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Jake
Jealousy, lust, and teenage insecurities are the lifeblood of any large school.
Loneliness can strike without warning, spreading through the cramped corridors like an epidemic.
Out on the playground, rivalries are formed from the pettiest of incidents.
Some people look at Jake in awe, others look at him with hatred.
Jake is just an ordinary boy who wants to be liked.
Jake wants to know why the girls never seem to notice him.
Jake is... well, he's Jake.
Loneliness can strike without warning, spreading through the cramped corridors like an epidemic.
Out on the playground, rivalries are formed from the pettiest of incidents.
Some people look at Jake in awe, others look at him with hatred.
Jake is just an ordinary boy who wants to be liked.
Jake wants to know why the girls never seem to notice him.
Jake is... well, he's Jake.
- GenresYoung Adult
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2013
2 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Michael Cargill
10 books80 followersI'm an author who lives in the sunny, green hills of England.
Over the years people had often said that I should write a book so, in mid 2011, I did just that! Anyone wondering which book of mine to read first should start with Shelter from Thunder; 'tis short and available for free.
Feedback of any kind is always welcome.
Over the years people had often said that I should write a book so, in mid 2011, I did just that! Anyone wondering which book of mine to read first should start with Shelter from Thunder; 'tis short and available for free.
Feedback of any kind is always welcome.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2013
I read 'Jake' over the course of a week and, during that time, the character really got under my skin. Throughout a lot of the book, nothing spectacular actually happens. It's a fairly mundane account of a teenager growing up in family and school life. This is not a negative, though. The writing is beautiful and perfectly captures the thoughts of a teenage boy, his awkwardness around family, friends and his new girlfriend. It feels very true to real life and, at times, it is painfully real.
The ordinary day-to-day descriptions of Jake's life could be seen as being slightly repetitive, but for me it was a master-stroke and Jake's whole existence had an undercurrent of impending tragedy. But, there are lots of small smiles to be raised in the book, especially in Jake's relationship with his brother, Ben, which is genuinely tender and achingly touching. Jake's relationships with his family and friends are all too real and believable. This is perhaps what makes the last quarter of the book all the more shocking and tragic.
Be warned, this isn't an uplifting read, but it is written with real skill and feeling. I was incredibly moved by Jake's story and it is well worth a look.
The ordinary day-to-day descriptions of Jake's life could be seen as being slightly repetitive, but for me it was a master-stroke and Jake's whole existence had an undercurrent of impending tragedy. But, there are lots of small smiles to be raised in the book, especially in Jake's relationship with his brother, Ben, which is genuinely tender and achingly touching. Jake's relationships with his family and friends are all too real and believable. This is perhaps what makes the last quarter of the book all the more shocking and tragic.
Be warned, this isn't an uplifting read, but it is written with real skill and feeling. I was incredibly moved by Jake's story and it is well worth a look.
March 21, 2013
I think I'm in shock. I don't know what to say.
The first half of Jake is the normal day to day recount of an average teenage boy. The events are boring and everyday things with no real importance and yet not at all hard or tedious to read. I actually found the conversations between the boys and the natural progression from topic to topic fascinating, it was so realistic and despite me being 24 years old now I felt I might be sitting in my school uniform listening in.
Jake leads you into a false sense of security. I mean, nothing could happen to such a normal boy with a normal average life, right?
It hits you out of no where and suddenly it's like watching a train crash. You can see what's coming and you're powerless to stop it.
Amazing.
The first half of Jake is the normal day to day recount of an average teenage boy. The events are boring and everyday things with no real importance and yet not at all hard or tedious to read. I actually found the conversations between the boys and the natural progression from topic to topic fascinating, it was so realistic and despite me being 24 years old now I felt I might be sitting in my school uniform listening in.
Jake leads you into a false sense of security. I mean, nothing could happen to such a normal boy with a normal average life, right?
It hits you out of no where and suddenly it's like watching a train crash. You can see what's coming and you're powerless to stop it.
Amazing.
April 5, 2013
The main thought going through my head during the first 200 pages of the book (I read the epub version) was that if you want to read about someone whose life is duller than yours, then Jake is the book for you!
Basically, the first bunch of chapters are a drag through. They are over written, and quite dull. Jake has a perfect life. Jake has a perfect family. Jake has friends. Jake is childish. Jake has anxiety issues. It's all really quite frustrating and you just want something to happen because I mean, I bothered to read the book and I deserve my story! And a dull life of a standard teenage kid is anything but!
But then Jake meets Kim. And you get swept up in the perfect romance that they seem to share. They are in love as only teenagers can be, and it's all well and sweet. And personally, I'd have been content with that being my story had I known what would come next. But I didn't, and I demanded more, and more I got.
The second 200 pages of the book had me laughing and crying and riding the general emotional roller coster of the story. I lived through Jakes eyes, and what a regretful life that seemed to be. The events are a bit overblown to be honest, but the emotions in them are perfect.
The spell of bad luck that seems to follow the kid isn't a very easy pill for the reader to swallow. I mean, how crappy can your luck be for all that crap to happen to you?! Especially after the perfect life you've been leading thus far. And all over a can of beer?! Who gets that drunk over filtered beer!? And ugh I'm just pissed because the story line really got to me. (even though it didn't make a lot of sense in my mind.)
As a gentle warning, if you've ever lost someone dear to your heart, THIS IS NOT THE BOOK FOR YOU!
However, if you're struggling with alcohol problems THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
The few grammatical errors throughout the book are easily ignored once the plot thickens. If a second edition of this book is ever published, I hope those are fixed. I also hope a bunch of the useless events at the beginning of the book are canceled out. Do that, and you get yourself a pretty good book on your hands. Sad, but good.
Basically, the first bunch of chapters are a drag through. They are over written, and quite dull. Jake has a perfect life. Jake has a perfect family. Jake has friends. Jake is childish. Jake has anxiety issues. It's all really quite frustrating and you just want something to happen because I mean, I bothered to read the book and I deserve my story! And a dull life of a standard teenage kid is anything but!
But then Jake meets Kim. And you get swept up in the perfect romance that they seem to share. They are in love as only teenagers can be, and it's all well and sweet. And personally, I'd have been content with that being my story had I known what would come next. But I didn't, and I demanded more, and more I got.
The second 200 pages of the book had me laughing and crying and riding the general emotional roller coster of the story. I lived through Jakes eyes, and what a regretful life that seemed to be. The events are a bit overblown to be honest, but the emotions in them are perfect.
The spell of bad luck that seems to follow the kid isn't a very easy pill for the reader to swallow. I mean, how crappy can your luck be for all that crap to happen to you?! Especially after the perfect life you've been leading thus far. And all over a can of beer?! Who gets that drunk over filtered beer!? And ugh I'm just pissed because the story line really got to me. (even though it didn't make a lot of sense in my mind.)
As a gentle warning, if you've ever lost someone dear to your heart, THIS IS NOT THE BOOK FOR YOU!
However, if you're struggling with alcohol problems THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.
The few grammatical errors throughout the book are easily ignored once the plot thickens. If a second edition of this book is ever published, I hope those are fixed. I also hope a bunch of the useless events at the beginning of the book are canceled out. Do that, and you get yourself a pretty good book on your hands. Sad, but good.
May 20, 2013
*I received this book from the author, via Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review*
This is a story of Jake, a normal teenage boy trying to live a normal teenage life. He deals with insecurity, learns to appreciate family, and learns to love...
Then some very unexpected things happen to him, and he must learn to cope, or not.
This book is both funny and sad, hopeful and tragic.
There were only a few things that I didn't like about the book. The author had me very confused as to Jake's actual age. Sometimes I felt that he was perhaps a middle school kid, reading some of the character's thought processes. The first half of the book was slow going, for me at least. And, I know this is just me, but I live in the US, so some of the British slang and mannerisms were unnerving. I like to understand what I am reading, so I found myself looking alot of things up, so I would know what they meant.
I was upset that Jake's parents acted so irresponsibly, Dad in particular. I know the drinking age in the UK is 18, but it is still reprehensible for a parent to tell his 15 yo son that it is ok to "have a beer or two" while babysitting! And then Jake blames himself, and very few people correct him, and NO ONE gets him any psychological counseling.
I liked that we are told all the mundane, boring bits, so that we know Jake's life is a normal one. A typical teenage boy. Then you're hit with a twist so big, you may feel a bit like you've been sucker-punched. The author has written all of the characters so well, and so complex, you will feel as if you are in the story with them.
Overall, I think the book was well written, and would recommend it to my kids. But if you don't like disturbing content, you should probably skip it, as this book covers a fair amount of tragedy.
Thank You to Michael Cargill for allowing me to read and review his book.
This is a story of Jake, a normal teenage boy trying to live a normal teenage life. He deals with insecurity, learns to appreciate family, and learns to love...
Then some very unexpected things happen to him, and he must learn to cope, or not.
This book is both funny and sad, hopeful and tragic.
There were only a few things that I didn't like about the book. The author had me very confused as to Jake's actual age. Sometimes I felt that he was perhaps a middle school kid, reading some of the character's thought processes. The first half of the book was slow going, for me at least. And, I know this is just me, but I live in the US, so some of the British slang and mannerisms were unnerving. I like to understand what I am reading, so I found myself looking alot of things up, so I would know what they meant.
I was upset that Jake's parents acted so irresponsibly, Dad in particular. I know the drinking age in the UK is 18, but it is still reprehensible for a parent to tell his 15 yo son that it is ok to "have a beer or two" while babysitting! And then Jake blames himself, and very few people correct him, and NO ONE gets him any psychological counseling.
I liked that we are told all the mundane, boring bits, so that we know Jake's life is a normal one. A typical teenage boy. Then you're hit with a twist so big, you may feel a bit like you've been sucker-punched. The author has written all of the characters so well, and so complex, you will feel as if you are in the story with them.
Overall, I think the book was well written, and would recommend it to my kids. But if you don't like disturbing content, you should probably skip it, as this book covers a fair amount of tragedy.
Thank You to Michael Cargill for allowing me to read and review his book.
May 14, 2013
4.5* for me - but I round up!
Michael Cargill 'gets' people - now I'm not sure whether he gets everyone, or that he writes about people whose brains work very like mine, but with each book of his I've read (Jake being the third), regardless of the plot or setting, it is the characters and their realistic behaviour that stands out for me. Jake is the same, and perhaps the most realistic and relatable of all Cargill's characters I've met so far.
For much of the book you follow Jake through his daily teenage life: daft 'boy' antics, school and home life, rolling along. Within the first few pages I was transported straight back to high school - from the noises and sounds, to the familiar mad behaviour of the lads in class (although, seeing it from Jake's point of view it makes a lot more sense now!) As YA books go, it was very 'real' - with no random appearances by vampires, angels or other common supernatural types - and I found myself quite happy reading about the intricacies of Jake's life.
His first romance is really cute - to the point some scenes had me smiling to myself at the clumsy sweetness, and I loved the development of Jake's relationship with his little brother, and the way he began to see his mother differently through observing her parenting the new addition to the family.
Overall, Jake is a really well-observed book, Cargill writes great characters and works with the smallest of details to give realism to his writing - as I'm not in to giving away spoilers there is little more I can say about the book without ruining it, but definitely worth a read if you normal books about normal people.
Michael Cargill 'gets' people - now I'm not sure whether he gets everyone, or that he writes about people whose brains work very like mine, but with each book of his I've read (Jake being the third), regardless of the plot or setting, it is the characters and their realistic behaviour that stands out for me. Jake is the same, and perhaps the most realistic and relatable of all Cargill's characters I've met so far.
For much of the book you follow Jake through his daily teenage life: daft 'boy' antics, school and home life, rolling along. Within the first few pages I was transported straight back to high school - from the noises and sounds, to the familiar mad behaviour of the lads in class (although, seeing it from Jake's point of view it makes a lot more sense now!) As YA books go, it was very 'real' - with no random appearances by vampires, angels or other common supernatural types - and I found myself quite happy reading about the intricacies of Jake's life.
His first romance is really cute - to the point some scenes had me smiling to myself at the clumsy sweetness, and I loved the development of Jake's relationship with his little brother, and the way he began to see his mother differently through observing her parenting the new addition to the family.
Overall, Jake is a really well-observed book, Cargill writes great characters and works with the smallest of details to give realism to his writing - as I'm not in to giving away spoilers there is little more I can say about the book without ruining it, but definitely worth a read if you normal books about normal people.
May 7, 2013
Oh my god... That's about the only thing I can come up with right now...
This is the story about Jake. Jake, a normal teenage boy with a normal life. life at home is great, he has parents who love him and a cute little brother called Ben. He has a couple of friends and life is just good for him. And boring. This story was soooo boring in the beginning. I could not focus on it and was constantly distracted. But then he meets Kim. And then I came near the end. And then my heart broke. A couple of times. And I cried. A lot.
Jake is written pretty good. Although it's a struggle to get through the first few pages, this was a pretty good book. The first few chapters are basically Jake's day to day life. And that's boring. But like I said, once he meets Kim, I was on an emotional roller coaster and at the end of it, my heart broke and I cried a lot. So this turned out better then I expected it to be and it touched me more then I thought it would. This would have been a five-star book, but it missed a couple of things. I would have liked it more if all the things that happen in the end, were spread out through out the course of the book. Not all of it in just a few chapters at the end. That was a bit to much for me. A bit overdone. So that's why this book gets 3,5 stars from me.
Honestly, I don't really recommend it to anyone who has lost someone close to them, trust me. But you might as well give it a try. Don't say I didn't warn you.
This is the story about Jake. Jake, a normal teenage boy with a normal life. life at home is great, he has parents who love him and a cute little brother called Ben. He has a couple of friends and life is just good for him. And boring. This story was soooo boring in the beginning. I could not focus on it and was constantly distracted. But then he meets Kim. And then I came near the end. And then my heart broke. A couple of times. And I cried. A lot.
Jake is written pretty good. Although it's a struggle to get through the first few pages, this was a pretty good book. The first few chapters are basically Jake's day to day life. And that's boring. But like I said, once he meets Kim, I was on an emotional roller coaster and at the end of it, my heart broke and I cried a lot. So this turned out better then I expected it to be and it touched me more then I thought it would. This would have been a five-star book, but it missed a couple of things. I would have liked it more if all the things that happen in the end, were spread out through out the course of the book. Not all of it in just a few chapters at the end. That was a bit to much for me. A bit overdone. So that's why this book gets 3,5 stars from me.
Honestly, I don't really recommend it to anyone who has lost someone close to them, trust me. But you might as well give it a try. Don't say I didn't warn you.
July 1, 2024
*WARNING: This review may have spoilers, but big ones will be marked.*
*EDIT 2024* I’ve heavily edited this review now that I have more knowledge of mental health issues and trigger warnings.
This book has many content warnings and no HEA, including; suicide, depression, mental health issues, death of a loved one, death of a child, alcohol & more.
This book is listed as a tragedy, however this label is easily overlooked and needs clearer content warnings, especially for younger audiences (which is what I was when I first read this.) if you’re looking for a light contemporary novel with a HEA - this book is not for you. Some of my earlier comments remain below.
———————————————————————————
OLD NOTES (2013):
Favourite character: Ben
Actual Rating: Okay, I'm going to be honest by saying my feelings are all over the place about this novel. So I’m leaving it at "It was okay"
Now. I absolutely loved Ben and how adorable the (two?) year old was! I can understand it's hard to write a young character, and Michael had that spot on! I found it difficult to find Jakes age in the book until the end. Jake, our MC, is 15 in this novel.
So sorry Michael, that I had to give this only a 2 star rating.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the "Making Connections YA edition" group on Goodreads.
*EDIT 2024* I’ve heavily edited this review now that I have more knowledge of mental health issues and trigger warnings.
This book has many content warnings and no HEA, including; suicide, depression, mental health issues, death of a loved one, death of a child, alcohol & more.
This book is listed as a tragedy, however this label is easily overlooked and needs clearer content warnings, especially for younger audiences (which is what I was when I first read this.) if you’re looking for a light contemporary novel with a HEA - this book is not for you. Some of my earlier comments remain below.
———————————————————————————
OLD NOTES (2013):
Favourite character: Ben
Actual Rating: Okay, I'm going to be honest by saying my feelings are all over the place about this novel. So I’m leaving it at "It was okay"
Now. I absolutely loved Ben and how adorable the (two?) year old was! I can understand it's hard to write a young character, and Michael had that spot on! I found it difficult to find Jakes age in the book until the end. Jake, our MC, is 15 in this novel.
So sorry Michael, that I had to give this only a 2 star rating.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the "Making Connections YA edition" group on Goodreads.
August 10, 2013
Jake is just an ordinary boy who wants to be liked.
This sentence sums up Jake pretty well. The story of Jake is the story of a pretty ordinary teenage boy going through his ordinary day to day life. I think that is what makes this book interesting, the fact that Jake is just like the kid next door…or just like you. He has a good home, a nice life, and satisfying friendships. He is not some secret superpower waiting to be discovered – he's just Jake.
The characters are well written and believable. Jake's little brother Ben is cute. I think it is hard to write kids and make them credible, but the author is able to do it here.
Overall I enjoyed this story, though it was a bit depressing. I guess life is sometimes, though. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but as Jake's story continued things and people's lives started weaving together and created an interesting narrative.
This sentence sums up Jake pretty well. The story of Jake is the story of a pretty ordinary teenage boy going through his ordinary day to day life. I think that is what makes this book interesting, the fact that Jake is just like the kid next door…or just like you. He has a good home, a nice life, and satisfying friendships. He is not some secret superpower waiting to be discovered – he's just Jake.
The characters are well written and believable. Jake's little brother Ben is cute. I think it is hard to write kids and make them credible, but the author is able to do it here.
Overall I enjoyed this story, though it was a bit depressing. I guess life is sometimes, though. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but as Jake's story continued things and people's lives started weaving together and created an interesting narrative.
March 16, 2013
Now here's a book of two halves. This is the tale of Jake. He's a teenage boy with two parents and a little brother. He has a nice life, home is great, he has some friends in school, he isn't really bullied, so far so boring. Most of this book is just Jake's day to day life. I'm not a teenage boy and have never been, nor wanted to be, a teenage boy, so even though it was a nice read, it wasn't anything special.
The characters in this story are really well written. Little brother Ben is just so delicious and gorgeous and I couldn't resist falling in love with him. I loved Jake starting to really notice him and fall in love with him too.
It would, of course, be really boring if this was all this book was. I'm still feeling the effects of reading this book a day later. I'm not going to give any spoilers away, but it really affected me.
The characters in this story are really well written. Little brother Ben is just so delicious and gorgeous and I couldn't resist falling in love with him. I loved Jake starting to really notice him and fall in love with him too.
It would, of course, be really boring if this was all this book was. I'm still feeling the effects of reading this book a day later. I'm not going to give any spoilers away, but it really affected me.
April 2, 2013
I must admit I'm struggling to find the right words to say for this book. I found the beginning of the book to be a bit slow as the character of Jake is defined and explored via the various significant relationships in his life. There were a couple of times that I thought there was details mentioned that lead me to believe that it would become a critical part of the plot conclusion, but it just never quite built the way I expected it to.
I thought Jake's character was developed very well, I just didn't expect the conclusion that depicted. I give the author props for not setting the entire book up for the ending.
I guess I just never quite got the way the whole plot came together at the end.
I was provide a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
I give the book 3.5 out of 5.
I thought Jake's character was developed very well, I just didn't expect the conclusion that depicted. I give the author props for not setting the entire book up for the ending.
I guess I just never quite got the way the whole plot came together at the end.
I was provide a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
I give the book 3.5 out of 5.
October 28, 2015
I read most of this thinking; here's a nice teenage boy going through life, not much happening, just about a normal kid living his life and fluffing stuff up like any normal kid, but still it's well told.
I didn't get too bored, it was a nice story I could dip in and out of.
3/4 of the way through and things are much the same; life's looking up for Jake and I feel like I've sort of become one of the family in a strange way, but I still wasn't certain if anything was going to happen.
Then Wham.
Right at the end his world is turned flippedy upside down and it's heartbreaking.
I finished this book and couldn't do anything else but sulk for about half an hour because I was so upset.
I had to go for a walk and muck out the rabbits.
March 10, 2013
I first read this as a proofreader and it didn't disappoint me one bit! The start was a bit confusing, like is this about someone's life or is something else going to happen? and also a little slow paced. However, as the pace picked up, it became a very interesting book, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks Michael for giving me the opportunity to read and edit this book. I am honored to have taken part in the making of this book.
Thanks Michael for giving me the opportunity to read and edit this book. I am honored to have taken part in the making of this book.
March 25, 2013
This was a pretty good book. The character creation is done well, and the plot moves at a reasonable pace, though some may find the start of the book to be a little slow.
A small warning though: some of the contents of this book may not be suitable for all who fall in to the young adult audience (especially those at the lower end of the age group).
A small warning though: some of the contents of this book may not be suitable for all who fall in to the young adult audience (especially those at the lower end of the age group).
October 12, 2013
*I was provided a copy of Jake by the author in exchange for an honest review*
This may contain a lot of spoilers...
____________________________________
I think that overall the book wasn't bad, it was simply okay.
The beginning started off a little slow, were we were just introduced to his life. Jake simply had a very ordinary life, with all of his days being somewhat the same, with the same routine, which was repetitive.
To me personally the book simply tried to cover a lot of events in Jakes life, but missed a lot of emotion. What bothered me most, were the deaths in this book. This is a really short book and there are 3 deaths overall. Already when I started reading the last chapter, by the first few words, I could easily predict what Jake would do.
I mean just in general, his brother died. A family member. And of course it isn't good either if an author drags death and emotions for too long, but somehow Jake just dealt with it. His parents continuously told him that it wasn't his fault. Now I find that rather interesting. I think that personally it was his fault, he had responsibility and then he has few feelings of guilt and all, but that is it. Now I thought about this and maybe his parents simply just wanted him to continue his life not in guilt, since the past is the past and it can not be changed. But this all just wasn't clear and comprehensible to me.
I think that the main problem that I faced, was that I simply did not connect with Jake. I simply could not understand why he would do certain things. His age and maturity for certain things was also confusing. With his friends, he was presented as much younger, but then at home he would be encouraged to drink. I also could not understand the alcohol problem/importance of alcohol in this book. I think that was what mainly bothered me. I might just have completely different views on the subject of alcohol, but I simply could understand why he would drink and both times it resulted in death. I mean to me that just does not seem realistic. At the same time it might be seen as realistic, since Jake being young he is simply introduced to this new side of life and this part of it with alcohol, but to me personally it does not make sense.
There were ,however, a few parts that I liked. The book was very honest and the relationship between Jake and Kim was also very honest. I liked the way their relationship started off, as well.
Overall, I think that the book was okay, but it was written very simply, some parts were over written and this hindered me from really getting into it the book.
I think that the main problem is that, now after having finished it, my main conclusion of it/the idea that I have of it is simply death, since it occurred so many times in the book. However, then again the parts in the book that involved death were not very thought out, in my opinion, and detailed (as I already said with the lack of emotions and feelings in this book).
This may contain a lot of spoilers...
____________________________________
I think that overall the book wasn't bad, it was simply okay.
The beginning started off a little slow, were we were just introduced to his life. Jake simply had a very ordinary life, with all of his days being somewhat the same, with the same routine, which was repetitive.
To me personally the book simply tried to cover a lot of events in Jakes life, but missed a lot of emotion. What bothered me most, were the deaths in this book. This is a really short book and there are 3 deaths overall. Already when I started reading the last chapter, by the first few words, I could easily predict what Jake would do.
I mean just in general, his brother died. A family member. And of course it isn't good either if an author drags death and emotions for too long, but somehow Jake just dealt with it. His parents continuously told him that it wasn't his fault. Now I find that rather interesting. I think that personally it was his fault, he had responsibility and then he has few feelings of guilt and all, but that is it. Now I thought about this and maybe his parents simply just wanted him to continue his life not in guilt, since the past is the past and it can not be changed. But this all just wasn't clear and comprehensible to me.
I think that the main problem that I faced, was that I simply did not connect with Jake. I simply could not understand why he would do certain things. His age and maturity for certain things was also confusing. With his friends, he was presented as much younger, but then at home he would be encouraged to drink. I also could not understand the alcohol problem/importance of alcohol in this book. I think that was what mainly bothered me. I might just have completely different views on the subject of alcohol, but I simply could understand why he would drink and both times it resulted in death. I mean to me that just does not seem realistic. At the same time it might be seen as realistic, since Jake being young he is simply introduced to this new side of life and this part of it with alcohol, but to me personally it does not make sense.
There were ,however, a few parts that I liked. The book was very honest and the relationship between Jake and Kim was also very honest. I liked the way their relationship started off, as well.
Overall, I think that the book was okay, but it was written very simply, some parts were over written and this hindered me from really getting into it the book.
I think that the main problem is that, now after having finished it, my main conclusion of it/the idea that I have of it is simply death, since it occurred so many times in the book. However, then again the parts in the book that involved death were not very thought out, in my opinion, and detailed (as I already said with the lack of emotions and feelings in this book).
June 23, 2013
*I was provided a copy of Jake by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I think that this is the first time that I am so unsettled by a book that I don't know what to say, and that is not a good thing. The first hundred or so pages could have been told in less than 30, it was just way too repetitive, and I was 1 chapter away from making it a did-not-finish book. In all those pages we were introduced to Jake, his family, and friends at school. It was all about his regular everyday activity, his train rides to school, his activity at school, his train ride home, and what he does when he gets home, it was just too much for me and I really found it hard to keep going.
Then we get to the second part of the book, and I have to warm you that if you have lost someone close to you, or are someone who suffers with depression, this is not a book that I would recommend at all!
Now I did enjoy Jake's interaction with his younger brother Ben, he is an adorable child, and I found myself laughing out loud at him as I have nephews, and I could picture them doing the same things he did, and it is very funny. I can imagine that it is not very easy to write from the perspective of a 2(ish) year old, and Michael did an excellent job with it.
We did not know for most of the book how old Jake really was, and for the majority of it, I really thought that he was younger, like somewhere between 8-11 just by the wording that the author used, and he seemed so very naive in certain circumstances, that I could not imagine him being any older than that, so when we finally did learn that he was 15, I was kindive shocked to be honest.
The other part of the book that I enjoyed was Jake's relationship with Kim, first loves, and first relationships are always so exciting, the holding hands for the first time and being so nervous if you are doing it right, or going too fast for the other person, all of it was very well written. The way that they would bicker back and forth playfully was really good as well, it shows a comfort in a relationship that is sometimes hard to find.
I am not sure how I feel about Jake's parents, there are a couple things that really bugged me, but then overall, they seemed very open with their children, able to crack jokes and know that Jake and Ben will not take it to heart. Also they are genuinely happy for Jake when he brings Kim home to meet them, a little in shock at first as Jake had told them nothing about her previously, but still happy for him.
Overall I am going to give this book a 2/5, and the 2 stars comes from the actual vivid writing style, not the story at all. I am not sure what I was expecting from this book, but based on the synopsis it was nothing like what I was thinking. I am not sure what genre I would even put this under, is there a young adult/contemporary/tragedy?
I think that this is the first time that I am so unsettled by a book that I don't know what to say, and that is not a good thing. The first hundred or so pages could have been told in less than 30, it was just way too repetitive, and I was 1 chapter away from making it a did-not-finish book. In all those pages we were introduced to Jake, his family, and friends at school. It was all about his regular everyday activity, his train rides to school, his activity at school, his train ride home, and what he does when he gets home, it was just too much for me and I really found it hard to keep going.
Then we get to the second part of the book, and I have to warm you that if you have lost someone close to you, or are someone who suffers with depression, this is not a book that I would recommend at all!
Now I did enjoy Jake's interaction with his younger brother Ben, he is an adorable child, and I found myself laughing out loud at him as I have nephews, and I could picture them doing the same things he did, and it is very funny. I can imagine that it is not very easy to write from the perspective of a 2(ish) year old, and Michael did an excellent job with it.
We did not know for most of the book how old Jake really was, and for the majority of it, I really thought that he was younger, like somewhere between 8-11 just by the wording that the author used, and he seemed so very naive in certain circumstances, that I could not imagine him being any older than that, so when we finally did learn that he was 15, I was kindive shocked to be honest.
The other part of the book that I enjoyed was Jake's relationship with Kim, first loves, and first relationships are always so exciting, the holding hands for the first time and being so nervous if you are doing it right, or going too fast for the other person, all of it was very well written. The way that they would bicker back and forth playfully was really good as well, it shows a comfort in a relationship that is sometimes hard to find.
I am not sure how I feel about Jake's parents, there are a couple things that really bugged me, but then overall, they seemed very open with their children, able to crack jokes and know that Jake and Ben will not take it to heart. Also they are genuinely happy for Jake when he brings Kim home to meet them, a little in shock at first as Jake had told them nothing about her previously, but still happy for him.
Overall I am going to give this book a 2/5, and the 2 stars comes from the actual vivid writing style, not the story at all. I am not sure what I was expecting from this book, but based on the synopsis it was nothing like what I was thinking. I am not sure what genre I would even put this under, is there a young adult/contemporary/tragedy?
November 14, 2015
I read most of this thinking; here's a nice teenage boy going through life, not much happening, just about a normal kid living his life and fluffing stuff up like any normal kid, but still it's well told.
I didn't get too bored, it was a nice story I could dip in and out of.
3/4 of the way through and things are much the same; life's looking up for Jake and I feel like I've sort of become one of the family in a strange way, but I still wasn't certain if anything was going to happen.
Then Wham.
Right at the end his world is turned flippedy upside down and it's heartbreaking.
I finished this book and couldn't do anything else but sulk for about half an hour because I was so upset.
I had to go for a walk and muck out the rabbits.
I didn't get too bored, it was a nice story I could dip in and out of.
3/4 of the way through and things are much the same; life's looking up for Jake and I feel like I've sort of become one of the family in a strange way, but I still wasn't certain if anything was going to happen.
Then Wham.
Right at the end his world is turned flippedy upside down and it's heartbreaking.
I finished this book and couldn't do anything else but sulk for about half an hour because I was so upset.
I had to go for a walk and muck out the rabbits.
April 16, 2013
I spent most of the book trying to figure out how Jake is. We were finally told near the end of the book. Some of the things he did made me think he was an older teen but they still had "recess" at school. Jake and his friends acted much younger than their actual age. The book was an easy read until about the last quarter. The loss of loved ones is always hard but Jake seems to have more than his share.
The book could use some editing. There are missing words and incorrect words.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just wish it had a different ending.
The book could use some editing. There are missing words and incorrect words.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just wish it had a different ending.
May 4, 2013
It took me a day to finish this book. The book started out slow, but then it picked up pace. I had never read a book like this before because I'm usually into romance and paranormal books, but this book was surprisingly good. It wasn't outstanding, but it's good for a one-time read. I can relate to Jake in some things. This book made me laugh, cry and feel bad for Jake. You should read it if you like tragedy. This is what it was for me. A tragic, lonely and sad story of a boy named Jake.
February 9, 2015
Thank you Michael Cargill for allowing me to read your book.
I have to admit the first 200 pages were really boring. But I did like the main character. As the book progressed I was happy, sad, and shocked. The author did a good job on the writing and I liked how it ended.
I have to admit the first 200 pages were really boring. But I did like the main character. As the book progressed I was happy, sad, and shocked. The author did a good job on the writing and I liked how it ended.
April 11, 2013
Jake by Michael Cargill began as a slow read.
A peek into the life of a fifteen year old boy; some funny, some awkward, teenage moments.
Then the unexpected happens...
A peek into the life of a fifteen year old boy; some funny, some awkward, teenage moments.
Then the unexpected happens...
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