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Seeing
The extraordinary is all around us. After enduring a difficult year that began with his father unexpectedly walking out on the family, thirteen-year-old Jake Sheppard finds himself at a loss for hope. When his live-in grandfather shares a deeply personal and rather unbelievable bedtime story, the impossibility of the tale's events sparks an interest in Jake to determine its authenticity. Embarking on a personal journey for the truth leads Jake to a discovery that will not only change his life, but the way he sees the world, forever.
214 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2014
2 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Falank
7 books28 followersJoseph Falank enjoys writing that evokes emotion across many genres. He is the author of The Painted Lady, An Unexpected Visit, and Disconnected. His work has appeared in RiverLit Magazine, and he has also authored the young adult novel Seeing.
He lives with his wife and two children in upstate New York where he is currently working on his next novel.
He lives with his wife and two children in upstate New York where he is currently working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 29, 2014
Summary – 13 year-old Jake Sheppard has always been mocked in his class. After his father walked out on his mother and him, and his best friend became his tormentor, his life has been even harder. The fact that his grandfather, who has recently lost his wife, has come to live with them helps. His mom dating another guy doesn’t. Not in Jake’s mind.
What I Thought – This book is amazing. First off – the characters; Jake is a great kid. It’s not his fault that his life was turned upside down. Jake seems like a normal kid – nice boy, bullied, but still tries to keep positive. His life is harder than it seems to outsiders. Jake’s grandfather is the backbone of his family, after Jake’s father walked out on them. He props Jake and his mom up (emotionally), while doing the chores around the house, to help out. I like how Mr. Falank’s writing style shows the depth of the bond between Jake and his grandfather. Mr. Falank writes realistically. He seemed to get into Jake’s head well. Even though this isn’t the typical action/adventure book I usually go crazy over, the book really left an impression on me. The story kept me reading. I finished it in one day. The story, even though is one of loss, is also one of hope. It is motivating, in a way. The book is appropriate for all ages, but I think kids 12+ and adults will truly enjoy the message of the story. For anyone who says small press publishers don’t produce good books – check out Seeing. It will change your mind in many ways.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
What I Thought – This book is amazing. First off – the characters; Jake is a great kid. It’s not his fault that his life was turned upside down. Jake seems like a normal kid – nice boy, bullied, but still tries to keep positive. His life is harder than it seems to outsiders. Jake’s grandfather is the backbone of his family, after Jake’s father walked out on them. He props Jake and his mom up (emotionally), while doing the chores around the house, to help out. I like how Mr. Falank’s writing style shows the depth of the bond between Jake and his grandfather. Mr. Falank writes realistically. He seemed to get into Jake’s head well. Even though this isn’t the typical action/adventure book I usually go crazy over, the book really left an impression on me. The story kept me reading. I finished it in one day. The story, even though is one of loss, is also one of hope. It is motivating, in a way. The book is appropriate for all ages, but I think kids 12+ and adults will truly enjoy the message of the story. For anyone who says small press publishers don’t produce good books – check out Seeing. It will change your mind in many ways.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 18, 2014
Reading Falank's Seeing brings you right back to that very early teen place when the best adults in your life look at you with frustration and pity and you can't stand them as much as you still adore them.
Read this book. Remember. And have so much more compassion for where we've all come from, and where so many young people are there waiting to "get it". You'll be patient more after you read Seeing.
It's poignant and real. You'll remember everyone that tried to help when your not quite adult head wasn't ready for help...and you'll envy Jake the folks he has behind him, and ache knowing it's never quite enough.
Seeing is a lovely read and satisfying, paced just like it should be, slow enough to savor and enticing enough to keep pages turning.
I kept wondering if it was Young Adult literature...I kept hoping all ages would read it.
Well done.
Read this book. Remember. And have so much more compassion for where we've all come from, and where so many young people are there waiting to "get it". You'll be patient more after you read Seeing.
It's poignant and real. You'll remember everyone that tried to help when your not quite adult head wasn't ready for help...and you'll envy Jake the folks he has behind him, and ache knowing it's never quite enough.
Seeing is a lovely read and satisfying, paced just like it should be, slow enough to savor and enticing enough to keep pages turning.
I kept wondering if it was Young Adult literature...I kept hoping all ages would read it.
Well done.
July 21, 2014
This is a book for young and old alike. This book may be fiction geared for young adults, but it is a must read for any age if you have ever suffered the intense hurt and bewilderment of being abandoned by a parent. Forget all the self help books and stop asking yourself "why". Immerse yourself in "Seeing" and you will finally realize that "You've got to learn to let go." Falank has nailed it....Seeing delivered on it's promise...it has changed the way I see the world, forever.
July 21, 2014
This book was a great read. I only complete books that capture my interest early and maintain it throughout. This book definitely did that. For me, I found the themes dealing with loss and how it affects the person and their relationships very relatable. The story is told via a 13yo boy but any age can relate to it. The only thing I didn't like was the back-page synopsis; it doesn't do the quality of the book justice, in my opinion.
December 22, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads.
The story focuses on Jake in his last week of the seventh grade. It follows him dealing with the changes that so many young people are likely to experience at this age. The idea that nothing and no one is permanent. Jake struggles to come to terms with this in his ever changing life. I enjoyed following his journey and thought that Joseph Falank wrote this wonderfully. It was a great story to read.
The story focuses on Jake in his last week of the seventh grade. It follows him dealing with the changes that so many young people are likely to experience at this age. The idea that nothing and no one is permanent. Jake struggles to come to terms with this in his ever changing life. I enjoyed following his journey and thought that Joseph Falank wrote this wonderfully. It was a great story to read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews