The Curious Autobiography of Elaine Jakes

by H.R. Jakes

From the jacket-flap:
E l a i n e J a k e s was a schoolteacher in suburban Philadelphia. Living in the vivacious
and eccentric community of New Hope, Pa, in the 1970s and 1980s, she very
much reflected that town's character. Yet another place, Wales, the land of her forefathers,
ever kept a spiritual hold on her, beckoning her homeward through the most
unexpected of mechanisms (e.g. scents, strolls along a canal, animals, family and
friends) until she discovers who she really is and the redemptive power of the cross.
Her son, H. R. Jakes, a writer who lives in Texas, compiled her story. He has been
writing all his life, and she thus felt confident to entrust him with that task. Through
him, further books in this series will be forthcoming, first among them Curious
Recipes: the Mostly Welsh Cookbook of Elaine Jakes, a charming (and tasty) combination
of Elaine's tales with detailed recipes, featuring as an aspect of every vignette the
story behind each culinary delight. H. R. Jakes is married to Diana, whom he met in
Italy in 1979. They have 7 children and one grandchild, in whose eyes it is evident to
one and all that Elaine's legacy lives on.

268 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2015

About the author

H. R. JAKES, a writer who lives in Texas, pens the Curious Autobiography series. He compiled the story of his mother, Elaine Jakes. He has been writing all his life, and she thus felt confident to entrust him with that task. Through him, further books in this series will be forthcoming, first among them Curious Recipes: The Mostly Welsh Cookbook of Elaine Jakes, a charming (and tasty) combination of Elaine’s tales with detailed recipes, featuring as an aspect of every vignette the story behind each culinary delight.

He has 7 children, speaks with pen, is a polyglot, and bikes a lot.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories within these pages chronicle the life of Elaine Jakes. While sometimes funny, sometimes entertaining but also tragic. It was a very true encounter during her life which so many of us can relate. I found it to be a book that I wanted to take my time to enjoy!! If you are looking for an enjoyable book for a long evening, pick this up and you will not be disappointed.

[Just Commonly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a bit there, The Curious Autobiogrpahy of Elaine Jakes by H.R. Jakes reminded me of the eccentricity of Thelma & Louise. It's quirky, but at times sobering, and then tragic as well. Yet, the warmth that emanate from how the author writes in Elaine's voice is evident in the many stories we, as readers can find endearing and relatable. Without being predictable, the stories is not in order of time, but rather how it can engage the readers. The beginning captures your attention very quickly, but does tend to mellow out as the story progress, and then picks up again. Since it's a fiction based on real life events, one would be curious to speculate where reality ends, and fiction begins or how embellished are the events. Overall, an interesting read about one's journey to self-discovery and faith.

This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a well written tribute from son to mother. The story takes us throughout the life to the death of Elaine Jakes. Powerful story with ups and downs that we can all related to at some time or other in our lives. A must read.