The Essay

by Robin Yocum

Jimmy Lee Hickam grew up along Red Dog Road, a dead-end strip of gravel and mud buried deep in the bowels of Appalachian Ohio. It is the poorest road, in the poorest county, in the poorest region of the state. To make things worse, the name Hickam is synonymous with trouble. Jimmy Lee hails from a heathen mix of thieves, moonshiners, drunkards, and general anti-socials that for decades have clung to both the hardscrabble hills and the iron bars of every jail cell in the region. This life, Jimmy Lee believes, is his destiny, someday working with his drunkard father at the sawmill, or sitting next to his arsonist brother in the penitentiary. There aren't many options if your last name is Hickam.

An inspiring coach and Jimmy Lee's ability to play football are the only things motivating him to return for his junior year of high school until his visionary English teacher cuts him a break and preserves his eligibility for the coming football season. To thank her, Jimmy Lee writes a winning essay in the high school writing contest. When irate parents and the baffled administration claim he has cheated, his teacher is inspired to take his writing talent as far as it can go, showing him the path out of the hills of Appalachia.

Terrific characterizations, surprising revelations, gut-wrenching past betrayals, and an unforgettable cast of characters born of the dusty, worn-out landscape of southeastern Ohio make The Essay a powerful, evocative, and incredibly moving novel.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Coming Of Age, Historical Fiction, Adult, Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Robin Yocum is the author of the award-winning, critically acclaimed novel, Favorite Sons (June 2012, Arcade Publishing). Favorite Sons was named the 2011 USA Book News Book of the Year for Mystery/Suspense, and is a Choose to Read Ohio selection for 2013-14. His latest novel, The Essay, was released in October 2012 by Arcade. He also is the author of Dead Before Deadline, a compilation of stories from his days as a crime beat reporter with the Columbus Dispatch, and Insured for Murder, which he co-authored with Dispatch colleague Catherine Candisky. Robin joined the Columbus Dispatch as a reporter in 1980 and worked at the paper for eleven years, spending four years on the crime beat, followed by a post as senior reporter on the investigative desk. He won more than 30 local, state and national awards while at the paper. Yocum has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.

Reviews

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age story that shows whatever obstacles stand in ones way that with the right attitude they can be overcome. This book was recommended to me by a dear fellow reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the great combination of diversity and gumption. Definitely recommendable for those seeking a five star success story.
Jimmy Lee Hickam comes from a long long line of extremely backward folks that live in the Appalachian Mountains. His family's reputation is so awful that he has just given up on ever trying to be any different from the rest, until...The Essay.. A wonderfully original group of characters and a fast moving plot kept this book interesting and intriguing.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous coming-of-age story of Jimmy Lee Hickam, a young man facing the challenges of prejudice, poverty, and abuse.
Set during the 1970s in Appalachian Ohio, Jimmy's only dream for the future is to be the first in his family to graduate high school and find a decent factory job. But when the football coach and his high school English teacher see potential in Jimmy, his world is transformed, and his dreams are expanded.
Living in Ohio, along with our three boys attending Ohio University, the familiarity of the setting really brought the story to life.

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽]

$1.99 Kindle sale, Oct. 1, 2018. Wow, look at all the 5 star reviews. I might have to bite on this one.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaned to me by my sister, The Essay is a short novel set in Ohio's Appalachia in the 1970's, a region of my state I frequently drive through on my way to northern Virginia to visit family. Included in the narrative are places I know well…Ohio University in Athens, where my daughter studied journalism in the 1990's, and Cincinnati, where I've lived most of my life, Chillicothe, where our son and his wife went before a judge to finalize the adoptions of their two children. I don't know that life has changed appreciably for folks living in Ohio and West Virginia's Appalachia as it certainly doesn't look much different than it did 40 years ago, especially in West Virginia. What struck me so in this book was the strong message that good teachers are invaluable in the lives of students, teachers who believe in them, who encourage them in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds to persevere and strive for something…in this case for a college education. I am a retired teacher, and I know that teachers make a difference! This should be required reading for all students in colleges of education…maybe also for high school students.

[Tara Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. This book! I love it so much. Very very few books have made me cry, and this one did about halfway through. I knew then that this book was something special. The writing is beautiful. Every moment of this book is worth your time, touching your soul and reminding us how to love and care and stand up for others. Just read it. Seriously. Now in my list of favorite books of all time.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost another 5! I loved this book that was set in our area of the country, mid Ohio. I could relate to so many of the places, people and events; it was fun to read. Plus it was a really GOOD story of Appalachia; typical problems and some really good people making good things happen in less than stellar circumstances! Thank you Robin Yocum for telling it like it is! I will be recommending this to both of my book clubs.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!

It’s a story about a 17 year old boy in 1970s, southern Ohio (Appalachia). He lives in a coal mining town where mines are closing and work is scarce. He lives on Red Dog Road which is where the poorest families live.

This was such a meaningful story and so well written. It’s fast paced and hard to put down. It makes me wonder how this book has flown under the radar all this time.

Overall rating: 4.5 stars (rounded up).

[Carrie Lahain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy Lee Hickam is a young man whose sad family life is only topped by the poverty and depression of his southeastern Ohio hometown. No one expects much of him with his violent father, good-for-nothing brothers, and a worn down mother who can't quite find the strength to support her youngest child. Despite all of this, Jimmy finds a way out via brains, physical strength and the goodwill of a special teacher. On the surface, this may sound like a typical underdog story. Yet Robin Yocum's skill at creating complex characters and setting them loose to flounder their way through his world lifts this narrative into something more than a tale about a small-town scruff making good. In Jimmy's transformation from class "dirty neck" to academic and athletic success, Yocum doesn't settle for easy answers about nature vs. nurture or cause and effect. He takes great care allowing people be people. Messy. Confused. Disingenuous. This is not a sentimental book. There's no happy ending with a capital H. It's more that Jimmy gets his shot--the chance to succeed or fail on his own merits. In the end, my money is on Jimmy.

[Beppie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With simply written, but message packed prose, and characters you won't soon forget, "The Essay" is a memorable coming-of-age story. Robin Yocum knows how to tell a story that not only rings with authenticity and truthful observations, but he offers an unflinching look at the hard realities faced by many families whose lives teeter on the edges of their communities and whose options seem more like insurmountable obstacles. In Yocum's story of such a family, we recognize that in the face of such entrenched adversity, hope lives. Futures can be secured through hard work, focus, and discipline, as well as something known as grit. And as the saying goes, "It often takes a village to raise up a child." This story is infused with this and many other messages of inspiration and support.

I closed this book and felt proud to have had the privilege of sharing a career in public education with the teachers in this story. I, too, have seen the potential hiding behind the uncaring, unmotivated, and too often angry facade with which these children cloak themselves. When a child's perception of opportunity is shaped by how much they don't have or how little support they've been given, it's hard for them (and often for their families as well) to see the possibilities that a focus on education can offer. As in "The Essay," we all can make a difference in the lives of others by everyday acts of support and compassion for one another and the belief that connectedness and community matter.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story, a coming-of-age story about a kid desperately poor and a teacher and coach who care about him. A story of heartache,hope, brutality and compassion that kept me interested the whole way through.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Beautifully constructed and great character development. A feel good yarn with a villain (or 2) thrown in for good measure. I flew through the book and felt great admiration for a couple of the characters. On occasions it made me laugh out loud which is a wonderful sign. Some nice twists and unexpected turns. 4 stars.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great, great book!

[Erin Roethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!! A must read in my opinion. It's rare I find a book that I'd recommend to anyone. How did I not know about this author until now?! The Ohio constituent of my book club found this gem and thank goodness it caught her eye.

I was aware the southeastern Ohio/West Virginia (Appalachia) region had it's own flare and way of doing things, so I had a little background knowledge as to the lifestyle there. However, if you don't know the region and think it's just "Ohio-the Buckeye state", you are in for a treat as that's not quite the right feel.

This would be a great book for a book club - that's why I read it. However if you're not in a book club you should read it anyway. And then when you're done, follow it up with ESPNs 30 for 30 called Rand University.

I'm not saying anymore, close this review and read it. Yes, it was that good!!!

[One-Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook - narration, Fleet Cooper, really good.

Incredible.
This book is just incredible. The blurb pretty much gives you the plot, but doesn’t really do it justice. Well written, interesting characters, a kid you really want to root for and some unexpected (and ok, a few expected) twists.

And it’s available in the audible plus catalog!!! <3

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't find myself cracking open many books from the adult fiction genre anymore. So many plots and storylines that end up just coasting through a good story with decent characters and a good enough message. A lot of it just screams mediocracy, and I end up 3-starring the bulk of them. I simply adore a book that whole heartedly captures me - with words, with the toughest most resilient characters, and the most engaging plots. I love a down and out hero or heroine that overcomes and rises to their greatest potential. Is it wrong to expect that from every book I read? Nope.

I have found MANY books I love in the romance genre - but I am always on the hunt for ANY book that rises to the top of the class. And this book was one of my absolute favorites yet this year. I will think about Jimmy Lee for years to come!! Every card in his life was stacked against him - opportunity, compassion, and hard work wins. I could not put this down for a moment. SO GOOD!!!

[Emily Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good! One of my new favorites!

[Kacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new top five favorite books.

[Julie Auger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Read this book- truly a great one. Seriously. Just read it. It’s so good!

[Jenna Aubuchon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! Great read!

[Erica Partyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I started out reading it but switched to the audio. Loved it so much!!!!!

[Courtney17]

Pretty good story, well written but there are a few spelling mistakes. You need to be a little more careful. Or contact the relevant companies that provide such proofreading services. Here you are, take a note. This company provides not only dissertation proofreading services. They also check literary texts, essays, blogs , etc. They can proofread any paper work. I think it will be useful both for you and for others who read it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. It is so well written and an interesting story of a young man who overcomes his upbringing to become successful. A teacher and a coach took an interest in him and showed him what he could be if he put forth his desires and worked hard to break out of his expected life.

[Laurie Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing story - one of the best books I've read this year! It's about the possibilities for individuals when they have someone that believes in them!!

[Kelli W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, motivating, and inspiring, along with a nice flowing simple reading style. Highly recommend! (Thank you to Kate Morris for her recommendation and letting me borrow her book to read:))

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. A colleague recommended this book to me, knowing I’d love it since I’m an English teacher. And she was right. Miss Singletary is an inspiration; seeing how she goes to bat for Jimmy Lee reminds me of why I wanted to be a teacher. It’s the perfect book to read as the new year begins, as it makes me excited to advocate for my students.

Jimmy Lee’s story, though, is another story. While it too is inspiring, it’s also heartbreaking; I cannot imagine what it’s like to have a father who does not wish the best for you, someone who tries to take away your victories and doesn’t support your successes. Never showing up to a game. Talking badly about college. Stealing Jimmy Lee’s hard earned money for his drinking and then kneeing him in the groin when he calls him on it. And worst of all, letting his son sit in prison for 9 years for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s just baffling to me that people like this exist. And like Jimmy Lee, I had some pity for his mom at first, but when it’s revealed that she knew Edgel was innocent and served in jail for his fathers crime.... damn.

The way Edgel stands up and takes care of Jimmy Lee, though, is admirable. He models what it means to work hard, speaking directly to Mr. Morgan about the fire and working hard to clear the ashes his father caused. Both boys seem very respectful, and I have to say it’s surprising what can come from such a horrible home.

One more time, though, I have to say that Miss Singletary is the best, especially the smack down she lays on Mrs. Johanessen. When she says she assumes kids who do poorly in her class are not morons, but poorly prepared 🤣 And when she says she’ll help her remove that smirk off Mrs. Johanessen’s face! I still can’t get over the fact that Mrs. Johanessen would accuse Miss Singletary of improper behavior with a student ESPECIALLY SINCE SHE WAS GUILTY HERSELF! That blew my mind. But go Edgel and Jimmy Lee for taking the fight to her and putting her in her place. Damn.

I would definitely recommend this book to others, and might even recommend it to students, though the description of a young Jimmy Lee seeing his brother with a girl in his car and struggling to overcome his morning erections are things to keep in mind, not to mention the violence from his father. On second thought, this might be best for older audiences.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to the 2010 census, the population of Vinton County, Ohio, was 13,435, making it the least populous county in the state of Ohio. In this weather-beaten (and seemingly god-forsaken) land of coal mines and dusty hills, young Jimmy Lee Hickham tries to forge a good name for himself, even though past Hickham men have been nothing but trouble to the surrounding community for generations. Outcast at school because of his backward home life, including an abused mother and alcoholic father, Jimmy Lee is noticed by the football coach as a natural talent, which quickly improves his social standing (if not his body odor and ratty clothing). And when the high school English teacher detects his unusual writing talents, Jimmy Lee's prospects change forever, but also endanger the reputations of those who are trying to help him most. And then there's Edgel, 11 years his senior and recently released from jail, who struggles to get his life back on track but is inspired by his brother's success.

This book is kind of the fictional equivalent of "Hillbilly Elegy," only better in many ways. I thought it did a pretty good job of depicting Jimmy Lee's difficult adolescence, without being sentimental or overly realistic. Also it is succinctly written, and is a fairly quick read. Yocum makes some interesting choices about the characters toward the end of the story, with one final twist that's not a huge surprise, but ultimately fairly satisfying. Overall, Yocum offers us a refreshing but hard-earned view of Jimmy Lee (and Edgel and the mother as well) as resilient survivors of rural poverty, poised for a brighter future beyond the hardscrabble hills of Red Dog Road.

[Bella Bankes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s refreshing to read about the area when the author isn’t telling the story of how they escaped (or are trying to eacape) it. Instead, genuine care and concern over the wellbeing of others is highlighted. As someone raised in southern Ohio with an affection for Appalachia, I appreciate that so much.

Yocum writes about small moments with such grace, and I can sense and feel his connection to the places and people mentioned throughout. The way he describes the scenes and tiny details without saying too much, paired with a talent for writing dialogue in a way that feels so genuine makes this the kind of book you will read in one sitting.

I laughed, and cried. The plot and pace is flawless.

Yocom weaves important social themes into the story and describes them (especially the problem of classism), without necessarily pointing them out directly — the mark of a true storyteller. I absolutely *love* this author’s writing voice.

My high school art teacher was someone like Mrs. Singletary. I gravitate towards people who cheer others on and lift them up, the world needs more of them!

Such a good book! 10/10 ⭐️

[Trinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the storyline. Jimmy Lee and his coming of age in a horrific family life. Makes you realize how important it is to stand up and see good in others and cheer them along the way.

**Be warned: heavy on the crude language and sexual references

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher hopes to influence at least one student's life enough to help that student change his/her life forever. The Essay tells the story of how an English teacher did that for Jimmy Lee Hickman. Yocum's characters remind the reader of students they knew in high school and students teachers have taught, and we easily visualize the conflicts, the struggles, and the victories Jimmy Lee experiences.
Beautifully written, this novel teaches several important lessons about decency, kindness, resilience, and overcoming prejudice and injustice. If I still taught high school English, I would certainly have my students read/listen to specific parts of the book and use them for writing prompts, but even more important, I would use this novel to help students learn some important life lessons. Teachers will especially love this book, but I strongly suggest it to everyone.

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable read! Poor boy’s talent for writing identified by gifted teacher, dedicated football coach shows him a pathway via athletic scholarship, educational options trump Appalachian limitations, life opens up as opportunities proliferate. This is an optimistic feel-good storyline. A great choice for a gray day!