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Father Jay #1
The Boys Upstairs
Three homeless children. Two estranged brothers. One last chance.
Kevin Farrell is a jaded police officer trying to save three homeless children. But it’s three nights before Christmas, and the only one he can ask for help is his brother Jay, a disabled priest.
The catch? He and his brother have been estranged because after all the evil he’s seen, Kevin cannot believe in God. Only now, to save these homeless kids, with temperatures below zero and falling, Kevin knows it’s going to take both him and his brother working together, but first they’ll have to mend the breach between them.
The Boys Upstairs is a novella-length work (not as long as a novel, but longer than a short story) about hope, brotherhood, and second chances.
Kevin Farrell is a jaded police officer trying to save three homeless children. But it’s three nights before Christmas, and the only one he can ask for help is his brother Jay, a disabled priest.
The catch? He and his brother have been estranged because after all the evil he’s seen, Kevin cannot believe in God. Only now, to save these homeless kids, with temperatures below zero and falling, Kevin knows it’s going to take both him and his brother working together, but first they’ll have to mend the breach between them.
The Boys Upstairs is a novella-length work (not as long as a novel, but longer than a short story) about hope, brotherhood, and second chances.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
About the author
Jane Lebak
48 books398 followersJane Lebak writes about angels, smart women, and angels who have to put up with smart women. Her stories are a random assortment of genres, both fiction and nonfiction, long form and short form. Some of it is pretty weird. One editor told her, "You think so far outside the box, I'm not sure you know there is a box."
Boxes are for cereal. Fiction wants to be free.
Jane lives in the Swamp and spends her time either writing books or ejecting stink bugs from the house. She is pretty sure no one reads these author bios.
Boxes are for cereal. Fiction wants to be free.
Jane lives in the Swamp and spends her time either writing books or ejecting stink bugs from the house. She is pretty sure no one reads these author bios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 26, 2014
I love this story! From the very first page I was drawn in and couldn't put it down. I mean, how can you not keep reading something that starts with: "Officer Kevin Farrell took three steps up the walkway before returning to the patrol car. His partner put down the window, and Kevin leaned in. 'Maybe this isn't a good idea.'" Why was the cop going up the walkway? Why did he return? Why wasn't it a good idea? I was instantly hooked, and it turned out to be one of those rare books that kept me up, literally, to three o'clock in the morning reading. At 134 pages, it's more a novella than an actual novel, but for such a short book, the author does a magnificent job bringing her characters to life, making the reader fall in love with every one of them, and developing a heartwarming, realistic, and thought-provoking plot that just keeps moving and doesn't let up.
The story is centered around the two Farrell brothers: Father Jay, a crippled and nearly blind Catholic priest with a heart as big as the world, who takes in homeless boys, and his brother, police officer Kevin, who has no time for God and bitterly blames Him for Jay's disabilities. The brothers were once very close (they were street kids themselves, which adds a wonderful twist to their characters), but since Jay's accident, they find themselves estranged. While Jay has fallen in love with God and given his life caring for the poor and homeless, Kevin hates anything to do with religion and berates Jay for "wasting his life."
Christmas is just around the corner when Kevin and his police partner, Bill (another character you'll love, by the way), find three small children, frozen, starved, and on the street with nowhere safe to go. Kevin, almost against his will, is finally forced to turn to his brother for help. Thus starts a chain of events that will leave the reader eagerly turning the pages to find out what will happen to all these lovable characters.
But be warned: start reading "The Boys Upstairs" early enough in the day so you're not kept up like I was to three in the morning!
The story is centered around the two Farrell brothers: Father Jay, a crippled and nearly blind Catholic priest with a heart as big as the world, who takes in homeless boys, and his brother, police officer Kevin, who has no time for God and bitterly blames Him for Jay's disabilities. The brothers were once very close (they were street kids themselves, which adds a wonderful twist to their characters), but since Jay's accident, they find themselves estranged. While Jay has fallen in love with God and given his life caring for the poor and homeless, Kevin hates anything to do with religion and berates Jay for "wasting his life."
Christmas is just around the corner when Kevin and his police partner, Bill (another character you'll love, by the way), find three small children, frozen, starved, and on the street with nowhere safe to go. Kevin, almost against his will, is finally forced to turn to his brother for help. Thus starts a chain of events that will leave the reader eagerly turning the pages to find out what will happen to all these lovable characters.
But be warned: start reading "The Boys Upstairs" early enough in the day so you're not kept up like I was to three in the morning!
June 18, 2018
I need to confess something before writing my review of this book. I enjoyed this book so much I read book three before writing the review. And currently I tend to alternate fiction and non-fiction. I chose a really short non-fiction to read between this book and book three. I really, really wanted to see where the story was going. Ok confessions aside time to review the book.
This book continues a short while after Bulletproof Vestments, Father Jay Farrell is a disabled priest. His brother is a cop. When they were younger they were both involved in gangs and lived on the edge. But After Jay joined the military and was disabled when his vehicle exploded; he came to the catholic faith. And ended up becoming a priest. And he and Kevin are estranged. He serves at a poor inner city parish. And in this volume he has turned the rectory into an unofficial home for street kids. He has rules for the boys. They need to either go to school or if old enough they need to work. Some of the boys have formed a new gang called the Archangels.
When Father Jay's brother shows up late at night with three siblings Father Jay takes them in and trusts God to find a way to work things out. But father Jay has a lot on his plate. Supporting the buys upstairs. Running the soup kitchen in the church, called the cafeteria. Running a parish on a shoe string budget. And trying to follow God, in all he does.
The summary of the book on the jacket is:
"Three homeless children. Two estranged brothers. One last chance.
Kevin Farrell is a jaded police officer trying to save three homeless children. But it's three nights before Christmas, and the only one he can ask for help is his brother Jay, a disabled priest.
The catch? He and his brother have been estranged because after all the evil he's seen, Kevin cannot believe in God. Only now, to save these homeless kids, with temperatures below zero and falling, Kevin knows it's going to take both him and his brother working together, but first they'll have to mend the breach between them."
There is a lot of action in this little volume. It adds nicely to the tale of Father Jay and Officer Kevin. It is a good read and I sincerely hope this series will not end with the three books currently available. But I will warn you once you read this book you will immediately want book three to continue the story. I great read well worth picking up and giving a go.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Jane Lebak.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
This book continues a short while after Bulletproof Vestments, Father Jay Farrell is a disabled priest. His brother is a cop. When they were younger they were both involved in gangs and lived on the edge. But After Jay joined the military and was disabled when his vehicle exploded; he came to the catholic faith. And ended up becoming a priest. And he and Kevin are estranged. He serves at a poor inner city parish. And in this volume he has turned the rectory into an unofficial home for street kids. He has rules for the boys. They need to either go to school or if old enough they need to work. Some of the boys have formed a new gang called the Archangels.
When Father Jay's brother shows up late at night with three siblings Father Jay takes them in and trusts God to find a way to work things out. But father Jay has a lot on his plate. Supporting the buys upstairs. Running the soup kitchen in the church, called the cafeteria. Running a parish on a shoe string budget. And trying to follow God, in all he does.
The summary of the book on the jacket is:
"Three homeless children. Two estranged brothers. One last chance.
Kevin Farrell is a jaded police officer trying to save three homeless children. But it's three nights before Christmas, and the only one he can ask for help is his brother Jay, a disabled priest.
The catch? He and his brother have been estranged because after all the evil he's seen, Kevin cannot believe in God. Only now, to save these homeless kids, with temperatures below zero and falling, Kevin knows it's going to take both him and his brother working together, but first they'll have to mend the breach between them."
There is a lot of action in this little volume. It adds nicely to the tale of Father Jay and Officer Kevin. It is a good read and I sincerely hope this series will not end with the three books currently available. But I will warn you once you read this book you will immediately want book three to continue the story. I great read well worth picking up and giving a go.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Jane Lebak.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
December 29, 2018
You'll find more depth in The Boys Upstairs than most Christmas books you read. The boys upstairs, a ragtag group of street urchins taken in by Father Jay, create the occasion for Father Jay's brother, Kevin, a police officer, to re-evaluate his bitterness toward God.
The brothers' backstory provides depth, and a small cast of secondary characters enrich the story set at Christmas when Kevin brings three children to Father Jay's rectory doorstep.
Present realities intruded a little in my enjoyment of the book. No priest today would be permitted to have a slew of young boys boarding with him no matter their dire circumstances. So, I needed to suspend my disbelief in that regard as well as to Father Jay, given his disabilities, being in charge of not only the children and a soup kitchen, but presumably a parish as well.
That set aside, The Boys Upstairs is a heartwarming Christmas tale with depth that I heartily recommend.
The brothers' backstory provides depth, and a small cast of secondary characters enrich the story set at Christmas when Kevin brings three children to Father Jay's rectory doorstep.
Present realities intruded a little in my enjoyment of the book. No priest today would be permitted to have a slew of young boys boarding with him no matter their dire circumstances. So, I needed to suspend my disbelief in that regard as well as to Father Jay, given his disabilities, being in charge of not only the children and a soup kitchen, but presumably a parish as well.
That set aside, The Boys Upstairs is a heartwarming Christmas tale with depth that I heartily recommend.
December 23, 2015
An uplifting Christmas tale of transformation for two brothers: a priest who's a disabled war veteran and who takes in boys who are living on the streets and a police officer who's seen more than his share of holiday tragedies. Their own rough start in life leads them to find ways to be strong for others in crisis.
March 17, 2016
This story drew me right in, and I enjoyed it very much. It was heartwarming, and I fell in love with its characters. My heart broke for the homeless children and the priest caring for them with few resources.
September 2, 2014
fantastic heartwarming story with lovely characters. This is a must-holiday read!
January 2, 2016
One of the best Christmas stories i have read. Deep and understanding. Not far behind the best one ever: Mt.1-2&Lk.1-2.
April 13, 2020
Recommend book to read
This book is an amazing book to read . It's about two brothers in different path dealing with kids who are either not wanted from their parents or have run away . From the beginning to the end . I was hoping that Jay and his little brother would be able to forgive each other . I'm also glad that one of the archangel gang made in appearance. Hope to see him and the rest of them in the next book in about to read
This book is an amazing book to read . It's about two brothers in different path dealing with kids who are either not wanted from their parents or have run away . From the beginning to the end . I was hoping that Jay and his little brother would be able to forgive each other . I'm also glad that one of the archangel gang made in appearance. Hope to see him and the rest of them in the next book in about to read
March 27, 2025
Good short read.
The story was good. The only constructive criticism I would give would be to not use so many word alterations for words that could be kept simple. It just didn’t quite fit the story. I don’t want to have to look up a word in the dictionary in order to continue reading the book. I feel a writers piece is just as eloquent if kept simple. That said, the story and the characters were great.
The story was good. The only constructive criticism I would give would be to not use so many word alterations for words that could be kept simple. It just didn’t quite fit the story. I don’t want to have to look up a word in the dictionary in order to continue reading the book. I feel a writers piece is just as eloquent if kept simple. That said, the story and the characters were great.
March 19, 2022
Practical Christianity
As James said “show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. This is a great story of two brothers who have chosen different paths and the widening separation that their belief in God’s love and existence in this broken world has created. A story of hope and second chances.
As James said “show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. This is a great story of two brothers who have chosen different paths and the widening separation that their belief in God’s love and existence in this broken world has created. A story of hope and second chances.
November 26, 2010
Christmas is a Time for Second Chances: Reviewing The Boys Upstairs
Jay's brother, Kevin, is a cop who has seen so much evil that he's stopped believing in God and hasn't spoken to Jay for a long time. When Kevin stops by Jay's rectory to drop off three more needy children, it puts them in contact on a continuing basis as they must work together to help provide food and clothing for the newcomers.
Those are far from being the only problems which need solving. Nick's anger at the parents who abandoned him makes him lash out in anger at the other homeless boys. Holly is barely getting by on her waitress salary and has given up on ever finding love. The three children who are dropped off with Father Jay are trying to find a way to stay together instead of being split up into separate foster homes.
Although these are not the sorts of situations that I would normally choose to read about, I found myself being drawn into this novella through the characters' motivations and back stories. In uncovering what happened to Jay in Iraq, watching Holly's defense of a fellow waitress, watching for changes in Nick that would echo those we are told took place in another boy, and in wondering what is haunting Kevin about a simple memory of a lit front porch, I was pulled into a world with characters I wanted to know better.
Since this is ultimately a book about free will, second chances, and faith, I was quite interested in Lebak's handling of touchy conversations that echoed the sorts of situations we might face in real life. A confrontation with a family who uses God to dodge out of paying a bill and Kevin and Jay's struggles were absorbing without seeming preachy or out of place.
I also liked very much the honesty the priest shows with the children when they ask about his past. It is not only what they need to evaluate their situation and the choices they contemplate, but also an insight into the priest's ability to work with the children that have found their way into his care. Lebak made a gutsy choice in showing this good man taking care of these homeless kids. Many would think of the recent sex scandals and choose a different plot. Seeing Jay caring for these children is a reminder that most priests are good men who want nothing more than to honorably minister to those in their care.
I enjoyed Lebak's previous novel, Seven Archangels: Annihilation, but I found that her writing style in this work flowed much more naturally. I especially liked the fact that she didn't tell us everything about what each character was thinking which left some areas open for further reflection, such as the very brief comments that Kevin receives which become a turning point in his thinking.
The downside is that this is only novella length, about 100 pages. It is crammed with plot points that have to be resolved in a fairly short time. Sometimes this resulted in important ideas being hashed out in a couple of pages of pointed conversation which would have been more naturally conveyed if the author had had the luxury of more pages to spread things out in. Also, there are some characters that it would have been nice to have more background on. For example, Mrs. D. is someone who I would have liked to know more about than we were told, especially given the important resolution she helps with at one point in the book. I realize these criticisms seem like a direct contradiction to my appreciation for the openness I praised in the previous paragraph but these are not moments of subtlety but of skimming over details for lack of space.
I definitely recommend this novella. I would really like it if Jane Lebak wrote another book about these characters but took more time to ... breathe ... while doing so. I enjoyed what she wrote but want more of it. I could see this novella being the launching pad for a book or two along the lines of Jan Karon's Father Tim books but without the treacly sweetness and with more Catholic down-to-earth hardheadedness. C'mon Jane. Give us more!
"Yeah, you've certainly changed." Kevin shoved aside his empty plate. "I remember when you would have been the kid bringing the knife into the church."Jay Farrell is a priest with overwhelming responsibilities and very few resources. He houses homeless boys in his rectory, runs a soup kitchen, and ministers to an inner-city parish. He is no stranger to overcoming big odds, but one of the most troubling obstacles is in his personal life.
"Would you rather I spent the rest of my life in jail?"
"That's not what I would have rather had at all, and you know it."
Jay opened his hands. "You don't get it both ways. The thing that saved my conscience was the same thing that saved my soul."
Kevin shook his head.
"Please don't start this again," Jay said. "You know I can't stand it."
"I've told you I accept you the way that you are."
"You say that as though I have a disease." Jay looked at his lap. "I love you from the bottom of my heart, and I pray for you every day. I want nothing but good for you—and in return, you'll tolerate me. Like I'm an aged flatulent uncle you visit once a week for the sake of your long-dead grandmother."
Jay's brother, Kevin, is a cop who has seen so much evil that he's stopped believing in God and hasn't spoken to Jay for a long time. When Kevin stops by Jay's rectory to drop off three more needy children, it puts them in contact on a continuing basis as they must work together to help provide food and clothing for the newcomers.
Those are far from being the only problems which need solving. Nick's anger at the parents who abandoned him makes him lash out in anger at the other homeless boys. Holly is barely getting by on her waitress salary and has given up on ever finding love. The three children who are dropped off with Father Jay are trying to find a way to stay together instead of being split up into separate foster homes.
Although these are not the sorts of situations that I would normally choose to read about, I found myself being drawn into this novella through the characters' motivations and back stories. In uncovering what happened to Jay in Iraq, watching Holly's defense of a fellow waitress, watching for changes in Nick that would echo those we are told took place in another boy, and in wondering what is haunting Kevin about a simple memory of a lit front porch, I was pulled into a world with characters I wanted to know better.
Since this is ultimately a book about free will, second chances, and faith, I was quite interested in Lebak's handling of touchy conversations that echoed the sorts of situations we might face in real life. A confrontation with a family who uses God to dodge out of paying a bill and Kevin and Jay's struggles were absorbing without seeming preachy or out of place.
I also liked very much the honesty the priest shows with the children when they ask about his past. It is not only what they need to evaluate their situation and the choices they contemplate, but also an insight into the priest's ability to work with the children that have found their way into his care. Lebak made a gutsy choice in showing this good man taking care of these homeless kids. Many would think of the recent sex scandals and choose a different plot. Seeing Jay caring for these children is a reminder that most priests are good men who want nothing more than to honorably minister to those in their care.
I enjoyed Lebak's previous novel, Seven Archangels: Annihilation, but I found that her writing style in this work flowed much more naturally. I especially liked the fact that she didn't tell us everything about what each character was thinking which left some areas open for further reflection, such as the very brief comments that Kevin receives which become a turning point in his thinking.
The downside is that this is only novella length, about 100 pages. It is crammed with plot points that have to be resolved in a fairly short time. Sometimes this resulted in important ideas being hashed out in a couple of pages of pointed conversation which would have been more naturally conveyed if the author had had the luxury of more pages to spread things out in. Also, there are some characters that it would have been nice to have more background on. For example, Mrs. D. is someone who I would have liked to know more about than we were told, especially given the important resolution she helps with at one point in the book. I realize these criticisms seem like a direct contradiction to my appreciation for the openness I praised in the previous paragraph but these are not moments of subtlety but of skimming over details for lack of space.
I definitely recommend this novella. I would really like it if Jane Lebak wrote another book about these characters but took more time to ... breathe ... while doing so. I enjoyed what she wrote but want more of it. I could see this novella being the launching pad for a book or two along the lines of Jan Karon's Father Tim books but without the treacly sweetness and with more Catholic down-to-earth hardheadedness. C'mon Jane. Give us more!
July 19, 2017
Enjoyed it. Feel good book. Fast read.
Read
December 30, 2020Enjoyed the story but could have done without the profanity. Although I guess that is how boys of that age talk.
November 3, 2024
This would have been five-star worthy if not for the language.
The plot…I really liked it. Father Jay, a disabled Catholic priest, took in orphaned or deserted boys to live in the rectory, sort of like an orphanage for boys. However three days before Christmas, Kevin (Jay's estranged brother, also a police officer) brought three runaway siblings to the only place he was sure they wouldn’t be turned out…St. Augustine’s church, to his brother with the big heart. There was a bit of a problem in that one of the three was a girl.
But what a story! I was so engaged with this book, the characters and the background events that were added piecemeal. Amazing. I have to admit to crying a few times, especially on Christmas. Wow! But what I’d like to add is the faith issues discussed between Jay and his atheist brother were good! Seems like I underlined about a tenth of it.
I’d recommend it but for the language sprinkled throughout the book. If Ms. Lebak could release it in a version that kids could read I’d wholeheartedly pass this book on to everyone!
The plot…I really liked it. Father Jay, a disabled Catholic priest, took in orphaned or deserted boys to live in the rectory, sort of like an orphanage for boys. However three days before Christmas, Kevin (Jay's estranged brother, also a police officer) brought three runaway siblings to the only place he was sure they wouldn’t be turned out…St. Augustine’s church, to his brother with the big heart. There was a bit of a problem in that one of the three was a girl.
But what a story! I was so engaged with this book, the characters and the background events that were added piecemeal. Amazing. I have to admit to crying a few times, especially on Christmas. Wow! But what I’d like to add is the faith issues discussed between Jay and his atheist brother were good! Seems like I underlined about a tenth of it.
I’d recommend it but for the language sprinkled throughout the book. If Ms. Lebak could release it in a version that kids could read I’d wholeheartedly pass this book on to everyone!
December 4, 2010
The Boys Upstairs, with its largely Catholic overtones, begins in a poor parish. Father Jay, an Iraq war veteran, collects homeless kids. Chapter 1 begins with his police officer brother bringing him three more children. There’s no room, but Father Jay takes them anyway, clearing out a room so the three siblings can stay together.
The story focuses on Father Jay and his unbelieving brother, Kevin. They frequently fight and Kevin ardently despises Christianity. Kevin likes a waitress named, Holly. Holly declines further dates with him because Kevin despises everything she believes. The main plot becomes more about Kevin’s struggle with the existence of God and the often asked question, “Why do bad things happen if there’s an omnipresent and all-powerful God?” While I didn’t see an invitation to accept Christ in the dialogue and the question never gets directly answered, many thought provoking discussions occur throughout the dialogue such as:
Spider turned his head aside. “Well, I’m not becoming a priest.” When Jay laughed out loud,
Spider said, “I’d rather be a soldier like you were. Or a cop.”
“The police and I are doing the same work.” Jay sat back on his heels, rubbing the dirt
granules from his palms. “They’re cutting off the leaves, and I’m pulling out the roots. What
you’re going to learn, Spider, is that evil has taproots. You can slice it apart all you want, but if that root’s intact below, the leaves will show up again. You’ve never completely weeded a
garden. But it helps to be doing something, and both kinds of work are worthwhile.”
“I don’t really get you. You became a priest to fight bad guys?”
The flow of the story kept me turning the pages. Jane Lebak is a talented writer. Under the pseudonym, Jane Hamilton, she published a book via Thomas Nelson called, The Guardian. Her previous novel Seven Archangels: Annihilation is in-print with Double-Edged Publishing. You can view some of Jane’s shorter pieces in books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. The Boys Upstairs is a good Christmas story teaching us about love, charity, thanksgiving and perseverance.
Book provided by author
The story focuses on Father Jay and his unbelieving brother, Kevin. They frequently fight and Kevin ardently despises Christianity. Kevin likes a waitress named, Holly. Holly declines further dates with him because Kevin despises everything she believes. The main plot becomes more about Kevin’s struggle with the existence of God and the often asked question, “Why do bad things happen if there’s an omnipresent and all-powerful God?” While I didn’t see an invitation to accept Christ in the dialogue and the question never gets directly answered, many thought provoking discussions occur throughout the dialogue such as:
Spider turned his head aside. “Well, I’m not becoming a priest.” When Jay laughed out loud,
Spider said, “I’d rather be a soldier like you were. Or a cop.”
“The police and I are doing the same work.” Jay sat back on his heels, rubbing the dirt
granules from his palms. “They’re cutting off the leaves, and I’m pulling out the roots. What
you’re going to learn, Spider, is that evil has taproots. You can slice it apart all you want, but if that root’s intact below, the leaves will show up again. You’ve never completely weeded a
garden. But it helps to be doing something, and both kinds of work are worthwhile.”
“I don’t really get you. You became a priest to fight bad guys?”
The flow of the story kept me turning the pages. Jane Lebak is a talented writer. Under the pseudonym, Jane Hamilton, she published a book via Thomas Nelson called, The Guardian. Her previous novel Seven Archangels: Annihilation is in-print with Double-Edged Publishing. You can view some of Jane’s shorter pieces in books like Chicken Soup for the Soul. The Boys Upstairs is a good Christmas story teaching us about love, charity, thanksgiving and perseverance.
Book provided by author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2016
My Review:
This book is short and sweet. I was able to read it in one sitting because the book just filled me with joy.
Jay and Kevin are brothers who haven’t spoken to each other in a long time. Jay, a priest, found God in his time of need. Kevin, a cop, turned God away after all the terrible things he’s seen.
The brothers find each other again as Kevin brings a few homeless children to Jay’s church. Together, they help the various children get jobs, find homes, and overall just stay out of trouble.
The characters in the story are easy to follow and relatable. I love the relationship Jay and Kevin have at the beginning of the story and the end and how they develop throughout. Even the orphans had great backgrounds. The author didn’t go too in depth about the boys’ backgrounds, but she didn’t need to. Just one or two sentences were enough to feel for the boys and understand they were going through a tough time.
The overall writing style flows nicely and really just allows you to continuously read the book until the story is over. You forget you’re reading a book, that’s how much I was into the story.
Overall, it was a pleasant story to read and it made me feel good, especially with all the bad things happening in the world today. The story touches upon Christianity, second chances, giving to others, forgiveness, and so many other important themes.
I think everyone should read it whether they’re religious or not. If you want the full effect, read this around Christmas time.
The Boys Upstairs by Jane Lebak gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Favorite Quote:
“If nobody will give these boys a job because they’re not good in the eyes of the world, how can they become good in the eyes of the world?” –Jane Lebak, The Boys Upstairs
This review can also be read at RachelPoli.com.
This book is short and sweet. I was able to read it in one sitting because the book just filled me with joy.
Jay and Kevin are brothers who haven’t spoken to each other in a long time. Jay, a priest, found God in his time of need. Kevin, a cop, turned God away after all the terrible things he’s seen.
The brothers find each other again as Kevin brings a few homeless children to Jay’s church. Together, they help the various children get jobs, find homes, and overall just stay out of trouble.
The characters in the story are easy to follow and relatable. I love the relationship Jay and Kevin have at the beginning of the story and the end and how they develop throughout. Even the orphans had great backgrounds. The author didn’t go too in depth about the boys’ backgrounds, but she didn’t need to. Just one or two sentences were enough to feel for the boys and understand they were going through a tough time.
The overall writing style flows nicely and really just allows you to continuously read the book until the story is over. You forget you’re reading a book, that’s how much I was into the story.
Overall, it was a pleasant story to read and it made me feel good, especially with all the bad things happening in the world today. The story touches upon Christianity, second chances, giving to others, forgiveness, and so many other important themes.
I think everyone should read it whether they’re religious or not. If you want the full effect, read this around Christmas time.
The Boys Upstairs by Jane Lebak gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Favorite Quote:
“If nobody will give these boys a job because they’re not good in the eyes of the world, how can they become good in the eyes of the world?” –Jane Lebak, The Boys Upstairs
This review can also be read at RachelPoli.com.
February 15, 2017
Satisfying Christmas story
Two alienated brothers, one a cop furious with God, the other one a priest struggling to meet the overwhelming needs of an inner city parish, are brought together again by three homeless kids.
I grabbed this after reading the all-too-short story "Bullet-proof Vestments," and was not disappointed. More Father Jay stories, please!
Two alienated brothers, one a cop furious with God, the other one a priest struggling to meet the overwhelming needs of an inner city parish, are brought together again by three homeless kids.
I grabbed this after reading the all-too-short story "Bullet-proof Vestments," and was not disappointed. More Father Jay stories, please!
September 3, 2013
I, Ladybug Lin, am a certified Christmas Fan...I'm also a December baby...I got my happiest news on December 5, 1983...my personal Independence Day...So yeah, Christmas is my FAVORITE time of the year...anything dealing with it draws me much the way a moth is drawn to a flame.
Jane Lebak has created what I think, should be declared a classic here. While I was reading it, images kept popping into my head...images from a movie I'd seen on TV when I was a kid...images from a classic black and white movie. Spencer Tracy starred in it with Mickey Rooney...BOYS TOWN! YES
THE BOY'S UPSTAIRS made me feel many of the same emotions because in many ways it has the same level of heart the movie Boy's Town does. How cool to have your short Christmas book compared to something as revered as BOYS TOWN?
THE BOYS UPSTAIRS by Jane Lebak
has definitely earned 4 1/2 POWERFUL STARS out of FIVE for the power of the story it tells. Congratulations, Ms. Lebak.
Jane Lebak has created what I think, should be declared a classic here. While I was reading it, images kept popping into my head...images from a movie I'd seen on TV when I was a kid...images from a classic black and white movie. Spencer Tracy starred in it with Mickey Rooney...BOYS TOWN! YES
THE BOY'S UPSTAIRS made me feel many of the same emotions because in many ways it has the same level of heart the movie Boy's Town does. How cool to have your short Christmas book compared to something as revered as BOYS TOWN?
THE BOYS UPSTAIRS by Jane Lebak
has definitely earned 4 1/2 POWERFUL STARS out of FIVE for the power of the story it tells. Congratulations, Ms. Lebak.
June 11, 2015
The physically disastered brother is an agnostic soldier turned effective priest. The other brother is a cop who resents the possibility of a real god and has a partner who has seen God's workings. Between these camps is an impoverished parish and the throwaway kids whose lives are well worth saving from the streets, including the sudden addition of 3 little ones who keep escaping the system so that they can stay together. Real people. Real needs. Real hope for each. A tale well written and well worth your time.
Ryan P does a fine job of audio interpretation of the author's work, and has a good voice for this work.
Ryan P does a fine job of audio interpretation of the author's work, and has a good voice for this work.
November 30, 2010
Initially, I was glad to see that this was a shorter novel, because I was reading it electronically in the days when the only device I had was an iPod Touch, my laptop, or my husband's iPad on the weekends. When I got to the end, though, I was disappointed that it wasn't longer...it was well-written, well-crafted, and well done.
Five stars and a high recommendation.
Five stars and a high recommendation.
April 4, 2016
The Boys on the Edge
Good story! Short and sweet! I liked it, but it felt like a story cut short. Like meeting the requirement of a class essay--short. This story has a book inside it! I wanted more about the kids, about the almost couple. . .the emotions that were begging for more depth! Read it and demand more from the author!
Good story! Short and sweet! I liked it, but it felt like a story cut short. Like meeting the requirement of a class essay--short. This story has a book inside it! I wanted more about the kids, about the almost couple. . .the emotions that were begging for more depth! Read it and demand more from the author!
January 1, 2017
The boys keep Father Jay on his toes
Father Jay is a great character. He is quite inspirational. I get a feeling of calmness reading these books.
The boys upstairs make your heart break, make you laugh, cry & get frustrated. The book is all about relationships. Father Jay & the boys. Father Jay & his brother.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Father Jay is a great character. He is quite inspirational. I get a feeling of calmness reading these books.
The boys upstairs make your heart break, make you laugh, cry & get frustrated. The book is all about relationships. Father Jay & the boys. Father Jay & his brother.
Looking forward to the next installment.
March 12, 2016
This is a great book to read any time. Two brothers, one crippled war vet who became a priest, the other a cop who shuns God, must find a way to accept each other's views. It takes place at Christmas but could be appreciated any time.
April 27, 2016
Real
This is a good story, with real problems, real pain, and few answers. But it points to a real God with big shoulders who is there in tough situations, and whose answers are often good, overworked and overwhelmed people.
This is a good story, with real problems, real pain, and few answers. But it points to a real God with big shoulders who is there in tough situations, and whose answers are often good, overworked and overwhelmed people.
December 1, 2010
I read Jane Lebak's novella today. It is AMAZING. So beautiful I cried. Not sad, but powerful and wonderfully woven together. Wow!
March 12, 2016
Poignantly, enriching Christian story.
March 19, 2016
Very good!
This book had all the feels! very heartwarming story of a priest in a poor neighborhood and the lives he touches
This book had all the feels! very heartwarming story of a priest in a poor neighborhood and the lives he touches
November 15, 2016
great story, loved it.
November 16, 2016
The Boys Upstairs
Sweet, warm, gentle, good characters in a good story. Very nice Christmas tale with second chances all over the place.
Sweet, warm, gentle, good characters in a good story. Very nice Christmas tale with second chances all over the place.
December 28, 2016
Nice read
This captivating short story is well-written and well-edited. Not preachy, but truly inspirational. I enjoyed spending time with the rascals upstairs.
This captivating short story is well-written and well-edited. Not preachy, but truly inspirational. I enjoyed spending time with the rascals upstairs.
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