhat annoying. I can't say this was an enjoyable group, but the note made the experience even less pleasant.
Do I recommend this... Probably not... I liked the first two books of the series, but had never realized 3&4 came out and I wouldn't have minded never having read this.
This ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found myself very protective of Jim, and reading the author's note afterward made me feel bad about that. As if I shouldn't have and that because I had I was part of the problem, which was somewhat annoying. I can't say this was an enjoyable group, but the note made the experience even less pleasant.
Do I recommend this... Probably not... I liked the first two books of the series, but had never realized 3&4 came out and I wouldn't have minded never having read this.
This ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2015
Part of the Deep Secrets and Hope series that features Jim, a 16 year old boy who must start his life over after being convicted of a crime. He served his time, but the only person who wants him is a distant relative halfway across the country. With the help of Delia and a few others in this small Michigan town, Jim must face his past and learn from his mistakes so he can try to be a better man.
This was a tough one for me to look at objectively. The crime committed is one that should never be tolerated and Jim understood that there were consequences to his actions after he was made to understand what he did wrong and why it was wrong. This book made me question whether someone who commits a crime and serves their sentence is capable of change and if they deserve a second chance to make the most of the life they're given. Also, in Jim's case, can he forgive himself and try for a better life? Very well written and thought provoking.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a tough one for me to look at objectively. The crime committed is one that should never be tolerated and Jim understood that there were consequences to his actions after he was made to understand what he did wrong and why it was wrong. This book made me question whether someone who commits a crime and serves their sentence is capable of change and if they deserve a second chance to make the most of the life they're given. Also, in Jim's case, can he forgive himself and try for a better life? Very well written and thought provoking.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 29, 2023HOW ECOWORKBOOTS.COM CHOOSES THE BEST WORK BOOTS FOR MEN
Thankfully, with the advent of technology, there are now platforms like EcoWorkBoots.com that aim to simplify this process of finding the best work boots.
Eco Work Boots is a comprehensive website designed to help you find the best work boots for men. Whether you require the best steel toe work boots, slip-resistant boots, or boots with special features. We have covered you. In this article, we will explore how EcoWorkBoots.com can assist you in getting the best work boots that meet your specific needs and requirements.
1. What Makes The Best Boots for Men? Our Criteria For Selecting Them
Before the list of the best work boots for men, we want to share the criteria that Eco Work Boots used to make our selection.
The main factors we consider are value, comfort, quality, fit, and aesthetics. Together, these five elements form a reasonable representation of the best work boots.
Let us quickly explain our thought process behind each of these:
Value
When it comes to boots, you almost always get what you pay for. With that said, you can look at value instead: this speaks to what you get versus what you pay. The brand can charge more for their quality if we say a great value boot.
Comfort/Fit
The best work boots must be comfortable. Whether you wear them for a few hours or all day, you want your boots to be soft yet supportive, ideally with moderate shock absorption. Sometimes, you won't even realize you're still wearing the most comfortable boots!
Quality
To some extent, excellent quality boots are more or less interchangeable with the best work boots. The boots must be made using the best materials and be constructed to last a lifetime.
Aesthetics
Finally, Eco Work Boots considered the aesthetics that a boot offers. This is all about looks, and sure, it can be a little superficial - but the best part about building your collection is having a boot for every occasion!
Would you like to learn more about my criteria when we evaluate boots? Check out my startup review process for a deeper understanding.
2. How Is Choosing Work Boots For Men Different From Work Boots For Women?
Choosing the best work boots for men and women has a few key differences.
Foot Shape: Men's and women's feet are shaped differently. Male feet are usually wider and longer than female feet. This means that work boots designed for men will often be too wide and long for women.
Heel Height: In general, women's boots feature a smaller heel than men's boots. The lower heel avoids the boot from rubbing against the Achilles tendon since women's feet are shorter than men's.
Toe Box: The toe box of a work boot is the area of the boot that covers the toes. Women's work boots often have a wider toe box than men's. This is because women's toes are wider than men's toes.
Arch Support: Women's feet often have higher arches than men's. Women's work boots need good arch support to avoid foot pain.
Finding the Most Comfortable Work Boots for Men
The choices can seem overwhelming for those looking for the best work boots for men for the first time. To get off to a solid start:
Measure your feet properly. Especially when your boot has a steel, composite, or alloy toe cap, the design will be quite stiff, with little room for stretch. You want to make sure it fits snugly but is tight enough in the first place. Consider measuring them at the end of the day, after you've walked and your feet are a bit swollen.
Take into account whatever you'll be wearing with your work boots. This will ask what type of socks you choose and whether you wear orthopedic pads.
Try them out. Especially if this is your first time wearing work boots, you'll want to lace up your boots and walk into the store to see how they feel. On the other hand, if you buy online right away, you may have to go through return rounds.
Explore our website to get more types of work boots at: https://www.tumblr.com/ecoworkboots
3. Pay Attention to ASTM Standards When Choosing The Best Lightweight Work Boots
The best work boots tend to conform to the ASTM standard - workwear that meets the Standard Specification for Performance Requirements set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials. This safety rating indicates whether the boot complies with the minimum requirements for protective footwear in hazardous workplaces. It evaluates performance standards such as impact resistance, compression resistance, puncture resistance, chain saw shear resistance, foot bone protection, especially electrical hazard, static dissipation, electrical conductivity, and so on.
When looking for a sturdy pair of work boots, you should choose one that meets at least some ASTM rating. For example, the most common ASTM-F2413 standards evaluate everything from safety pins to electrical hazard resistance to impact and compression; and ASTM F3445-21 anti-slip rate. So be sure to read the product description.
4. Reasons to Wear The Best Work Boots for Men
We all know how important steel toe lightweight boots are to those in the construction industry. However, work boots come in various styles to suit various work environments, including airports, logistics, and the transportation industry. Below we explore 5 reasons why you need to wear the best work boots for construction.
Protection Against Falling Objects
Workers should safeguard their feet from potential harm when working in a crowded, fast-paced setting by wearing protective footwear in addition to wearing protective apparel. The risk of big things falling on workers' feet increases while lifting and moving them, as may be the case in an airport setting. The most comfortable work boots with reinforced toes can help keep workers safe.
Helps Prevent Falls
Slips and falls could happen in any workplace, especially when work boots are not in the uniform. Well-fitted work boots will help maintain balance, comfort and prevent tripping or slipping.
It is also important that the boot has traction and precise tread, especially when you are working on ladders in the construction industry or on uneven surfaces.
Helps Maintain Posture And Prevent Muscle Tension
Work boots protect workers from accidental falls or injuries and prevent muscle strain. Boots with good cushioning and arch support will make sure that the foot and ankle are well supported, providing a comfortable boot that shapes the foot correctly, helps maintain posture, and relieves back pain.
Protection Against The Elements
When you work outdoors in all types of weather, such as in construction, logistics, and airports, your boots must protect them from rain, snow, and extreme cold. Boots must be well insulated and waterproof to help prevent conditions like frostbite and other circulation problems. Let's find the best waterproof work boots.
Helps Protect Against Electric Shock
Even if there are health and safety precautions in place, employees must wear the proper protective footwear since electricity is a significant danger element in many jobs. To prevent the chance of an electric shock, they should be composed of non-conductive materials like leather or rubber. Anti-static boots are also recommended if you work in an environment where static electricity is likely to accumulate.
Always make sure your workers wear the right protective footwear. Doing so will help keep workers safe, happy, and comfortable.
Conclusion
EcoWorkBoots.com ensures you make an informed decision before investing in a pair of protective boots by providing multiple options, detailed product descriptions, user reviews, and expert recommendations.
The platform's user-friendly interface and intuitive search features enhance the overall browsing experience. Whether you are looking for durability, comfort, safety, or style, EcoWorkBoots.com is the site that will direct you to the best work boots for men.
Thankfully, with the advent of technology, there are now platforms like EcoWorkBoots.com that aim to simplify this process of finding the best work boots.
Eco Work Boots is a comprehensive website designed to help you find the best work boots for men. Whether you require the best steel toe work boots, slip-resistant boots, or boots with special features. We have covered you. In this article, we will explore how EcoWorkBoots.com can assist you in getting the best work boots that meet your specific needs and requirements.
1. What Makes The Best Boots for Men? Our Criteria For Selecting Them
Before the list of the best work boots for men, we want to share the criteria that Eco Work Boots used to make our selection.
The main factors we consider are value, comfort, quality, fit, and aesthetics. Together, these five elements form a reasonable representation of the best work boots.
Let us quickly explain our thought process behind each of these:
Value
When it comes to boots, you almost always get what you pay for. With that said, you can look at value instead: this speaks to what you get versus what you pay. The brand can charge more for their quality if we say a great value boot.
Comfort/Fit
The best work boots must be comfortable. Whether you wear them for a few hours or all day, you want your boots to be soft yet supportive, ideally with moderate shock absorption. Sometimes, you won't even realize you're still wearing the most comfortable boots!
Quality
To some extent, excellent quality boots are more or less interchangeable with the best work boots. The boots must be made using the best materials and be constructed to last a lifetime.
Aesthetics
Finally, Eco Work Boots considered the aesthetics that a boot offers. This is all about looks, and sure, it can be a little superficial - but the best part about building your collection is having a boot for every occasion!
Would you like to learn more about my criteria when we evaluate boots? Check out my startup review process for a deeper understanding.
2. How Is Choosing Work Boots For Men Different From Work Boots For Women?
Choosing the best work boots for men and women has a few key differences.
Foot Shape: Men's and women's feet are shaped differently. Male feet are usually wider and longer than female feet. This means that work boots designed for men will often be too wide and long for women.
Heel Height: In general, women's boots feature a smaller heel than men's boots. The lower heel avoids the boot from rubbing against the Achilles tendon since women's feet are shorter than men's.
Toe Box: The toe box of a work boot is the area of the boot that covers the toes. Women's work boots often have a wider toe box than men's. This is because women's toes are wider than men's toes.
Arch Support: Women's feet often have higher arches than men's. Women's work boots need good arch support to avoid foot pain.
Finding the Most Comfortable Work Boots for Men
The choices can seem overwhelming for those looking for the best work boots for men for the first time. To get off to a solid start:
Measure your feet properly. Especially when your boot has a steel, composite, or alloy toe cap, the design will be quite stiff, with little room for stretch. You want to make sure it fits snugly but is tight enough in the first place. Consider measuring them at the end of the day, after you've walked and your feet are a bit swollen.
Take into account whatever you'll be wearing with your work boots. This will ask what type of socks you choose and whether you wear orthopedic pads.
Try them out. Especially if this is your first time wearing work boots, you'll want to lace up your boots and walk into the store to see how they feel. On the other hand, if you buy online right away, you may have to go through return rounds.
Explore our website to get more types of work boots at: https://www.tumblr.com/ecoworkboots
3. Pay Attention to ASTM Standards When Choosing The Best Lightweight Work Boots
The best work boots tend to conform to the ASTM standard - workwear that meets the Standard Specification for Performance Requirements set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials. This safety rating indicates whether the boot complies with the minimum requirements for protective footwear in hazardous workplaces. It evaluates performance standards such as impact resistance, compression resistance, puncture resistance, chain saw shear resistance, foot bone protection, especially electrical hazard, static dissipation, electrical conductivity, and so on.
When looking for a sturdy pair of work boots, you should choose one that meets at least some ASTM rating. For example, the most common ASTM-F2413 standards evaluate everything from safety pins to electrical hazard resistance to impact and compression; and ASTM F3445-21 anti-slip rate. So be sure to read the product description.
4. Reasons to Wear The Best Work Boots for Men
We all know how important steel toe lightweight boots are to those in the construction industry. However, work boots come in various styles to suit various work environments, including airports, logistics, and the transportation industry. Below we explore 5 reasons why you need to wear the best work boots for construction.
Protection Against Falling Objects
Workers should safeguard their feet from potential harm when working in a crowded, fast-paced setting by wearing protective footwear in addition to wearing protective apparel. The risk of big things falling on workers' feet increases while lifting and moving them, as may be the case in an airport setting. The most comfortable work boots with reinforced toes can help keep workers safe.
Helps Prevent Falls
Slips and falls could happen in any workplace, especially when work boots are not in the uniform. Well-fitted work boots will help maintain balance, comfort and prevent tripping or slipping.
It is also important that the boot has traction and precise tread, especially when you are working on ladders in the construction industry or on uneven surfaces.
Helps Maintain Posture And Prevent Muscle Tension
Work boots protect workers from accidental falls or injuries and prevent muscle strain. Boots with good cushioning and arch support will make sure that the foot and ankle are well supported, providing a comfortable boot that shapes the foot correctly, helps maintain posture, and relieves back pain.
Protection Against The Elements
When you work outdoors in all types of weather, such as in construction, logistics, and airports, your boots must protect them from rain, snow, and extreme cold. Boots must be well insulated and waterproof to help prevent conditions like frostbite and other circulation problems. Let's find the best waterproof work boots.
Helps Protect Against Electric Shock
Even if there are health and safety precautions in place, employees must wear the proper protective footwear since electricity is a significant danger element in many jobs. To prevent the chance of an electric shock, they should be composed of non-conductive materials like leather or rubber. Anti-static boots are also recommended if you work in an environment where static electricity is likely to accumulate.
Always make sure your workers wear the right protective footwear. Doing so will help keep workers safe, happy, and comfortable.
Conclusion
EcoWorkBoots.com ensures you make an informed decision before investing in a pair of protective boots by providing multiple options, detailed product descriptions, user reviews, and expert recommendations.
The platform's user-friendly interface and intuitive search features enhance the overall browsing experience. Whether you are looking for durability, comfort, safety, or style, EcoWorkBoots.com is the site that will direct you to the best work boots for men.
December 6, 2017
This book is great, really, really great. Because it's not love and sweets or hardships and devastation, but shows a world, the teenager world and the difficulties those kids have to struggle to get out from adolescence. The problem with this book, and I had very hard time to understand, is that the MC, Jim, feels himself a monster for having "raped" two girls at school but this kind of rape is a very difficult to understand to me: they did not say "no" to sex with Jim, but the two girls "did not say yes either", so the guy has to be considered a rapist. I hardly get the concept. He did not coax or forced the two girls, but they just "felt" not willing to have sex, they had sex anyway and did not say anything until another guy forced them to report this "so-called" rape. I really have hard time to think this is a crime. On the other side, Jim bullies and nearly beats to death Evan, a openly gay kid at school and send him to hospital, and there he doesn't feel guilty, he doesn't even have a thought for him, and when psychiatrist suggests him to write apologies, he writes to the two girls that he "supposedly" raped but not a thought to the poor queer guy he molested and beat to death.
That is kind of weird to me.
Otherwise the book is written in a wonderful way, Jim's story is so sad but realistic and I enjoyed reading this book so much.
That is kind of weird to me.
Otherwise the book is written in a wonderful way, Jim's story is so sad but realistic and I enjoyed reading this book so much.
November 29, 2015
First let me say I did enjoy this book, but I clearly do not agree with the author. I felt that this book was a rant about date rape when to me it seemed clear that no one was raped. The story was all one sided and it was on the side of someone who was raped. In a way I can see how many are charged and plead guilty to date rape when they clearly have not raped anyone. In this story you have a fragile teenager (one who was sexually abused as a child) who believes he has become a predator and that’s just sad. I realize that both sides happen in real life but to me the author was clearly taken the side of the girls who said they were raped. I really think that they whole story could have been handled better.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for and honest review.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for and honest review.
October 24, 2015
This was the book with the most depth in the Deep Secrets and Hope series. It revolves around Jim, the bully and criminal from books 1-3. But instead of trivializing all that Jim went through and giving him a quick path to redemption, the author shows Jim's struggle for self acceptance and societal acceptance. He readily accepts blame for what he did but that is only the beginning of the journey towards healing for Jim. There are no quick fixes and that makes this book all the better.
March 29, 2016
3.5 stars. I had my doubts when I started reading this book. I didn't really want to read Jim's story. But I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this.
December 27, 2015
This is the fifth book in a series--and probably needs to be read after SHOULDER PADS AND FLANNEL, at the very least. There are some plot points revealed in this review that COULD be considered spoilers. Trigger warnings: child molestation, homophobia, acquaintance rape, depression, suicide.
At nearly 17 y/o Jim is a cast-off teen, recently out of juvenile detention for the acquaintance rape of two of his girlfriends. This is a pretty murky issue, as I will explain a bit. See, Jim is a survivor of sexual, emotional and physical abuse--from his mother's boyfriend, father and stepfather, respectively. He has had no counseling, never told anyone about the (very young) sex abuse, and he grew up an angry angry boy--bullying all and sundry. He intimidated so many of his peers that his overbearing nature led to him into "forcing" two girls of his acquaintance into sexual acts that they later claimed were non-consensual. There was no malice in the moment, but it was clearly a very problematic scenario. The girls felt too intimidated to say "no" and it later came out that they didn't want to--Jim was sentenced to one month of detention, is on probation until age 18 and is registered as a sex offender until age 21. If he has no repeat offenses and continues his weekly court-mandated counseling his record will be cleared. (These are the parameters of his criminal record as outlined many times by the author. In her notes, she concedes that it is likely that Jim would have not served any time based on the testimony of the girls and other reviewers contest that Jim did not commit rape. Given that I have no expertise in this area I am going with this scenario as written, and will only address my opinion of the writing, not the likelihood of the legalities...)
Jim's mother wants nothing to do with him, his father wants nothing to do with him, and he's been sent from his small Mass. town to live in a small Michigan town with a distant cousin of his father's, Delia. Delia is a kind and compassionate woman, and Jim is agoraphobic, constantly afraid that someone will learn of his history and bar him from working at Delia's art shop. He refuses to attend high school, sure that he'll be a pariah, or someone will learn of his history. Before the rape accusations, Jim was charged with assault for beating up an out-gay boy in his school (Evan from Book 1 of this series: NAIL POLISH AND FEATHERS). He's also extremely self-loathing. He is ashamed of his abuse, and ashamed of his actions and ashamed that he's attracted to boys. He's not sure if he's attracted to boys because he was born gay, or because he was molested by a man and that somehow "turned" him. And, he's ashamed of that, too. He wants to serve out his probation hiding in Delia's storeroom and getting a GED and being invisible.
Unfortunately he meets a boy that doesn't want him to be invisible. Manny is a queer boy who is not exactly out, and not exactly in--he's Ace (asexual) but thinks he's attracted to boys. He wants to be friends with Jim, but Jim doesn't feel worthy to the task. In the background, Jim's suffering panic attacks over his Facebook account which has been littered with hate, on account of all his previous issues back home. He can't bring himself to delete the page, however, because self-loathing Jim thinks he should be eternally reminded of his mistakes, and suffer duly. Delia tries and tries to reach Jim, but can't. Depression takes over and there's a touch-and-go scenario that results in hospitalization.
This book series is built upon the premise of kids in tough situations making decisions that empower them. Jim doesn't make these decisions until late in the book. He seeks help for his long-standing depression over his abuse and molestation, he does the hard work of self-examination and he begins to heal. He discusses his history in confidence and that results in further trouble--and new alliances. He finally believes Delia and starts to accept that he's not the monster that he's built himself up in his mind, and he begins to see that he is worthy of love, and affection. There are some truly heartbreaking revelations in the book.
While the legal issues Jim faces may not be severe enough, or too severe for others, the fact remains that Jim is a boy on a collision course with disaster before he arrives in Michigan. He is, by turns, neglected and abused and his rage is the product of this horrific upbringing. His self-hate is killing him, and it is only through being honest and getting the support and help he needs that he is able to get out of this dangerous path. Jim makes amends the best he can--by hard work, and living honestly and doing his counseling, and for some this is probably not "justice," and for others it is simply what was necessary to keep Jim alive. The book ends in hope--as do all the others. I really appreciated the clear delineations Delia and Jim's counselors give him. I like how he meets people who have been in positions like his, and persevered. Having known molestation survivors, I believe that there are accurate representations of an abuse survivor's mental landscape here.
This is a hard read, because it deals with really hard topics. Jim was the bully and monster of a few books in this series, and now the audience is tasked with finding Jim a sympathetic character who should be forgiven. I don't think this is out of the realm of possibility. I certainly found Jim redeemable, and had suspected from the earlier books that he was a closet case. That said, I'm not sure how his story will sit with younger readers. For myself, a white het woman, I have the ability to forgive much. I'm not a questioning teen who may be the subject of homophobic hate, or an adult who barely survived high school bullying--both of whom would be possible readers in this genre. So, the book is good, but it's going to be controversial for many reasons--most particularly surrounding the rape accusations, I believe. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
At nearly 17 y/o Jim is a cast-off teen, recently out of juvenile detention for the acquaintance rape of two of his girlfriends. This is a pretty murky issue, as I will explain a bit. See, Jim is a survivor of sexual, emotional and physical abuse--from his mother's boyfriend, father and stepfather, respectively. He has had no counseling, never told anyone about the (very young) sex abuse, and he grew up an angry angry boy--bullying all and sundry. He intimidated so many of his peers that his overbearing nature led to him into "forcing" two girls of his acquaintance into sexual acts that they later claimed were non-consensual. There was no malice in the moment, but it was clearly a very problematic scenario. The girls felt too intimidated to say "no" and it later came out that they didn't want to--Jim was sentenced to one month of detention, is on probation until age 18 and is registered as a sex offender until age 21. If he has no repeat offenses and continues his weekly court-mandated counseling his record will be cleared. (These are the parameters of his criminal record as outlined many times by the author. In her notes, she concedes that it is likely that Jim would have not served any time based on the testimony of the girls and other reviewers contest that Jim did not commit rape. Given that I have no expertise in this area I am going with this scenario as written, and will only address my opinion of the writing, not the likelihood of the legalities...)
Jim's mother wants nothing to do with him, his father wants nothing to do with him, and he's been sent from his small Mass. town to live in a small Michigan town with a distant cousin of his father's, Delia. Delia is a kind and compassionate woman, and Jim is agoraphobic, constantly afraid that someone will learn of his history and bar him from working at Delia's art shop. He refuses to attend high school, sure that he'll be a pariah, or someone will learn of his history. Before the rape accusations, Jim was charged with assault for beating up an out-gay boy in his school (Evan from Book 1 of this series: NAIL POLISH AND FEATHERS). He's also extremely self-loathing. He is ashamed of his abuse, and ashamed of his actions and ashamed that he's attracted to boys. He's not sure if he's attracted to boys because he was born gay, or because he was molested by a man and that somehow "turned" him. And, he's ashamed of that, too. He wants to serve out his probation hiding in Delia's storeroom and getting a GED and being invisible.
Unfortunately he meets a boy that doesn't want him to be invisible. Manny is a queer boy who is not exactly out, and not exactly in--he's Ace (asexual) but thinks he's attracted to boys. He wants to be friends with Jim, but Jim doesn't feel worthy to the task. In the background, Jim's suffering panic attacks over his Facebook account which has been littered with hate, on account of all his previous issues back home. He can't bring himself to delete the page, however, because self-loathing Jim thinks he should be eternally reminded of his mistakes, and suffer duly. Delia tries and tries to reach Jim, but can't. Depression takes over and there's a touch-and-go scenario that results in hospitalization.
This book series is built upon the premise of kids in tough situations making decisions that empower them. Jim doesn't make these decisions until late in the book. He seeks help for his long-standing depression over his abuse and molestation, he does the hard work of self-examination and he begins to heal. He discusses his history in confidence and that results in further trouble--and new alliances. He finally believes Delia and starts to accept that he's not the monster that he's built himself up in his mind, and he begins to see that he is worthy of love, and affection. There are some truly heartbreaking revelations in the book.
While the legal issues Jim faces may not be severe enough, or too severe for others, the fact remains that Jim is a boy on a collision course with disaster before he arrives in Michigan. He is, by turns, neglected and abused and his rage is the product of this horrific upbringing. His self-hate is killing him, and it is only through being honest and getting the support and help he needs that he is able to get out of this dangerous path. Jim makes amends the best he can--by hard work, and living honestly and doing his counseling, and for some this is probably not "justice," and for others it is simply what was necessary to keep Jim alive. The book ends in hope--as do all the others. I really appreciated the clear delineations Delia and Jim's counselors give him. I like how he meets people who have been in positions like his, and persevered. Having known molestation survivors, I believe that there are accurate representations of an abuse survivor's mental landscape here.
This is a hard read, because it deals with really hard topics. Jim was the bully and monster of a few books in this series, and now the audience is tasked with finding Jim a sympathetic character who should be forgiven. I don't think this is out of the realm of possibility. I certainly found Jim redeemable, and had suspected from the earlier books that he was a closet case. That said, I'm not sure how his story will sit with younger readers. For myself, a white het woman, I have the ability to forgive much. I'm not a questioning teen who may be the subject of homophobic hate, or an adult who barely survived high school bullying--both of whom would be possible readers in this genre. So, the book is good, but it's going to be controversial for many reasons--most particularly surrounding the rape accusations, I believe. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
November 10, 2015
4.5 stars
This was a truly enjoyable story with a unique character and plotline.
The part of the blurb that mentioned the main character was “shocked by the arrest for what he thought was consensual sex…” is what drew me to the story. I wondered how an author could write about a rapist and make him redeemable. Truthfully, I doubted it could be done. But I was wrong. I’m sure there are people who will disagree and not like Jim at all because of what he did, but I think the author did a masterful job showing his remorse and his growth.
This is the fifth book in a series but I haven’t read any of the other books in the series. It can be read as a standalone though I plan to check out the other books when possible. The first two were reviewed by Brandilyn here.
Judging by the blurbs for the other Jim’s story begins there and the stories of his victims are included. In this book, Jim has been abandoned by his parents and is living in a new town with his father’s cousin, Delia. He’s trying to start over but is no way trying to forget what he did in the past. He owns up for his crimes and grieves for the pain he caused the two girls he raped. Though it’s said often he didn’t realize he was raping them at the time, it’s never made as an excuse. He was willing to serve time for what he did, but the judge only ordered a short time in a juvenile detention center.
Jim wants to get on with his life but is afraid people in the small town will discover his past. He’s not too concerned about what will happen to him but doesn’t want Delia to suffer for his crimes.
There are some serious issues dealt with here. I have to echo what Brandilyn said in her review of the first two books.
“I recommend these titles to anyone with a child in the appropriate age range, LGBT or not. The message is too important.”
There were parts of the story that were absolutely heartbreaking, namely when Jim checks out his Facebook page and later when he talks about the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother’s boyfriend when he was young.
Jim eventually becomes friends with a young man named Manny, though at first he tries to stop the friendship from happening. When he finally allows himself to have a buddy, Jim tells Manny the truth about his past. Manny’s reaction is realistic as is the reactions of his parents when he tells them. As things happen in small towns, the story spreads and people react in various ways.
How Jim, Delia, Manny and Manny’s mother deal with the trouble that arises was perfect. The author nailed the nuances of each person while still staying in Jim’s head the entire time.
Highly recommended. So very very highly recommended.
This was a truly enjoyable story with a unique character and plotline.
The part of the blurb that mentioned the main character was “shocked by the arrest for what he thought was consensual sex…” is what drew me to the story. I wondered how an author could write about a rapist and make him redeemable. Truthfully, I doubted it could be done. But I was wrong. I’m sure there are people who will disagree and not like Jim at all because of what he did, but I think the author did a masterful job showing his remorse and his growth.
This is the fifth book in a series but I haven’t read any of the other books in the series. It can be read as a standalone though I plan to check out the other books when possible. The first two were reviewed by Brandilyn here.
Judging by the blurbs for the other Jim’s story begins there and the stories of his victims are included. In this book, Jim has been abandoned by his parents and is living in a new town with his father’s cousin, Delia. He’s trying to start over but is no way trying to forget what he did in the past. He owns up for his crimes and grieves for the pain he caused the two girls he raped. Though it’s said often he didn’t realize he was raping them at the time, it’s never made as an excuse. He was willing to serve time for what he did, but the judge only ordered a short time in a juvenile detention center.
Jim wants to get on with his life but is afraid people in the small town will discover his past. He’s not too concerned about what will happen to him but doesn’t want Delia to suffer for his crimes.
There are some serious issues dealt with here. I have to echo what Brandilyn said in her review of the first two books.
“I recommend these titles to anyone with a child in the appropriate age range, LGBT or not. The message is too important.”
There were parts of the story that were absolutely heartbreaking, namely when Jim checks out his Facebook page and later when he talks about the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother’s boyfriend when he was young.
Jim eventually becomes friends with a young man named Manny, though at first he tries to stop the friendship from happening. When he finally allows himself to have a buddy, Jim tells Manny the truth about his past. Manny’s reaction is realistic as is the reactions of his parents when he tells them. As things happen in small towns, the story spreads and people react in various ways.
How Jim, Delia, Manny and Manny’s mother deal with the trouble that arises was perfect. The author nailed the nuances of each person while still staying in Jim’s head the entire time.
Highly recommended. So very very highly recommended.
April 18, 2016
Title: Work Boots and Tees
Author: Jo Ramsey
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 978-1-61372-834-5
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Deep Secrets and Hope 5
When Jim Frankel looks in the mirror, he doesn’t see a sixteen-year-old boy. He sees a monster.
Weeks after being released from a month in juvenile detention, Jim is still trying to come to terms with the realization that he sexually assaulted two girls. He believed everything was consensual—until the day he was arrested. Now he’s served his time as far as the law is concerned, but nothing will erase Jim’s knowledge that he’s no better than the man who molested him at age six.
With his parents unwilling to take him in, Jim moves from Massachusetts to Michigan to live with Delia, his father’s cousin. She offers him a home, a job, and a chance at a new start. Jim spends his time helping Delia at her art supply shop and trying to avoid anyone who might have somehow learned of his crime. When Jim meets Man-Shik Park, he can’t accept Manny’s friendship. But Jim’s attempt to push Manny away might lead to the end of his new life before it’s even begun.
Summary:
This story was unique from the other books in this series as it took the reader into the mind of Jim when he took responsibility for his actions pleading guilty to the rape charges. While what he did was horrendous, the abuse endured as a child and his parents loveless attitudes allowed the reader to understand him better. Jim didn't know how his behavior and attitudes towards was affected by what happened to him. Many guys think that not saying no means yes, but they don't see how some women are scared to say no. Jim's horror that he was turning into his abuser was what allowed others to see that their was more to him than what his actions showed. The way his parents turned their backs on him showed that they would never see how their own behavior was partially to blame. Reading Jim's inner struggle to decide if he even deserved a chance for a future proved that with help he can make it. The way his Aunt Delia stepped up to help him when no one else would was inspiring. Manny's, a boy in town, gestures of friendship gave was wonderful, but Jim's reluctance to trust again out of fear of loosing again was sad. This story and the earlier ones in the series left the characters lives still unresolved leaving the reader to hope that there is more yet to come in the Deep Secrets and Hope series. This story is a recommended read.
Author: Jo Ramsey
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 978-1-61372-834-5
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Deep Secrets and Hope 5
When Jim Frankel looks in the mirror, he doesn’t see a sixteen-year-old boy. He sees a monster.
Weeks after being released from a month in juvenile detention, Jim is still trying to come to terms with the realization that he sexually assaulted two girls. He believed everything was consensual—until the day he was arrested. Now he’s served his time as far as the law is concerned, but nothing will erase Jim’s knowledge that he’s no better than the man who molested him at age six.
With his parents unwilling to take him in, Jim moves from Massachusetts to Michigan to live with Delia, his father’s cousin. She offers him a home, a job, and a chance at a new start. Jim spends his time helping Delia at her art supply shop and trying to avoid anyone who might have somehow learned of his crime. When Jim meets Man-Shik Park, he can’t accept Manny’s friendship. But Jim’s attempt to push Manny away might lead to the end of his new life before it’s even begun.
Summary:
This story was unique from the other books in this series as it took the reader into the mind of Jim when he took responsibility for his actions pleading guilty to the rape charges. While what he did was horrendous, the abuse endured as a child and his parents loveless attitudes allowed the reader to understand him better. Jim didn't know how his behavior and attitudes towards was affected by what happened to him. Many guys think that not saying no means yes, but they don't see how some women are scared to say no. Jim's horror that he was turning into his abuser was what allowed others to see that their was more to him than what his actions showed. The way his parents turned their backs on him showed that they would never see how their own behavior was partially to blame. Reading Jim's inner struggle to decide if he even deserved a chance for a future proved that with help he can make it. The way his Aunt Delia stepped up to help him when no one else would was inspiring. Manny's, a boy in town, gestures of friendship gave was wonderful, but Jim's reluctance to trust again out of fear of loosing again was sad. This story and the earlier ones in the series left the characters lives still unresolved leaving the reader to hope that there is more yet to come in the Deep Secrets and Hope series. This story is a recommended read.
October 16, 2015
Book 4 in a series, Work Boots and Tees (the title has nothing to do with story) is a difficult book to read. Author Jo Ramsey is a good writer and tells an important story but it seems unclear if she is telling a parable or if this book is more personally cathartic.
This is a YA novel and I found myself wondering why young readers might want to read this. I can understand if the author is aiming strictly for an audience of abuse survivors-- and probably if the entire series is read, it may bring some peace and understanding. As far as general appeal or a stand alone novel, I'm not sure if this is successful.
The characters are engaging but not extremely complex. We don't really get to know them beyond the situation itself; a missed opportunity for deeper development and understanding. Again, part of this is due to the focus on the subject matter.
Perhaps because I am a male reader, I had difficulty with aspects of 'the crime', how it was labeled and how it was addressed. In fact, at the end of the book, the author pretty much apologizes for aspects of the story that some might not like. I think this is a mistake. Ramsey shouldn't apologize and her explanation was unnecessary.
A crime, even one committed by someone who is virtually a child, never goes away. It haunts everyone involved for the rest of their lives. Perhaps this is intended as a cautionary tale? It's true stories like this don't have an ending in real life. I would have liked the author to have at least given more towards closure or hope or... something. Perhaps it was the intend to set up another book in the series? It just ends without any solid resolve or direction. As it is, I would have a difficult time recommending it, particularly to a young adult reader.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
This is a YA novel and I found myself wondering why young readers might want to read this. I can understand if the author is aiming strictly for an audience of abuse survivors-- and probably if the entire series is read, it may bring some peace and understanding. As far as general appeal or a stand alone novel, I'm not sure if this is successful.
The characters are engaging but not extremely complex. We don't really get to know them beyond the situation itself; a missed opportunity for deeper development and understanding. Again, part of this is due to the focus on the subject matter.
Perhaps because I am a male reader, I had difficulty with aspects of 'the crime', how it was labeled and how it was addressed. In fact, at the end of the book, the author pretty much apologizes for aspects of the story that some might not like. I think this is a mistake. Ramsey shouldn't apologize and her explanation was unnecessary.
A crime, even one committed by someone who is virtually a child, never goes away. It haunts everyone involved for the rest of their lives. Perhaps this is intended as a cautionary tale? It's true stories like this don't have an ending in real life. I would have liked the author to have at least given more towards closure or hope or... something. Perhaps it was the intend to set up another book in the series? It just ends without any solid resolve or direction. As it is, I would have a difficult time recommending it, particularly to a young adult reader.
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
October 15, 2016
A good story, which gave you more insights into Jim and why he acted as he did, however this was not my favourite book in the Deep Secrets and Hope series by Jo Ramsey.
Overall though the Deep Secrets and Hope series of books is a wonderful set of stories, which everyone (teens and adults) should be encouraged to read, as they clearly articulate tolerance, foregiveness and acceptance, while calling out unacceptable behaviour when it occurs.
Overall though the Deep Secrets and Hope series of books is a wonderful set of stories, which everyone (teens and adults) should be encouraged to read, as they clearly articulate tolerance, foregiveness and acceptance, while calling out unacceptable behaviour when it occurs.
April 12, 2016
3 1/2 stars
Jimmy did some things he really regrets and is now in a new town, Ludington, Michigan, living with a cousin. Though just about everyone around him wants him to see life as possibilities, Jimmy is determined to keep himself in the punishment zone for as long as possible.
It's a bit angsty and sad as Jimmy begins to work his way through his problems, but overall a good, if short, read.
Jimmy did some things he really regrets and is now in a new town, Ludington, Michigan, living with a cousin. Though just about everyone around him wants him to see life as possibilities, Jimmy is determined to keep himself in the punishment zone for as long as possible.
It's a bit angsty and sad as Jimmy begins to work his way through his problems, but overall a good, if short, read.
no-thanks
November 17, 2015How the hell is this a gay story?
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