Even to a Jellyfish

by James Sleckman

The sixties and seventies are long gone, but to some guys the memories never go away. The music, the war, the first girlfriends are all part of what made them men.

So when four old salts come upon the lifeless body of their friend Socket, whose claim to fame is Ho Chi Wow, a lucrative strain of cannabis, these Boomers embark on a mad chase to find the hidden stash. On their tail, relentless in his pursuit, is an embittered ex-cop desperate for cash.

As the fishing buddies navigate the waters of Long Island’s North Fork,
they reminisce about the good old days and struggle with the pangs of aging. When conflict and disaster strike, will they find a way to survive?

218 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2024

Reviews

[Catherine Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the jellyfish is the lowest form of life, James Sleckman in his incredible new novel Even to a Jellyfish has brought his eponymous star to the top along with his own literary reputation. Sleckman takes you for a ride on the waters of the North Fork with his fishing buddies that dives deeply into the male psyche (and the women they love) with wit, passion and comedic flair. What a ride it is! We meet these four Boomers (he calls them Goonies) in real time fishing and reminiscing and charting the waters of their lives. Along the way they face adventures and misadventures like the Hardy Boys grown up and gone rogue. With a deft touch Sleckman recreates the decades past in their lives with reference to film, popular songs, old TV shows, their college years, Vietnam, but he also touches on illness, fear of memory loss and the vicissitudes of retirement life.

Their hilarious and poignant banter moves the plot along and defines these four unforgettable old salts. Now they are testing the waters of their next phase. Their leader and narrator Timbo, a bit uneasy about some memory loss, latches on to the idea that popping jellyfish like a daily vitamin is the answer. His buddies follow his lead. Their adventures include sea rescues and mourning a friend who has left them clues to his marijuana stash (the pot of gold) and their attendant search, their own minor quest with a nod to Ahab and his whale. On the way they meet their nemesis, Officer Wiz, have a hilarious and dangerous trip to Plum Island, a highly secretive place that supposedly houses animal research but has been the nexus of conspiracy theories for ages. And always always the novel makes the North Fork a character in itself rich in fishing lore and waters big and small, a place to find yourself again and again drawn in by the power and majesty of nature on the East End.

The finale is a night to remember for these lifelong old salts. It ends with poignance and camaraderie as they realize their value to one another. This is a ride you don't want to miss --not just for Baby Boomers but for everyone with its universal themes of time passing and sheer joy in life whatever your age. With a sly wink to Dylan's greatest hit, at the end Sleckman lets us know these guys are rolling stones who just keep on "fishing."

[Elizabeth Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a delightful beach read that takes you right into the water! Set in today's North Fork of Long Island, the novel focuses on the male members of a group of eight friends enjoying their retirements and each other's company by fishing in the waters around Shelter Island and Plum Island and the rich bounty to be found near Southold and Greenport. Humorous and fast-paced, there are recipes mixed in with detailed and interesting descriptions of the spots to attempt to fish for keeper flukes while sometimes landing blow fish or jellyfish instead. Sleckman obviously is intimately familiar with the areas described, both on the land and on the water.
Caught up in the jokes and easy ribbing of Tim (Timbo) and "the boys," the reader, almost expecting to be handed a beer as the "gang" sets out on another day of fishing, could miss the deeper currents running beneath the good times: these "children of the 60s", are surprised and challenged by their aging bodies and their own and their loved ones' mortality.
Definitely a guy's novel, the wives and mothers in the work are beloved partners with whom to share the fish and clams brought home but none are rounded characters - and that's fine. The two major plot developments surround the arrival of women from outside the circle of friends. The suspenseful ending is unexpected and exciting.
Well crafted and life affirming, gift this novel to yourself or to a man you love. It reminds us, as Sleckman writes, "Life is a mystery, but also precious, especially if you are loved."

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner! If you have good buddies that you’ve made memories with, got into trouble with, stood by when things are rough, then you’re gonna love this book.
It’s chock full of funny stories, little anecdotes, a bit of mystery and a lotta love between good friends.

[Kim Ligon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-crafted debut novel is a story of four fishing buddies coming of age--for the second time. They are all retired and facing daily reminders of growing older. They use some unorthodox methods to improve their memory and libido as they try to slow the inevitable aging process. When a close acquaintance dies they are given a strange opportunity for one more life-changing grand adventure which they eagerly embrace. This is a book about male bonding on the water while swapping tales both tall and true. It is about freeing yourself from past regrets, appreciating the love you have and give, and the gift of memories old and new. It is a perfect read for men of that certain age and for the women who love them. It finishes with hope and an appreciation of the preciousness of life. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are my own freely given. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read Sleckman's next one.

[Jeanne Clancy]

A delightful summer read! Timbo and his three buddies are thoroughly enjoying retirement – talking, fishing, and drinking. After a discussion of subtle memory loss, Tim decides to forgo the jellyfish-based supplements that claim to enhance memory, cut out the middleman, and just eat a daily jellyfish. Then, Marty, Rob, and Steve discover his secret and jump on board – just in the nick of time. Not only do they use their improved faculties to remember song lyrics, reminisce, and find the best fish, but the guys also use them to search for a deceased friend’s secret marijuana patch and outwit a disgraced cop who’s determined to find it, too. Jim Sleckman’s Even to a Jellyfish is a funny and touching tale of growing up and growing old with great friends. Readers are sure to enjoy a trip down memory lane and into the future with Timbo and his pals.

[Carolyn Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! Loved reading about male friendship, men's perspectives on aging, and I even learned a bit about fishing! I also loved all the musical references. This book has a little bit of everything in it - humor, mystery, adventure, relationships, and wisdom that comes with aging. Such an enjoyable read.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet & poignant about four retired fishing buddies, how they spend the lazy days of summer reminiscing about days gone by, helping friends & family and of course help solve the occasionally mystery. Loved it!!!

[Kathleen M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well conceived, well written, enjoyable and insightful! A positive message for all!

[Randolph Amengual · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare to be fortunate enough to find a book that creatively takes you on a journey that is completely relatable to your own life experiences. James Sleckman’s “Even to a Jellyfish” takes the reader on a humorous and touching odyssey from boyhood through retirement. He creatively weaves anecdotes from boyhood pranks, puberty, first loves, navigating the draft during the Viet Nam era, marriage, work and retirement. Throughout the musical, cultural and historic references are spot on. The fabric of the novel sets the stage for four 70 year olds who refuse to yield to their ages and yearn to keep their Tom Sawyer like adventures going. This is a fun book for and a must read for any one blessed to have grown up in this era.

[MaryAnn Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading James Sleckman’s book, Even to a Jellyfish. While it starts off slow as you are introduced to and get to know the four main characters, I suggest you stick with it. Anyone who lives on Long Island, loves to catch, cook, and/or eat fish, enjoys classic rock and roll music, and understands the trials and tribulations of getting older will love this book! It made me laugh out loud, get teary eyed, and reminisce about the good old days. The ending is fast paced, action packed, exciting and very satisfying. I look forward to future works by this author!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun summer read about friendship, fishing, and growing older.

The banter among the four main male characters is spot on - quoting the lyrics of favorite songs, sharing the high jinks of youth, and navigating the trials of aging - all with a healthy dose of ribbing and teasing. Male bonding at its best!

Not just a book for the retired dude in your life - but for anyone who likes a good buddy story full of adventure and humor.

I would love to see what Timbo, Marty, Steve and Rob get up to next!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much like being a fly on the wall, or jellyfish in the waters, maybe, of your grandpa’s boys weekend, & then also having to just endure listening to their banter, but also feeling like you still love & miss grandpa & at least a few of his buddies, for all that he was-warts & all. Entertaining and goofy.

[Jon Bogardus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I grew up on the North Fork, so it was a nice nostalgic setting, but it seemed like the author was trying too hard. The language used by the characters seemed forced. it felt like the book was written by someone trying too hard to emulate a "buddy" film or book.

[Susan Bogardus · Rating 5 out of 5]

So delightful!!! An easy read that makes me smile and keep turning pages!!! Highly recommend for a light and fun read.