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Look for Something Good
J.J. Werth has lived for his work, allowing career to replace the need for a family or outside interests. So when his company decides to lay him off in favor of someone younger and cheaper, 61-year-old J.J. is at a crossroad. After indulging in a healthy dose of self-pity, he decides to search for answers. Through bonding with Father Thomas, a former Marine and very unlikely priest, J.J. embarks on a journey to find his place in the world and winds up finding so much more.
342 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2023
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 12, 2025
"Look For Something Good" is a poignant exploration of the challenges and triumphs that come with personal transformation. This uplifting narrative highlights the importance of faith, friendship, and the courage to start anew, reminding readers that it's never too late to rewrite one's life story.
March 22, 2023
I always read anything Jessica recommends, I guess because I love her books. This was one of those deep, soul searching, get inside the head of the characters books that I enjoy. The author does a great job making you feel the emotions of the lead characters– as well as some of the side characters– and really highlights how things change when you go back and revisit places from your youth or things in the past. It's almost like people and locations are completely different and not at all how you remember them. I've been there myself plenty of times! I loved how thought-provoking it was and the ending was very satisfying! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
PS. This did not detract from the book at all, but there's two typos in the book description. The word "or" that should be "of" and the first sentence needs a space after the period. I'm sure if the publisher is made aware of it that could be fixed in no time!
PS. This did not detract from the book at all, but there's two typos in the book description. The word "or" that should be "of" and the first sentence needs a space after the period. I'm sure if the publisher is made aware of it that could be fixed in no time!
March 30, 2023
Thanks for recommending this jessica! A five star book all the way that really pulls on your heartstrings!
April 5, 2023
This is a terrific book, and I'm glad to find a new author. How Jessica finds these great books I don't know but she's right, this is definitely a winner. I like, as another reviewer said, how it almost spun into two concurrent stories and the characters were definitely not the typical cookie-cutter stuff that's turned out by supposedly best-selling authors. (We all know a lot of times the best-selling part has nothing to do with the writing, but rather with a celebrity endorsement or something contrived.) In my opinion, this is the kind of author that needs to be in the spotlight more. I'm not so good with this platform, but I'm going to go now and try to figure out how to follow this author. LOL.
PS. I DO have to say, though, I think somebody should get those two typos out of the book description on Amazon. The book is great, and sometimes that can be off-putting to new fans, only because some people look for every little flaw, which is kind of silly in my opinion, but there ARE those kind of people in the world. That shouldn't be any big deal to get those mistakes taken out. Having said that, the story is fantastic!
PS. I DO have to say, though, I think somebody should get those two typos out of the book description on Amazon. The book is great, and sometimes that can be off-putting to new fans, only because some people look for every little flaw, which is kind of silly in my opinion, but there ARE those kind of people in the world. That shouldn't be any big deal to get those mistakes taken out. Having said that, the story is fantastic!
April 1, 2023
Very well written book that Jessica R recommended about how easy it is to be defined by your job/success and how all that can be upended out of nowhere. The protagonist found himself questioning everything in his life and in the end, l think he ended up finding a better sense of himself after an unusual and interesting journey! Great read!
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January 18, 2024Great story line and lots of fun along the way as these two souls traverse the country. Highly recommend!
May 15, 2025
Robert Drews’s Look for Something Good is a beautifully written, spiritually rich novel centered on James Joseph “J.J.” Werth—a sixty-one-year-old financial advisor whose life unravels after an unexpected layoff. Told in a warm, reflective third-person narrative, the story chronicles J.J.’s descent into emotional and spiritual isolation and his path toward rediscovering meaning through faith, service, and human connection.
From the opening pages, Drews paints J.J. with empathy and clarity. We meet him in the throes of a depressive spiral, aimless at home in pajama bottoms, picking at wilted salad, and questioning his worth. The turning point comes when he steps into a quiet church and offers a hesitant confession:
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was a long time ago.”
This moment marks the beginning of a gradual, deeply personal transformation.
At the heart of J.J.’s renewal is Father Thomas Kearns, a towering, cigar-loving, baseball-obsessed priest who once served in Vietnam and now shepherds the congregation at Saints Peter and Paul. Through their chance meetings at Dodgers games and their eventual friendship, Father Thomas offers both wisdom and compassion without judgment. One of the book’s most meaningful exchanges comes when the priest reminds J.J. that the blessings of life are not to be hoarded, but shared:
“With our blessings, we have a duty… to reach out to others, to not stay within ourselves but to share the Lord’s goodness.”
What sets this novel apart is its groundedness. There are no grand plot twists or dramatic turns—only the quiet realism of a man trying to put his life back together one act of kindness, prayer, or reflection at a time. The pacing is gentle, even meditative, but never dull. The prose flows with rhythmic grace, and J.J.’s inner thoughts feel honest and deeply human.
Faith is central, but Look for Something Good never comes across as preachy. Instead, it draws strength from simple truths: the healing power of confession, the value of purpose, and the importance of showing up for others. When J.J. eventually decides to set out on a cross-country journey—guided by a dart-thrown map and a new sense of purpose—it feels like an act of both whimsy and calling. He’s not just looking for a destination—he’s looking for someone to serve, something to believe in, and maybe, as the title promises, something good.
Readers who enjoyed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, or Gilead by Marilynne Robinson will find similar themes of redemption, quiet spirituality, and late-life reinvention here.
Final Thoughts:
Look for Something Good is a deeply moving novel that reminds us it’s never too late to start over, never too late to serve others, and never too late to reconnect with faith. In J.J. Werth, Drews has created a character many will see themselves in—flawed, wounded, and searching, but ultimately willing to hope again.
From the opening pages, Drews paints J.J. with empathy and clarity. We meet him in the throes of a depressive spiral, aimless at home in pajama bottoms, picking at wilted salad, and questioning his worth. The turning point comes when he steps into a quiet church and offers a hesitant confession:
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was a long time ago.”
This moment marks the beginning of a gradual, deeply personal transformation.
At the heart of J.J.’s renewal is Father Thomas Kearns, a towering, cigar-loving, baseball-obsessed priest who once served in Vietnam and now shepherds the congregation at Saints Peter and Paul. Through their chance meetings at Dodgers games and their eventual friendship, Father Thomas offers both wisdom and compassion without judgment. One of the book’s most meaningful exchanges comes when the priest reminds J.J. that the blessings of life are not to be hoarded, but shared:
“With our blessings, we have a duty… to reach out to others, to not stay within ourselves but to share the Lord’s goodness.”
What sets this novel apart is its groundedness. There are no grand plot twists or dramatic turns—only the quiet realism of a man trying to put his life back together one act of kindness, prayer, or reflection at a time. The pacing is gentle, even meditative, but never dull. The prose flows with rhythmic grace, and J.J.’s inner thoughts feel honest and deeply human.
Faith is central, but Look for Something Good never comes across as preachy. Instead, it draws strength from simple truths: the healing power of confession, the value of purpose, and the importance of showing up for others. When J.J. eventually decides to set out on a cross-country journey—guided by a dart-thrown map and a new sense of purpose—it feels like an act of both whimsy and calling. He’s not just looking for a destination—he’s looking for someone to serve, something to believe in, and maybe, as the title promises, something good.
Readers who enjoyed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, or Gilead by Marilynne Robinson will find similar themes of redemption, quiet spirituality, and late-life reinvention here.
Final Thoughts:
Look for Something Good is a deeply moving novel that reminds us it’s never too late to start over, never too late to serve others, and never too late to reconnect with faith. In J.J. Werth, Drews has created a character many will see themselves in—flawed, wounded, and searching, but ultimately willing to hope again.
March 20, 2023
This wonderfully crafted tale follows the likable J.J. and a very interesting character, Father Thomas, and almost spins into a two for the price of one story (that's a great thing!) as it takes us into the hearts and minds of the two men on their journeys. It's thought-provoking, soulful, and at every turn makes you think about your own life and your own decisions. Just the kind of book I love to read. The writing is excellent, as well. For example, I love this line: "A long day and many miles lay ahead, and that was good. They would allow him to daydream of the immediate destination that awaited and of the city to come after that." Definitely a book that will keep your interest from the first page to the last, with some distinct surprises along the way! Hope to read more from this author.
January 9, 2024
I just want to thank everyone who read my book and to say I am glad you enjoyed it. I have another ready to submit to Vertu Publishing soon, praying they accept it. Have a beautiful day, and God bless.
October 12, 2024
Such a wonderful book!!!!! I am in love with JJ, he's an awesome guy!! The story line just grabbed me and made me think of what I can do better in life and for others. Really enjoyed the travel part, learning about places I have never visited. And the people we meet, always interesting and surprising when least expect. I could not put this book down, always wanting to know what happens next. Thank you, Robert Drews for a book to renew my faith and realize the world is not such a bad place. BTW, I was a participant in an online book group (SSC) with you and so enjoyed your comments and observations. When you said your book got published, ordered it right away and loved it. Much success on your future ventures!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews