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The Richard Jackson Saga #8
Oxford University
The Richard Jackson Saga
Book 8: Oxford University
An adventure filled series of a young man’s coming of age in the late 1950’s. Starting in the summer before his freshman year it follows him through high school and beyond. He finds wealth as an inventor and fame in Hollywood as he searches for a girlfriend. Wealth and fame prove easier than girls.
The eighth book, ‘Oxford University,’ has Rick transitioning from being a tenth grade high school student to entering Oxford University as an underclassman.
Fame, adventure and even some danger keep coming his way as he moves to Oxford England to enter Trinity College at Oxford University. He is back and forth across the Atlantic as he takes his exams, and prepares for the US Open. Somehow his courtesy job as a Queens Messenger lands him in the Royal Air Force as a flight officer. How this ends up involving Miss Bardot and the Mona Lisa remains to be seen.
For the young, this is a coming of age adventure, for those who lived it a trip down memory lane, and for those with a search engine Easters Eggs galore.
This tongue in cheek saga is all true, give or take a lie or two.
Book 8: Oxford University
An adventure filled series of a young man’s coming of age in the late 1950’s. Starting in the summer before his freshman year it follows him through high school and beyond. He finds wealth as an inventor and fame in Hollywood as he searches for a girlfriend. Wealth and fame prove easier than girls.
The eighth book, ‘Oxford University,’ has Rick transitioning from being a tenth grade high school student to entering Oxford University as an underclassman.
Fame, adventure and even some danger keep coming his way as he moves to Oxford England to enter Trinity College at Oxford University. He is back and forth across the Atlantic as he takes his exams, and prepares for the US Open. Somehow his courtesy job as a Queens Messenger lands him in the Royal Air Force as a flight officer. How this ends up involving Miss Bardot and the Mona Lisa remains to be seen.
For the young, this is a coming of age adventure, for those who lived it a trip down memory lane, and for those with a search engine Easters Eggs galore.
This tongue in cheek saga is all true, give or take a lie or two.
- GenresComing Of AgeFantasy
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2019
114 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 1, 2023
Very good!
Read
February 3, 2025Did not finish. Around 75ish %
I got bored. I’m getting really tired of the series. The writing, the dialogue, the long lines of ‘telling’ instead of showing, the world events & the characters specifically Richard. After dropping this instalment , I skipped book 9 and just dove straight into book 10.
So in book 10, Richard is 17 now and tbh I’m not sure I like him. I could sort of understand his antics at 14/15 he even seemed more mature then. However, as the series has progressed I find him less and less likeable
Since I’m here let’s say my likes and dislikes so far for books 1-10ish
Likes:
1. In the beginning I liked Richard. His adventures. While slightly unrealistic were enjoyable
2. His family. Love that Mary girl, I feel the author is aging her too quickly tho. Denny and Eddie seem to be sidelined. Although it’s the Richard Jackson Saga so there’s that.
3. He’s building his business empire. I’m always here for empire building through the advancement of technology and change. Loved that
Dislikes:
4. His constant fawning over girls. It borders on perverse that’s not normal in a boy his age. Even the general relationship between a man and a woman, exaggerated sexual attraction is always an undertone. Not a fan
5. I thought this was an alternate history type of thing, so I didn’t pay too much attention to the history however the way the author portrays the political climate is disconcerting
6. There’s less of the empire building and more brown nosing. It makes me gag
I got bored. I’m getting really tired of the series. The writing, the dialogue, the long lines of ‘telling’ instead of showing, the world events & the characters specifically Richard. After dropping this instalment , I skipped book 9 and just dove straight into book 10.
So in book 10, Richard is 17 now and tbh I’m not sure I like him. I could sort of understand his antics at 14/15 he even seemed more mature then. However, as the series has progressed I find him less and less likeable
Since I’m here let’s say my likes and dislikes so far for books 1-10ish
Likes:
1. In the beginning I liked Richard. His adventures. While slightly unrealistic were enjoyable
2. His family. Love that Mary girl, I feel the author is aging her too quickly tho. Denny and Eddie seem to be sidelined. Although it’s the Richard Jackson Saga so there’s that.
3. He’s building his business empire. I’m always here for empire building through the advancement of technology and change. Loved that
Dislikes:
4. His constant fawning over girls. It borders on perverse that’s not normal in a boy his age. Even the general relationship between a man and a woman, exaggerated sexual attraction is always an undertone. Not a fan
5. I thought this was an alternate history type of thing, so I didn’t pay too much attention to the history however the way the author portrays the political climate is disconcerting
6. There’s less of the empire building and more brown nosing. It makes me gag
December 11, 2023
Another great read, although there were a number of minor inconsistencies with the author’s knowledge of the UK at the start of the 60s. These didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
Just a few examples;
Overall I enjoyed the book, although the numerous descriptions of different golf shots did become a little bit tedious.
Just a few examples;
Overall I enjoyed the book, although the numerous descriptions of different golf shots did become a little bit tedious.
December 20, 2019
Great story but with a common flaw.
Richard's story has been a great journey and I, as most, cannot wait for the next book. Well written story and easy to fall into. But, Mr Nelson has fallen into the same trap as other authors of long sagas as they get longer-they start filling pages with paragraphs of BS. In one book of another author it was inning after inning of each out of numerous baseball games. Another author wrote every down of numerous football games and yet another author it was every period of hockey games. This book was hole by hole review of a golf course. I felt it was page filling. Mr Nelson may have felt it was necessary but I believe the golf course description could have been condensed to a few challenging holes. Like other authors when the hero or in this case, Rick won ,it was " oh well". Think Rick and his family would have a stronger reaction. For a $5 book I expected more. One other thing, get Rick a girlfriend. Thank You for the story.
Richard's story has been a great journey and I, as most, cannot wait for the next book. Well written story and easy to fall into. But, Mr Nelson has fallen into the same trap as other authors of long sagas as they get longer-they start filling pages with paragraphs of BS. In one book of another author it was inning after inning of each out of numerous baseball games. Another author wrote every down of numerous football games and yet another author it was every period of hockey games. This book was hole by hole review of a golf course. I felt it was page filling. Mr Nelson may have felt it was necessary but I believe the golf course description could have been condensed to a few challenging holes. Like other authors when the hero or in this case, Rick won ,it was " oh well". Think Rick and his family would have a stronger reaction. For a $5 book I expected more. One other thing, get Rick a girlfriend. Thank You for the story.
March 26, 2021
Richie $ Ri¢h
In 1953, Ri¢hie $ Ri¢h (his actual middle name) debuted and became Harvey Comics most popular character. Which is odd because most people have nothing in common with the ultra-rich and cannot hope to identify with them. Similarly, I cannot identify with Richard Jackson, yet there is a magnetic chemistry that compels me to follow his unlikely adventures.
In 1953, Ri¢hie $ Ri¢h (his actual middle name) debuted and became Harvey Comics most popular character. Which is odd because most people have nothing in common with the ultra-rich and cannot hope to identify with them. Similarly, I cannot identify with Richard Jackson, yet there is a magnetic chemistry that compels me to follow his unlikely adventures.
June 9, 2021
Decent
Good read, lots of action. I'm glad he had trouble with calculus, getting perfect grades all the time was getting old. I will confess that the author had him work to learn it. Folks, the only things that we can do without instruction is cry and breath. And a rare few need an elf to sit on their shoulders, saying "breath in, breath out. "
Good read, lots of action. I'm glad he had trouble with calculus, getting perfect grades all the time was getting old. I will confess that the author had him work to learn it. Folks, the only things that we can do without instruction is cry and breath. And a rare few need an elf to sit on their shoulders, saying "breath in, breath out. "
December 22, 2019
This series is like crack!
I can't wait for the next book! This series is available for kindle unlimited and I couldn't wait for it to be read for free and bought it the day it came out. Just a great fun story.
I can't wait for the next book! This series is available for kindle unlimited and I couldn't wait for it to be read for free and bought it the day it came out. Just a great fun story.
March 31, 2020
Ok so the main character is a little far fetched but the series is just plain fun to read. It could use some more editing but honestly if the choice was wait longer for a polished book or take as is - I'll take as every time. Can't wait for book 9.
October 13, 2020
Nice Continuation
As the ending says, “it’s all true except for alie or two”. I like to suspend reality when I read sometimes and in this time of isolation it is a welcome respite. I look forward to the next installment
As the ending says, “it’s all true except for alie or two”. I like to suspend reality when I read sometimes and in this time of isolation it is a welcome respite. I look forward to the next installment
June 3, 2021
Ok but
Had a bit of problem with this one. May have stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far. Also even though I played hundreds of rounds of golf when younger, I really do not need each play by play of each hole
Had a bit of problem with this one. May have stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far. Also even though I played hundreds of rounds of golf when younger, I really do not need each play by play of each hole
January 24, 2024
wrong book
Mr. Nelson, I enjoyed this series thoroughly, however, this book has the first several pages of your other series rather than the material from the Richard Jackson Saga. Hopefully you read this soon. I’d love to read this book.
Mr. Nelson, I enjoyed this series thoroughly, however, this book has the first several pages of your other series rather than the material from the Richard Jackson Saga. Hopefully you read this soon. I’d love to read this book.
December 18, 2019
When is number 9 coming?
I have followed this series for years. The folks who have just found it are very lucky, they can binge on the first 8.
I have followed this series for years. The folks who have just found it are very lucky, they can binge on the first 8.
December 19, 2019
Good exposition, 1st year at Oxford and so much more.
Places and events and golf and travel, and derring-do. The better parts are people and interactions Ricky has become Richard.
Places and events and golf and travel, and derring-do. The better parts are people and interactions Ricky has become Richard.
December 24, 2019
Great series
This a great light hearted series. It is an extremely enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book.
This a great light hearted series. It is an extremely enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next book.
December 29, 2019
Born in the 50's or early 60's, then this a fun read
Fun read if you were born in the mid 20th century. Sometimes a bit too Forrest Gump, but overall a good read.
Fun read if you were born in the mid 20th century. Sometimes a bit too Forrest Gump, but overall a good read.
January 4, 2020
Very entertaining!
If you follow Ricky Jackson, you'll love this story. The writing is superb, the humor witty and the improbable story continues. Great fun!
If you follow Ricky Jackson, you'll love this story. The writing is superb, the humor witty and the improbable story continues. Great fun!
January 29, 2020
Such a good read!
So much packed into a short time, and in so many places! Really enjoying this series! Hoping to see the next one soon!
So much packed into a short time, and in so many places! Really enjoying this series! Hoping to see the next one soon!
May 5, 2020
Good Read
Continuation of an enjoyable series. The twist and turns kept me engaged. I look forward to the next installment. Thanks
Continuation of an enjoyable series. The twist and turns kept me engaged. I look forward to the next installment. Thanks
May 14, 2020
Recommend for summer reading list!
I enjoy reading this book and series enough to suggest for your summer reading. The action and Easter eggs are fun to read and remember. A fan!
I enjoy reading this book and series enough to suggest for your summer reading. The action and Easter eggs are fun to read and remember. A fan!
September 3, 2020
The saga takes rather bizarre turns.
September 12, 2021
Still a good read
Its getting to be fun to see how Ricky deals with his new issues.
Epilogue was pretty good as well
Its getting to be fun to see how Ricky deals with his new issues.
Epilogue was pretty good as well
August 2, 2022
Great Series
This story of a young man who is trying to balance his acting, business, and school was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed read.
This story of a young man who is trying to balance his acting, business, and school was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed read.
December 10, 2023
A lot on golf
Rick has to do a good deed every book. I would not have passed at oxford hearing boring teachers emoting.
Rick has to do a good deed every book. I would not have passed at oxford hearing boring teachers emoting.
January 18, 2024
Wrong book
I downloaded this book and it contains Book 5 of the Cast in Time series
Earl of the Marches? I’ve returned it and redownloaded it again but same book?
I downloaded this book and it contains Book 5 of the Cast in Time series
Earl of the Marches? I’ve returned it and redownloaded it again but same book?
July 2, 2024
Fun read
Good read. I laughed a lot while reading this book. Now I need ten more words to finish this review.
Good read. I laughed a lot while reading this book. Now I need ten more words to finish this review.
March 9, 2025
great fun
I really enjoy this series. It is funny. And you get to see the late 50’s early 60’s in a new light
I really enjoy this series. It is funny. And you get to see the late 50’s early 60’s in a new light
August 18, 2025
Just keep rolling
Rick rolls on , be it acting,golf or academics he nails it , only his lack of romance reminds you he is mortal.
Rick rolls on , be it acting,golf or academics he nails it , only his lack of romance reminds you he is mortal.
June 15, 2020
Really enjoying the series. Helpful perspective on succeeding in a university setting! The parts about Oxford and the Bodleian Library were interesting. A vastly different perspective to Laurie R. King's book The Beekeeper's Apprentice. Now That's an awesome book! And as a book nerd/lover her characterisations of the Bodleian Library are more attractive.
To me.
To me.
March 25, 2020
8 books all 5star
Well that's the last book that's published. Couldn't but down read the all in less than a week. It looks like the author has a quick release date so here hoping that not long wait for book 9
Well that's the last book that's published. Couldn't but down read the all in less than a week. It looks like the author has a quick release date so here hoping that not long wait for book 9
September 8, 2020
Just fun to read!
It's really a silly, incredible fun book to read. I'm 68 and feel like a kid when I read this series. The editing is nonexistent but I'm not sure if it's intentional or not!
It's really a silly, incredible fun book to read. I'm 68 and feel like a kid when I read this series. The editing is nonexistent but I'm not sure if it's intentional or not!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews