What do you think?
Rate this book
OKE, HE WAS CALLED
OKE, HE WAS CALLED, is a short story at once breathtakingly beautiful and unspeakably wrenching, by the exquisitely talented Josh Stewart, actor and screenwriter, who has turned his attention to his greatest fiction writing.
Set in rural West Virginia, this urgently riveting tale spans a few torturous days in the life of a 13-year-old boy whose dog (best friend, sidekick, soulmate) goes missing. A warrior who knows the lay of the unforgiving land, Oke has never before been gone this long. The wait is excruciating for the boy, driven by fear and guilt and dread, but also, glimmers of hope.
An exploration of loyalty, friendship, the crush of nature and the elements, and the bonds of connection, OKE, HE WAS CALLED is stirring and unforgettable American storytelling, signaling an exciting and bold new voice in fiction.
Josh Stewart is a produced screenwriter and prolific actor, whose numerous feature film credits include The Dark Knight Rises and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and among whose wide-ranging TV credits are longstanding roles in Criminal Minds, The Punisher, The Mentalist, and Third Watch. Recently, he can be seen in Apple TV’s Manhunt. A native of West Virginia, he has a fervent love of his home state, which he depicts with a masterful and gruelingly honest eye. Stewart recently completed his first novel and is at work on his follow-up.
Set in rural West Virginia, this urgently riveting tale spans a few torturous days in the life of a 13-year-old boy whose dog (best friend, sidekick, soulmate) goes missing. A warrior who knows the lay of the unforgiving land, Oke has never before been gone this long. The wait is excruciating for the boy, driven by fear and guilt and dread, but also, glimmers of hope.
An exploration of loyalty, friendship, the crush of nature and the elements, and the bonds of connection, OKE, HE WAS CALLED is stirring and unforgettable American storytelling, signaling an exciting and bold new voice in fiction.
Josh Stewart is a produced screenwriter and prolific actor, whose numerous feature film credits include The Dark Knight Rises and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and among whose wide-ranging TV credits are longstanding roles in Criminal Minds, The Punisher, The Mentalist, and Third Watch. Recently, he can be seen in Apple TV’s Manhunt. A native of West Virginia, he has a fervent love of his home state, which he depicts with a masterful and gruelingly honest eye. Stewart recently completed his first novel and is at work on his follow-up.
18 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2024
3 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 20, 2024
Are the holidays not emotional enough for you? Are you feeling joyous and festive? Are things going your way?
Boy have I got the book for you.
In the hills of West Virginia lived a boy and his dog, Oke. Loyal best friends, the two have been together since both were pups.
Now in the boy’s 13th year, Oke, who is prone to wandering off, will leave and be gone too long.
Where is he? What’s happened to him?
You won’t be able to see the page through your tears. Beautifully written, heartbreaking and true, prepare to soar and fall desperately to the ground over the course of a few days in their lives.
Boy have I got the book for you.
In the hills of West Virginia lived a boy and his dog, Oke. Loyal best friends, the two have been together since both were pups.
Now in the boy’s 13th year, Oke, who is prone to wandering off, will leave and be gone too long.
Where is he? What’s happened to him?
You won’t be able to see the page through your tears. Beautifully written, heartbreaking and true, prepare to soar and fall desperately to the ground over the course of a few days in their lives.
October 22, 2024
This short story is a moving look at a thirteen year old boy, Jack, his bond with his dog, Oke, and the reality of growing up.
There were so many beautiful lines and descriptions in these pages. It was easy to immerse myself in the beautiful mountain/woods setting in the story. Stewart seems to really lean in to the nature of the short story genre, by giving just enough information to help you picture the events, but specifically leaving pieces vague when they aren’t integral to the plotline. It makes for a really captivating story.
Oke, He Was Called was beautiful and real and emotional, and there is a lot of heart packed into these pages.
There were so many beautiful lines and descriptions in these pages. It was easy to immerse myself in the beautiful mountain/woods setting in the story. Stewart seems to really lean in to the nature of the short story genre, by giving just enough information to help you picture the events, but specifically leaving pieces vague when they aren’t integral to the plotline. It makes for a really captivating story.
Oke, He Was Called was beautiful and real and emotional, and there is a lot of heart packed into these pages.
October 9, 2024
A Worthy Debut
Beautiful and heartbreaking, this is a worthy short story debut by the multi-talented Josh Stewart. Looking forward to his next story.
Beautiful and heartbreaking, this is a worthy short story debut by the multi-talented Josh Stewart. Looking forward to his next story.
October 27, 2024
A short coming-of-age story about a boy and his dog, Oke, He Was Called packed all the emotion into a few meaningful pages.
I have a German Shepherd myself, so when I read about the bonds between Jack and Oke I couldn’t help thinking about the love I have for my own protective giant. I learned recently that I’m carrying a baby boy, and I can’t wait to see the relationship unfold between Sam and the new member of our pack. Jack’s memories of growing up with his furry guardian really hit home as I anticipate what it will be like for my own son one day.
This story was both heart-breaking and uplifting, touching a subject we all must face in life. Leaving behind our childhoods has never been easy, just as letting go of a loved one can feel impossible. Stewart’s writing was strong and impactful, and I highly suggest getting the tissues ready before you dive in!
If you’re looking for an emotion driven coming-of-age story you can read in one sitting, I highly recommend this one!
I have a German Shepherd myself, so when I read about the bonds between Jack and Oke I couldn’t help thinking about the love I have for my own protective giant. I learned recently that I’m carrying a baby boy, and I can’t wait to see the relationship unfold between Sam and the new member of our pack. Jack’s memories of growing up with his furry guardian really hit home as I anticipate what it will be like for my own son one day.
This story was both heart-breaking and uplifting, touching a subject we all must face in life. Leaving behind our childhoods has never been easy, just as letting go of a loved one can feel impossible. Stewart’s writing was strong and impactful, and I highly suggest getting the tissues ready before you dive in!
If you’re looking for an emotion driven coming-of-age story you can read in one sitting, I highly recommend this one!
November 4, 2024
This short story explores the relationship of a 13-year-old boy and his loyal companion, his dog Oke, over the course of a few days as he realizes that Oke is missing.
My thoughts:
As someone who has a canine best friend (my Ferris❤️) I was really able to connect with Jack and Oke’s relationship. For a very short story, so much is touched on in the most beautiful way. The importance and lasting impact of friendship and companionship, losing your childhood innocence and realizing how much is left behind during the process of growing up. The writing is very lyrical and flows nicely for a quick, but impactful read.
My thoughts:
As someone who has a canine best friend (my Ferris❤️) I was really able to connect with Jack and Oke’s relationship. For a very short story, so much is touched on in the most beautiful way. The importance and lasting impact of friendship and companionship, losing your childhood innocence and realizing how much is left behind during the process of growing up. The writing is very lyrical and flows nicely for a quick, but impactful read.
October 29, 2024
I haven’t read many short stories but I’m so glad I was able to read this one. To put it simply, this story was beautifully written. The imagery was so well explained. You felt like you were in Jack’s shoes.
This story is such a beautiful depiction of someone’s bond with their animal and growing together. It evoked so much emotion out of me that it’s almost laughable that a story this short could make me feel all the emotions it did. But that’s just good solid writing.
This story is such a beautiful depiction of someone’s bond with their animal and growing together. It evoked so much emotion out of me that it’s almost laughable that a story this short could make me feel all the emotions it did. But that’s just good solid writing.
October 31, 2024
I love reading coming-of-age and this one is going to stay with me forever. I’m crying my eyes out! It’s heart wrenching and gut wrenching!!! It remind me of, “Old Yeller” and made me hug my dog a little tighter. It’s beautiful written and short. But, trust me… this short story will leave a lasting impact.
October 10, 2024
Horrifyingly Beautiful
This is such a horrifyingly sweet story. It really demonstrates a different side to human experience most people don’t think about. The writing is beautiful and the words just flow so effortlessly into your brain. a true masterpiece.
This is such a horrifyingly sweet story. It really demonstrates a different side to human experience most people don’t think about. The writing is beautiful and the words just flow so effortlessly into your brain. a true masterpiece.
November 16, 2024
Beautiful and heartbreaking!
What a beautiful short story.
This was a quick and emotional read. That left me wanting to read more.
This short book was emotional, inspiring, relatable, and well written.
I can't wait to read more books from this author. 🩶
What a beautiful short story.
This was a quick and emotional read. That left me wanting to read more.
This short book was emotional, inspiring, relatable, and well written.
I can't wait to read more books from this author. 🩶
October 8, 2024
Highly recommend
I read this last night, and it brought me to tears.....AND I DON'T CRY.....fantastic tale that anyone from the hills of WV can relate to!
I read this last night, and it brought me to tears.....AND I DON'T CRY.....fantastic tale that anyone from the hills of WV can relate to!
October 28, 2024
At only 18 pages, this tale packs a punch, dredging up raw emotions from childhood long forgotten and gives a unique voice to the realizations we make as we age under cruel and unforgivable circumstances. I truly enjoyed this. I felt more overwhelmed in these short pages than I have in more traditional novels; a well executed exploration of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance of the uncontrollable punishments of nature, I was blown away.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews