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Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way
James Henry Ferguson doesn’t belong here. After a highly publicized fall from grace, James attempts to flee from the chaos in his life. He ends up in a community he had never heard of before, one that has been neglected and ignored by everyone in rural Ham, Mississippi. A place of abject poverty, the neighborhood is commonly referred to as “Around the Way.” Within a place forgotten by the rest of the world, politics can be a dangerous game. When a troubling discovery is made, the entire neighborhood is rocked to its core and James is forced to confront his own past in order to help the community have a future. He will have to find the strength to fight for the neighbors he once disregarded and avert a heart-breaking disaster. A self-identified failure is forced to uncover the wisdom of his past in order to recognize that money can’t solve every problem. Full of never-ending twists and turns, no one can prepare themselves for the surprises in store. Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way is a story about failure, self-discovery, empowerment, and the possibility of redemption.
350 pages, Hardcover
Published January 16, 2024
40 people are currently reading
1478 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Blount
5 books63 followersJeffrey is a novelist and Emmy award-winning television director
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 23, 2023
James Henry Ferguson makes a big mistake, it costs him his marriage to the love of his life Rebecca and his adult daughters Katherine and Lillian won’t speak to him. What he did is all over the internet and on the news and reporters are stacked out the front of his house.
The preacher's son James leaves his old life behind, he needs a fresh start and a place to hide, and he buys a small house which he has renovated in rural Ham, Mississippi. To say he's shocked when he looks around him is an understatement, the other twenty two houses in his street are falling apart, they don’t have indoor plumbing and the residents live well below the poverty line.
The neighborhood is commonly referred to as “Around the Way” forgotten by the rest of America and the local politician and representative isn’t worried about improving the lives of the coloured residents and he thinks they don’t deserve anything better.
A troubling discovery is made, the whole neighborhood is upset and especially young Juba a young boy who James has befriended, his mother Patrice and stepfather Fountain. James is furious, he’s determined to get justice and it makes him think about his own life, the mistakes he’s made, accept no one is perfect and he can't change the past.
I received a digital copy of Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way by Jeffrey Blount, from Beaufort Books and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. What an amazing and inspirational story, the characters are all memorable and unforgettable, including James, Juba and Beech, Miss Septima, Olivia, Yankee, Mary, Dr. Longford, Fountain and Patrice.
A narrative about a billionaire’s fall from grace, his embarrassment and shame and how he fails his family and himself. However in the small town of Ham, Mississippi he becomes a part of a community, he finds acceptance, he does what he can do to help people and knows the best way for them to escape poverty? Education is key, the importance of reading, literacy and having access to books and believing they deserve more and a better life.
Through giving them a hand up and working together it’s amazing what people can achieve and the future suddenly looks bright. However the narrative does cover some difficult subjects, how the press will pay money for trashy stories about famous people and impact of cyber bullying, racism, sexual exploitation of women and their bodies.
Five stars from me, well done to Jeffery Blount, a unique coming of age and finding redemption novel.
The preacher's son James leaves his old life behind, he needs a fresh start and a place to hide, and he buys a small house which he has renovated in rural Ham, Mississippi. To say he's shocked when he looks around him is an understatement, the other twenty two houses in his street are falling apart, they don’t have indoor plumbing and the residents live well below the poverty line.
The neighborhood is commonly referred to as “Around the Way” forgotten by the rest of America and the local politician and representative isn’t worried about improving the lives of the coloured residents and he thinks they don’t deserve anything better.
A troubling discovery is made, the whole neighborhood is upset and especially young Juba a young boy who James has befriended, his mother Patrice and stepfather Fountain. James is furious, he’s determined to get justice and it makes him think about his own life, the mistakes he’s made, accept no one is perfect and he can't change the past.
I received a digital copy of Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way by Jeffrey Blount, from Beaufort Books and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. What an amazing and inspirational story, the characters are all memorable and unforgettable, including James, Juba and Beech, Miss Septima, Olivia, Yankee, Mary, Dr. Longford, Fountain and Patrice.
A narrative about a billionaire’s fall from grace, his embarrassment and shame and how he fails his family and himself. However in the small town of Ham, Mississippi he becomes a part of a community, he finds acceptance, he does what he can do to help people and knows the best way for them to escape poverty? Education is key, the importance of reading, literacy and having access to books and believing they deserve more and a better life.
Through giving them a hand up and working together it’s amazing what people can achieve and the future suddenly looks bright. However the narrative does cover some difficult subjects, how the press will pay money for trashy stories about famous people and impact of cyber bullying, racism, sexual exploitation of women and their bodies.
Five stars from me, well done to Jeffery Blount, a unique coming of age and finding redemption novel.
January 5, 2024
“I’m sure you know it’s dangerous. Building hope. Especially in this area.”
Oh friends, you know how much I love an adult coming of age story. Especially a diverse one that inspires and leaves me feeling hopeful for the possibilities of the future.
Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way was just the story I needed to kick off my January reading! It follows a black billionaire named James who after a rough year with his wife makes a horrible, life altering decision in a moment of weakness. He loses everything he holds dear.
He runs away to his roots in a small town in Mississippi, where he hopes to ride out the storm. But he doesn’t expect to see so much poverty and racism. While he befriends his neighbors, and find purpose again, he also sees that money doesn’t change his skin color and it pushes him to think outside the box and begins to help in unexpected and creative ways.
“We just needed to have someone who believed in us. We needed the road map from someone who had already arrived.”
The scenes surrounding his fall from grace will make you cringe. So will the bold antics of the racists in town. But you will fall in love with his neighbors, especially the wise Miss Septima and the adorable Juma. And you will be inspired at his creativity and determination to help the community he becomes a part of. This is a thoughtful look at the power of people coming together.
“Those lovely people became a part of my story, and I became a part of theirs. I found a universal humanity.”
Jeffrey Blount was the very first author interview I ever did on this account, back in 2020.
I’m excited to be able to have him join me again and chat about this new book.
Stay tuned for details!
#mustread #bookrec #blackauthor #readdiversestories
Oh friends, you know how much I love an adult coming of age story. Especially a diverse one that inspires and leaves me feeling hopeful for the possibilities of the future.
Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way was just the story I needed to kick off my January reading! It follows a black billionaire named James who after a rough year with his wife makes a horrible, life altering decision in a moment of weakness. He loses everything he holds dear.
He runs away to his roots in a small town in Mississippi, where he hopes to ride out the storm. But he doesn’t expect to see so much poverty and racism. While he befriends his neighbors, and find purpose again, he also sees that money doesn’t change his skin color and it pushes him to think outside the box and begins to help in unexpected and creative ways.
“We just needed to have someone who believed in us. We needed the road map from someone who had already arrived.”
The scenes surrounding his fall from grace will make you cringe. So will the bold antics of the racists in town. But you will fall in love with his neighbors, especially the wise Miss Septima and the adorable Juma. And you will be inspired at his creativity and determination to help the community he becomes a part of. This is a thoughtful look at the power of people coming together.
“Those lovely people became a part of my story, and I became a part of theirs. I found a universal humanity.”
Jeffrey Blount was the very first author interview I ever did on this account, back in 2020.
I’m excited to be able to have him join me again and chat about this new book.
Stay tuned for details!
#mustread #bookrec #blackauthor #readdiversestories
February 11, 2024
A tenderhearted story of redemption that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
November 9, 2023
It’s a story that places you as the reader in the throes of poverty, specifically in America’s Deep South from the vantage point of a billionaire — a Black billionaire. The main character, James/Mr. Jimmy, is accustomed to his wealth and stature, not in an obnoxiously arrogant and entitled manner but as more of a humanitarian worldly view “I have more money than I could ever need”.
He’s left to confront his position of power after fleeing from his problems in DC when he “loses it all (not the money of course)”, landing in a dilapidated Black community in a small town in Mississippi. A community that has nothing, not even proper plumbing or government assistance. It is a challenge to sit with and dissect stories that depict very real Black American struggles, but I thought the very bold tie in to Mr. Jimmy’s path of redemption is a tale of possibility when community is at the forefront.
Although James/Mr. Jimmy is our main character, the character arc of the people “around the way” was the most commendable, especially Fountain and the children. I think once someone becomes a billionaire, trying to shake their financially ego driven behaviors (communication/self-righteousness/compromises) is hard to overlook and by his age are second nature.
There are some aspects of the story that I wish we received more closure on or details about, which resulted in a 4.5 star rating rounded-up. To avoid spoilers, I’ll keep it brief — Rebecca’s health/lack of open communication & that flashback to the conversation James had with her mother, Jabu’s mother Patrice & the use of those photos, and the overt community racism.
Thank you to Beaufort Books for an advanced reader copy!
I’ll continue to think of this book, the themes, the characters, and what it means to tell the story of what is possible when we connect with our neighbors to use the resources we have to build.
He’s left to confront his position of power after fleeing from his problems in DC when he “loses it all (not the money of course)”, landing in a dilapidated Black community in a small town in Mississippi. A community that has nothing, not even proper plumbing or government assistance. It is a challenge to sit with and dissect stories that depict very real Black American struggles, but I thought the very bold tie in to Mr. Jimmy’s path of redemption is a tale of possibility when community is at the forefront.
Although James/Mr. Jimmy is our main character, the character arc of the people “around the way” was the most commendable, especially Fountain and the children. I think once someone becomes a billionaire, trying to shake their financially ego driven behaviors (communication/self-righteousness/compromises) is hard to overlook and by his age are second nature.
There are some aspects of the story that I wish we received more closure on or details about, which resulted in a 4.5 star rating rounded-up. To avoid spoilers, I’ll keep it brief — Rebecca’s health/lack of open communication & that flashback to the conversation James had with her mother, Jabu’s mother Patrice & the use of those photos, and the overt community racism.
Thank you to Beaufort Books for an advanced reader copy!
I’ll continue to think of this book, the themes, the characters, and what it means to tell the story of what is possible when we connect with our neighbors to use the resources we have to build.
February 1, 2024
An amazing book that you can’t judge by the cover‼️ Mr. Jimmy (James) was the neighborhood hero down in Ham, Mississippi. He left his old life behind and moved into an unknown community seeking redemption. But what he found was a town riddled with poverty and neighbors that were all in need one way or another.
James was a person that didn’t wait for someone to say they needed help. He gave and did things just because it was the right thing to do. Plus he had the money. You might think James was doing all these things as a way to make himself feel better for the past mistakes he made. But in actuality this was just in his character.
What caused James to move to Ham, Mississippi was rather interesting considering his character’s age. I wouldn’t expect him to take the route he’d gone I mean he had MONEY so the Lady Nymph situation was odd. I think his wife’s reaction to everything was expected but a little extreme. I don’t think what he did was immediately forgivable buuuuuut Rebecca could’ve been more understanding to what he was dealing with. Nothing in life happens by chance so I found it crazy she walked away so easily without looking at it from his perspective.
Overall, this was such a lighthearted comforting read. The author explored themes surrounding marriage, poverty, rediscovering yourself, and giving back to those in need. The characters weren’t as layered as I’d like but most are memorable. I really enjoyed the fact we had an older MC working through his flaws and shortcomings. The plot moves a bit slow but it allows readers to really savor and enjoy the story. Special thanks to the author & @beaufortbooks for my gifted copy‼️
James was a person that didn’t wait for someone to say they needed help. He gave and did things just because it was the right thing to do. Plus he had the money. You might think James was doing all these things as a way to make himself feel better for the past mistakes he made. But in actuality this was just in his character.
What caused James to move to Ham, Mississippi was rather interesting considering his character’s age. I wouldn’t expect him to take the route he’d gone I mean he had MONEY so the Lady Nymph situation was odd. I think his wife’s reaction to everything was expected but a little extreme. I don’t think what he did was immediately forgivable buuuuuut Rebecca could’ve been more understanding to what he was dealing with. Nothing in life happens by chance so I found it crazy she walked away so easily without looking at it from his perspective.
Overall, this was such a lighthearted comforting read. The author explored themes surrounding marriage, poverty, rediscovering yourself, and giving back to those in need. The characters weren’t as layered as I’d like but most are memorable. I really enjoyed the fact we had an older MC working through his flaws and shortcomings. The plot moves a bit slow but it allows readers to really savor and enjoy the story. Special thanks to the author & @beaufortbooks for my gifted copy‼️
December 27, 2023
Thank you to Library Thing for the ARC. I loved the writing & loved the Mississippi characters - a great story about racism & poverty in the south. I found it a bit of a stretch that a one night stand would so completely demolish a billionaires reputation - I mean, it’s not right but it’s not like it’s so horribly shocking. And I really couldn’t stand the sanctimonious wife.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2024
"I know that Black folks are whispering about a certain Mr. Jimmy from the neighborhood around the way. I know that you are creating hope in places that didn't exist before you came."
I've attempted to sit down and write this review multiple times since finishing this book. I don't always have a way with words, and I want to be sure that I do this book justice so that you will leave this review heading to find a copy of this book. It was so incredibly beautiful, heartbreaking, and real. It also gave me all the nostalgic feels! (Mr. Jimmy helps kids learn to read with the Bob books y'all!)
After a scandal that destroys the family and life that he's built, James Henry Ferguson escapes to Ham, Mississppi where he hopes to fly under the radar. Now, I had to keep double checking the time frame that this book is set in because I kept feeling like I was reading a story set in the Jim Crow south. It was not. And while we all know that racism is still deeply rooted in our society, and there are definitely places in the deep south that are dangerous for BIPOC, it was still very hard to read about. It made me sick to my stomach and my chest physically ache. But these stories are so incredibly important. And while this book is a work of fiction, it's still based in truth. Unfortunately, these things still happen.
On a lighter note, I absolutely loved the community and village that Mr. Jimmy began to build. I've always believed that it only takes one person and Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way was proof of that. What started with him giving attention to a couple of curious kids grew to him helping an entire community of children learn to read and become excited about school. What started with him indirectly helping his neighbors to put a little bit of food in their fridge grew to him helping them build something that would generate income and wealth that would be passed down for generations to come. He didn't just tell these people to have hope. He gave them concrete reasons to. It was amazing!
While the ending was bittersweet, it was very real and I could appreciate that. Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way is the story of redemption after a fall from grace, the power of love and seeing people whom society deems invisible, the importance of positive role models in the lives of children who have been left behind, and the lessons we learn in our youth that stay with and mold us into the adults we are.
ALL OF THE STARS!!! I know we're not even done with January, but this book is already one of my top reads of 2024. I cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you to Beaufort Books and UpLit Reads for my gifted copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
I've attempted to sit down and write this review multiple times since finishing this book. I don't always have a way with words, and I want to be sure that I do this book justice so that you will leave this review heading to find a copy of this book. It was so incredibly beautiful, heartbreaking, and real. It also gave me all the nostalgic feels! (Mr. Jimmy helps kids learn to read with the Bob books y'all!)
After a scandal that destroys the family and life that he's built, James Henry Ferguson escapes to Ham, Mississppi where he hopes to fly under the radar. Now, I had to keep double checking the time frame that this book is set in because I kept feeling like I was reading a story set in the Jim Crow south. It was not. And while we all know that racism is still deeply rooted in our society, and there are definitely places in the deep south that are dangerous for BIPOC, it was still very hard to read about. It made me sick to my stomach and my chest physically ache. But these stories are so incredibly important. And while this book is a work of fiction, it's still based in truth. Unfortunately, these things still happen.
On a lighter note, I absolutely loved the community and village that Mr. Jimmy began to build. I've always believed that it only takes one person and Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way was proof of that. What started with him giving attention to a couple of curious kids grew to him helping an entire community of children learn to read and become excited about school. What started with him indirectly helping his neighbors to put a little bit of food in their fridge grew to him helping them build something that would generate income and wealth that would be passed down for generations to come. He didn't just tell these people to have hope. He gave them concrete reasons to. It was amazing!
While the ending was bittersweet, it was very real and I could appreciate that. Mr. Jimmy From Around the Way is the story of redemption after a fall from grace, the power of love and seeing people whom society deems invisible, the importance of positive role models in the lives of children who have been left behind, and the lessons we learn in our youth that stay with and mold us into the adults we are.
ALL OF THE STARS!!! I know we're not even done with January, but this book is already one of my top reads of 2024. I cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you to Beaufort Books and UpLit Reads for my gifted copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2024
“No good deed goes unpunished.” Thank you Beaufort Books and Jeffrey Blount for this free early review copy.
“Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way” by Jeffrey Blount ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Literary Fiction/African American Literature. Location: Ham, Mississippi, USA. Time: 2016-2018.
James Henry Ferguson (one of the few African American billionaires) runs from his highly publicized disgrace in Washington DC to ‘Around the Way’, a neglected neighborhood of Ham. As he discovers the abject poverty of his new home, he tries to make positive changes. But a corrupt local politician goes after him and anyone he befriends. James is rich, but he’s also Black in the (still) very racist, sexist Deep South.
Author Blount has written a thought-provoking, intense look at racism, extreme poverty, lack of opportunity. It’s a compelling look at what still happens in the USA. The narrative goes back and forth between 2 plot lines.
1. Mr Jimmy living in Around the Way. It’s engaging, infuriating, heartbreaking, almost unbelievable, and sends strong messages you won’t forget. His characters (Mr Jimmy, Miss Septima, Juba, Fountain) are full of life in their own, often flawed, ways. Mr Jimmy’s quiet acceptance of his neighbors is inspirational. And that early scene at the hospital! How many times have I wished I had the ability to do something like that?
2. James’ disgrace. I’m not sure about the point of his terrible disgrace vs his wife’s subsequent life. His wife had a right to her actions, but he didn’t have a right to his response? He was so empathetic that it was worse for him? His wife and daughters cared more about their reputations than his state of mind? Social media destroys relationships? But I wondered about the portrayal of an unforgiving wife vs a caring husband.
Blount’s talent and literary excellence show up everywhere in this book. His book was a powerful read for me. It challenged me to once again critically think about racism and poverty, but also to ponder the art of writing, creating plots, pulling stories together. A good experience for me-I want to keep being challenged! It’s 4 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼♀️
“Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way” by Jeffrey Blount ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Literary Fiction/African American Literature. Location: Ham, Mississippi, USA. Time: 2016-2018.
James Henry Ferguson (one of the few African American billionaires) runs from his highly publicized disgrace in Washington DC to ‘Around the Way’, a neglected neighborhood of Ham. As he discovers the abject poverty of his new home, he tries to make positive changes. But a corrupt local politician goes after him and anyone he befriends. James is rich, but he’s also Black in the (still) very racist, sexist Deep South.
Author Blount has written a thought-provoking, intense look at racism, extreme poverty, lack of opportunity. It’s a compelling look at what still happens in the USA. The narrative goes back and forth between 2 plot lines.
1. Mr Jimmy living in Around the Way. It’s engaging, infuriating, heartbreaking, almost unbelievable, and sends strong messages you won’t forget. His characters (Mr Jimmy, Miss Septima, Juba, Fountain) are full of life in their own, often flawed, ways. Mr Jimmy’s quiet acceptance of his neighbors is inspirational. And that early scene at the hospital! How many times have I wished I had the ability to do something like that?
2. James’ disgrace. I’m not sure about the point of his terrible disgrace vs his wife’s subsequent life. His wife had a right to her actions, but he didn’t have a right to his response? He was so empathetic that it was worse for him? His wife and daughters cared more about their reputations than his state of mind? Social media destroys relationships? But I wondered about the portrayal of an unforgiving wife vs a caring husband.
Blount’s talent and literary excellence show up everywhere in this book. His book was a powerful read for me. It challenged me to once again critically think about racism and poverty, but also to ponder the art of writing, creating plots, pulling stories together. A good experience for me-I want to keep being challenged! It’s 4 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼♀️
March 11, 2025
Mr Jimmy decides to start over again after a poor decision has life altering ramifications. He moves to a poverty stricken area in Mississippi and is immediately thrust into their world. The politics in the town is corrupt and he is determined to right a wrong - being a billionaire can’t hurt either!
Mr Jimmy’s story is inspiring and will stay with me for a long time. It is a book about forgiveness, second chances, finding your place, redemption and sometimes hurt or betrayal. As Mr Jimmy starts to impart his wisdom on his neighbors he reminds us that teaching a man to fish is much impactful that doing at times.
I fell in love with the people - Juba, the boy next door who just needed some TLC and to know his own worth; Mrs Septima, the old soul that gave those from Around The Way purpose; and even Fountain, the troubled misguided neighbor who wants someone to believe he has good left to offer. Reminds us that we never know what someone is going through so be kind, always.
Pick up a copy today and let @jeffreyeblount tell you a remarkable story about how anyone can make a difference if they care to ❤️
Mr Jimmy’s story is inspiring and will stay with me for a long time. It is a book about forgiveness, second chances, finding your place, redemption and sometimes hurt or betrayal. As Mr Jimmy starts to impart his wisdom on his neighbors he reminds us that teaching a man to fish is much impactful that doing at times.
I fell in love with the people - Juba, the boy next door who just needed some TLC and to know his own worth; Mrs Septima, the old soul that gave those from Around The Way purpose; and even Fountain, the troubled misguided neighbor who wants someone to believe he has good left to offer. Reminds us that we never know what someone is going through so be kind, always.
Pick up a copy today and let @jeffreyeblount tell you a remarkable story about how anyone can make a difference if they care to ❤️
January 3, 2024
I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book.
What an uplifting story. Mr. Jimmy is James Henry Ferguson, a Black self-made billionaire who escapes to Ham, Mississippi after a disgraceful fall. What follows is a journey to redemption, with the help of a cast of interesting, believable characters that I cared about. I was deeply engaged in this story and its message. A must-read for anyone who has made a poor choice (that's all of us).
What an uplifting story. Mr. Jimmy is James Henry Ferguson, a Black self-made billionaire who escapes to Ham, Mississippi after a disgraceful fall. What follows is a journey to redemption, with the help of a cast of interesting, believable characters that I cared about. I was deeply engaged in this story and its message. A must-read for anyone who has made a poor choice (that's all of us).
December 19, 2023
This was an incredible story from new-to-me author, Jeffrey Blount. The blurb on the back of the book says it is a story of failure and redemption, which intrigued me immediately.
The prose was exceptional, painting word pictures that drew you to the storyline. For example: "The colors of his crayon box floated about him, overwhelming the sky as he ran in circles, twisting, laughing, and chasing."
The characters were wonderful and endearing. When the main character made a fateful mistake you hurt for him and all the people around him who were affected by it. You could feel the hurt and anger, shame and guilt; a relationship devasted.
The stories of Mr. Jimmy's childhood in which loving parents surrounded him, helped him get through his ordeal. The winners were the folks from "around the way" who benefitted from his good heart and concern for their welfare.
Mr. Blount told of a neighborhood of abject poverty made better not necessarily because of Mr. Jimmy's wealth, but because of the time he spent with the children encouraging them to read, offering them jobs to improve their self-confidence, and being a grandfather to all.
Thank you to the publisher, Beaufort Books, and Library Thing, for this free advanced reading copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
The prose was exceptional, painting word pictures that drew you to the storyline. For example: "The colors of his crayon box floated about him, overwhelming the sky as he ran in circles, twisting, laughing, and chasing."
The characters were wonderful and endearing. When the main character made a fateful mistake you hurt for him and all the people around him who were affected by it. You could feel the hurt and anger, shame and guilt; a relationship devasted.
The stories of Mr. Jimmy's childhood in which loving parents surrounded him, helped him get through his ordeal. The winners were the folks from "around the way" who benefitted from his good heart and concern for their welfare.
Mr. Blount told of a neighborhood of abject poverty made better not necessarily because of Mr. Jimmy's wealth, but because of the time he spent with the children encouraging them to read, offering them jobs to improve their self-confidence, and being a grandfather to all.
Thank you to the publisher, Beaufort Books, and Library Thing, for this free advanced reading copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2024
Absolutely one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Mr. Jimmy stole my heart from the first page and I fell more and more in love with this amazing man on every single page.
When James Henry Ferguson, the billionaire, takes a massive fall from grace he ends up in Ham, Mississippi to try and restart his life and try to move forward. Once he arrives in Ham he meets all of his neighbors from “around the way” and becomes an integral part of their lives and their community. From Miss Septima to Olivia and Yankee and Juba and Patrice, Jimmy finds himself drawn to these people. He makes it his life mission to help his neighbors get out of the abject poverty they have grown up in.
This book had me laughing and sobbing and happy and angry. I can not recommend this book highly enough!!!
When James Henry Ferguson, the billionaire, takes a massive fall from grace he ends up in Ham, Mississippi to try and restart his life and try to move forward. Once he arrives in Ham he meets all of his neighbors from “around the way” and becomes an integral part of their lives and their community. From Miss Septima to Olivia and Yankee and Juba and Patrice, Jimmy finds himself drawn to these people. He makes it his life mission to help his neighbors get out of the abject poverty they have grown up in.
This book had me laughing and sobbing and happy and angry. I can not recommend this book highly enough!!!
March 3, 2024
This wasn’t the book I was expecting. There was very little I liked about it – and some things were just exasperating. I didn’t find the reason for James Henry Ferguson (Mr. Jimmy)’s self-exile to a small town in Mississippi believable. Without any spoilers, let me just say the author’s portrayal of James’ wife, Rebecca, was just strange – and unrealistic. Why did this male author think he could write about a woman’s sexual issues when it’s obviously not something he has personally experienced?
Themes of wealth and poverty, racism, friendship, marriage.
I was expecting a warmhearted and redemptive story, and instead stopped reading after 100 pages, soon after *Content Warning* the graphic description of a brutal assault.
I can’t recommend this one.
Themes of wealth and poverty, racism, friendship, marriage.
I was expecting a warmhearted and redemptive story, and instead stopped reading after 100 pages, soon after *Content Warning* the graphic description of a brutal assault.
I can’t recommend this one.
February 21, 2024
This book touched my heart, and made me really think about other people and how we can make an effort "to get to know the world outside of our world, and help where and when you can." And I loved how the author tells us "to treat our blessings with respect." A beautiful book!
January 17, 2024
This book was just wow! I enjoyed it so much, and it seriously had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I was so invested in this story that I didn't want to put it down!
James Henry Ferguson has been disgraced. He's just become a black billionaire, but a tweet has gone viral and is now ruining his life. His wife and daughters want nothing to do with him, and the media is relentless. He leaves DC in hopes of getting away from it all. He picks the rural town of Ham, Mississippi. He buys and renovates a small house in the "Around the Way" neighborhood. A section that has truly been neglected and forgotten. The houses around him are falling apart with no indoor plumbing, and the people live well below the poverty line. He tries to do what he can to help his neighbors, but politics in this small town start to get in his way. Then, a shocking discovery rocks the community. Mr. Jimmy knows he needs to do something to get justice for these people. He comes to terms with his past, that he knows he can not change and finds the strength to do so.
This book about failure, self-discovery, empowerment, redemption, and hope will stay with me for a very long time. It was incredibly heartbreaking but wonderful at the same time. It was a compelling read about topics most people don't want to discuss. I absolutely adored Mr. Jimmy and all the other characters from Around the Way, especially Miss Septima. I loved the connections he made and the willingness to help the less fortunate. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it.
James Henry Ferguson has been disgraced. He's just become a black billionaire, but a tweet has gone viral and is now ruining his life. His wife and daughters want nothing to do with him, and the media is relentless. He leaves DC in hopes of getting away from it all. He picks the rural town of Ham, Mississippi. He buys and renovates a small house in the "Around the Way" neighborhood. A section that has truly been neglected and forgotten. The houses around him are falling apart with no indoor plumbing, and the people live well below the poverty line. He tries to do what he can to help his neighbors, but politics in this small town start to get in his way. Then, a shocking discovery rocks the community. Mr. Jimmy knows he needs to do something to get justice for these people. He comes to terms with his past, that he knows he can not change and finds the strength to do so.
This book about failure, self-discovery, empowerment, redemption, and hope will stay with me for a very long time. It was incredibly heartbreaking but wonderful at the same time. It was a compelling read about topics most people don't want to discuss. I absolutely adored Mr. Jimmy and all the other characters from Around the Way, especially Miss Septima. I loved the connections he made and the willingness to help the less fortunate. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it.
April 21, 2025
This is the story of a billionaire, albeit a Black billionaire, who attended Princeton and Wharton, then made a successful lucrative career in Washington DC.
Life was perfect until he made one mistake. This affected his perfect family. His wife and daughters deserted him. Bad publicity forced him to leave DC and move to Ham, Mississippi, “a community of systematic racism, poverty, and violence.”
A series of heartbreaking setbacks almost destroyed his plans to help his new community. What unfolds is a story of redemption, community and the power of reading. Reading leads to education, and that education leads to opportunity, and “opportunity breeds success.”
I loved this book. It is amazing what a billionaire can do if that person cares enough.
Life was perfect until he made one mistake. This affected his perfect family. His wife and daughters deserted him. Bad publicity forced him to leave DC and move to Ham, Mississippi, “a community of systematic racism, poverty, and violence.”
A series of heartbreaking setbacks almost destroyed his plans to help his new community. What unfolds is a story of redemption, community and the power of reading. Reading leads to education, and that education leads to opportunity, and “opportunity breeds success.”
I loved this book. It is amazing what a billionaire can do if that person cares enough.
Read
February 10, 2024I’m so excited to moderate a panel with this author for the Tucson Festival of Books. This was a really wonderful story full of hope, heartbreak, redemption and what it looks like when a community comes together to serve one another.
The book follows James Ferguson, a Black billionaire and family man. James goes through a series of trials and makes some pretty devastating mistakes. In order to heal, he moves from the city of D.C to a small town in the South. He is confronted by incredible poverty and pretty overt racism. Through his own journey to healing, he helps the people who he comes to call family in his new community.
This book was really beautiful and I think could be enjoyed by a wide audience. I really appreciate the perspective and the redemptive arc. If you want to be uplifted and filled with hope while reading, I definitely recommend this book!
The book follows James Ferguson, a Black billionaire and family man. James goes through a series of trials and makes some pretty devastating mistakes. In order to heal, he moves from the city of D.C to a small town in the South. He is confronted by incredible poverty and pretty overt racism. Through his own journey to healing, he helps the people who he comes to call family in his new community.
This book was really beautiful and I think could be enjoyed by a wide audience. I really appreciate the perspective and the redemptive arc. If you want to be uplifted and filled with hope while reading, I definitely recommend this book!
February 7, 2024
5 stars isn’t close to enough!! This one goes on my list of all time favorite books and Mr. Jimmy is possibly one of my favorite characters ever. He’s flawed but his heart is good. It’s a story of finding light in the darkness. It attacks racism, poverty and all sorts of issues with a cast of characters that I’m not ready to let go of. Read it!!!!
January 27, 2024
I love stories of redemption. They not only give me hope, but they sometimes give me goals and ideals to live up to. This is one of those stories. It’s touching and heartfelt, while at the same time being gritty and raw. It’s a hard story to read, but one that will leave your heart soaring. In my opinion, it’s a must read for 2024.
May 20, 2024
Heart-rending and heartwarming story of one love lost and another love found, redemption and faith.
July 5, 2025
I’ll be honest, for the first 120 pages or so I found it difficult to sympathize with the billionaire adulterer main character who is trying to do nice things for people. However, by the end of the book I was won over. It’s sad that this book feels like a fantasy novel in how we all wish billionaires would use their money to lift others up, but it was nice to read something that ends with hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
A quick read for me. Hard to put down.
December 9, 2024
What a beautiful read. Heart warming and wrenching at the same time. Mr.Jimmy’s story is one riddled with down southern Baptist roots that while serving as his bastion for what is right, also served as the backdrop for all that came with his fall from grace, to some degree. His story is also one that tells the true nuance of “some mistakes cost more than others”. It’s a redemption story that allows you to feel the dynamic emotions of the main character and hate the villains of the book(Jimmy as well at times), all while reconciling the various shades of humanity and that there is beauty on the other side of the storm if you start your day;
Checking air pressure, water pressure, and blood pressure.
Thank you Mr. Blount for allowing black boys,girls, men, and women to see that financial and educational success of that magnitude is possible and that helping people can still be a part of that story.
Checking air pressure, water pressure, and blood pressure.
Thank you Mr. Blount for allowing black boys,girls, men, and women to see that financial and educational success of that magnitude is possible and that helping people can still be a part of that story.
January 22, 2024
“I know that Black folks are whispering about a certain Mr. Jimmy from the neighborhood around the way.”
When James Ferguson hits a rough patch in his marriage, he finds out the hard way how one mistake can destroy many lives. Trying to leave his shame behind, he moves to a little town in Mississippi but soon enough his past catches up to him there too.
Mr Jimmy from Around the Way is a story of hope amidst destruction. It shows us that one person can make a difference just by loving others.
I read his prior book, The Emancipation of Evan Walls a few years ago and this book evoked many of the same feelings. Jeffrey Blount is a fantastic author!
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Read if you like:
Themes of hope and forgiveness
Books that don’t shy away from hard truths
Stories of resilience
Thank you @uplitreads and @beaufortbooks for the #gifted copy.
When James Ferguson hits a rough patch in his marriage, he finds out the hard way how one mistake can destroy many lives. Trying to leave his shame behind, he moves to a little town in Mississippi but soon enough his past catches up to him there too.
Mr Jimmy from Around the Way is a story of hope amidst destruction. It shows us that one person can make a difference just by loving others.
I read his prior book, The Emancipation of Evan Walls a few years ago and this book evoked many of the same feelings. Jeffrey Blount is a fantastic author!
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Read if you like:
Themes of hope and forgiveness
Books that don’t shy away from hard truths
Stories of resilience
Thank you @uplitreads and @beaufortbooks for the #gifted copy.
Read
August 4, 2023I received an ARC of this book via Adventures by the Book.
I wrote this review in collaboration with bookish event company Adventures By the Book based in Southern California, where I am interning. You can check out ABTB https://adventuresbythebook.com/
This author is a member of Novel Network where you can reach out to them for an appearance in your book club for free! Find more information about Novel Network at: https://novelnetwork.com/our-authors/
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Blount’s groundbreaking new novel explores the deep struggles that accompany a life spent constantly running away from trouble. Blount writes about poverty in Mississippi in a profound way that illuminates the vision we have in our head of the deep American South. This book encounters many of the troublesome topics of human nature that we often stray away from discussing, and Blount leaves you thinking about his book for days after you’ve finished reading it. You truly can’t prepare yourself for this novel, it’s nothing like you’ve ever read before.
I wrote this review in collaboration with bookish event company Adventures By the Book based in Southern California, where I am interning. You can check out ABTB https://adventuresbythebook.com/
This author is a member of Novel Network where you can reach out to them for an appearance in your book club for free! Find more information about Novel Network at: https://novelnetwork.com/our-authors/
___________________________________________________________
Blount’s groundbreaking new novel explores the deep struggles that accompany a life spent constantly running away from trouble. Blount writes about poverty in Mississippi in a profound way that illuminates the vision we have in our head of the deep American South. This book encounters many of the troublesome topics of human nature that we often stray away from discussing, and Blount leaves you thinking about his book for days after you’ve finished reading it. You truly can’t prepare yourself for this novel, it’s nothing like you’ve ever read before.
January 5, 2025
After listening to the audiobook, my mind wanders at all the ways Mr. Jimmy reconnected with his core self and made positive impact in the community he lived in while having to accept and work through the ripple affect of a dishonorable choice he made.
This writer draws you in and layers the story in a way that pulls at your heart, twists it at times, and then releases it with some triumph. At times I was cheering internally for these characters.
Fav quote: (may not be exact and it had me laughing out loud)
“He’s about as mixed up as a June bug born in July!”
This writer draws you in and layers the story in a way that pulls at your heart, twists it at times, and then releases it with some triumph. At times I was cheering internally for these characters.
Fav quote: (may not be exact and it had me laughing out loud)
“He’s about as mixed up as a June bug born in July!”
March 30, 2024
I just find it hard to believe a man with enough money to do all the things Jimmy was able to do cannot squash a story about a one time cheating scandal. The writing was beautiful and some of the dialogue will stick with me forever. However, the pacing felt a little strange. Some of the actions and motivations and reactions really didn’t make a lot of sense.
August 19, 2025
Narration was hilariously painful, but the story was a delightfully feel-good story of hope and possibility.
July 29, 2024
Jeffrey Blount’s “Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way” centers on James Henry Ferguson, a member of the Black Billionaires Club, a Washington resident, and a distinguished philanthropist. He loses all he holds dear due to a scandalous mistake and ends up finding redemption in the unlikeliest of places.
Ferguson is known to have a great sense of business. He has had amazing success in opening a dozen extremely popular national restaurants and has been on CNBC, Bloomberg, and FBN. He has two daughters, along with his best friend and confidant, Rebecca, to whom he is married. Their marriage has been beautiful and admirable, until his wife discloses that, in terms of intimacy, she has not felt the same way about him since the children arrived. As his life takes an unforeseen turn, desperation begins to set in. He eventually makes an inconceivable mistake that gets exposed on the internet, completely upending his life.
In an effort to start again, he moves to Ham, a little-known rural community in Mississippi. Still, memories of his past continue to sabotage his physical, social, and emotional health. He sometimes shouts and tosses his pillow over his head in the hopes that it will help him forget the painful events.
Soon, he becomes the talk of Ham. Among the topics circulating is his recent threat to purchase the neighborhood hospital in an attempt to provide better healthcare to underprivileged locals. Racist attacks are led against him by the wealthy and influential president of the hospital’s board of supervisors. Nonetheless, nothing will stop him from dreaming of providing a living for these families in a way that they never would have thought was feasible.
The tale of Jimmy Ferguson tale is gripping, motivational, and a test of human resilience. It starts out strong, drawing the reader in and testing their keenness with each new page. The book mostly discusses family turmoil and secrets, the repercussions of uncontrolled cravings, the worth of a good reputation, racism, and the delight of loving and helping others. The protagonist is a fantastic choice, and it is admirable to follow his path of redemption. Despite his prior transgressions and unending detractors, he swiftly establishes himself as a reader’s favorite as he remains adamant on introducing hope where none existed before.
The gratifying conclusion of “Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way” will comfort anybody whose life has fallen apart under their feet. It is a magnificent telling of the stories of both falling from grace and rising from the ashes. Both young and seasoned adults alike should absolutely grab this gripping story.
Ferguson is known to have a great sense of business. He has had amazing success in opening a dozen extremely popular national restaurants and has been on CNBC, Bloomberg, and FBN. He has two daughters, along with his best friend and confidant, Rebecca, to whom he is married. Their marriage has been beautiful and admirable, until his wife discloses that, in terms of intimacy, she has not felt the same way about him since the children arrived. As his life takes an unforeseen turn, desperation begins to set in. He eventually makes an inconceivable mistake that gets exposed on the internet, completely upending his life.
In an effort to start again, he moves to Ham, a little-known rural community in Mississippi. Still, memories of his past continue to sabotage his physical, social, and emotional health. He sometimes shouts and tosses his pillow over his head in the hopes that it will help him forget the painful events.
Soon, he becomes the talk of Ham. Among the topics circulating is his recent threat to purchase the neighborhood hospital in an attempt to provide better healthcare to underprivileged locals. Racist attacks are led against him by the wealthy and influential president of the hospital’s board of supervisors. Nonetheless, nothing will stop him from dreaming of providing a living for these families in a way that they never would have thought was feasible.
The tale of Jimmy Ferguson tale is gripping, motivational, and a test of human resilience. It starts out strong, drawing the reader in and testing their keenness with each new page. The book mostly discusses family turmoil and secrets, the repercussions of uncontrolled cravings, the worth of a good reputation, racism, and the delight of loving and helping others. The protagonist is a fantastic choice, and it is admirable to follow his path of redemption. Despite his prior transgressions and unending detractors, he swiftly establishes himself as a reader’s favorite as he remains adamant on introducing hope where none existed before.
The gratifying conclusion of “Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way” will comfort anybody whose life has fallen apart under their feet. It is a magnificent telling of the stories of both falling from grace and rising from the ashes. Both young and seasoned adults alike should absolutely grab this gripping story.
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