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Raising Jake
Losing his tabloid reporting job at the same time his teenage son is expelled for writing a controversial essay, divorcé Sam Sullivan travels with his son to visit the boy's estranged grandfather during a shared weekend of self-discovery. By the author of My Ride With Gus. Original.
341 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
51 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Carillo
14 books27 followersCharlie Carillo was a reporter, rewrite man and columnist at the New York Post for 15 years before switching to a career as a producer for the TV shows "American Journal" and "Inside Edition." He's a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and divides his time between London and New York. Visit Charlie at charliecarillo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 25, 2017
On a Friday afternoon, Sammy and his son Jake both experience life-changing events within an hour of each other. They spend the rest of the day and the weekend regrouping. They promise each other to answer questions they’ve avoided answering before – and even to answer questions they had avoided asking each other before. They take a ‘road trip’ by city bus to Sammy’s old neighbourhood and because Jake desperately wants to know more about his roots, Sammy shares intimate stories about growing up there and even secrets from his childhood that he had never told to anyone before.
This book is a wonderful fathers and sons story. It is arresting from the very first page and kept me laughing, crying, cringing, and completely fascinated throughout. This book holds some of the richest storytelling I have read and I feel strangely honoured to have been invited into their memories and their world for the time they allowed me to join them.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
This book is a wonderful fathers and sons story. It is arresting from the very first page and kept me laughing, crying, cringing, and completely fascinated throughout. This book holds some of the richest storytelling I have read and I feel strangely honoured to have been invited into their memories and their world for the time they allowed me to join them.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
October 24, 2019
Raising Jake is a warm and relatable coming-of-age story. 3 generations of estranged men - cynical (and fired) tabloid reporter Sammy Sullivan, his prep-school dropout son Jake, and his brash veteran father Danny - reunite at Sammy's childhood home in working-class Queens. There for one unforgettable weekend, these proud men fortify their bond with beer, chores, stories, laughs, adventures, big hugs, secrets - and tears. They will rediscover that blood is blood; they are a lot alike, despite age and class differences. They will "steal" stuff together. They will share accounts of parental betrayal, childhood mates, and first women. At the end of this life-changing weekend, the Sullivan men finally will pay a silent tribute to a controversial (and deceased) member of their tribe.
Charlie Carillo is a good writer, and Raising Jake is a fine story. I enjoyed it.
4 stars
Charlie Carillo is a good writer, and Raising Jake is a fine story. I enjoyed it.
4 stars
August 17, 2010
Raising Jake is a story about a divorced father (Sammy), his 17-year old son (Jake), and their weekend adventure, which changes the course of their lives, and those of the characters they encounter. At the beginning of the story, Sammy is a rather lost, working as a rewriter at the New York Star, not liking his job but feeling trapped by his financial responsibilities--including sending his son to a private school. A phone call from the school one Friday puts the plot in motion as father and son struggle to learn more about each other and their respective childhoods.
The writing is excellent, as is the pacing of the story. The majority of the time, the characters seemed very real, only twice did I find scenes to be a little too over the top...one with Sammy, Danny, and Jake, when they expressed some very deep and seemingly out of character emotions, and the second was toward the end of the book with a flashback conversation between Jake, his mother, and Sammy when Jake was 5. The dialogue seemed too mature and insightful for a 5-year-old (or at least the ones I've known). And frankly, you need a pretty healthy suspension of disbelief for all the characters Sammy and Jake meet over their fateful weekend.
Despite those items just mentioned, the book is still excellent. I found the flashbacks added to the book rather than distracting from it. The characters had enough character flaws that they were believable, and the author kept me engaged with the pacing of the action and the unfolding of the stories of the characters' lives. An important lesson from this book is that it's never too late to heal from the past and move on.
Carillo is a gifted storyteller and I hope to read more titles by him. Read Raising Jake. It's time well-spent.
The writing is excellent, as is the pacing of the story. The majority of the time, the characters seemed very real, only twice did I find scenes to be a little too over the top...one with Sammy, Danny, and Jake, when they expressed some very deep and seemingly out of character emotions, and the second was toward the end of the book with a flashback conversation between Jake, his mother, and Sammy when Jake was 5. The dialogue seemed too mature and insightful for a 5-year-old (or at least the ones I've known). And frankly, you need a pretty healthy suspension of disbelief for all the characters Sammy and Jake meet over their fateful weekend.
Despite those items just mentioned, the book is still excellent. I found the flashbacks added to the book rather than distracting from it. The characters had enough character flaws that they were believable, and the author kept me engaged with the pacing of the action and the unfolding of the stories of the characters' lives. An important lesson from this book is that it's never too late to heal from the past and move on.
Carillo is a gifted storyteller and I hope to read more titles by him. Read Raising Jake. It's time well-spent.
January 23, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was an interesting read and well-written. The storyline was very well done.
The story works well in that I think many people can find a way to relate -- whether through own experiences or knowing of someone else. Divorced parents, splitting custody. One parent is the workaholic, another is the one who works hard, but isn't the greatest "role model." In the end, it's a story not of just the father finding out who is son is, but of the father finding out who he is and who he was. His son teaches his father a lesson, though maybe not intentionally.
It's one weekend that the author paints as one neither the son nor the father will likely ever forget.
The read is smooth and I went through the book quickly. The author develops characters really well and offers descriptions of each situation.
I highly enjoyed this book and will likely look to read some more from this author.
The story works well in that I think many people can find a way to relate -- whether through own experiences or knowing of someone else. Divorced parents, splitting custody. One parent is the workaholic, another is the one who works hard, but isn't the greatest "role model." In the end, it's a story not of just the father finding out who is son is, but of the father finding out who he is and who he was. His son teaches his father a lesson, though maybe not intentionally.
It's one weekend that the author paints as one neither the son nor the father will likely ever forget.
The read is smooth and I went through the book quickly. The author develops characters really well and offers descriptions of each situation.
I highly enjoyed this book and will likely look to read some more from this author.
December 15, 2011
It wasn't bad, I wanted to read to the end, and sometimes the writing is good. Often I was derailed by what an asshole the narrator is, even after he decides to stop being an asshole. I hope for better for his son, who is a well-drawn character, except for a few lapses. See my quotes: a five-year-old would never had made that remark about marriage (or even use the word marriage).
Other quibbles: the priest uses Karo syrup as an ingredient in fake blood, during warm weather. I can't think of anything more likely to draw ants. Then we have the jocular description of the priest's suicide, also in my quotes.
Other quibbles: the priest uses Karo syrup as an ingredient in fake blood, during warm weather. I can't think of anything more likely to draw ants. Then we have the jocular description of the priest's suicide, also in my quotes.
September 13, 2009
This one's a real sleeper: a surprisingly good book, funny, irreverent, yet a profoundly insightful coming of age tale. I got this as a freebie on my Kindle, but unlike most of the free books I've downloaded, this one had me captivated from the very start. The middle portion, recounting father Sam's tribulations growing up Catholic really rang true--reminding me of numerous outrageous tales told by my ex, a very lapsed Catholic. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!
June 4, 2011
This was one of the first books I downloaded off "Kindle Free books" and finally got around to reading last weekend. I loved it! Great characters, interesting plot devices, and satisfying ending. If you're looking for romance and hot scenes, don't download it. If you're looking for a good story about 3 generations of men (grandson, father, grandfather) coming together for the first time on one day, I'd recommend this book. I'd even pay money for it!
June 23, 2010
Dads and sons are hard. Of all the troubled relationships I've heard about (and experienced), it seems that the connection between father and son is the most prickly. Dads can tend to see their boys through a prism of their own lost opportunities or failed attempts at greatness. Sons can feel oppressed, ignored, abused or held back by fathers who don't even really bother to get to know them.
These themes are woven through Carillo's book, sometimes obvious and sometimes more subtle. But anyone who enjoyed David Duncan's "The Brothers K" should find this book immensely satisfying.
This story is told from the divorced father's point of view, starting with the double whammy of him losing his job the same day his son is kicked out of an exclusive NYC prep school during his senior year. The shell-shocked pair swap roles for a weekend, with Jake taking on the parenting role to help prop up his dad Sam, who sees his firing as the latest proof that he is the mayor of Loserville.
They get to know each other more in 48 hours than they have in Jake's entire life up to this point, including a reunion and hilarious scrape with the law involving Sam's own father. Family secrets are spilled, mysteries solved, hard questions asked and answered.
In the third act, the story reveals a shocking, sobering incident that has left its stamp on all three men. It's pretty jarring when it comes, but the revelation really helps explain a lot of the characters' attitudes and histories.
The writing is humorous and clever, but not in a Dave Barry silly way. It's more wry, but light-hearted and smart-assed all the same. There are some great nuggets of wisdom buried in the narrative, including a sure-fire hangover cure.
The ending is satisfying and hopeful, but not expected. I love that it wasn't all wrapped up in a gooey sweet package, but left a few loose ends dangling. Some rather big loose ends.
I highly recommend this book, and anyone who's spent time in the newspaper business (especially an old ink-stained wretch such as myself) will get that much more out of Sam's character, who is an old-school reporter for a NYC tabloid. He can't help but think like a journalist, and I suspect that's why the author gets so many details and emotions spot-on.
These themes are woven through Carillo's book, sometimes obvious and sometimes more subtle. But anyone who enjoyed David Duncan's "The Brothers K" should find this book immensely satisfying.
This story is told from the divorced father's point of view, starting with the double whammy of him losing his job the same day his son is kicked out of an exclusive NYC prep school during his senior year. The shell-shocked pair swap roles for a weekend, with Jake taking on the parenting role to help prop up his dad Sam, who sees his firing as the latest proof that he is the mayor of Loserville.
They get to know each other more in 48 hours than they have in Jake's entire life up to this point, including a reunion and hilarious scrape with the law involving Sam's own father. Family secrets are spilled, mysteries solved, hard questions asked and answered.
In the third act, the story reveals a shocking, sobering incident that has left its stamp on all three men. It's pretty jarring when it comes, but the revelation really helps explain a lot of the characters' attitudes and histories.
The writing is humorous and clever, but not in a Dave Barry silly way. It's more wry, but light-hearted and smart-assed all the same. There are some great nuggets of wisdom buried in the narrative, including a sure-fire hangover cure.
The ending is satisfying and hopeful, but not expected. I love that it wasn't all wrapped up in a gooey sweet package, but left a few loose ends dangling. Some rather big loose ends.
I highly recommend this book, and anyone who's spent time in the newspaper business (especially an old ink-stained wretch such as myself) will get that much more out of Sam's character, who is an old-school reporter for a NYC tabloid. He can't help but think like a journalist, and I suspect that's why the author gets so many details and emotions spot-on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2011
After reading One Hit Wonder last year and pretty much hating it, I did not have high hopes for this book. Nevertheless, I went ahead and read it since it was free and received even better ratings than One Hit Wonder, which has pretty good ratings. I am so glad that I gave this book a try and gave Charlie Carillo another chance. I really enjoyed this story.
The story happens over a weekend after some unexpected events take place. These events cause the father and son to have more "quality time" to spend together than usual, and they get into some unique situations. This book is quite simply the sometimes humorous, more often tragic, somewhat touching, and always interesting story of a father and son getting to know each other and getting to know themselves. A third (older) generation is thrown in later in the book, as well.
This book is worth the read, especially if you were able to snag it when it was free in the kindle store.
The story happens over a weekend after some unexpected events take place. These events cause the father and son to have more "quality time" to spend together than usual, and they get into some unique situations. This book is quite simply the sometimes humorous, more often tragic, somewhat touching, and always interesting story of a father and son getting to know each other and getting to know themselves. A third (older) generation is thrown in later in the book, as well.
This book is worth the read, especially if you were able to snag it when it was free in the kindle store.
February 5, 2011
This book started out really promising. A divorced father with a "weekend dad" relationship with his son spends a weekend with his son that not only changes their relationship but both of their lives. It's warm and touching in parts. Flinchingly honest and humorous in other parts. However there were times I found it a little overly sentimental and schmaltzy. Some of the dialogue was just so unrealistic that I couldn't get past how unnatural and implausible it was. Ended well - liked it, didn't love it.
January 18, 2011
it was ok, a 5/10 if I could rate this way. some good intentions and talent on the part of the writer, spoiled for me by clumsy teary eyed moments. Mr Carillo is a wannabee Nick Hornby, but he has some way to go. I wish him luck and I might try another of his efforts.
February 19, 2022
This is a good book
We meet Jake and his dad at a time when life should be careening out of control yet they forge a deeper bond. A bond that the reader is privileged to watch unfold. This book is filled with flawed people who are relatable. While there's a coarseness at times, it adds to your understanding of the characters. A very enjoyable book. Some language but not overly used.
We meet Jake and his dad at a time when life should be careening out of control yet they forge a deeper bond. A bond that the reader is privileged to watch unfold. This book is filled with flawed people who are relatable. While there's a coarseness at times, it adds to your understanding of the characters. A very enjoyable book. Some language but not overly used.
December 31, 2022
Wow!
I have never been disappointed with a Charlie Carrillo novel, and thus one is certainly no exception! I put him on a level with John Irving, whom, in my opinion, is one if the greatest writers of all time! Kudos to Mr. Carillo! He has, once again, put a touch of magic into my reading world! Thank you, Sir!!!
I have never been disappointed with a Charlie Carrillo novel, and thus one is certainly no exception! I put him on a level with John Irving, whom, in my opinion, is one if the greatest writers of all time! Kudos to Mr. Carillo! He has, once again, put a touch of magic into my reading world! Thank you, Sir!!!
August 20, 2017
I love the way Charlie Carillo creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in the book with his characters.
September 10, 2017
What a great book. Great story telling and a great feel good book.
February 2, 2018
I liked the idea but found the beginning ridiculous and the ending to pat.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
September 26, 2020
Homespun
Story about families, how a series of events brings a child on the verge of adulthood and his father peace.
Story about families, how a series of events brings a child on the verge of adulthood and his father peace.
September 3, 2021
This is one of those stories where you just don’t want the book to end. Tell me more. Fun reading. Like watching a favorite sitcom that’s over in 30 minutes and you’re bummed it went so fast.
October 24, 2012
So I was totally prepared not to like this book, but one of my friends recommended it and I was between books. Here's the thing - for the most part, I REALLY liked this book. I liked the descriptions of how the dad feels like he sees his son grow in "snapshots" as a divorced dad and how the gaps he's missing become apparent. I also like that even though the story takes place over a weekend, it also goes back in time to describe events that led the characters to where they are when we first "meet" them.
I found the Jake's grandfather (Sammy's father), Danny, to be one of the most interesting characters in the whole book even though he is not even remotely a main character. The author did an excellent job of capturing the gruffness of an Irish WWI veteran while honoring the excellent advice he had to give and the emotions he did not know how to deal with in his family.
However, the problem with the book (and the reason I only gave it 3 stars) is the explanations for what happened to screw up Sammy get more and more ridiculous and unbelievable as the book progresses. At first, you really get that Sammy is a middle-aged divorced guy stuck at a job he hates and with serious intimacy issues - great. The first few glimpses into his past (childhood and how he met Jake's mom) are interesting but then it just gets RIDICULOUS by the time you get to what happened between Sammy and his mother. Then the big revelation about Jake's bank account toward the end is REALLY outrageous - did these two at least moderately to highly intelligent parents really believe that their 5 year old son would forget everything? Ugh.
Overall, a decent read - particularly the first half - just ride it out to the end...amidst the wildly crazy stuff, there are still some good parts in the last half as well.
I found the Jake's grandfather (Sammy's father), Danny, to be one of the most interesting characters in the whole book even though he is not even remotely a main character. The author did an excellent job of capturing the gruffness of an Irish WWI veteran while honoring the excellent advice he had to give and the emotions he did not know how to deal with in his family.
However, the problem with the book (and the reason I only gave it 3 stars) is the explanations for what happened to screw up Sammy get more and more ridiculous and unbelievable as the book progresses. At first, you really get that Sammy is a middle-aged divorced guy stuck at a job he hates and with serious intimacy issues - great. The first few glimpses into his past (childhood and how he met Jake's mom) are interesting but then it just gets RIDICULOUS by the time you get to what happened between Sammy and his mother. Then the big revelation about Jake's bank account toward the end is REALLY outrageous - did these two at least moderately to highly intelligent parents really believe that their 5 year old son would forget everything? Ugh.
Overall, a decent read - particularly the first half - just ride it out to the end...amidst the wildly crazy stuff, there are still some good parts in the last half as well.
April 17, 2011
This insightful, witty, smart book involves the relationship between newspaper reporter Sammy Sullivan and his 17-year-old son, Jake, who he has seen on weekends for the past 12 years since he and Jake's mother divorced. On this particular Friday that found Jake's mother out of town, Jake's headmaster at his stuffy, exclusive, private school has summoned Sammy away from work during the day, a move that gets Sammy fired when his boss doesn't want to let him leave for an hour. Jake has written an insightful, witty, smart essay about what he thinks of his stuffy, exclusive, private school and gets summarily dismissed from same.
The rest of the novel mostly takes place between Sammy opening up to Jake about their lives and their pasts before, during, and since the divorce as they both realize how all this will affect Jake's mother upon her return on Sunday. We learn a lot about so many things that also happen to be of particular interest to me such as experiencing life in New York and seeing the destructive nature of religious buffoonery.
The joy and intelligence of the writing is to be particularly savored as in this description of one of Sammy's co-workers: "Her dreams of a journalism career were tarnished by a nightmarish lack of talent. She could not put a sentence together. If the English language could speak for itself, she'd have found herself facing assault charges."
This wonderful book is full of clever writing in that spirit. It's hard to criticize the book even about Jake's intelligence, maturity, and insightfulness beyond his years, because it makes sense as we come to learn of his heritage and how he was smart and observant even as a small child.
I very rarely give a 5-star rating, but this novel clearly reached that height for me.
The rest of the novel mostly takes place between Sammy opening up to Jake about their lives and their pasts before, during, and since the divorce as they both realize how all this will affect Jake's mother upon her return on Sunday. We learn a lot about so many things that also happen to be of particular interest to me such as experiencing life in New York and seeing the destructive nature of religious buffoonery.
The joy and intelligence of the writing is to be particularly savored as in this description of one of Sammy's co-workers: "Her dreams of a journalism career were tarnished by a nightmarish lack of talent. She could not put a sentence together. If the English language could speak for itself, she'd have found herself facing assault charges."
This wonderful book is full of clever writing in that spirit. It's hard to criticize the book even about Jake's intelligence, maturity, and insightfulness beyond his years, because it makes sense as we come to learn of his heritage and how he was smart and observant even as a small child.
I very rarely give a 5-star rating, but this novel clearly reached that height for me.
February 7, 2012
Wow, a good read for 99 cents! With that great price, you even get a look into two father/son relationships and one grandson/grandfather relationship.
I like books (fiction or non-fiction) that make me think and examine relationships, situations, etc, in my own life. And I am pleased to say this writer did just that with his words. As the mother of two young boys, I am intrigued by the father/son relationship. I love to watch my husband and boys have their talks and build their foundation that will take them to the teenage years of Jake. Another subject that got me thinking was the truth. The question of "How honest should you be with your children?" Particularly, older children that are entering adulthood. Since no family is perfect, we all have situations that stir emotions, be pleasant or unpleasant. If the subjects were brought up, could I be so honest, as the characters were with theirs? It is a fine line with being honest with teaching and just throwing these emotions out without learning from them. Lastly, could I love my child enough to let them reach for their dreams? Even if it meant being not being there for it all? I know that my child's dreams might be my ideal, but it is always good to be reminded simply because you always want the best for your children.
The author deserves a shout out for a job well done and for teaching lessons along the way! This was a good read and I would recomend it!
I like books (fiction or non-fiction) that make me think and examine relationships, situations, etc, in my own life. And I am pleased to say this writer did just that with his words. As the mother of two young boys, I am intrigued by the father/son relationship. I love to watch my husband and boys have their talks and build their foundation that will take them to the teenage years of Jake. Another subject that got me thinking was the truth. The question of "How honest should you be with your children?" Particularly, older children that are entering adulthood. Since no family is perfect, we all have situations that stir emotions, be pleasant or unpleasant. If the subjects were brought up, could I be so honest, as the characters were with theirs? It is a fine line with being honest with teaching and just throwing these emotions out without learning from them. Lastly, could I love my child enough to let them reach for their dreams? Even if it meant being not being there for it all? I know that my child's dreams might be my ideal, but it is always good to be reminded simply because you always want the best for your children.
The author deserves a shout out for a job well done and for teaching lessons along the way! This was a good read and I would recomend it!
October 2, 2009
If you enjoy mainstream fiction, it doesn't get much better than Charlie Carillo's Raising Jake.
Storyline: Jake is the 17-year-old son of long-divorced parents Doris and Sam. Sam, a career tabloid newspaper reporter, narrates the story, which is a simple and yet complex story of getting to know his son when previously only the superficiality of weekend visitations allowed any kind of relationship. Along the way, Sam also gets to really know his estranged father, a crusty old guy named Danny. You can be sure there are untold stories during this emotional journey, all revealed over one crazy weekend no one can anticipate.
Mind you, this isn't a dark story. It's not a bed partner to Ordinary People or others like it. Carillo is wonderfully gifted in mixing humor with pathos and developing them in characters with fabulous realism.
If your preference is for character-driven novels, then don't even think of hesitating in reading this one. You will not be disappointed. If you merely like character-driven stories, but mostly live for plot, you still won't be disappointed.
I adored the book and I'll be on the lookout for Carillo's backlist and future novels.
Storyline: Jake is the 17-year-old son of long-divorced parents Doris and Sam. Sam, a career tabloid newspaper reporter, narrates the story, which is a simple and yet complex story of getting to know his son when previously only the superficiality of weekend visitations allowed any kind of relationship. Along the way, Sam also gets to really know his estranged father, a crusty old guy named Danny. You can be sure there are untold stories during this emotional journey, all revealed over one crazy weekend no one can anticipate.
Mind you, this isn't a dark story. It's not a bed partner to Ordinary People or others like it. Carillo is wonderfully gifted in mixing humor with pathos and developing them in characters with fabulous realism.
If your preference is for character-driven novels, then don't even think of hesitating in reading this one. You will not be disappointed. If you merely like character-driven stories, but mostly live for plot, you still won't be disappointed.
I adored the book and I'll be on the lookout for Carillo's backlist and future novels.
January 19, 2011
Horribly, horribly written. It started off badly and I wanted to give it a shot but 1/3 of the way into the book I decided it wasn't worth it to finish.
I chose this book because there was a free Kindle version. I can see why it was free
From the very beginning there were elements that detracted and distracted from the story being told: unrealistic dialogue, poor sentence structure. As well as Run-on sentences that need to be reworked to allow for them to be understood without a second, slow perusal. I felt I was mentally editing before I got to the second chapter. I also found some of the word usage to be odd, as if a thesaurus was used after the fact and the meaning was just a few shades off from the intent. Yes, I got the point, the essence of what the author was trying to convey but it was slightly jarring at times
By chapter 5 the story begins to spread out and the less fine tuned aspects of the writing are not as noticeable. The story progresses slowly, the protagonist is a jerk, the dialogue is ridiculous and the situations are unrealistic. Even the premise is poorly conceived. I can’t think of a single thing I liked about this book.
No thank you.
I chose this book because there was a free Kindle version. I can see why it was free
From the very beginning there were elements that detracted and distracted from the story being told: unrealistic dialogue, poor sentence structure. As well as Run-on sentences that need to be reworked to allow for them to be understood without a second, slow perusal. I felt I was mentally editing before I got to the second chapter. I also found some of the word usage to be odd, as if a thesaurus was used after the fact and the meaning was just a few shades off from the intent. Yes, I got the point, the essence of what the author was trying to convey but it was slightly jarring at times
By chapter 5 the story begins to spread out and the less fine tuned aspects of the writing are not as noticeable. The story progresses slowly, the protagonist is a jerk, the dialogue is ridiculous and the situations are unrealistic. Even the premise is poorly conceived. I can’t think of a single thing I liked about this book.
No thank you.
October 7, 2010
Another Kindle freebie with good reviews so I thought I'd try it out, and I wasn't disappointed!
Although the book is titled, "Raising Jake," Sammy is really the focal point. Sammy Smith and his son, Jake, spend a weekend together after unexpected turning points in both of their lives. Jake is insightful and caring, and spends a good bit of time playing the father role to Sammy, helping him to heal after years of traumatizing himself over events that become unraveled during their weekend.
The pacing is great, the flashbacks are handled well, and the characters are easy to identify with. I was very glad we finally got to meet the present day Doris toward the end of the book!
Like another reviewer said, I found the flashback to the argument when Jake was 5 to be very unbelieveable. I don't think there is any 5-year-old who would have that insight. They may feel what Jake was feeling but no way would they know how to express it in such a way and with such impact as Jake did.
Enjoyable read!
Although the book is titled, "Raising Jake," Sammy is really the focal point. Sammy Smith and his son, Jake, spend a weekend together after unexpected turning points in both of their lives. Jake is insightful and caring, and spends a good bit of time playing the father role to Sammy, helping him to heal after years of traumatizing himself over events that become unraveled during their weekend.
The pacing is great, the flashbacks are handled well, and the characters are easy to identify with. I was very glad we finally got to meet the present day Doris toward the end of the book!
Like another reviewer said, I found the flashback to the argument when Jake was 5 to be very unbelieveable. I don't think there is any 5-year-old who would have that insight. They may feel what Jake was feeling but no way would they know how to express it in such a way and with such impact as Jake did.
Enjoyable read!
January 19, 2013
I really didn't know what I was getting into when I started this book. I thought it was going to be somber and depressing and it did have a few moments of that but there were other parts of it that had me rolling with laughter.
The book was about Sammy, Jake and ultimately Danny, Sammy's dad who really got involved at the end (and also added some humor to the story) and Sammy and Jake's weekend of discovery. Jake had no knowledge of his ancestry and his mom seemed to be a little anal about everything so he and his dad decide to have a weekend of open conversation with no lies or covering up and they learn a lot about each other and they learn to really love and respect each other and it trickles down to Danny.
Jake is sharp and witty and I loved him and even though it was hard for Sammy to come clean with a lot of stuff, I admired his honesty and his candor.
The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because the ending dragged a bit. It had a great ending, though.
I can see this book being made into a movie. Maybe it already has...?
The book was about Sammy, Jake and ultimately Danny, Sammy's dad who really got involved at the end (and also added some humor to the story) and Sammy and Jake's weekend of discovery. Jake had no knowledge of his ancestry and his mom seemed to be a little anal about everything so he and his dad decide to have a weekend of open conversation with no lies or covering up and they learn a lot about each other and they learn to really love and respect each other and it trickles down to Danny.
Jake is sharp and witty and I loved him and even though it was hard for Sammy to come clean with a lot of stuff, I admired his honesty and his candor.
The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because the ending dragged a bit. It had a great ending, though.
I can see this book being made into a movie. Maybe it already has...?
October 31, 2010
I read books when I'm riding the train to and from my job, so I like them to be easy reads, because in the morning I'm half awake and on the evening commute I'm half asleep, and Raising Jake was. There weren't complicated plots to follow and there was a limited number of characters and they were developed nicely as was the storyline. It was a sweet story that had me cheering for the two leads, Jake and his Dad.
www.doover1.blogspot.com for a preview of "DO OVER"
Ryan deserves a second chance for a happy life, a “Do Over”; his parents wrecked his first chance. Fate has stepped in and Ryan is back in his five year old body and once again in his boyhood home and surrounded by his family as they were then. Only this time he has a lifetime of memories intact, and he isn’t taking crap from anyone. Join him on a journey as he heals his family, friends, and himself. “Do Over” is a Comedy/Drama.
www.doover1.blogspot.com for a preview of "DO OVER"
Ryan deserves a second chance for a happy life, a “Do Over”; his parents wrecked his first chance. Fate has stepped in and Ryan is back in his five year old body and once again in his boyhood home and surrounded by his family as they were then. Only this time he has a lifetime of memories intact, and he isn’t taking crap from anyone. Join him on a journey as he heals his family, friends, and himself. “Do Over” is a Comedy/Drama.
May 30, 2011
I actually couldn't even finish reading this, that rarely happens to me and when it does it's really annoying. The base line story was pretty entertaining but there were certain things that kept derailing that story. Some of the dialoge between father and son seemed completed unrealistic. Yeah, I get it, its a relationship between a father and son which being a girl I can't relate to. HOWEVER, I can guarantee you 2 guys would never act they way they were. For example, guys don't just start randomly crying and crying between guys is really not "catching", fathers and sons (or normal ones) also don't share in detail their sexual experiences nor do they introduce one another to their first time partners...weird! The author would have been much better off making the characters females, and even then I'd have great difficulty accepting it.
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