I'm a Believer

by Jessica Adams

I'm A Believer [Paperback] Adams, Jessica

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Jessica Adams is an astrologer and author. Her books include 2020 Vision, Handbag Horoscopes and Astrolove (Penguin) and Essential Astrology for Women (HarperCollins). Her recent book 2020 Astrology: Your Five-Year Horoscope Guide, was a #1 Amazon bestseller in America and Australia. Jessica has worked as a team editor on the Girls' Night In and Kids' Night in series, for Penguin and HarperCollins, with contributors including J.K.Rowling, Stella McCartney and Nick Hornby. She is the Editor of The Holiday Goddess Guide to Paris, London, New York and Rome (HarperCollins). Jessica lives in Australia and her astrology has appeared everywhere from VOGUE (Japan) to GQ (Great Britain). Her latest book is Your Birthday (Hachette/Running Press) with Rachel Wells. She is the astrological consultant on The Aries Billionaire by Rachel Wells (Audible UK).

Reviews

[Novi Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate to judge book by its cover but sometimes we do. I don't usually read chick lit, as a matter of fact this may be my first chick lit that I read. Actually I'm not sure what qualifies a book as a chick lit, other than the chick-ish cover. So I was surprised when a friend of mine who loves to read books about religion and science said that the book is his and that it's a good book. So I borrowed it from him and read it.

It's about this guy Mark whose girlfriend died in a car accident. The story revolves around how he feels - including being attracted to another girl, after his loss. His dead girlfriend, Catherine, "comes" to him several times after her death to take care of some unfinished business and eventually helps him find closure.

What I love about this book is how Mark's emotion is described so realistically and eloquently.

I have lost someone close to me about a year ago and I totally can relate to the changes in our routine after this person passed away. How something as little as (in Mark's case) no one's there to turn down the volume of the radio in the morning anymore can bring so much pain, especially when you are alone. I can relate to the guilty feeling of not being as sad as other people who knew her less.

This book - in the end, is a boy-meets-girl story but in touching, wise, witty, funny and heartwarming way. Maybe this what qualifies this book as a chick lit. The premise of the story is cliche. But then again, isn't life a cliche?

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all the idea behind this book was absolutely beautiful. The idea of losing the one you love under cruel circumstances is hard to bear. Its written so beautifully that It made me cry consistently through the book.

This is the first book by Jessica Adams that I have read and I loved it. The idea's and the writing both compliment each other immensly.

I was instantly drawn to this book by the beautiful cover. It even prompted me to write a verse about heaven, I love when books have this effect on people and creativity flows.

Wonderful writer, Beautiful writing and a perfect book!

Happy Reading!

Emma
x

[Chris Versace · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favs. What happens when an afterlife sceptic gets haunted by his ex-girlfriend?

[Sin Tien Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literary wise, doesn't hold much weight. However, the witticism much more made up for it. The words will leave you smiling and crying, basically, it's a quintessential choice for light reading.

[Leanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m quite disappointed with the book. From the description of the book, it sounded right up my street. However, by Chapter 6 there had still been barely any interaction with his ex girlfriend. Most of the book was Mark talking in the staff room or a pub to 2 other teachers (Felix & Alison) he works with. Not even necessarily about his dead girlfriend. Throw in another ex girlfriend (Donna) who calls him up a lot, his dead girlfriends sister (Veronica) who he had a relationship with before he had a relationship with the dead girlfriend, and a new love interest (Tess), mix it all up... you have a book the is 90% waffle and 10% what I was hoping the book would be about. I’d say I read maybe 1/4 of the book and skimmed 3/4 of waffle to get to vaguely interesting parts. I hate leaving a bad review and I’m glad to see some people liked this book, but if I were the kind of person who could stop reading and put a book down because I wasn’t enjoying it, I would have stopped reading this by the end of chapter 1... maybe chapter 2.

[PATRIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Believer - half way through the book. Definitely different, but very true to how we are as humans and the things we do and how we hurt those we love. Starts off a bit odd, but chapter 10 and thereafter, it starts getting good specially because you're "seeing" things from a guy's perspective- hard to believe it was written by a woman. Guys are jerks, sensitive jerks it seems.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different kind of love story which explores with the issue of grief and the attitudes of other people. There are some very comical moments and the book is full of characters that you will really care about.

[Kristy Cunningham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I preservered with this book waiting for it to get better and it eventually did.

[Lois Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this novel.

[Glenys]

did not finish, the storyline started going into mediums and spirituality and I am not into that stuff.

[Sharon Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this book was in the fill a bag for $5 bin at the Op shop and I noticed two things about it. First it was recommended by Maggie Alderson, and secondly but probably more importantly I saw a commendation the back cover by Nick Earls. Now Nick has long been a favourite author of mine, although granted he's been given a run for his money this past year. But anyway, considering the price and the names on the covers I found it impossible to pass up. Not only that but even whilst I have loads of great books waiting to be read I had to give this one a try. Bingo. Jessica Adams is now on my list of must have authors. I've seen one of her titles dozens of times and have been drawn to it but never bothered to pick it up. That's going to change now. What did I find so enjoyable about this book? A couple of things I suppose. Yes, it was a kind of love story but not in the typically gushy way that some other books are. Also, the main character was a guy. Considering the author was female it seemed like a very good portrayal of a mid 30's male. And, it seemed like a pommy version of the male characters Nick Earls creates. Mark is cynical, he's very blokey, he swears, he's a primary school teacher, he's intelligent but he's also disagreeable, prickly and real. He argues, he doesn't gush, he lusts when he shouldn't and is probably his own worst critic. But back to the story. This one was about Catherine, Marks live in girl friend who was killed in an accident, and Mark's way of coping with her loss. Not only that but it was about his strongly held disbelief in all things religious and spiritual. So, the fact that he thinks (knows) he is hearing, smelling and even seeing Catherine after she dies has him feeling all kinds of stupid. He thinks he's going insane but at the same time he can't help believing as the things he's learning are amazing. During his period of grieving he becomes friendly with Tess, a teachers aide at the school. She's a Christian and that puts him off. But then again, she's hot and he fancies her. Not only that but she reached out to him in the most touching way after the funeral. So, when she moves to NY and her partner is killed during 9/11 he is able to be there for her. They end up together but there's heaps more spiritual & religious stuff to work through between them. I really did like this book and can't wait to find more by Jessica Adams.

[Mabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m A Believer is a captivating novel that seamlessly blends humor, heartbreak, and profound reflections on love, loss, and what might lie beyond. Jessica Adams takes us on an emotional rollercoaster through the life of Mark Buckle, a cynical primary school teacher whose beliefs (or lack thereof) are turned upside-down after the tragic death of his girlfriend, Catherine.
Mark is the kind of character who feels incredibly real—flawed, funny, and heartbreakingly vulnerable. His sardonic outlook on life makes for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but it’s his journey of grief and self-discovery that truly shines. When Catherine starts communicating with him from beyond, the novel takes a surprising and moving turn, forcing Mark to confront his own fears and beliefs about life and love.
The supporting cast adds depth and charm, especially Felix, whose flamboyant energy injects levity into even the darkest moments, and Tess, whose faith and kindness gradually warm Mark’s heart. The dynamics between the characters feel authentic and add richness to the story, as they help Mark navigate his loss and rediscover hope.
Jessica Adams balances humor and poignancy masterfully, tackling universal themes with a light yet thoughtful touch. This is a story about more than life after death; it’s about the people we love, the connections we make, and the enduring power of hope.
I’m A Believer is the perfect read for anyone who loves stories that make them laugh, cry, and reflect all at once. A beautifully written, life-affirming novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

[Blin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say for certain which part of this story would see the book to be forever referred to as 'chick-lit.' Seems a little short sighted, really. My best guess is that the label became stuck, not unlike band-aid adhesive, after it was realised heterosexual relationships form the basis of the plot.

Whatever the cause, it is unfortunately going to be passed over by readers who might actually enjoy it as openly as I did.

It's contemporary. It intelligently connects to the audience through relatable emotion and sound tracking. The author apparently has good taste in music and knows how to transport a reader personally through time.

The characters are well formed and likeable. Although a cynical, possibly depressed main has the potential to put a reader off side (especially if they opened the cover hoping for 'chick-lit'). I found him fairly easy to live with in my life.

His struggles with normality and para-normality led to his questioning of, well, just about all of his life when and where it might be guessed that he would. However, I found him neither transparent nor predictable.

Human personalities have tiresome aspects, yes. Adams' view in this novel is that these may very well continue after death. Her story, unlike the not-so-admirable bits of personalities explored within the book, I found quite refreshing.

If you enjoy books in the vein of Zigzag Street (Nick Earls), you'll more than likely finish this book smiling.

[Redfox5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found most of this book dull. I thought Mark was a jerk. His and Catherines relationship seemed like it was crap anyways. I hate it when people date people from the same family. I just think it's wrong. I wouldn't want to be with someone who had been with my sister first. There is not really all that much talking to the dead going on. I didn't understand why Catherine was pushing Mark towards Tess. Surely it wouldn't matter who he ended up with since Catherine was the one he always crossed paths with in different lives. Tess annoyed me going on at Mark about having to belive in something just becuase she did. The football thing was silly. The last bit of the book was def more enjoyable but overall I'm disappointed in this book because I thought I'd really like it.

[Igor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knigava e prevedena so naslov EFEKAT LEPTIRA,sto asocira vednas na filmot The Butterfly Effect,poradi sto jas i ja kupiv knigava. Ima slicnosti so filmov,no ne e isto se,za drugo se raboti,dali bila inspiracija knigata za filmot,ne sum proveril. Kako i da e,interesna e knigava,ima od se po nesto,a se spomnuva sekako i teorijata na haosot,zatoa sto se toa e povrzano. Znaci ima ljubov,nauka,religija,naucna fantastika... Da bide sovrsena knigava,trebalo avtorot da e masko (da ne me razbere nekoj pogresno),zatoa sto se primetuva na momenti stil kako Nora Roberts i slicnite na nejze,koi jas ne gi pocituvam mnogu...

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted this to be a super-feel good albeit super-emotional insight into life after death and the idea that our loved ones never leave us. To an extent, that was the case - but I found myself bored of the daily escapades of Mark Buckle.

This book seemed to focus on his career as a teacher, his odd relationship with his three friends Felix, Alison and Tess - and we actually heard very little about the death of his girlfriend and her "visits" to him - which was what I wanted and expecting.

Despite that, the ending was somewhat touching. But I did get the impression throughout that Mark Buckle wasn't particularly bothered.. about anything!

[Phoenix81 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts off very intersting, about Catherine's spirit coming back to Mark (her live-in boyfriend) after her death but then, it strated to lose its momentom. there are quite many scenes whereby it's unnecessary, especially the part between Mark and his colleague.
However, this is still an enjoyable book. Jessica Adams's writing is quite good...

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was really funny, a fast summer read, written by a woman but from a man's point of view. The only real problem I had was that I kept expecting it to try to convert me to religion in some way but that never happened. It did lose a little steam after the midway point but the LOL moments made up for that.

[Bubblesthefairy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am disappointed in this book i dont know what i was expecting but i found it really dull. I never start a book and give up on it so i continued hoping that something was going to happen to make it better...... Nope it didnt happen!!! Wouldnt recommend this to anyone unless they want to fall into a deep sleep. Sorry!!!

[Nicki]

Seriously I think something is wrong with me at the moment. Every book I pick up I think is great for two chapters .And then I DNF them because they are dull.
This was good to start and then I just couldn't read another school staff room conversation. Maybe it would have improved if I was more patient....

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much a book of two halves. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, it was light-hearted and comical. But then 9/11 happens and it suddenly gets dark and serious.
I found the main characters quite irritating and unlikeable, and the last few chapters didn't sit well with the way the book set out in the beginning.

[Elizabeth Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shed more than a few tears making my way through this book!

The idea of losing a loved one is tough on anyone and Jessica Adams handles it with a beautiful sensitivity that had it making impact without ever seeming manipulative or "tear jerking".

I hadn't read a Jessica Adams book in ages when I picked this one up but I'm glad I did

[Zippy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, well written, good characters, and I am not really sure why I didnt like it as much as I probably should have.

[subtlemurder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting book about a young man and his struggle to cope with the grief of losing a loved one.

[Nicky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the best book..in fact it was quite dull..glad i din't buy it..will be passing it on..will give her another go with my next book but not expecting a fanatstic read..

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this. It was light, funny but with just enough depth to make it satisfying.

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

First book I've read by this author and it will be the last. The first part was ok and then I got so bored and put it down and never picked it up again - so unfinished

[Elaine]

Ive been generous and gave this book 2 stars, boring book with a dull story, I had high hopes for this book and it dissapointed me!

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

In places, it was well-written but the characters were quite weak and the plotline went beyond the fantastic to the irritatingly implausible. I'm definitely not a believer.