Jimmy by Robert Whitlow

by Robert Whitlow

🎧Listening Length = 4 hours and 45 minutes Abridged

Once you look at the world through Jimmy's eyes, you'll never see it the same again. Jimmy's world is a place where a boy can grow to be a man, even if he's "special." Where angels hover, mostly unseen. Where danger can happen, and hearts can falter--but love is never wasted. From best-selling author Robert Whitlow...a poignant tale of innocence and courage in the tradition of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird.

Jimmy knows he's different from the other teenagers in Piney Grove, Georgia. He's what people call "slow", which means he doesn't always understand what he sees and hears. But Jimmy sees and hears a lot, even the occasional angel. And Jimmy remembers it all with uncanny accuracy, which is why his lawyer father asks him to testify in a trial. Jimmy's testimony saves the man from jail but has far-reaching consequences for himself and the people he loves.

Peopled with a cast of Southern folk at once familiar and unexpected, Jimmy is an extraordinary tale about growing up in the midst of real struggle. Like Mark Twain and Harper Lee, Robert Whitlow uses an innocent's limited viewpoint to illuminate complex human realities, and to touch the heart. From the first encounter with Jimmy to that last bittersweet goodbye, Jimmy will enthrall and delight.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Book Club, Contemporary, Disability

Audio CD

First published November 30, 2004

About the author

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book written from the point of view of Jimmy, a young, mentally challenged boy. Whitlow did a very good job portraying Jimmy's thoughts and feelings. Reviews of the book compared it to To Kill A Mockingbird, one of my all time favorites. I was not disappointed.
The theme of the book reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:27:

27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Jimmy, while foolish and weak in the eyes of the world, is used by God to touch those around him.

As a former special education teacher, I have often thought that sometimes my students who were challenged mentally could be closer to god because of their innocence, the fact that their faith had not been jaded by "real life." Often they seem more aware of the spiritual world than those of us who are considered "normal." That was the case with Jimmy in this book. Because of his innocence and childlike faith, he was able to follow God's leading so much more simply than those around him.

This was a great, inspirational, touching book. I highly recommend it as a Good Read!

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah. Bad theology, not even a happy ending

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good, heart-warming story! I've never read anything by this author but he's kind of a cross between Frank Peretti and John Grisham...faith crossed with the legal system. Jimmy is a teenage boy with mild cognitive impairments - he doesn't learn well, but sure does teach those whose lives he touches many lessons about love, loyalty, faith, friendship and the more important things in life. I'll definitely read more by Whitlow!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! I liked both endings ... but the anternate ending seemed much more in keeping with the way the rest of the book was written, I thought.

[Lauren Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so cute and sweet and then sad and then literally DEVASTATING. Oh my goodness. I’m devastated that he was killed. He was the sweetest kid ever and such a good person to everyone whether they deserved or not. His best friend his grandpa had to be taken away from him and die and then Jimmy himself is literally murdered all bc he was known to have told the truth. But all that to say the author did an amazing job. Such a sweet Christian story about a kid with special needs and it emphasized how precious those kids are. Wow.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! The author has a gift for storytelling. This book had me undone. Get the tissues. I wish the alternative ending was picked, instead of the one in the book. But, I'm still giving 5 stars. Mr. Whitlow is one of my favorite authors.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was the book that was calling me from my bookshelves to read as soon as it was time to start the challenge. I don't know why I waited so long to read this. From the back cover of the book: Once you look at the world through Jimmy's eyes, you'll never see it the same again. And it's true, life will be very different for me, this is the most heart wrenching book that I've read in a long time. I've laughed and cried in more times than I can remember in a book. I've discovered a new author too. I love the way Robert Whitlow can place you into the feet of the character and you go through the same things the character does too, he gives you a different outlook at life and what it is to be a true person to everyone.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this story was told through the eyes of Jimmy; a 13 year old boy. He has many obstacles to overcome but has real joy in life. He sees Watchers which his mother calls angels. It is a fascinating story. I enjoyed the alternate ending. I am a Robert Whitlow fan.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[S Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite of all his books. Have read everything I can find that he has written and this is my favorite- Jimmy captured my heart!

[Rebecca Cecil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book. Jimmy knows he is different from other kids his age.
Some of the town people call him slow but Jimmy says he is not slow he can run fast.
Jimmy sees and hears things and he tells his family at dinner. Jimmy's lawyer asked him to testify in court. Jimmy does not lie he tells the judge if he lies the devil will put him in the lake of fire forever, he goes ti church and knows lying is wrong. He testify and an innocent man is set free.
Jimmy also sees people that are nit there he calls the Watchers no-one else can see them. They help him out when he needs it and they encourage him to do good things.
But sometimes the things Jimmy hears people say can be dangerous because people do not want to be caught doing wrong or Jimmy running his mouth to others especially his lawyer father.
What a great story. How precious in life of the innocent ones. The ones who do not lie even if it pits themselves in danger.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but unfortunately the audio was an abridged version. The story was poignant and a good portrayal of what life is like for a boy growing up with an IQ in the lower range of normal. Jimmy's uncanny ability to remember exactly what he hears is a blessing and a danger as he grows into his teens. But God and his "watchers" are there in every situation.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novel. Jimmy is a mentally challenged young boy and the way he responds to things in his every day life is accurately portrayed for someone with his disability. Heartwarming, humorous, heartbreaking -making this a fine read. Will be looking to read more by Whitlow.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so loved Jimmy.
And then, unexpectedly,
My heart was ripped out.

[William Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Very sad ending

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]The reader first meets Jimmy as a 12 year old boy about the take the stand as a witness in a case involving a policeman who mishandled a case. His father is the lawyer for the defendant, and despite the misgivings of Jimmy's mother Jimmy's testimony helps them win the case. Jimmy has some mental limitations that make him different from other boys, but one thing he does know is how to tell the truth. We learn that Jimmy also sees what the calls "watchers", angel like figures that sometimes help him in difficult situations. And as Jimmy has plenty of those, such as learning to climb to the top of a utility pole with his grandpa, facing his fear of water, deciding whether he wants to see his birth mother, dealing with death, and starting high school. Jimmy's biggest challenge comes when he overhears a conversation that could get some people in big trouble--and that could make him a target.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]"Whitlow does a great job of making Jimmy come to life as a believable character. His mother and father are also well portrayed, especially the struggles they face with Jimmy's ""specialness"" and birth mother. The only characters that don't come off well are the bad guys, who don't seem to have believable motives. The watchers element is woven in very well, these angels seem real and not just stereotypes. The story moves somewhat slowly, as the plot centers around Jimmy's struggles with live as a 12-13 year old boy. The ending was upsetting, but there is an alternative ending on the authors website.[return]"[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]An emotionally involving book.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy is completely different than the authors other books and I would agree its in the tradition of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and I would add "Forest Gump" I'm not sure when the books is supposed to be set but I felt like I was reading a book from the 50s or 60s but then something would come up that led me to believe it was a more current setting.It may have been the small town southern setting that led to that feeling.
Everyone would be blessed to have a Jimmy in their lives. He has a pure heart that makes us long to be more like him. This book is different than others in that it has a alternate ending that you can read on the authors web site. The ending in the book left tear tracks on my cheeks ( and I do not easily cry)but a I do think its probably the more realistic of the two endings but the alternate ending is the one we would hope for.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the incredible story of Jimmy a mentally challenged young teenager but a youngster who has an incredible recall memory of any conversation he hears. Looking at the world through Jimmy's eyes throughout the story gives you an appreciation for his deep faith, his belief in angels and his love for his family, best feriend and his dog. As Jimmy faces problems that develop from conversations he overhears that involve crimes, Jimmy's life is endangered. I would have given this book a 5/5 but I didn't care for the ending and thought it included too much violence. Robert Whitlow has an alternative ending on his website and I actually much preferred it.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to think of this book. I liked it, but then I didn't. It was sometimes hard to tell if it took place in the 50's or if it was present-day. Some little things bothered me, like some of the "old fashioned" language, and sometimes the tense or timing would change without any warning and I would have to re-read a bit. I was extremely angered and disappointed in the ending, and because of that I will never read another book by this author.

[Sharla Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Many of the books I enjoy are historical fiction, and I kept thinking this story was set in the 1940s or 1950s. It certainly seemed "old timey," and takes place in a small Georgia town. The boy is named Jimmy and his dog is Buster; he calls his mother "Mama;" Jimmy and the men use red kerchiefs, and Sunday dinners with relatives involve staying in their nice clothes until after the dessert plates are cleared--only then do the men take off their jackets. Much later a favorite meal is described as chicken with a tan gravy, and lima beans. I kept having to remind myself that this book, published in 2005, was taking place in the current time period. Computers are referenced at one point, and a Sunday school teacher shows the kids his reconditioned 1964 Lark convertible, which must be viewed as an antique.

I picked up this book from the library because I liked the premise of looking through the eyes of Jimmy, a special needs 14-year-old. (The book jacket says the people refer to him as "slow." Again, using outdated terms.) Jimmy is a dear, adventurous, respectful boy. About halfway through the book, when I kept struggling with the disconnect between the actual time period and the dialogue, I noticed the label on the spine marking it as a Christian book. Oh, okay. That explained the goodness and unlimited patience of "Mama," among other things. But....and here finally is the reason for my poor rating....as a lifelong Christian and immersed-by-baptism person myself, I found the ending to be HORRIBLE. To make innocent Jimmy suffer at the abusive hands of a criminal, plus the subtle reference that he was only truly saved at the end when he drowned--he was afraid to be immersed earlier when he received the Holy Spirit, due to a childhood trauma--is NOT the way to share the Christian message with nonbelievers. It's why legalistic churches are going the way of the Dodo. Another spoiler: Grandpa dies shortly before Jimmy does, and they are reunited as Jimmy is going to his afterlife. I get the message Whitlow is trying to send....deathbed conversions are real, and there is room for everyone in Heaven. Angel Jimmy even says there's room for the criminal who killed him. That's true, and I'm thankful for it. But the story's finale did not match the glowing description the book promised. Boo!

If you want to read a sweet, engaging book about the viewpoint of a special needs person--who isn't labeled, but you discover it yourself--pick up Eleanor Elephant is Completely Fine; or The Maid.

[Donna Lundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the audiobook very much. Gave me feels of To Kill a Mockingbird or Where the Crawdads Sing. Not quite the caliber of those, but similar in tone & atmosphere. It was a fairly short book, so I would have like to see a little more detail/development on the court scenes and a little more character development wouldn't have hurt either. It was narrated by the author and he did an especially good job of giving voice to Jimmy's character. There was a pretty heavy focus on Christianity and salvation, it was done tastefully and as a believer, I was not offended by it. Also as a retired Special Education teacher I appreciated the honest and human depiction of a character with limited IQ and "special needs" It reminded me of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

{I just realized that this audiobook I listened to was abridged! - Maybe the full unabridged version did a better job on those shortcomings I mentioned. Also, it only had 1 ending, I am curious to see what the alternate ending was, that other reviewers mentioned.}

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with an ugly cover (I cant stand this cover.)
(2018 bookshelf goal)

Let me start by saying I dont read "Christian" literature. I'm not opposed to it...but I read everything. A christian novel wont stop any more than say, YA would. BUT I do not seek out Christian novels and they usually turn me off just on pretense.

This is a Christian novel. The minute I figured that out I almost put the book down. (I am a Christian.) In fact, the book was so slow to start and the premise being a special needs boy, I almost didnt keep reading. I just wondered what a Christian novel about a young boy could really do for me.

Which means I was utterly suprised when I started enjoying this book. I COULDNT put it down!!! I reached for it every free second. And it's a fast read.

But listen when I say that I ended this book with sobbing! I cried so HARD during this book. I hated the ending and I loved it. But mostly I hated it.

The one thing that I really hated about this book is kind of a Baptist tradition of walking the aisle. I'm glad they did touch on how that's not necessary to be saved...WHY IS IT even still being done. Salvation doesnt require a church or a pastor praying with you. Salvation begins and ends with Jesus. I have that contention with the book.

But if you can get past the overt Christian theme sprinkled throughout BUT not shoved down your throat, you will enjoy this book.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my typical kind of read. It follows Jimmy, a 13 mentally challenged boy who has an especially close relationship with his stepmother and grandfather. Story takes place over the course of a few years and presents situations that will make have you forming an opinion. Different situations had me worried that bad things were going to happen and people would be mean. It was interesting to see the world through Jimmy's eyes. The scene with him accepting Jesus into his heart was touching. The ways he went about getting his grandpa to agree to come to church were entertaining. He was an example to those around him. I was sobbing at the ending, it is not a happy ending but I am glad I read this book. It really made me think and take a walk in someone else's shoes for a little while. I really enjoyed the interaction between the family members and the courtroom scenes were really well done. At times I did feel like the story moved a bit slow and the football scenes confused me. This is heartbreaking story that shows evil in the world but that Jesus provides comfort.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book two days ago. Been pondering this since then. Finally decided, if I can't let this story go it must get this rating.

The story of a very 'special' boy. Jimmy. He loves his dad and grandma and his best friend Max, adores his mama and grandpa and Buster (his dog). He always tells the truth. He views the world through love and kindness although he can recognize evil and respond appropriately. He can also, occasionally, remember conversations. Verbatum. Which can be highly problematic.

I can't say more without stumbling into spoilers. There was something about the book that had me set it aside when about a third done. There was something that had me pick it back up and read straight through to the end. Still not sure how to rate it so I went with four stars. That's my choice and I'm sticking with it.

Try this book. It's a beautiful story in so many ways. Enjoy

[Jaci Whitfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whitlow spent so much time allowing us to get to know Jimmy and his Grandpa that I was completely shocked and infuriated by the ending of this book. I could only think of how angry his mother would be, how Mama would look at Daddy and shout through tears, "You promised this would never happen." I felt cheated by the original ending.

The alternate ending was better, easier to accept. I just wanted Daddy to apologize for misjudging Jake Garner. I wanted him to patch things up with the sheriff (which happens in the movie -- which has a COMPLETELY different ending).

I will read more Robert Whitlow because he creates characters that you feel you know personally. He does a great job of tying the spiritual to the everyday. I thought the way Jimmy's thoughts seemed so normal was brilliantly done. But I hope he doesn't give us characters whose fears are victorious ever again.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a very gentle way about it, even in the hard times, until the very last few chapters. I think the gentleness came from Jimmy's very character. He just exuded love and compassion, and trust in God and in Jesus. He actually reminded me very much of a friend's son who has autism, though I know that wasn't stated as Jimmy's limitation.
I saw from reviews that this book ends quite violently, and that the author had penned an alternate ending that you can find on his website. Having read both endings, I am surprising myself to say that I prefer the original. The violence was very hard to read, but the way that ending was crafted seemed to 'fit' better to who Jimmy was than the alternate ending.
That said, if you, like me, are sensitive to violence, please exercise caution with this book.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this family and they loved each other. Jimmy was a great young man, respectful, honest, cared about the feelings and needs of others, loved others, loved Jesus and his church and pastor. Wouldn’t hurt anyone. Wanted to always do the right thing. Was mentally challenged, but had more common sense and stability than most people. A quick learner, smarter than some people I have known, and saw angels that no one else could see.

I don’t want to give away the story, but there is happiness, sadness, joy, good times and bad. A surprise ending. The author, Robert Whitlow is an attorney in N.C. This is the second book I have listened to. He has a way with words, and is a great storyteller. He is s Christian and I wish he had more books on audio. This is s book you will never forget!! CathyR

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time in the book that I cried, I felt everything. Why did you kill Jimmy? Why must he die? Why did he survive? Well, I knew he would survive after he saw his grandpa but I was hoping he would sha.


One this was on repeat in my head the day he came out to give his life to Jesus, when he got home, the Bible verse that the Holy Spirit gave him "Behold he made all things New." I could not get that off my mind. When I woke up to pray that word just stuck in my head.

Thank you, Robert Whitlow, for writing ✍️ this "Behold he made all things New.' 😀 👍 😄 😊 🙌 👏

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not going to say too much in this review as the book was so powerful I will unintentionally give something away. What a wonderful beautiful and inspiring story, This book has touched me in a massive way and it is one I will not forget for quite awhile. Jimmy was such a cute and powerful character and the world through his eyes was extremely beautiful. Make sure you have tissues handy as he may need them in certain parts of the book

[Debbie Denson Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Twists and turns. Very enjoyable and I could see this character so clearly because I kept comparing him to the students that I have worked with that are autistic. The ending is fit, yet the alternate ending that is found online is also fit for the entire life for Jimmy that you have witnessed. Sometimes I had to put it down because the emotion of the story. I wanted to keep reading, but it was so close to home I couldn't bear it.
Highly recommended.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I didn't think I would. I read it in 4 days, which is saying something since I have 3 kids and other things going on. It was fascinating and the faith aspect wasn't in your face, but so poignant. I am Christian and I love how everything was described. I'm also a 7th grade teacher, so I loved that the main character was the age of the kids I teach. He is such a sweet character and I wish everyone could know someone like Jimmy in their life :)