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Jack & Evan: In Verse
Evan has spent most of his life chasing success, determined to avoid the fate of too many other young, Black men. After surviving a tumultuous childhood riddled with violence, drugs, and the uncertainty of Section 8 housing, he finally has it a corporate job, an apartment in the city, and a supportive girlfriend. But, when his mother dies, Evan’s fragile grasp on stability begins to unravel.
Then Evan’s therapist suggests that he do the one thing he never thought he’d do reach out to Jack.
"A poignant exploration of young adulthood, friendship, and identity. Hundley weaves a compelling coming-of-age narrative through experimental verse, capturing the complexities of finding one's place in the world. A powerful, timely debut that blends beautiful poetic form with weightier themes, challenging preconceptions that will resonate with readers who appreciate both literary innovation and emotional truth." - Jaclyn Westlake, Author of Dear Dotty
Jack never left the old neighborhood. He lives life hour-by-hour, day-by-day, plagued by gun violence and a searing resentment for his childhood best friend, Evan. After a decade since Jack has heard from his old friend, Evan’s first attempts to reach out through text then emails are met with Jack’s steely responses and in some cases no response at all. Though the emails persist and Jack eventually returns a lengthy email of his own.
As the two men explore long-forgotten childhood memories, confront old betrayals, and unpack the events that drove them apart, Evan recognizes his pattern of achievement and destruction on his road to success. Evan senses a dark secret buried deep below the surface, a reality he has fought to deny for most of his life. He suspects that Jack might hold the key to finally facing the truth.
Then Evan’s therapist suggests that he do the one thing he never thought he’d do reach out to Jack.
"A poignant exploration of young adulthood, friendship, and identity. Hundley weaves a compelling coming-of-age narrative through experimental verse, capturing the complexities of finding one's place in the world. A powerful, timely debut that blends beautiful poetic form with weightier themes, challenging preconceptions that will resonate with readers who appreciate both literary innovation and emotional truth." - Jaclyn Westlake, Author of Dear Dotty
Jack never left the old neighborhood. He lives life hour-by-hour, day-by-day, plagued by gun violence and a searing resentment for his childhood best friend, Evan. After a decade since Jack has heard from his old friend, Evan’s first attempts to reach out through text then emails are met with Jack’s steely responses and in some cases no response at all. Though the emails persist and Jack eventually returns a lengthy email of his own.
As the two men explore long-forgotten childhood memories, confront old betrayals, and unpack the events that drove them apart, Evan recognizes his pattern of achievement and destruction on his road to success. Evan senses a dark secret buried deep below the surface, a reality he has fought to deny for most of his life. He suspects that Jack might hold the key to finally facing the truth.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 22, 2025
Evan has everything. A stable job, a faithful girlfriend, a good life. But still, he feels something's bothering him underneath it all. So, in between his therapy sessions, he decides to email his long-lost childhood friend, Jack. Will Evan find what he's looking for? And how does his conversation with Jack help him?
Told alternatively in verse and dialogue script, I initially thought this book would be a quick read. Well, I was wrong, as I needed to pause in the middle and process details of their childhood. Both Evan and Jack don't hold back in retelling their story, all hurtful and broken and dangerous past, and while it's important, it required me to take a breather after reading. I felt for them and rooted for them, hoping things get better in the end.
Near the end, not only a neat resolution, I was also delightfully surprised to see a plot twist that I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. It isn't big (and maybe some reader could predict it easily) but satisfying. It makes sense as to why the whole story is written like this. The poems or verses consist of simple and effective words, so if you're looking for traditional rhyme or flowery quotable lines you will not find it here. However, I can't think of better writing style that showcases their personality as well as their dynamics. It's direct, gut-punching, and still melodious to read out loud.
I would recommend this adult coming-of-age verse novel for readers who like contemporary, thought-provoking, and mental health-focused reads. I'm looking forward to the author's next works.
Told alternatively in verse and dialogue script, I initially thought this book would be a quick read. Well, I was wrong, as I needed to pause in the middle and process details of their childhood. Both Evan and Jack don't hold back in retelling their story, all hurtful and broken and dangerous past, and while it's important, it required me to take a breather after reading. I felt for them and rooted for them, hoping things get better in the end.
Near the end, not only a neat resolution, I was also delightfully surprised to see a plot twist that I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. It isn't big (and maybe some reader could predict it easily) but satisfying. It makes sense as to why the whole story is written like this. The poems or verses consist of simple and effective words, so if you're looking for traditional rhyme or flowery quotable lines you will not find it here. However, I can't think of better writing style that showcases their personality as well as their dynamics. It's direct, gut-punching, and still melodious to read out loud.
I would recommend this adult coming-of-age verse novel for readers who like contemporary, thought-provoking, and mental health-focused reads. I'm looking forward to the author's next works.
June 19, 2025
"Jack and Evan" uses a clever structure - therapy sessions alternating with email exchanges between childhood friends - to explore heavy themes with surprising depth. What starts as simple reminiscing becomes an unflinching look at growing up Black in predominantly white spaces, navigating economic hardship, and the pressure to suppress artistic interests for more "acceptable" paths.
The details hit hard: the hyperawareness of being watched and judged, the weight of feeling like an outsider, the environment of violence and struggle that shaped these characters. The author doesn't romanticize any of it, but captures the complex navigation of showing only certain sides of yourself to survive - understanding what others expect and making sure not to give them reasons to confirm those stereotypes.
The ending recontextualizes the entire story in a way that transforms what could have been simple nostalgia into something deeper about healing and self-acceptance. The author pulls this off with genuine emotional intelligence, leaving you eager to run it back fresh eyes.
Worth your time if you're interested in coming-of-age stories, racial identity, or therapeutic healing - especially if you appreciate authors willing to take creative risks with narrative structure.
The details hit hard: the hyperawareness of being watched and judged, the weight of feeling like an outsider, the environment of violence and struggle that shaped these characters. The author doesn't romanticize any of it, but captures the complex navigation of showing only certain sides of yourself to survive - understanding what others expect and making sure not to give them reasons to confirm those stereotypes.
The ending recontextualizes the entire story in a way that transforms what could have been simple nostalgia into something deeper about healing and self-acceptance. The author pulls this off with genuine emotional intelligence, leaving you eager to run it back fresh eyes.
Worth your time if you're interested in coming-of-age stories, racial identity, or therapeutic healing - especially if you appreciate authors willing to take creative risks with narrative structure.
May 27, 2025
This debut novel delivers exactly what it promises - a deeply moving coming-of-age story that doesn't shy away from difficult truths.
The story of Evan and Jack's fractured friendship feels incredibly authentic, especially in how it captures the weight of childhood trauma and the different paths people take to survive it. The email exchanges between the two characters are particularly well-crafted - you can feel the tension, hurt, and gradual vulnerability building with each message. The characters feel real and flawed in the best way.
If you're looking for literary fiction that tackles important social issues while telling a deeply personal story, this is it. The poetic format makes it a quick read, but the emotional impact will stay with you long after you finish.
The story of Evan and Jack's fractured friendship feels incredibly authentic, especially in how it captures the weight of childhood trauma and the different paths people take to survive it. The email exchanges between the two characters are particularly well-crafted - you can feel the tension, hurt, and gradual vulnerability building with each message. The characters feel real and flawed in the best way.
If you're looking for literary fiction that tackles important social issues while telling a deeply personal story, this is it. The poetic format makes it a quick read, but the emotional impact will stay with you long after you finish.
June 16, 2025
Jack & Evan pulled me in from the first page. I laughed, cried, and sat with lines that hit deep. The story of friends reconnecting through grief and healing is told entirely in verse and every word feels intentional. I read it in one sitting and felt every moment. It’s honest, emotional, and full of heart. Whether your into poetry or just great storytelling, this is the book for you!
August 1, 2025
Such a beautifully written story told in such a unique way. Completely absorbing and was hard to put down, I fully felt the characters and experiences. This one will stay with me for a long time.
August 11, 2025
8/31/25 Book Discussion 11am Hebrews Coffee West Sacramento.
September 21, 2025
Wow. There was so much to this book. I loved it so much and after the ending, I think I have to go back and re-read it.... no spoilers but it was a complex beautiful read.
June 3, 2025
Jack & Evan is told through therapy sessions (in script-form), emails and text messages that swept me up in its searing, emotional storytelling and stayed with me long after I put down the book.
The creative delivery of Jack & Evan sets a rhythm that is immensely satisfying to actually read and serves up the story and characters in a stripped-down, raw (in the most beautiful way) form that makes you feel an instant connection to their vulnerability, and external/internal struggles to dig into and unpack the life experiences that have shaped them - even if your own experiences are wildly different from Jack and Evan.
The creative delivery of Jack & Evan sets a rhythm that is immensely satisfying to actually read and serves up the story and characters in a stripped-down, raw (in the most beautiful way) form that makes you feel an instant connection to their vulnerability, and external/internal struggles to dig into and unpack the life experiences that have shaped them - even if your own experiences are wildly different from Jack and Evan.
May 9, 2025
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy :)
A courageous and deeply introspective debut told through unique "verse". This work traces the author’s journey through early adulthood with the precision of a case study and the soul of a seeker. Hundley explores themes of identity formation, relational wounding, and existential longing, drawing directly from his therapeutic process. What emerges is not just a literary narrative, but a healing arc — one that honors the sacred labor of self-inquiry and the slow, transformative path toward self-love. With clinical clarity and spiritual depth, this book stands as a testament to the power of inner work and the poetry that arises when one begins to integrate their pain into meaning.
A courageous and deeply introspective debut told through unique "verse". This work traces the author’s journey through early adulthood with the precision of a case study and the soul of a seeker. Hundley explores themes of identity formation, relational wounding, and existential longing, drawing directly from his therapeutic process. What emerges is not just a literary narrative, but a healing arc — one that honors the sacred labor of self-inquiry and the slow, transformative path toward self-love. With clinical clarity and spiritual depth, this book stands as a testament to the power of inner work and the poetry that arises when one begins to integrate their pain into meaning.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews