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Jessie Cole Trilogy #1
Undaunted: A Jessie Cole Novel
Previously available as Jessie
"In the beginning, man blew up a bunch or rockets”
The morning Alan Shepherd rocketed into the sky to become the first American astronaut in space, changed everything for Jessie Cole, a 10-year-old boy living in the shadow of America’s fledgling space program.
“One day, I am going to ride one of those rockets,” he declares to his skeptical brothers. Jessie, determined and passionate about his dream, falls prey to disillusionment as his family life disintegrates at the hand of their alcoholic and abusive father. How can he concentrate on future hopes with so many changes in his daily life?
Jessie’s always been the dreamer, but will his dreams be strong enough to launch him out of poverty and into space as his high hopes battle harsh reality?
"In the beginning, man blew up a bunch or rockets”
The morning Alan Shepherd rocketed into the sky to become the first American astronaut in space, changed everything for Jessie Cole, a 10-year-old boy living in the shadow of America’s fledgling space program.
“One day, I am going to ride one of those rockets,” he declares to his skeptical brothers. Jessie, determined and passionate about his dream, falls prey to disillusionment as his family life disintegrates at the hand of their alcoholic and abusive father. How can he concentrate on future hopes with so many changes in his daily life?
Jessie’s always been the dreamer, but will his dreams be strong enough to launch him out of poverty and into space as his high hopes battle harsh reality?
357 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2014
1 person is currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Lyn
11 books47 followersRebekah is a Christian with a heart for new beginnings. She is a Florida native and a graduate of Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Fl. A love of history, research and journaling led naturally to a passion for writing. She enjoys travel and has traveled extensively across the United States and Canada as well as Europe and the Caribbean. Her reading taste run from the classics to light fiction. When she is not working or writing, she enjoys cooking,baking and sharing recipes on her blog, http://rebekahlynskitchen.wordpress.com
Her current works include, Summer Storms and the new release Winter's End, books 1 & 2 in The Seasons of Faith series and Julianne the first book in The Coastal Chronicle series. She is currently working on the second installment of the Coastal Chronicles, set in Brevard County, Florida during the early years of the space program.
Rebekah currently resides in Florida along with her "attack" cat, Mia. They would enjoy meeting with you on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authorRebekahLyn
Her current works include, Summer Storms and the new release Winter's End, books 1 & 2 in The Seasons of Faith series and Julianne the first book in The Coastal Chronicle series. She is currently working on the second installment of the Coastal Chronicles, set in Brevard County, Florida during the early years of the space program.
Rebekah currently resides in Florida along with her "attack" cat, Mia. They would enjoy meeting with you on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authorRebekahLyn
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 18, 2014
This was such a lovely book. Ms. Lyn lets the reader become a silent spectator into Jessie's life. We are there to see all of his struggles, hopes, dreams and all of the love he and his family have for each other.
I became so attached to Jessie that I wanted what he wanted. His dream is to become an astronaut, and he lives his entire life to achieve that goal.
This book is a flashback to what we believe was a simpler time, but we get see through Jessie eyes that there was never a gentler time. Memories are seen through rose-colored glasses, and life is tough no matter what era we grow up in.
I became so attached to Jessie that I wanted what he wanted. His dream is to become an astronaut, and he lives his entire life to achieve that goal.
This book is a flashback to what we believe was a simpler time, but we get see through Jessie eyes that there was never a gentler time. Memories are seen through rose-colored glasses, and life is tough no matter what era we grow up in.
December 27, 2014
When I first signed up to be part of the blog tour for Jessie, I was thinking that the book would be a nice, easy read with some good historical information about the time Jessie lived in and that would be that. Boy was I shocked to find out just what kind of book it was. Rebekah Lyn took her book and made each and every character seem truly alive. I wanted to meet all four of the Cole boys just so I could actually see them in person. I wanted to take Mr. Cole by the scruff of his neck and tell him to shape up and fast before he completely lost all respectability.
And the historical details were amazing. I had read about the race to space, the Vietnam War, the draft, and all the controversy behind them all, but reading them lived out in the life of the Cole family was like living it out for myself. Jessie’s excitement and disappointment about the astronauts and the space program became my excitement.
The family life details were woven in perfectly. The Cole family was far from the perfect family, but they all managed to get through their tough times together.
The worldview:
Though not blatantly and head-bashingly Christian, there are definite Christian undertones throughout the entire book. Rebekah did a good job of weaving subtle Christian truths in Jessie without it becoming preachy.
Sexual Content:
There was one scene toward the end when I thought it might get a little steamy, but one of the characters stopped it from happening and stood up to his principles (sorry for the vagueness, but it would be a pretty big spoiler if I said more. If you would like to know more details I can tell you in an email).
Violence:
The only violence in the book is what is to be expected when four teenage boys are going to a new school with a bully.
The bad (or sort of bad):
The only negative critique I have for Jessie is that there are four boys who are all in high school and none of them are twins. This seemed a little unrealistic to me.
Overview:
Overall, Jessie was a well-written, well-researched, historically account of one of the most turbulent times in American history.
Recommended age: 13 & up
Rating: 5/5 stars
And the historical details were amazing. I had read about the race to space, the Vietnam War, the draft, and all the controversy behind them all, but reading them lived out in the life of the Cole family was like living it out for myself. Jessie’s excitement and disappointment about the astronauts and the space program became my excitement.
The family life details were woven in perfectly. The Cole family was far from the perfect family, but they all managed to get through their tough times together.
The worldview:
Though not blatantly and head-bashingly Christian, there are definite Christian undertones throughout the entire book. Rebekah did a good job of weaving subtle Christian truths in Jessie without it becoming preachy.
Sexual Content:
There was one scene toward the end when I thought it might get a little steamy, but one of the characters stopped it from happening and stood up to his principles (sorry for the vagueness, but it would be a pretty big spoiler if I said more. If you would like to know more details I can tell you in an email).
Violence:
The only violence in the book is what is to be expected when four teenage boys are going to a new school with a bully.
The bad (or sort of bad):
The only negative critique I have for Jessie is that there are four boys who are all in high school and none of them are twins. This seemed a little unrealistic to me.
Overview:
Overall, Jessie was a well-written, well-researched, historically account of one of the most turbulent times in American history.
Recommended age: 13 & up
Rating: 5/5 stars
June 24, 2014
Coming of age during the sixties space race
Do you remember sitting for hours glued to the television, waiting for astronauts to walk on the moon? During the sixties, we were all riveted to our radios and televisions, excited, afraid, and full of wonder. Every detail became fascinating while brave men risked their lives
This novel follows Jessie Cole, a young boy growing up with three brothers in Titusville, Florida, on the very doorstep of the space program, but it’s not simply a story about the space race. The Cole family faces heartache, fear, and poverty as they struggle to survive. The book is similar to “Little Women” where siblings grow up and we learn to care about each of them.
Jessie is determined to become an astronaut, but he must change his study habits, harness his anger, and work impossibly hard to achieve his goal. He has a troubled relationship with a drunken, violent father and also faces the intimidation of a vicious school bully. Can he harness his own anger and learn forgiveness during his quest to become a man? Jessie’s story is filled with love, pathos, faith, and redemption.
The reader also gains insight into the dramatic events that led man to walk on the moon. We all know it happened, but it’s impressive to follow the step by step progress merged into an effective story. The author describes the failures and successes of the space program, and we marvel at the courage of brave astronauts who faced death each time they waited for the countdown. We hold our breath when a Saturn rocket blasts into space or when the lander plummets toward the lunar surface. The events become real, bringing back memories of actual incidents.
I’m sure there is more to Jessie’s story, but I enjoyed taking the first part of his journey. Buy a copy of this book for yourself and one for your grandkids. They might just learn something while they become engrossed in a really good story.
Do you remember sitting for hours glued to the television, waiting for astronauts to walk on the moon? During the sixties, we were all riveted to our radios and televisions, excited, afraid, and full of wonder. Every detail became fascinating while brave men risked their lives
This novel follows Jessie Cole, a young boy growing up with three brothers in Titusville, Florida, on the very doorstep of the space program, but it’s not simply a story about the space race. The Cole family faces heartache, fear, and poverty as they struggle to survive. The book is similar to “Little Women” where siblings grow up and we learn to care about each of them.
Jessie is determined to become an astronaut, but he must change his study habits, harness his anger, and work impossibly hard to achieve his goal. He has a troubled relationship with a drunken, violent father and also faces the intimidation of a vicious school bully. Can he harness his own anger and learn forgiveness during his quest to become a man? Jessie’s story is filled with love, pathos, faith, and redemption.
The reader also gains insight into the dramatic events that led man to walk on the moon. We all know it happened, but it’s impressive to follow the step by step progress merged into an effective story. The author describes the failures and successes of the space program, and we marvel at the courage of brave astronauts who faced death each time they waited for the countdown. We hold our breath when a Saturn rocket blasts into space or when the lander plummets toward the lunar surface. The events become real, bringing back memories of actual incidents.
I’m sure there is more to Jessie’s story, but I enjoyed taking the first part of his journey. Buy a copy of this book for yourself and one for your grandkids. They might just learn something while they become engrossed in a really good story.
October 31, 2014
Jessie and his family live in Florida and are basically kicked out of their home because of the space program in the mid-60s. Moving was very difficult for them--dealing with bullies, school, an alcoholic father, etc. I loved the way Jessie learned to survive and the relationship he had with his brothers was incredible. They really watched out for one another. I loved the positive male influences that Jessie had in his life. The respect these boys showed to their teachers, mother, and even father is inspiring. Jessie's passion for the space program dictated his life and really gave him direction.
When I was young, I, too, was fascinated with the space program. I remember watching the launches on tv at school. I remember being saddened by the space shuttle explosion in 1986 and having a real desire to become an astronaut. I become very immersed in this story because I found a lot of it easy to relate to. Unlike me, Jessie did a lot of research on the astronauts and the rockets. He knew pretty much everything related to his love. I loved watching him grow, mature, and focus. I felt that these experiences, even Vietnam, were very true to history and the story progressed in a very realistic way.
Jessie had a high school sweetheart, Virginia. I would have liked to see more resolution with that situation, even though it wasn't the main focus of the story. Other than that, I thought it was a well-researched and written historical story that was very entertaining.
Content: no language; some violence--fighting, alcoholic abuse (none of it was extremely graphic); some kissing, but very mild. Clean!
When I was young, I, too, was fascinated with the space program. I remember watching the launches on tv at school. I remember being saddened by the space shuttle explosion in 1986 and having a real desire to become an astronaut. I become very immersed in this story because I found a lot of it easy to relate to. Unlike me, Jessie did a lot of research on the astronauts and the rockets. He knew pretty much everything related to his love. I loved watching him grow, mature, and focus. I felt that these experiences, even Vietnam, were very true to history and the story progressed in a very realistic way.
Jessie had a high school sweetheart, Virginia. I would have liked to see more resolution with that situation, even though it wasn't the main focus of the story. Other than that, I thought it was a well-researched and written historical story that was very entertaining.
Content: no language; some violence--fighting, alcoholic abuse (none of it was extremely graphic); some kissing, but very mild. Clean!
July 18, 2014
I volunteered to read and review an new indie historical coming of age Christian novel: Jessie by Rebekah Lyn
Jessie surprised and delighted me. What started out as a simple boy’s dream emerged into a deep historical, emotional and spiritual journey sweeping through the sixties in NASA crazed Eastern Florida. Rebekah Lyn’s protagonist Jessie is a boy with a passion for space travel and a goal to be an astronaut. In the 1960’s as the youngest and most sensitive son in a family of four boys he experiences a lot hoping to meet and befriend his idol Gus Grissom.
The author creates a very real and believable tale of Jessie’s growth though a captivating cast of mentors, including family, teachers, pastors and girls. Once I got into the story, I did not want to put it down. I wanted to know what happened to not only Jessie, his brothers, his parents and the town and they all changed though the always fascinating decade in American History.
Using vivid descriptions of events taking place, not only in Florida, but throughout the turbulent world of the decade, I found myself cast back to memories, I thought I had left behind. Her attention to detail, not only in description but also in how relating how young people spent their time “back then” including elaborate Tree-house building and watching the clock so as to not miss Man from U.N.C.L.E, showed that this author wrote what she knew, and she knew it well.
Although the protagonist is a young growing boy, and the story does have some Christian discussion, the messages of family, faith, forgiveness and focus are all universal. I believe this book could be enjoyed by anyone of any faith or age.
Jessie surprised and delighted me. What started out as a simple boy’s dream emerged into a deep historical, emotional and spiritual journey sweeping through the sixties in NASA crazed Eastern Florida. Rebekah Lyn’s protagonist Jessie is a boy with a passion for space travel and a goal to be an astronaut. In the 1960’s as the youngest and most sensitive son in a family of four boys he experiences a lot hoping to meet and befriend his idol Gus Grissom.
The author creates a very real and believable tale of Jessie’s growth though a captivating cast of mentors, including family, teachers, pastors and girls. Once I got into the story, I did not want to put it down. I wanted to know what happened to not only Jessie, his brothers, his parents and the town and they all changed though the always fascinating decade in American History.
Using vivid descriptions of events taking place, not only in Florida, but throughout the turbulent world of the decade, I found myself cast back to memories, I thought I had left behind. Her attention to detail, not only in description but also in how relating how young people spent their time “back then” including elaborate Tree-house building and watching the clock so as to not miss Man from U.N.C.L.E, showed that this author wrote what she knew, and she knew it well.
Although the protagonist is a young growing boy, and the story does have some Christian discussion, the messages of family, faith, forgiveness and focus are all universal. I believe this book could be enjoyed by anyone of any faith or age.
July 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this story about Jessie, a lad who is determined to become an astronaut after growing up seeing the rockets go off into space close to his home. He is determined to improve his academic skills so that he could get a scholarship and get on the programme at NASA.
It is also a story of a difficult home life and a father who drinks. Jessie and his brothers get through this by supporting each other and their mother until their father sees the error of his ways. This story is full of historical facts about the space program and the Vietnam war and what both of those things meant to the people who lived through them. The space race with Russia, the national pride and what it meant to mankind in general are all seen through the eyes of Jessie.
Being from the UK, I found it all a fascinating read to hear about what it would have been like for those people who were there at the time. Jessie and his family were forcibly relocated from the home they had always known to make room for the expansion of the NASA site and to protect the public from flying debris after a series of accidents result in pieces of rocket landing within a few feet of where they lived.
The story is really well told and the pages just flowed for me on this one.
It is also a story of a difficult home life and a father who drinks. Jessie and his brothers get through this by supporting each other and their mother until their father sees the error of his ways. This story is full of historical facts about the space program and the Vietnam war and what both of those things meant to the people who lived through them. The space race with Russia, the national pride and what it meant to mankind in general are all seen through the eyes of Jessie.
Being from the UK, I found it all a fascinating read to hear about what it would have been like for those people who were there at the time. Jessie and his family were forcibly relocated from the home they had always known to make room for the expansion of the NASA site and to protect the public from flying debris after a series of accidents result in pieces of rocket landing within a few feet of where they lived.
The story is really well told and the pages just flowed for me on this one.
July 17, 2014
My Review: Its 1961 in the state of Florida. Jessie Cole looks at the sky awaiting the rocket launch. Jessie wants to be an astronaut. He also wants to escape the abusive alcoholic father.
The author penned a novel that intermingles the NASA space program and the life of a fictional character so well that readers will feel the pain, setbacks, challenges and joy from both from the life of Jessie's and the NASA space program.
Readers will capture new emotional responses as you read about the NASA program.. The author provides wonderful information. The transitioning of the storyline from Jessie's life and the NASA space programs was uninterrupted. The author provided an excellent balance. The story line was interesting. I did have a few moments within the story that i wanted to skim over but the novel held my interest well enough to finish the book. It was a good read for me. You almost can't help but to recall that launch date while reading this book.
The book cover attraction is a 2.5 rating for me. The title and the sory line receives a 4/5 review rating and the novel sits on my shelf as a darn good read with a 3.5 /5 review rating.
Review for Fabulosity Reads, Blog Tour Host for Authors
The author penned a novel that intermingles the NASA space program and the life of a fictional character so well that readers will feel the pain, setbacks, challenges and joy from both from the life of Jessie's and the NASA space program.
Readers will capture new emotional responses as you read about the NASA program.. The author provides wonderful information. The transitioning of the storyline from Jessie's life and the NASA space programs was uninterrupted. The author provided an excellent balance. The story line was interesting. I did have a few moments within the story that i wanted to skim over but the novel held my interest well enough to finish the book. It was a good read for me. You almost can't help but to recall that launch date while reading this book.
The book cover attraction is a 2.5 rating for me. The title and the sory line receives a 4/5 review rating and the novel sits on my shelf as a darn good read with a 3.5 /5 review rating.
Review for Fabulosity Reads, Blog Tour Host for Authors
July 16, 2014
Jessie is a story of four boys facing difficult home life and a father who drinks. Jessie and his three brothers get through this by supporting each other and their mother in all the crest & trough of life.
Jessie is a story about Jessie, a fella who saw a dream and became determined to make it true, to become an astronaut after growing up seeing the rockets go off into space close to his home. He was determined to do all possible efforts, improve his academic skills so that he could get a scholarship and get on the programme at NASA.
Jessie is a story is full of historical facts about the space program and the Vietnam War and what both of those things meant to the people who lived through them. The space race with Russia, the national pride and what it meant to mankind in general are all seen through the eyes of Jessie.
Jessie is a story that keeps you turning the pages till the very end and thirsty for more, leaving you on a note Dream, Dream, Dream!
Jessie is a story about Jessie, a fella who saw a dream and became determined to make it true, to become an astronaut after growing up seeing the rockets go off into space close to his home. He was determined to do all possible efforts, improve his academic skills so that he could get a scholarship and get on the programme at NASA.
Jessie is a story is full of historical facts about the space program and the Vietnam War and what both of those things meant to the people who lived through them. The space race with Russia, the national pride and what it meant to mankind in general are all seen through the eyes of Jessie.
Jessie is a story that keeps you turning the pages till the very end and thirsty for more, leaving you on a note Dream, Dream, Dream!
July 16, 2014
Disclosure: I was introduced to Rebekah Lyn via Clean Reads for You on Facebook. I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy of the book. Even though I was under no obligation to write a review I felt an urge to share my feelings on this book with others.
This is a Young Adult/Christian/Historical fiction story set in Southern Florida during the 1960s when NASA was a fledgling program.
Jessie, the dreamer of 4 brothers, takes an interest in the emerging Space Program. The reader is treated to an authentic look at the core values of an era gone by interspersed with family drama and an ever changing social environment of that decade.
I love how Ms. Lyn took her research and created the life and times of Jessie Cole. I think both young and more mature adults will love it.
This is a Young Adult/Christian/Historical fiction story set in Southern Florida during the 1960s when NASA was a fledgling program.
Jessie, the dreamer of 4 brothers, takes an interest in the emerging Space Program. The reader is treated to an authentic look at the core values of an era gone by interspersed with family drama and an ever changing social environment of that decade.
I love how Ms. Lyn took her research and created the life and times of Jessie Cole. I think both young and more mature adults will love it.
January 1, 2015
Rarely does a book capture my very essence and draw me in, not as a spectator, but as a participant. It took me back to a time when we all prayed our space program would outshine the Russians. Rebekah Lyn provided an historically correct depiction of life in the 60's. The Cole family is nearly destroyed by their father's abuse and alcoholism as they are ripped from the home they have always known in the name of the expansion of the space program.
Jesse manages to find a spot to watch all the launches at the Kennedy Space Center overlooking the Indian River. He is intent on following his dream. It reminded me of being glued to the television in the school gym or the one in our living room as we watched in awe what Jesse was able to feel, hear, and smell up close. This young boy from a dysfunctional and poor family had a dream of becoming an astronaut regardless of his lack of funding and proper education. I could almost crawl in his dreams as he discussed his life and goals with his dream image of Gus Grissom, remembering the times I held onto my dreams and the people in them who helped me thru the trials of childhood.
The Cole family, Jesse and his three brothers Max, Ricky, and Sam are torn between the love of the mother who works three jobs to put food on the table and their father, Eugene who selfishly continues his drunken quest to ruin everything. As a coming-of-age child of the 60's, I cringed when the Vietnam War threatened to take the boys from their childhood home in Titusville, FL.
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!" As this scene played out in the book, I was instantly snatched from the present and transported back to the living room of my childhood. I was overcome with grief that day because we had just buried my beloved grandfather; and yet as I heard the words, my heart swelled with pride at what we Americans had accomplished. This is a must read for any young person who has dreams of soaring through the skies! Thank you Rebekah Lyn for once again taking me back to a time and place when Americans worked together to accomplish the unimaginable!
Jesse manages to find a spot to watch all the launches at the Kennedy Space Center overlooking the Indian River. He is intent on following his dream. It reminded me of being glued to the television in the school gym or the one in our living room as we watched in awe what Jesse was able to feel, hear, and smell up close. This young boy from a dysfunctional and poor family had a dream of becoming an astronaut regardless of his lack of funding and proper education. I could almost crawl in his dreams as he discussed his life and goals with his dream image of Gus Grissom, remembering the times I held onto my dreams and the people in them who helped me thru the trials of childhood.
The Cole family, Jesse and his three brothers Max, Ricky, and Sam are torn between the love of the mother who works three jobs to put food on the table and their father, Eugene who selfishly continues his drunken quest to ruin everything. As a coming-of-age child of the 60's, I cringed when the Vietnam War threatened to take the boys from their childhood home in Titusville, FL.
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!" As this scene played out in the book, I was instantly snatched from the present and transported back to the living room of my childhood. I was overcome with grief that day because we had just buried my beloved grandfather; and yet as I heard the words, my heart swelled with pride at what we Americans had accomplished. This is a must read for any young person who has dreams of soaring through the skies! Thank you Rebekah Lyn for once again taking me back to a time and place when Americans worked together to accomplish the unimaginable!
June 24, 2014
Coming of age during the sixties space race
Do you remember sitting for hours glued to the television, waiting for astronauts to walk on the moon? During the sixties, we were all riveted to our radios and televisions, excited, afraid, and full of wonder. Every detail became fascinating while brave men risked their lives
This novel follows Jessie Cole, a young boy growing up with three brothers in Titusville, Florida, on the very doorstep of the space program, but it’s not simply a story about the space race. The Cole family faces heartache, fear, and poverty as they struggle to survive. The book is similar to “Little Women” where siblings grow up and we learn to care about each of them.
Jessie is determined to become an astronaut, but he must change his study habits, harness his anger, and work impossibly hard to achieve his goal. He has a troubled relationship with a drunken, violent father and also faces the intimidation of a vicious school bully. Can he harness his own anger and learn forgiveness during his quest to become a man? Jessie’s story is filled with love, pathos, faith, and redemption.
The reader also gains insight into the dramatic events that led man to walk on the moon. We all know it happened, but it’s impressive to follow the step by step progress merged into an effective story. The author describes the failures and successes of the space program, and we marvel at the courage of brave astronauts who faced death each time they waited for the countdown. We hold our breath when a Saturn rocket blasts into space or when the lander plummets toward the lunar surface. The events become real, bringing back memories of actual incidents.
I’m sure there is more to Jessie’s story, but I enjoyed taking the first part of his journey. Buy a copy of this book for yourself and one for your grandkids. They might just learn something while they become engrossed in a really good story.
Do you remember sitting for hours glued to the television, waiting for astronauts to walk on the moon? During the sixties, we were all riveted to our radios and televisions, excited, afraid, and full of wonder. Every detail became fascinating while brave men risked their lives
This novel follows Jessie Cole, a young boy growing up with three brothers in Titusville, Florida, on the very doorstep of the space program, but it’s not simply a story about the space race. The Cole family faces heartache, fear, and poverty as they struggle to survive. The book is similar to “Little Women” where siblings grow up and we learn to care about each of them.
Jessie is determined to become an astronaut, but he must change his study habits, harness his anger, and work impossibly hard to achieve his goal. He has a troubled relationship with a drunken, violent father and also faces the intimidation of a vicious school bully. Can he harness his own anger and learn forgiveness during his quest to become a man? Jessie’s story is filled with love, pathos, faith, and redemption.
The reader also gains insight into the dramatic events that led man to walk on the moon. We all know it happened, but it’s impressive to follow the step by step progress merged into an effective story. The author describes the failures and successes of the space program, and we marvel at the courage of brave astronauts who faced death each time they waited for the countdown. We hold our breath when a Saturn rocket blasts into space or when the lander plummets toward the lunar surface. The events become real, bringing back memories of actual incidents.
I’m sure there is more to Jessie’s story, but I enjoyed taking the first part of his journey. Buy a copy of this book for yourself and one for your grandkids. They might just learn something while they become engrossed in a really good story.
July 16, 2014
Jessie was a delightful change of pace for me and a very refreshing read. This coming-of-age story was steeped in the history and constant stream of change that is characteristic of the 60's. This book holds a true sense of authenticity as it takes you on a nostalgic journey to the past. Seen through the eyes of a teenager whose life is rife with family issues and the usual angst of dealing with everything from first love to bullying, the early stages of the United States Space Program are brought to life. The author's commitment to researching and breathing life into her story is more than evident throughout. The issues of growing pains, life's transitions, and even war were delicately balanced with the pillars of hope, faith, love, and family. In my opinion, Jessie would be an excellent read for all teenagers and adults as well.
5 Stars
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Adrienne Thompson
Author of Bluesday
5 Stars
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Adrienne Thompson
Author of Bluesday
September 1, 2014
I received this book through the giveaways. I found it very enjoyable. It follows a boy who is interested in the space program and starts off with a fast plot. It has a lot of history and information about what was going on with the space program during the 60s. The middle was a little slow but still very readable. It gets exciting again at the end and finishes strong.
February 14, 2015
The era was the 1960's. America found itself in the space race, an extension of the Cold War, with Russia. President Kennedy had issued a challenge to the US to get a man to the moon by the end of the decade. Russia won the first round by getting the first man into orbit. The question was, could any nation get a man to set foot on the moon safely? Patriotic fervor was on the rise, and the nation rose to meet the challenge at a time when the country was also fighting in a senseless war overseas. To some readers, all this may be just a history lesson; but to many baby boomers, this was part of our personal life story. The author, Rebekah Lyn, brings fresh perspective of this exciting era by allowing readers to experience it all through the eyes of Jessie, the youngest of four brothers growing up in the coastal region of Florida within viewing distance of the earliest launch sites at Cape Canaveral (later renamed Cape Kennedy for 10 years).
Jessie Cole was nine when it occurred to him to become an astronaut. None of his brothers were as obsessed with the space program as he was. Their interests waned over time as they followed other interests, while Jessie never lost his focus. What the boys did have in common was their sense of adventure, enhanced by living on the hunting mecca of Merritt Island. Among other adventures, the boys had built a treehouse just ten miles from the earliest launch sites. They enjoyed ring-side seats for many of the launch events.
Eventually the space program bought the island to expand the site, and families were moved to the mainland, including Jessie's family. Jessie's father took this move hard; he had kept a still on the island for many years to support his habit. The Coles' new home was adjacent to a larger area of wilderness, so the brothers didn't mind the move. Instead of just a treehouse, the boys built a hidden fort in the forest, with several huts inside for their "stash". But life wasn't quite the lark it appeared to be on the surface. Eugene Cole was a mean drunk, bitter and disillusioned with his life. Often, Jessie and Max as the youngest and the oldest took the brunt of his rages and beatings. It wasn't the most supportive environment for a budding astronaut. Nor were Jessie's grades anything to boast about. With poverty nipping at their heels, Jessie's prospects for the future looked grim and foreboding. But Jessie possessed grit and tenacity. He eventually realized as soon as he entered High School his grades mattered. Putting pride aside, he asked for help. But would his father drag him down? Would his inner resentment and turmoil short circuit his efforts?
The author, in this coming of age chronicle, has managed to capture the three dimensions of an important era in US history by tying it intricately to the obstacles a young boy must overcome to realize his dreams. Jessie faced numerous physical, mental and spiritual hurdles. Symbolically, this reflects obstacles our nation and society has faced from its inception. Many of those struggles are currently ongoing. Jessie's story reflects the story of the '60's...dreams, trials, struggles, wars and betrayal, bullies, friendships, failures, money issues and successes.
Another aspect of this story that I admire is how well the author conveyed the details of the space race with its failures and successes in its various stages, as NASA broke orbit, spent time in space, and finally reached the moon. Learning from the epic fails and accidents were valuable lessons of the consequences of our ambitions and the need to weigh the merits against the drawbacks. Jessie too realized these same factors in his own life. They were important agents needed to help move him forward if he was to ever become an astronaut. Seriously good writing here.
Finally the author's creation of family life in the '60's (very much similar to my own family growing up), populated with living breathing people we care about and empathize with, is top notch. Jessie's family is endearing, warts and all. His mother was the strong female figure, the pillar, that kept the family unified and strong, even during the temporary absence of their father. By the conclusion of the book, we see some truly wonderful character development, pithy and heart-warming. I highly recommend this book for you to enjoy. Young adults may enjoy the retro atmosphere, and people my age may like a reflection of the past events we remember. Everyone else, it's a good story. Go read it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Smashwords on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Jessie Cole was nine when it occurred to him to become an astronaut. None of his brothers were as obsessed with the space program as he was. Their interests waned over time as they followed other interests, while Jessie never lost his focus. What the boys did have in common was their sense of adventure, enhanced by living on the hunting mecca of Merritt Island. Among other adventures, the boys had built a treehouse just ten miles from the earliest launch sites. They enjoyed ring-side seats for many of the launch events.
Eventually the space program bought the island to expand the site, and families were moved to the mainland, including Jessie's family. Jessie's father took this move hard; he had kept a still on the island for many years to support his habit. The Coles' new home was adjacent to a larger area of wilderness, so the brothers didn't mind the move. Instead of just a treehouse, the boys built a hidden fort in the forest, with several huts inside for their "stash". But life wasn't quite the lark it appeared to be on the surface. Eugene Cole was a mean drunk, bitter and disillusioned with his life. Often, Jessie and Max as the youngest and the oldest took the brunt of his rages and beatings. It wasn't the most supportive environment for a budding astronaut. Nor were Jessie's grades anything to boast about. With poverty nipping at their heels, Jessie's prospects for the future looked grim and foreboding. But Jessie possessed grit and tenacity. He eventually realized as soon as he entered High School his grades mattered. Putting pride aside, he asked for help. But would his father drag him down? Would his inner resentment and turmoil short circuit his efforts?
The author, in this coming of age chronicle, has managed to capture the three dimensions of an important era in US history by tying it intricately to the obstacles a young boy must overcome to realize his dreams. Jessie faced numerous physical, mental and spiritual hurdles. Symbolically, this reflects obstacles our nation and society has faced from its inception. Many of those struggles are currently ongoing. Jessie's story reflects the story of the '60's...dreams, trials, struggles, wars and betrayal, bullies, friendships, failures, money issues and successes.
Another aspect of this story that I admire is how well the author conveyed the details of the space race with its failures and successes in its various stages, as NASA broke orbit, spent time in space, and finally reached the moon. Learning from the epic fails and accidents were valuable lessons of the consequences of our ambitions and the need to weigh the merits against the drawbacks. Jessie too realized these same factors in his own life. They were important agents needed to help move him forward if he was to ever become an astronaut. Seriously good writing here.
Finally the author's creation of family life in the '60's (very much similar to my own family growing up), populated with living breathing people we care about and empathize with, is top notch. Jessie's family is endearing, warts and all. His mother was the strong female figure, the pillar, that kept the family unified and strong, even during the temporary absence of their father. By the conclusion of the book, we see some truly wonderful character development, pithy and heart-warming. I highly recommend this book for you to enjoy. Young adults may enjoy the retro atmosphere, and people my age may like a reflection of the past events we remember. Everyone else, it's a good story. Go read it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Smashwords on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 31, 2014
Breathtaking, Memorable and Engaging
REVIEW
REVIEW
Jessie Cole is a young man with drive and a desire to acquire great things. However, the family struggles with setbacks and poverty as many families do but they are determined to make it. Jessie dream of becoming an astronaut but there are certain habits that he must walk away from in order to achieve his dream. The excitement expressed within with Jessie opens your eyes with insight on how man began to walk on moon. The storyline is not only expressive but very impressive with all the scenes, characters and the love and faith that embodies Jessie’s heart. The writer is truly gifted in articulating the life of Christian without coming across as imposing religion on others. Rebekah carefully crafted a beautiful scene of love and passion without being explicit. The way she weaves the lines into each other is wonderfully done – this book excites me and I highly recommend it for the young readers. @VictoriusPromos
May 11, 2015
I eagerly purchased this book because I've been a nut about the space program since third grade (1966) and more recently have attended two shuttle launches in the VIP family section, so reading the launch scenes brought back strong memories. The author obviously researched this story well, and did a great job of meshing the facts with the fiction. The dialogue is realistic, and the settings are so well described, I felt like I had been transported back in time to the Florida coast. It's a good coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the turbulent sixties, with the Vietnam War as well as the space race to the moon.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but three or four scenes which could have been very powerful ended without a reaction by the main character, Jessie, which was quite jarring and felt incomplete (I even checked to make sure I hadn't skipped over something on my kindle). But my biggest disappointment was at the end. In one of the earliest scenes Jessie is shown to have a July 20 birthday, which he shares with me, and for the next 300+ pages I looked forward with great anticipation to the surprise he was going to have when Armstrong and Aldin walked on the moon on his (our) birthday. I was so sad that there was not even a mention of Jessie's birthday on that momentous day, because I still remember it as one of my favorite birthday "presents" and feel like he would have, too.
I still recommend this book to any young person (or "older" ones for that matter) who are interested in the space program or who need inspiration to follow their dreams and reach for the stars.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but three or four scenes which could have been very powerful ended without a reaction by the main character, Jessie, which was quite jarring and felt incomplete (I even checked to make sure I hadn't skipped over something on my kindle). But my biggest disappointment was at the end. In one of the earliest scenes Jessie is shown to have a July 20 birthday, which he shares with me, and for the next 300+ pages I looked forward with great anticipation to the surprise he was going to have when Armstrong and Aldin walked on the moon on his (our) birthday. I was so sad that there was not even a mention of Jessie's birthday on that momentous day, because I still remember it as one of my favorite birthday "presents" and feel like he would have, too.
I still recommend this book to any young person (or "older" ones for that matter) who are interested in the space program or who need inspiration to follow their dreams and reach for the stars.
January 13, 2015
Jessie by Rebekah Lyn is book two in the Coastal Chronicles series. It’s about a 10 year-old boy during the sixties. How he wants to be an astronaut. He watches as the US sends men into space. You will read about him growing up until his 18th year. Jessie has three brothers and they stick pretty close together in their adventures and in school. The boys father drinks and beats the oldest and youngest, which is Jessie.
This book is an O.K. book it is mostly about Jessie and his love of the space program. You don’t need to love the space program to enjoy this book, but it helps. Jessie is a book about forgiveness and love between family. How it is really hard to forgive sometimes, but we always heal better when we forgive.
I recommend this book if you love family stories and stories about space programs.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
This book is an O.K. book it is mostly about Jessie and his love of the space program. You don’t need to love the space program to enjoy this book, but it helps. Jessie is a book about forgiveness and love between family. How it is really hard to forgive sometimes, but we always heal better when we forgive.
I recommend this book if you love family stories and stories about space programs.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
August 20, 2016
Though listed as YA, after completing this lengthy tale, I had a hard time believing a young adult would read it. It read more to me as something with a young character geared toward adults wanting to relive their childhood. Due to its extreme length, I had a hard time staying interested and several chapters in, no longer cared what happened. The story contained lots of rabbit trails, unneeded everyday actions about the boy and his family being introduced that detracted from the story and would have been better left out. More focus was needed on the plot itself and less on making the book any certain length as most of it felt like filler. The historical aspects of the launch and the description of the area where the boy lived weren't as interesting as they should have been, but I could tell the author did considerable research. All of that said, it is a clean, faith-based story and I commend the author for that highly. I also liked the characters and thought the family had good dynamic. Hesitate to recommend.
February 2, 2015
I was sent this book for review and found it an excellent read.
It follows many journeys, that of a family, a country, a space programme and a boy named Jessie.
Jessie is a realistic and likeable character with a range of thoughts, feelings and actions that relate to a 'real' person, thus proving this author's talent.
Totally engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, its detail bringing alive this boy's life and that of the time and place.
It is also about faith, and although I am not a 'believer', it was good to see a balance in the argument and yet another journey take place. Even though I may not agree with the sentiments, I certainly appreciated and respected how it was done.
Altogether, a fabulous and well written tale.
Highly recommended.
It follows many journeys, that of a family, a country, a space programme and a boy named Jessie.
Jessie is a realistic and likeable character with a range of thoughts, feelings and actions that relate to a 'real' person, thus proving this author's talent.
Totally engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, its detail bringing alive this boy's life and that of the time and place.
It is also about faith, and although I am not a 'believer', it was good to see a balance in the argument and yet another journey take place. Even though I may not agree with the sentiments, I certainly appreciated and respected how it was done.
Altogether, a fabulous and well written tale.
Highly recommended.
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