A Monk Jumped over a Wall

by Jay Nussbaum

J. J. Spencer is one of the many hungry young lawyers eager to climb the corporate ladder to the great future awaiting him. With his first annual review approaching, J. J. is confident his keen work for the top Manhattan law firm he is employed by will be praised all the way to the bank. Until, that is, he gives in to a sudden surge of compassion during a chance encounter at a diner.
J. J. discovers how swiftly no good deed goes the consequences of his generous impulse snowball and before he knows it, J. J. Spencer has been beaten bloody, arrested for drunk driving, and fired from his job. His perfect life seemingly over, J. J. decides he must dedicate himself to helping the very people who unwittingly lost him everything. It is through that journey - and the surprising battles contained therein - that a new life is allowed to rise from the ashes of the old, and J. J. emerges as the man he always should have been.

Genres: Fiction

364 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Paula Obermeier McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the message about trying to find your own path in life by following your own voice instead of the voices of others.

I loved the section where J.J.'s realizes that he hasn't heard his own voice for a long time and identifies the voices that have been guiding his path:
1. His mother's: "what are you waiting for, a round of applause?"
2. His father's: "Why was I cursed with this family of losers?"

J.J. finally remembers his old mentor's advice: "You can spend the rest of your life trying to get even with a memory, or you can just tell him to [****:] off. It's a little crude but the advice is right on the money.

[Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

The back of this book leads one to believe that the story is about a big firm associate who sheds his comfortable life to represent the "little guy" and take on "the man" (in this case, his old firm). To the contrary, this book is more about his experience in law school, and why he thinks it was a mistake. It has some funny parts, and to those of us who have been to law school, you will definitely see some familiar scenes, but basically, this book is whining about the same thing that half the lawyers I know whine about every day.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clever title which speaks to a theme in this novel. ''Buddha jumped over the Wall' is the name of a Chinese shark soup. The legend is that while this soup was being prepared in the lay community, the delicious smell spread over into the (strictly vegetarian) Monk monastery. One of the monks, tempted by the delicious aroma jumped over the wall. This idea is central to this enjoyable novel.

[Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moves fast, almost really good. The professor's breakdown doesn't quite work, but still a fine read.

[Jak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some good laugh out loud passages. Do the right thing, and follow your heart if you can find it. A little preachy

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about a guy who has to risk everything before he finds out what he really wants in life.

[Anissa C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for lawyers and, overall, encouraging to move out of a comfort zone into the unknown or uncertain for a happier life.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I'm a career counselor, I loved this book because it was about being true to yourself in the career/life choices we make. It was funny, touching and thoroughly enjoyable. Unexpected treasure.