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Jabbok
"Every time I learn this, the truer it gets:
we can only live our lives looking ahead, and we can only understand them looking back."
So says Buddy Hinton, the protagonist of Kee Sloan’s mesmerizing debut novel.
Growing up in rural Mississippi just a couple of miles from the Mississippi River, eight-year-old Buddy spends his summers playing in the woods behind his neighborhood. The day Buddy spots a wounded deer in those woods, he is wholly unprepared for a chance meeting with a stranger who will shape the course of his life.
Jake—fisherman, ex-convict, former tent preacher—and Buddy form an unlikely bond that transcends age and race. Forged by their many conversations about life and faith, their friendship endures sorrows, celebrations, and transitions, ultimately revealing the power to heal them both.
we can only live our lives looking ahead, and we can only understand them looking back."
So says Buddy Hinton, the protagonist of Kee Sloan’s mesmerizing debut novel.
Growing up in rural Mississippi just a couple of miles from the Mississippi River, eight-year-old Buddy spends his summers playing in the woods behind his neighborhood. The day Buddy spots a wounded deer in those woods, he is wholly unprepared for a chance meeting with a stranger who will shape the course of his life.
Jake—fisherman, ex-convict, former tent preacher—and Buddy form an unlikely bond that transcends age and race. Forged by their many conversations about life and faith, their friendship endures sorrows, celebrations, and transitions, ultimately revealing the power to heal them both.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
41 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Kee Sloan
8 books22 followersThe Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan is Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Kee graduated from Mississippi State University before going to seminary at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He was ordained a priest in 1982 and bishop suffragan in 2008. He became the diocesan bishop in 2012. Kee grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi; his wife, Tina, grew up in Leland in the Mississippi Delta. They now live in Birmingham, Alabama, and have two children, McKee and Mary Nell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 10, 2025
The title of this coming-of-age story is inspired by the eponymous tributary of the River Jordon. It is at this juncture that Jacob in the book of Genesis wrestled with a "man", "angel", or "God" depending on the translation. The novel includes two primary protagonists s who wrestle with their faith. One is a black preacher, Jake Jefferson, who has lost his faith after a failed marriage and death of a son, spirals down into alocholism, and is currently living in a make-do shack in the woods. The other is a young white boy, Buddy Hinton, growing up in the Mississippi Delta who encounters the man one day when he mercy kills a doe that had been shot by a hunter. What transpires after this event is how each help the other in their faith journey; the man regains it as he assists the boy in navigating omnipresent and troubling theological issues, such as why does God allows bad things to happen.
This novel is semi-autobiographical of the author's journey who was an Episopal priest when he wrote it and later became a Bishop. Many of the theological discussions have been used in his sermons. It is an easy read as we join this young boy growing up in the latter half of the 20th century and deepens in his friendship with and love for Jake. Many of his experiences in the South, especially with race relations, mirrored mine growing up in Louisiana. Portions of this novel is epistolary with the story continuing as letters and sermons when the two friends become separated. As an Episcopalian myself I was particularly interested in this book familiar with the Anglcan ethos. However, don't let this focus reject this book if you are not an Episcopalian. The theology is not too heavy. The important themes is how each these two walk with each other in their journey of faith reveling in God's creation and love.
This novel is semi-autobiographical of the author's journey who was an Episopal priest when he wrote it and later became a Bishop. Many of the theological discussions have been used in his sermons. It is an easy read as we join this young boy growing up in the latter half of the 20th century and deepens in his friendship with and love for Jake. Many of his experiences in the South, especially with race relations, mirrored mine growing up in Louisiana. Portions of this novel is epistolary with the story continuing as letters and sermons when the two friends become separated. As an Episcopalian myself I was particularly interested in this book familiar with the Anglcan ethos. However, don't let this focus reject this book if you are not an Episcopalian. The theology is not too heavy. The important themes is how each these two walk with each other in their journey of faith reveling in God's creation and love.
December 24, 2014
I read this book because a friend recommended it, because the writer is local, because I grew up in Mississippi myself. It did not disappoint.
I finished reading Jabbock last night with tears dripping off my face, well past my bedtime. Buddy and Jake's story, told with humor and honesty, tenderized my head and heart so that God could reach in and warmly embrace my soul.
I finished reading Jabbock last night with tears dripping off my face, well past my bedtime. Buddy and Jake's story, told with humor and honesty, tenderized my head and heart so that God could reach in and warmly embrace my soul.
March 16, 2017
I have not finished this book yet, but what I have read thus far, and I am about 2/3 of the way through, is wonderful. The author, Kee Sloan, is known to me as the Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan, Bishop of Alabama (in the Episcopal Church).
This novel is somewhat autobiographical and is set mostly in Mississippi starting in the late 1960s and continuing up to the current time. It details the narrator's (Buddy Hinton) coming of age in that place and time, and the special friend he made, Jake Jefferson, a homeless black man. Together, they explore God, death, fishing, love, and the connections between people. Over time, Buddy follows a call to become an Episcopal priest, but no matter how he grows and changes with the years, his friendship with Jake remains steady.
There is so much wisdom in this book, and it is entertaining as well. Anyone who grew up in the Deep South can relate, especially if you grew up in a small town.
All I can say is that I am honored and humbled to be discerning a call to Christian service in the diocese under the administration of this gentle, grace-filled, and wise man of God.
This novel is somewhat autobiographical and is set mostly in Mississippi starting in the late 1960s and continuing up to the current time. It details the narrator's (Buddy Hinton) coming of age in that place and time, and the special friend he made, Jake Jefferson, a homeless black man. Together, they explore God, death, fishing, love, and the connections between people. Over time, Buddy follows a call to become an Episcopal priest, but no matter how he grows and changes with the years, his friendship with Jake remains steady.
There is so much wisdom in this book, and it is entertaining as well. Anyone who grew up in the Deep South can relate, especially if you grew up in a small town.
All I can say is that I am honored and humbled to be discerning a call to Christian service in the diocese under the administration of this gentle, grace-filled, and wise man of God.
June 7, 2020
What a beautiful book of Christian love and grace ! Written with such compassion and conviction explaining the love of God ! Much better than The Shack !
March 24, 2022
Enjoyed this book immensely. Tells the story of an unlikely relationship and its impact on the character's lives. Lovely writing and pleasant to read. Will add the next two books - Beulah and Prodigal - to my reading list.
December 27, 2022
The only reason i finished this is because it was a Book Club read and had been highly recommended by a member of another book club. If you enjoy being preached to, go ahead and pick it up. If you believe that humans can only have positive qualities such as kindness, love, caring, forgiveness, etc if they believe in and pray to a Christian God as defined by men, then by all means read this book, you will love it and find that it affirms your faith. If you are a humanist, who believes in the intrinsic goodness of humankind you will want to toss this book across the room within the first 50 pages.
The only redeeming feature of the book was the friendship between Buddy, a white, precocious 11 year old and Jake, a Black former preacher, who lives in the woods.
The only redeeming feature of the book was the friendship between Buddy, a white, precocious 11 year old and Jake, a Black former preacher, who lives in the woods.
October 15, 2015
Fun and inspiring story that reminds me that being a Christian need not be a daunting journey. Embrace the "mysteries ever before us" and remember to love. Buddy and Jake have a rare thing - a lovely friendship that transcends generations and race - and a shared passion for being true to Jesus. I really slowed down at the end because I didn't want to finish it. This book is a gift to the soul.
September 5, 2015
being from vburg I was trying to figure too much stuff out, ie what part is true and whatever. I soon got over that and got into the story as a story with some sides of personal interest. book was extremely well written with good character development. the book definitely tugs at your heart and leaves you knowing it is all about the love of God. well done kee!!!
December 23, 2014
a very good book!
February 1, 2016
Life Changing
I rarely give books a 5-star rating. The book has to be a compilation that moves me, that changes me, and that will stay with me. Jabbok is such a book.
I rarely give books a 5-star rating. The book has to be a compilation that moves me, that changes me, and that will stay with me. Jabbok is such a book.
January 20, 2025
Jabbok, a beautiful bildungsroman by Kee Sloan, tells the story of an unlikely friendship of Jake Jefferson and Buddy Hinton. Central to the novel is the idea of God’s love.
Sloan gracefully juxtaposes antithetical ideas of: givers and takers, free will and control, the beauty of nature/creation and the ugliness of the world, racism and acceptance, living and dying, bullying and confronting, listening and talking, fear and hope, and guilt/shame and forgiveness (others and ourselves).
Difficult questions of faith such as why bad things happen and why evil exists are explored. One poignant moment is when a young man named Paul asks why he is retarded.
When Buddy questions the continuation of his spiritual path at seminary, he says, “I’m here to follow the truth, and if the truth takes me away from here, then I’ll follow it somewhere else.”
Storytelling, a key aspect of the friendship between Buddy and Jake, propels the plot while deep questions of faith are considered without being preachy.
Sloan gracefully juxtaposes antithetical ideas of: givers and takers, free will and control, the beauty of nature/creation and the ugliness of the world, racism and acceptance, living and dying, bullying and confronting, listening and talking, fear and hope, and guilt/shame and forgiveness (others and ourselves).
Difficult questions of faith such as why bad things happen and why evil exists are explored. One poignant moment is when a young man named Paul asks why he is retarded.
When Buddy questions the continuation of his spiritual path at seminary, he says, “I’m here to follow the truth, and if the truth takes me away from here, then I’ll follow it somewhere else.”
Storytelling, a key aspect of the friendship between Buddy and Jake, propels the plot while deep questions of faith are considered without being preachy.
October 6, 2022
This book was my book clubs October 2022 book. What a great book. So many lessons to learnt and so much to think about. The book made you cry at times but was so memorable.
When Buddy is a young boy he meets Jake, a black man that lives in the woods and they begin a friendship. Jake tells Buddy about his life and why he is living like he is. Time goes on and Jake and Buddy stay close and Buddy keeps the friendship a secret. Buddy decides he wants to be an Episcopal priest and after college he goes to seminary. Jack commits a crime so he can go back to prison where he can help others and have a decent place to live. I don't want to give anything about the story away because it is a book everyone should read. Friendship, faith, hope and love are seen thru out the book.
When Buddy is a young boy he meets Jake, a black man that lives in the woods and they begin a friendship. Jake tells Buddy about his life and why he is living like he is. Time goes on and Jake and Buddy stay close and Buddy keeps the friendship a secret. Buddy decides he wants to be an Episcopal priest and after college he goes to seminary. Jack commits a crime so he can go back to prison where he can help others and have a decent place to live. I don't want to give anything about the story away because it is a book everyone should read. Friendship, faith, hope and love are seen thru out the book.
March 30, 2023
Kee Sloan is a retired Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama. In this first of a trilogy, Kee introduces you to Buddy, who he admits is a composite of his younger self. Both Buddy and Kee grew up in the Mississippi Delta, near Vicksburg. Early in the book, a young buddy meets Jake, a former tent preacher who lives in the woods and fishes. Buddy is mortified when his brother and friends deride Jake and use racial epitaphs.
Buddy doesn't join in and, over time, Jake becomes like a second father to him. Thoughout the book, Bishop Sloan shares his theology in an engaging and meaningful way. You won't want to book to end, and I bet you'll wish you had a Jake in your life.
Buddy doesn't join in and, over time, Jake becomes like a second father to him. Thoughout the book, Bishop Sloan shares his theology in an engaging and meaningful way. You won't want to book to end, and I bet you'll wish you had a Jake in your life.
March 11, 2021
This book brought me to tears at the end, as I knew it would. Given to my husband (a PCA minister) and me by sweet friends, who he married in our church in Mississippi, I had this book in my TBR pile for years. And we moved, and though I had to give away many books, this one I kept. It is now one of my favorites by Mississippi authors, and one of my favorites of all time. My mother taught me to read before I went to school and I have since read hundreds of books. This one was worth keeping and reading. And I will pass it on, and recommend it. It was a wonderful story!
June 17, 2017
A sweet, lovely book of faith and love and what it truly means to be a Christian. I thought it was a little long and could have been edited down. The villains were somewhat over the top but I suppose they were used to make some important points. I also felt like Jake's dialect was too exaggerated. However, I thoroughly enjoyed Buddy's journey and appreciated his and Jake's theological perspective of how the love of God is the center of all.
July 12, 2020
From the first page this book grabbed me. It’s such a tender tale of a young boy’s journey from youth to adult while under the guidance of an unusual mentor, Jake. The way Jake explains God and his interpretation of the Christian walk is beautiful! I wish I could’ve known Jake...I wish I had my own Jake. Buddy was certainly blessed to have loved and been loved by him. It’s the first book I’ve read that I couldn’t put down in a long time! So good!
January 11, 2022
This story was masterfully told. I was hooked in the first few pages and can’t wait to start the sequel. It may help that the setting is a familiar one - a Mississippi Delta journey to adulthood in the 60’s and 70’s. The last couple of years have stripped my faith from me, so I’m incredibly grateful that I can still appreciate a book filled with subtle inspiration from the relationship between Jake and Buddy.
December 21, 2017
I don't have words to describe how wonderful this book is. I know many people will not read it because it is a "religious" book, but it is so much more than that. This is the sort of book that makes a person reflect on one's self and one's life and what is truly held dear. This is a remarkable book and I loved every word of it.
May 20, 2021
What an amazing book. Jake and Buddy will stay with you long after the book is back on the shelf. I did not want it to end, the characters draw you in with their candidness and honesty. Racism is addressed but it is not the theme of the book. What is the theme? Love! I lived in the Delta for several years and enjoyed going back in time to the places I know.
November 10, 2021
The first chapter almost put me off this book, but my best friend (having read & recommended it) encouraged me to keep going. By the end of the 2d chapter I was all in. I finished the book a couple days ago, but it is not finished with me. The truths swirl around in my head & heart, looking for solid ground & flourishing. A great book about love.
December 27, 2021
As I finished with tears in my eyes at the beautiful “What a wondrous love is this” I was sad that this story had ended. What an incredible beautiful journey through faith in a coming of age style story. I am grateful to have been inspired after reading this and cannot say enough of the importance of taking time or this novel.
September 7, 2023
Loved the book...the interaction between Buddy and Jake is so heartwarming. Eventually you see that they do need each other...not that Buddy didn't have a father but he was not always there as the father he needed. Jake, came to be the father figure buddy needed. Though theirs was a most unusual friendship, especially in that time, it helped mold Buddy into the adult and priest he became.
January 24, 2018
This book is wonderful. A great exploration of what faith is, what it can be, and maybe even what it aspires to be. It’s also a tale of growing up in the South, but it’s not a typical Southern novel.
June 17, 2018
So, So good.
An excellent story that beautifully explains God’s grace and how we were meant to love one another. Buddy and Jake’s tale is one that I’ll re-read over and over again.
An excellent story that beautifully explains God’s grace and how we were meant to love one another. Buddy and Jake’s tale is one that I’ll re-read over and over again.
July 28, 2019
Everyone should read this book! It is powerful!
This is one that I will remember for a long time and hope to reread many times. I cannot say how good this was. A story of Love and faith and Life and Hope.
The mysteries is ever before us!
This is one that I will remember for a long time and hope to reread many times. I cannot say how good this was. A story of Love and faith and Life and Hope.
The mysteries is ever before us!
November 27, 2019
What a delightful and engaging book! The book was not anything like I expected; however, I was consumed by the book. The characters are well developed and the writing style is engaging. The story touched my very soul. Read this book!
August 22, 2020
A beautiful, inspirational story of love, friendship and Faith
I loved this book and could hardly put it down! I hated for it to end. The characters were so real and the story so well written, I'll carry it with me for a long time. It has broadened my understanding of Faith.
I loved this book and could hardly put it down! I hated for it to end. The characters were so real and the story so well written, I'll carry it with me for a long time. It has broadened my understanding of Faith.
November 2, 2020
The Best!
Jabbok is one of the best books I've ever read. It's honest and real. I laughed and I cried a lot. For anyone of an age from the South or anyone who wants to be uplifted, this is the book.
Jabbok is one of the best books I've ever read. It's honest and real. I laughed and I cried a lot. For anyone of an age from the South or anyone who wants to be uplifted, this is the book.
March 14, 2021
I love this book. The two main characters, Buddy and Jake, at first glance seem unlikely friends that wind up being like father and son. Through honest conversations and letters they form a durable bond that endures for years through the ups and downs of both of their lives.
May 14, 2021
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Jabbok is a beautiful, beautiful story that exemplifies what being a Christian should be: shining light into the darkness and spreading love. Enjoy.
Jabbok is a beautiful, beautiful story that exemplifies what being a Christian should be: shining light into the darkness and spreading love. Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews