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Perfectly Ernest
From a distance, Ernie’s life seems perfect—he’s a star college baseball player adored by the student body and coveted by professional teams. Up close, he is a disaster. Since the death of his mother, he’s been trapped by a promise he made and forced to live her dream instead of his own. He reaches his breaking point in the biggest game of his young career and sets off a chain of events that will either define or destroy the rest of his life.
Ernie grudgingly joins a quirky campus counseling group that empowers him to heal himself and right his wrongs. By testing old friendships, forging unlikely new ones, and exploring an exciting romance, he begins to unravel the jumbled knot his tangled inner-psyche has become. But old rivals, mental illness, and the risk of a forbidden relationship soon threaten his progress. Will Ernie's new direction and friends be his salvation, or confirmation that he is forever doomed by his imperfections?
Perfectly Ernest is a New Adult contemporary novel with romantic elements by author E.J. Wesley. Ernest offers a smart, funny, sweet, sexy, uplifting, and oftentimes poignant perspective of one person's difficult transition into adulthood. It is a story about overcoming the demons of mental illness and struggling with the profound burden of expectations—both real and imagined. But it’s mostly a tale of friendship, hope, and love.
PRAISE
"E.J. Wesley has written a modern day Breakfast Club."
"the writing is so compelling and the characters so strong that I really enjoyed it. Fans of this genre will say EJ hit it out of the park!" - Alex J. Cavanaugh, Amazon Bestselling author of the Cassa Series
"fast pace, character development, imagery, and humor ... his is one for all to enjoy!"
"This is not so much a "coming of age" story, as it is a "coming of self." I loved reading it..."
"Great cast of characters. Lots of fun humor. Romance. Win! Definitely recommend!"
"you’ll likely realize you’ve been smiling through each page turn, and experience instances of laughing out loud, crying tears of joy and sadness, and satisfaction as you read the amazing journey of Ernest growing himself and developing new and unlikely friendships..."
"(Ernie) was the perfect hero. This story made me laugh and cry and it was so great to read something sweet and awesome from a guy."
Also by E.J. Wesley The Moonsongs stories, a series of New Adult, urban fantasy novelettes. Available on Kindle.
Ernie grudgingly joins a quirky campus counseling group that empowers him to heal himself and right his wrongs. By testing old friendships, forging unlikely new ones, and exploring an exciting romance, he begins to unravel the jumbled knot his tangled inner-psyche has become. But old rivals, mental illness, and the risk of a forbidden relationship soon threaten his progress. Will Ernie's new direction and friends be his salvation, or confirmation that he is forever doomed by his imperfections?
Perfectly Ernest is a New Adult contemporary novel with romantic elements by author E.J. Wesley. Ernest offers a smart, funny, sweet, sexy, uplifting, and oftentimes poignant perspective of one person's difficult transition into adulthood. It is a story about overcoming the demons of mental illness and struggling with the profound burden of expectations—both real and imagined. But it’s mostly a tale of friendship, hope, and love.
PRAISE
"E.J. Wesley has written a modern day Breakfast Club."
"the writing is so compelling and the characters so strong that I really enjoyed it. Fans of this genre will say EJ hit it out of the park!" - Alex J. Cavanaugh, Amazon Bestselling author of the Cassa Series
"fast pace, character development, imagery, and humor ... his is one for all to enjoy!"
"This is not so much a "coming of age" story, as it is a "coming of self." I loved reading it..."
"Great cast of characters. Lots of fun humor. Romance. Win! Definitely recommend!"
"you’ll likely realize you’ve been smiling through each page turn, and experience instances of laughing out loud, crying tears of joy and sadness, and satisfaction as you read the amazing journey of Ernest growing himself and developing new and unlikely friendships..."
"(Ernie) was the perfect hero. This story made me laugh and cry and it was so great to read something sweet and awesome from a guy."
Also by E.J. Wesley The Moonsongs stories, a series of New Adult, urban fantasy novelettes. Available on Kindle.
- GenresNew Adult
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
4 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
E.J. Wesley
8 books208 followersGrowing up in small town Oklahoma, there were limits on the amount and types of entertainment at my disposal. Perhaps that’s why I set my imagination free. After collecting degrees in psychology and counseling, life brought me to Missouri, Texas, and Northern California—where I currently read, write, and live. I fill my spare time playing video games, watching movies, planning for the zombie apocalypse, reading graphic novels, and playing with my dogs.
My passion for New Adult literature led me to producing the weekly New Adult Lit Chat on Twitter, and contributing to the NA Alley Blog. I’m also the author of the Moonsongs Books, a series of New Adult, speculative-rural fantasy novelettes.
Let's get in touch!
Facebook
Twitter
My latest novel, Perfectly Ernest (New Adult, contemporary), is out now.
Blood Fugue, Moonsongs Book 1, is available at:
Amazon
Witch's Nocturne, Moonsongs Book 2, is available at:
Amazon
Dark Prelude, Moonsongs Book 3, is available at:
Amazon
Dragon's Game, Moonsongs Book 4, is available at:
Amazon
Vampire's Ball, Moonsongs Book 5, is available at:
Amazon
Perfectly Ernest is available at:
Amazon (Paperback)
Amazon (eBook)
My passion for New Adult literature led me to producing the weekly New Adult Lit Chat on Twitter, and contributing to the NA Alley Blog. I’m also the author of the Moonsongs Books, a series of New Adult, speculative-rural fantasy novelettes.
Let's get in touch!
My latest novel, Perfectly Ernest (New Adult, contemporary), is out now.
Blood Fugue, Moonsongs Book 1, is available at:
Amazon
Witch's Nocturne, Moonsongs Book 2, is available at:
Amazon
Dark Prelude, Moonsongs Book 3, is available at:
Amazon
Dragon's Game, Moonsongs Book 4, is available at:
Amazon
Vampire's Ball, Moonsongs Book 5, is available at:
Amazon
Perfectly Ernest is available at:
Amazon (Paperback)
Amazon (eBook)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 11, 2014
EJ's tale of a college baseball star and the demons he fights is powerful and captivating. Once you're involved in Ernest's world, you are invested for the ride. Dealing mental illness (although not in a really heavy way), the story is one of hope as the characters all come together. And it's those characters that make the story shine.
This is not a genre I read (New Adult Contemporary) but the writing is so compelling and the characters so strong that I really enjoyed it. Fans of this genre will say EJ hit it out of the park!
This is not a genre I read (New Adult Contemporary) but the writing is so compelling and the characters so strong that I really enjoyed it. Fans of this genre will say EJ hit it out of the park!
December 11, 2014
The wonderful thing about picking up a new author early in his career is watching the growth and change from book to book. This is what I have been able to do with E. J. Wesley. His newest release, Perfectly Ernest, stretches his style and technique in new and interesting ways. There is one thing, however, that is perfectly E.J. He never bothers to politely set the scene, introduce characters or develop background.
No. He grabs his reader by the eyeballs and forces us to focus immediately on the story at hand. It is always quite clear that we have stumbled into a story in the middle of the telling and it is now up to the reader to hang on and enjoy the ride. While the English lit class side of my brain struggles every time, the let’s-read-for-the-thrill-of-the-adventure side of brain delights at the chase of the story. And both sides are rewarded. Every time.
Perfectly Ernest is a sweet, heartbreaking story about a young man who struggles with the crippling desire to sabotage his life in response to untreated grief and depression. Yet, it is also a story of hope and desire for change; a story about this young man’s ambition to beat demons in his life, grow and achieve goals that initially he can only see as promises to his mother. The awkward cast of characters, from the jocks to his new friends in the counseling group, all add flavor to the story.
E.J. tells a college love story with a real life feel. He has created a flawed and pitiful character who quickly becomes a rallying point for all the other characters of the story. Ernie is the sort of boy I could easily imagine myself being friends with in college and cheered on through life in general, but certainly the story. This particular nice guy and this particular story will not just fade away. This is one that I’m thinking about for days afterwards.
No. He grabs his reader by the eyeballs and forces us to focus immediately on the story at hand. It is always quite clear that we have stumbled into a story in the middle of the telling and it is now up to the reader to hang on and enjoy the ride. While the English lit class side of my brain struggles every time, the let’s-read-for-the-thrill-of-the-adventure side of brain delights at the chase of the story. And both sides are rewarded. Every time.
Perfectly Ernest is a sweet, heartbreaking story about a young man who struggles with the crippling desire to sabotage his life in response to untreated grief and depression. Yet, it is also a story of hope and desire for change; a story about this young man’s ambition to beat demons in his life, grow and achieve goals that initially he can only see as promises to his mother. The awkward cast of characters, from the jocks to his new friends in the counseling group, all add flavor to the story.
E.J. tells a college love story with a real life feel. He has created a flawed and pitiful character who quickly becomes a rallying point for all the other characters of the story. Ernie is the sort of boy I could easily imagine myself being friends with in college and cheered on through life in general, but certainly the story. This particular nice guy and this particular story will not just fade away. This is one that I’m thinking about for days afterwards.
August 9, 2014
Perfectly Ernest is a new adult contemporary novel about a college baseball player who finds himself at a crossing in life. Like most college students, Ernest is trying to find himself, all while battling a mental illness that ends up bringing him to new friends, new love, and eventually a new life.
It is an inspirational, heartwarming story in which any reader is likely to get lost. The author’s remarkable use of imagery and timeless poetry creates a feeling of actually being present in Ernest’s life, smelling, seeing, and feeling every moment as the story unfolds.
As you find yourself falling in love with each and every character, you’ll likely realize you’ve been smiling through each page turn, and experience instances of laughing out loud, crying tears of joy and sadness, and satisfaction as you read the amazing journey of Ernest growing himself and developing new and unlikely friendships. You’ll witness this fresh group of confidants pull together as a team to overcome some of the most difficult and misunderstood obstacles of mental illness, and life. In a matter of pages, you’ll see Ernest’s life unravel, only to be pieced back together just as quickly by an unexpected intermediary.
Wesley does nothing short of completely satisfying his readers’ need and want to discover how the main character’s story will end, or in this case, begin.
It is an inspirational, heartwarming story in which any reader is likely to get lost. The author’s remarkable use of imagery and timeless poetry creates a feeling of actually being present in Ernest’s life, smelling, seeing, and feeling every moment as the story unfolds.
As you find yourself falling in love with each and every character, you’ll likely realize you’ve been smiling through each page turn, and experience instances of laughing out loud, crying tears of joy and sadness, and satisfaction as you read the amazing journey of Ernest growing himself and developing new and unlikely friendships. You’ll witness this fresh group of confidants pull together as a team to overcome some of the most difficult and misunderstood obstacles of mental illness, and life. In a matter of pages, you’ll see Ernest’s life unravel, only to be pieced back together just as quickly by an unexpected intermediary.
Wesley does nothing short of completely satisfying his readers’ need and want to discover how the main character’s story will end, or in this case, begin.
August 4, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book!
Ernie is a college baseball player struggling to find his place and future in life while dealing with the guilt of breaking promises he's made in the past. We see him go through a roller coaster of trials, tribulations, successes and failures as he finds his way and I loved how I felt like I was a part of his journey as I read!
This book is a quick read, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Ernie is a college baseball player struggling to find his place and future in life while dealing with the guilt of breaking promises he's made in the past. We see him go through a roller coaster of trials, tribulations, successes and failures as he finds his way and I loved how I felt like I was a part of his journey as I read!
This book is a quick read, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
August 10, 2014
I love E.J. Wesley's work. His urban fantasy is fabulous, and his contemporary is just as polished. Fabulous story. Loved Ernie very much. Great cast of characters. Lots of fun humor. Romance. Win! Definitely recommend!
August 15, 2014
EJ Wesley has written a modern day Breakfast Club. The story centers around Ernest, the troubled college baseball star who should have everything going his way. But mental illness causes him to sabotage himself over and over. Eventually, with the help of an unexpectedly loveable counseling group, and a budding romance with a new girl, he's able to realize that he's not doomed to repeat the mistakes of his past and move forward.
Far and away, my favorite part of this book was the rainbow of characters Wesley brings to life in the group counseling sessions. We find all kinds of personas and diagnoses in these otherwise typical college kids. The way that they are able to work through their problems together, when none could have ever have done it alone, is both touching and uplifting.
The romance between Ernie and Margie rings true, depicting all of the emotions, hormones and heartache that come along with first loves. He also manages to tactfully depict the physical interactions that are inevitable in a college relationship, without crossing over into the realm of smut I wouldn't let my mother read.
Finally, I think the most important thing about this book is brings to light the real problem of mental illness and depression in young people (or anyone, for that matter). These characters could have been anyone number of friends I had in college, and it just reinforces the idea that we don't always know what's going on under the surface with people. Take time to pay attention because as Wesley shows us here, it could be the difference between life and death.
Far and away, my favorite part of this book was the rainbow of characters Wesley brings to life in the group counseling sessions. We find all kinds of personas and diagnoses in these otherwise typical college kids. The way that they are able to work through their problems together, when none could have ever have done it alone, is both touching and uplifting.
The romance between Ernie and Margie rings true, depicting all of the emotions, hormones and heartache that come along with first loves. He also manages to tactfully depict the physical interactions that are inevitable in a college relationship, without crossing over into the realm of smut I wouldn't let my mother read.
Finally, I think the most important thing about this book is brings to light the real problem of mental illness and depression in young people (or anyone, for that matter). These characters could have been anyone number of friends I had in college, and it just reinforces the idea that we don't always know what's going on under the surface with people. Take time to pay attention because as Wesley shows us here, it could be the difference between life and death.
August 11, 2014
Oh my gosh! So so so good from the get go. I was really hoping Ernie wasn't going to be a giant jock jerk but he was the perfect hero. This story made me laugh and cry and it was so great to read something sweet and awesome from a guy. The author did a great job of telling this from Ernie's POV (though yeah I wouldn't have minded a little more detail and drawn out love scenes... But I think we all know I tend toward the super steamy! However, these were still great sweet love scenes that fit the characters)
An absolute recommend!!!
An absolute recommend!!!
December 11, 2014
I have to admit something...I have never EVER been a lover of book series. I enjoy them, and I'm glad to see the story keep going. But it just always felt so time consuming. Not including Harry Potter...cause nothing is like Harry Potter. However, this is the first time I have wished that a book was a series. I didn't want to leave Ernie. I wanted to know how everyone ended up. I felt like WITH Ernie, I had made a new group of friends myself.
Initially I was annoyed with him because I felt like he was so ungrateful and didn't really take all he'd been given seriously. But the more you really get into the story you realize that Ernie's not your standard jock or the average brat. Ernie's mother dies and he makes her a promise that he'll go to college. Even though he doesn't want to be there, he seems to have a great set up going on. He's the best player on the baseball team, he's popular and knows the best time to go to the library and read poetry while avoiding others. Yet, he has the overwhelming urge to sabotage his happiness. He gets suspended from the team and sent to counseling.
Enter the ukulele playing, jelly bean eating group counselor, Nyele (that spelling is super wrong btw). He runs the sessions in unconventional ways but here Ernie meets a cast of characters that will change his life. The best way to describe them would 'the mentally ill Breakfast Club'. I don't really know a better way of putting it, but they are all battling something or another and they all become unlikely friends. And one by one you eagerly await learning why each person is there. It was so much fun to watch the character development happen in this book. It was sweet to see the friendship progress between Ernie and Luther. It was heartwarming to see Ernie fall for Margarie. Best part of that though, it isn't your typical love story. Guy meets girl, they get mushy mushy, book ends. Nope. They have so much to struggle with, but the bigger story of their love is Ernie making sense of it within his life (like everything else) while he comes to terms with him deserving to be happy.
This was just a feel good read. But I wanted more. Not more content from the book...I just didn't want the book to end. If you're looking for a quick read, that is witty, and interesting...go with this one. Perfectly Ernest is a home run!
Initially I was annoyed with him because I felt like he was so ungrateful and didn't really take all he'd been given seriously. But the more you really get into the story you realize that Ernie's not your standard jock or the average brat. Ernie's mother dies and he makes her a promise that he'll go to college. Even though he doesn't want to be there, he seems to have a great set up going on. He's the best player on the baseball team, he's popular and knows the best time to go to the library and read poetry while avoiding others. Yet, he has the overwhelming urge to sabotage his happiness. He gets suspended from the team and sent to counseling.
Enter the ukulele playing, jelly bean eating group counselor, Nyele (that spelling is super wrong btw). He runs the sessions in unconventional ways but here Ernie meets a cast of characters that will change his life. The best way to describe them would 'the mentally ill Breakfast Club'. I don't really know a better way of putting it, but they are all battling something or another and they all become unlikely friends. And one by one you eagerly await learning why each person is there. It was so much fun to watch the character development happen in this book. It was sweet to see the friendship progress between Ernie and Luther. It was heartwarming to see Ernie fall for Margarie. Best part of that though, it isn't your typical love story. Guy meets girl, they get mushy mushy, book ends. Nope. They have so much to struggle with, but the bigger story of their love is Ernie making sense of it within his life (like everything else) while he comes to terms with him deserving to be happy.
This was just a feel good read. But I wanted more. Not more content from the book...I just didn't want the book to end. If you're looking for a quick read, that is witty, and interesting...go with this one. Perfectly Ernest is a home run!
August 30, 2014
(author provided ARC for honest review)
5 STARS for Perfectly Ernest by E.J. Wesley. Have you ever made such a big mistake you can never take it back, you can never make up for what you did? Ernie's entire life is about to change. He's on the verge of pitching a perfect game that will take his college team to the championships. Maybe some players experience nerves, but not Ernie. He wishes for nerves, instead he drowns in nothingness, in resolve and surrender.
One moment, one choice and he's off the team, he's adrift in a world he never prepared for, the non-baseball playing collegiate world where his mind is calling the shots and doing a piss poor job of it. With the help of an oddball counseling group and a burgeoning romance, it's impossible to do anything but cheer for Ernie to find his way because the guy is plain cool.
I loved Finding Ernest. It's a sports book done right because E.J. gives us baseball inside and out. We feel the stitches on the ball. We feel the calm before the storm as Ernie pitches. I like that no one fully has their shit together (except maybe the groundskeeper). We know something is going on with Ernie. His thoughts are taking him down paths that make the reader want to intervene in the worst way. How I wanted to jump into that game and shake him free. Anyone who has ever messed up in a big way will feel for him. My favorite thing has to be that he's a good guy. Really, I wish I knew him in school, the post-mistake version of him. He loves poetry even though sometimes poetry is not the best thing to read to lift your spirits. He's kind and thoughtful. He'd never think of himself in that light, but it's true. Or maybe my favorite thing about the story is romance that is almost precious for him that it takes him by surprise. I can't forget the misfit self-diagnosing counseling group. The issues and conditions the members have are not half-assed. E.J. gives us a taste of the flip side of normal and he does a wonderful job.
If you're a fan of sports stories, of New Adult, romance, finding your way type stories, coming back from the dark journeys, any of those things, or you just want a story about a cool guy who messes up and has no idea what to do next, I highly recommend Perfectly Ernest.
5 STARS for Perfectly Ernest by E.J. Wesley. Have you ever made such a big mistake you can never take it back, you can never make up for what you did? Ernie's entire life is about to change. He's on the verge of pitching a perfect game that will take his college team to the championships. Maybe some players experience nerves, but not Ernie. He wishes for nerves, instead he drowns in nothingness, in resolve and surrender.
One moment, one choice and he's off the team, he's adrift in a world he never prepared for, the non-baseball playing collegiate world where his mind is calling the shots and doing a piss poor job of it. With the help of an oddball counseling group and a burgeoning romance, it's impossible to do anything but cheer for Ernie to find his way because the guy is plain cool.
I loved Finding Ernest. It's a sports book done right because E.J. gives us baseball inside and out. We feel the stitches on the ball. We feel the calm before the storm as Ernie pitches. I like that no one fully has their shit together (except maybe the groundskeeper). We know something is going on with Ernie. His thoughts are taking him down paths that make the reader want to intervene in the worst way. How I wanted to jump into that game and shake him free. Anyone who has ever messed up in a big way will feel for him. My favorite thing has to be that he's a good guy. Really, I wish I knew him in school, the post-mistake version of him. He loves poetry even though sometimes poetry is not the best thing to read to lift your spirits. He's kind and thoughtful. He'd never think of himself in that light, but it's true. Or maybe my favorite thing about the story is romance that is almost precious for him that it takes him by surprise. I can't forget the misfit self-diagnosing counseling group. The issues and conditions the members have are not half-assed. E.J. gives us a taste of the flip side of normal and he does a wonderful job.
If you're a fan of sports stories, of New Adult, romance, finding your way type stories, coming back from the dark journeys, any of those things, or you just want a story about a cool guy who messes up and has no idea what to do next, I highly recommend Perfectly Ernest.
August 14, 2014
PERFECTLY ERNEST captured my heart from page one. I'll be the first person to admit that I don't like baseball, unless my husband has box seats at Yankees Stadium and there's free booze and food available. So don't let the baseball theme throw you off. This book had characters so real, I could be friends with all of them, even Sing, the do-not-touch-me-or-I-will-have-to-Purell-everything group therapy cohort.
What I really loved was reading a college experience so like my own from the male point of view. I could relate to Ernie, even when he was being a jock, even when he was being selfish, even when he was low low low. Wesley captured all his personality facets in such a fun and easy read, I had a hard time putting this down to get my own work done. Margery, the female love interest, was a fully fleshed woman. I loved all the little observances Ernie had of her, her hip cocked to the side, her ponytail. His voice was masculine but not a jerk. I wanted to squeeze him and give him a big hug.
Favorite quotes include...
"I'll be damned if the combined effect wasn't the most attractive thing I'd ever seen on a woman." Ha. Ernie.
"Her look pretty well summed up my opinion of her to this point. She was a chocolate covered almond: sweet and maybe a touch indulgent on the outside; hard and practical on the inside." Love.
"Class with her was particularly cruel. I could see her and hear her, but touching was a child's dream of touching a wisp of cloud." Sigh. I remember that feeling. How poignant.
All in all, a fantastic entry into the New Adult contemporary romance world for E.J. Wesley. Loved it.
*I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. As policy, I do not star reviews unless asked to by an author or unless I really really loooooove it :)
What I really loved was reading a college experience so like my own from the male point of view. I could relate to Ernie, even when he was being a jock, even when he was being selfish, even when he was low low low. Wesley captured all his personality facets in such a fun and easy read, I had a hard time putting this down to get my own work done. Margery, the female love interest, was a fully fleshed woman. I loved all the little observances Ernie had of her, her hip cocked to the side, her ponytail. His voice was masculine but not a jerk. I wanted to squeeze him and give him a big hug.
Favorite quotes include...
"I'll be damned if the combined effect wasn't the most attractive thing I'd ever seen on a woman." Ha. Ernie.
"Her look pretty well summed up my opinion of her to this point. She was a chocolate covered almond: sweet and maybe a touch indulgent on the outside; hard and practical on the inside." Love.
"Class with her was particularly cruel. I could see her and hear her, but touching was a child's dream of touching a wisp of cloud." Sigh. I remember that feeling. How poignant.
All in all, a fantastic entry into the New Adult contemporary romance world for E.J. Wesley. Loved it.
*I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. As policy, I do not star reviews unless asked to by an author or unless I really really loooooove it :)
August 21, 2014
***I was provided an ARC in return for my honest review.***
This is really a 4.5 star rating but I admit I'm not the best when it comes to picking these ratings. Stars have their purpose in the rating scheme of things so there that is.
However, it's the story that truly matters to me. When it first started, Ernie and I were having issues with each other. But each paragraph and page pulled me forward so I couldn't help reading on and on to discover there was SOOO much more to Ernie, so much more to what he was dealing with and so much more for me, as a reader, to open my mind to.
E.J. executed with heart and soul woven through the pages. Romance was there but not an overpowering element.
There's more I would love to say, but I don't want to give the story away. This is a story worth trying and I could see this as a re-read.
This is really a 4.5 star rating but I admit I'm not the best when it comes to picking these ratings. Stars have their purpose in the rating scheme of things so there that is.
However, it's the story that truly matters to me. When it first started, Ernie and I were having issues with each other. But each paragraph and page pulled me forward so I couldn't help reading on and on to discover there was SOOO much more to Ernie, so much more to what he was dealing with and so much more for me, as a reader, to open my mind to.
E.J. executed with heart and soul woven through the pages. Romance was there but not an overpowering element.
There's more I would love to say, but I don't want to give the story away. This is a story worth trying and I could see this as a re-read.
August 10, 2014
Sometimes life throws you curve balls... Sometimes you throw the curve balls.
Perfectly Ernest is a story about finding oneself and realizing that sometimes you can't do that alone.
Ernie is a college baseball player with issues stemming from his past, And he's finally trying to sort those out. The author takes you on the journey with him giving you a glimpse into the world of the mentally ill and keeping you connected through quick whit, humor, and a real emotional connection.
For those familiar with E.J.'s work this book is obviously in a different genre than his moonsong books, but the fast pace, character development, imagery, and humor are still there. This is one for all to enjoy!
Perfectly Ernest is a story about finding oneself and realizing that sometimes you can't do that alone.
Ernie is a college baseball player with issues stemming from his past, And he's finally trying to sort those out. The author takes you on the journey with him giving you a glimpse into the world of the mentally ill and keeping you connected through quick whit, humor, and a real emotional connection.
For those familiar with E.J.'s work this book is obviously in a different genre than his moonsong books, but the fast pace, character development, imagery, and humor are still there. This is one for all to enjoy!
August 12, 2014
I started this book a tiny bit unwillingly because I'm not usually into sports books, and I especially couldn't care less about baseball. But...this book isn't about baseball. It's about a guy who has lost his way and doesn't know how to find himself. Anyone can relate to that.
During his journey to find his way again, he meets a bunch of quirky new friends and the woman of his dreams. The romance is sweet and believable and left me wanting more. This is ultimately a book of relationships - between love interests, between friends of both genders, between parents and children, and between students and their various authority figures.
I loved Ernest and couldn't put him down!
During his journey to find his way again, he meets a bunch of quirky new friends and the woman of his dreams. The romance is sweet and believable and left me wanting more. This is ultimately a book of relationships - between love interests, between friends of both genders, between parents and children, and between students and their various authority figures.
I loved Ernest and couldn't put him down!
August 17, 2014
"This man deserved an honest answer from me, as I was pretty sure he’d saved my life, or at least made me live it."
E J Wesley creates a powerful story of the struggle between self-destruction and the search for purpose. It's an emotional ride through New Adult psychology, wrapped in a romantic love story. E J masterfully propels a storyline that is believable, beautiful & profound by illustrating Ernest's delicate internal tug-of-war between desperate introversion, oddball comradery, and romantic intimacy.
Perfectly Ernest offers an emotionally genuine tour through depression, friendship, and love.
An absolute must-read!
E J Wesley creates a powerful story of the struggle between self-destruction and the search for purpose. It's an emotional ride through New Adult psychology, wrapped in a romantic love story. E J masterfully propels a storyline that is believable, beautiful & profound by illustrating Ernest's delicate internal tug-of-war between desperate introversion, oddball comradery, and romantic intimacy.
Perfectly Ernest offers an emotionally genuine tour through depression, friendship, and love.
An absolute must-read!
August 9, 2014
What a great story! E.J. Wesley has definitely taken a leap with this novel, and he has really shown the breadth of his writing ability. The main character, Ernie, is dealing with some heavy stuff in his life, but the story truly uplifting. Many of the characters are suffering from mental illness, but the book is not about mental illness. It is about humans, life, friendship, and love. This is not so much a "coming of age" story, as it is a "coming of self." I loved reading it, and continue to look forward to more from E.J. Wesley.
August 15, 2014
Non-spoiler Review
Catharsis is a rare thing for me. The first chapter of Perfectly Ernest made me feel guilty for things I didn't do. It's wonderful when a story's voice is so strong as to drag you into someone's head so it feels natural.
I devoured Perfectly Ernest. Very well written, very quick read with vivid characters.
I loved this story and hope there is more to come.
Catharsis is a rare thing for me. The first chapter of Perfectly Ernest made me feel guilty for things I didn't do. It's wonderful when a story's voice is so strong as to drag you into someone's head so it feels natural.
I devoured Perfectly Ernest. Very well written, very quick read with vivid characters.
I loved this story and hope there is more to come.
October 16, 2016
Perfectly Ernest is earnestly perfect, loved it from cover to cover; This book has something for everyone and will be loved by a wide range of readers. I now understand, in a deeper way, that everyone needs to feel they 'fit in' and this book touched me, I will no longer look at other people the same way; everyone is different and those differences should be embraced by everyone, not turned away from; when they leave your presence they should ' feel they fit in' and belong. BECAUSE they do. They may not fit 'your' mold but they fit 'their mold'. I would recommend that everyone read this book, it is not a long book but is filled with unlimited insight and is also entertaining. I ordered mine from Amazon.
August 29, 2014
I recommend Perfectly Ernest to anybody who's ever had true friends (the kind that save your life), fallen head over heals in love, or been directly confronted by the demons of past & present at the same time. EJ uses his ironic humor to tell a story about a college baseball player who sabotages his team & himself without truly understanding why. He faces his skeletons & mental illness with a cast of characters you fall in love with (and probably know). Despite the seriousness of what Ernie (main character) faces, EJ keeps you laughing & reading to find out what happens next.
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