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Missing Isaac
There was another South in the 1960s, one far removed from the marches and bombings and turmoil in the streets that were broadcast on the evening news. It was a place of inner turmoil, where ordinary people struggled to right themselves on a social landscape that was dramatically shifting beneath their feet. This is the world of Valerie Fraser Luesse's stunning debut, Missing Isaac.It is 1965 when black field hand Isaac Reynolds goes missing from the tiny, unassuming town of Glory, Alabama. The townspeople's reactions range from concern to indifference, but one boy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to his unlikely friend. White, wealthy, and fatherless, young Pete McLean has nothing to gain and everything to lose in his relentless search for Isaac. In the process, he will discover much more than he bargained for. Before it's all over, Pete--and the people he loves most--will have to blur the hard lines of race, class, and religion. And what they discover about themselves may change some of them forever.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
455 people are currently reading
2265 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Fraser Luesse
6 books413 followersValerie Fraser Luesse is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently a senior travel editor. Her work has been anthologized in the audio collection Southern Voices and in A Glimpse of Heaven, an essay collection featuring works by C. S. Lewis, Randy Alcorn, John Wesley, and others. As a freelance writer and editor, she was the lead writer for Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana's Acadian Prairie, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana won the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society. Luesse earned her bachelor's degree in English at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and her master's degree in English at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She grew up in Harpersville, Alabama, a rural community in Shelby County, and now lives in Birmingham.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
March 24, 2018
This was a win from LibraryThing.com for my honest (albeit late) review. Missing Isaac takes place in Glory, Alabama, during the mid 1960s when the country was exploding with racial strife, war protests, and political assassinations. Glory seems gloriously untouched by most of this news, which may be what I felt was missing from a book that has been tagged as historical fiction (as well as Christian fiction).
Pete McLean is the only child of a wealthy widowed farm wife, with Isaac being their black hired man and closest thing to best friend. His grandfather Daddy Ballard is now his father figure. Isaac goes missing following a card game and Pete takes it pretty hard, but his efforts to find out what happened (since the authorities aren't doing anything) are eventually forbidden for his own safety. After that it's up to Daddy Ballard to put his money to good use in trying to find Isaac.
The beginning of the book had me absorbed in the richly visual descriptions of the area, where the hired black folk and the poor live in harmony with the Ballard/McLean family on land owned by Daddy Ballard. There are a couple of bad characters thrown into the mix. As it progressed, I enjoyed Pete gaining a new unlikely friend named Dovey, and their relationship is sweet (but not overly so). The main characters are all really nice people, and niceness can wear thin on me, but they were also likeable and interesting if not somewhat unbelievable.
I did not know this was Christian fiction going into it, but it actually was pretty good. I liked it overall, with the first half grabbing me more than the second. My main complaint would be that the Ballard money was the solution to almost every obstacle that presented itself, which seemed like an easy out whenever the plot thickened. Marginal thumbs up.
Pete McLean is the only child of a wealthy widowed farm wife, with Isaac being their black hired man and closest thing to best friend. His grandfather Daddy Ballard is now his father figure. Isaac goes missing following a card game and Pete takes it pretty hard, but his efforts to find out what happened (since the authorities aren't doing anything) are eventually forbidden for his own safety. After that it's up to Daddy Ballard to put his money to good use in trying to find Isaac.
The beginning of the book had me absorbed in the richly visual descriptions of the area, where the hired black folk and the poor live in harmony with the Ballard/McLean family on land owned by Daddy Ballard. There are a couple of bad characters thrown into the mix. As it progressed, I enjoyed Pete gaining a new unlikely friend named Dovey, and their relationship is sweet (but not overly so). The main characters are all really nice people, and niceness can wear thin on me, but they were also likeable and interesting if not somewhat unbelievable.
I did not know this was Christian fiction going into it, but it actually was pretty good. I liked it overall, with the first half grabbing me more than the second. My main complaint would be that the Ballard money was the solution to almost every obstacle that presented itself, which seemed like an easy out whenever the plot thickened. Marginal thumbs up.
March 3, 2018
3.5
Missing Isaac is a vivid portrait of a community in the 1960s South, concentrating on the story of a boy growing up and learning about class, love, family, faith, and community.
In the opening scene Pete's father has died in an accident; his field hand Isaac tried to save him. Isaac befriends Pete; later he disappears.
I expected Isaac's story to be the main one, but instead it is placed on the back burner while we watch Pete grow up. Looking for Isaac, Pete meets a girl from an isolated family group who stay away from town folk. The children secretly meet, but when found out their parents cooperate to monitor the children's relationship, expecting that come puberty it will blossom into something more than friendship.
In the end, the mystery of missing Isaac is revealed. He did not fall victim to the KKK, but to something more insidious.
The novel is nostalgic and idyllic, showing the best of the community but also revealing the evil that hides behind careful facades.
I am not used to reading Christian books and the scenes in church worship seemed uneventful. The vilification of town youth culture and the division between the Hollow folk and town folk were definitely us vs them territory. Racism was barely lurking in the background, as Pete's family respect all people, regardless of color or class, as equals.
Pete and Dovey are too sweet and their long courtship is very respectful--but they marry ASAP. I had friends who believed in courtship and whose children married too young; one was divorced within a year. The problem, of course, is that young adults want more than pristine kisses, lust into marriage, and discover they are not prepared for reality.
Still, for readers who want old-fashioned values and a story with no graphic violence, sex, profanity, this is a lovely book. It is what my mother-in-law wanted to read when she was in her 90s.
I received a free book from Bookish First in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Missing Isaac is a vivid portrait of a community in the 1960s South, concentrating on the story of a boy growing up and learning about class, love, family, faith, and community.
In the opening scene Pete's father has died in an accident; his field hand Isaac tried to save him. Isaac befriends Pete; later he disappears.
I expected Isaac's story to be the main one, but instead it is placed on the back burner while we watch Pete grow up. Looking for Isaac, Pete meets a girl from an isolated family group who stay away from town folk. The children secretly meet, but when found out their parents cooperate to monitor the children's relationship, expecting that come puberty it will blossom into something more than friendship.
In the end, the mystery of missing Isaac is revealed. He did not fall victim to the KKK, but to something more insidious.
The novel is nostalgic and idyllic, showing the best of the community but also revealing the evil that hides behind careful facades.
I am not used to reading Christian books and the scenes in church worship seemed uneventful. The vilification of town youth culture and the division between the Hollow folk and town folk were definitely us vs them territory. Racism was barely lurking in the background, as Pete's family respect all people, regardless of color or class, as equals.
Pete and Dovey are too sweet and their long courtship is very respectful--but they marry ASAP. I had friends who believed in courtship and whose children married too young; one was divorced within a year. The problem, of course, is that young adults want more than pristine kisses, lust into marriage, and discover they are not prepared for reality.
Still, for readers who want old-fashioned values and a story with no graphic violence, sex, profanity, this is a lovely book. It is what my mother-in-law wanted to read when she was in her 90s.
I received a free book from Bookish First in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
August 26, 2021
Love this story!! We may never understand why God allows certain things in life to happen to us or to our loved ones. But we can know that He is always in control and will never let us go.
August 12, 2022
Fantastic Southern Fiction
This is a wonderful debut and a captivating story with relatable characters told in a way that makes you want to travel back to the 1960s.
I was in highschool during these turbulent times so I remember so much of the culture depicted in this book. I married one year after one of the couples in the story.
This story brought out some of the best qualities in the characters. Isaac was a role model to Pete and became a real friend. Southern charm and caring cross class barriers as people search for a missing Isaac. Ms. Luesse also shows us the ugly side of human nature and the champions who stand up for the underdog.
A quality tale, rich in atmosphere with a romance or two. Do not miss this book!
Southern fiction at its finest.
* I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*
This is a wonderful debut and a captivating story with relatable characters told in a way that makes you want to travel back to the 1960s.
I was in highschool during these turbulent times so I remember so much of the culture depicted in this book. I married one year after one of the couples in the story.
This story brought out some of the best qualities in the characters. Isaac was a role model to Pete and became a real friend. Southern charm and caring cross class barriers as people search for a missing Isaac. Ms. Luesse also shows us the ugly side of human nature and the champions who stand up for the underdog.
A quality tale, rich in atmosphere with a romance or two. Do not miss this book!
Southern fiction at its finest.
* I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.*
August 6, 2018
A remarkable debut novel that highlights a slice of Southern living back in the 1960s. Missing Isaac is a coming of age story that put me in mind of the Waltons and I'm not quite sure I can explain why. Because this isn't a large family struggling to eke out a living in the Depression Era. Pete is an only child and though his family are farmers, they are the wealthy kind. I guess it's the southern small town atmosphere and a young man growing up and learning hard lessons along the way that creates the John-Boy/Pete parallel in my mind.
Fraser has a beautiful writing voice -- the kind that lures you into the pages and begs you to stay a long while. Pete's story spans years and during that time we get to watch as he matures into an honorable young man. All the while an unsolved tragedy shapes his present, defines his relationships and shadows his future. The subtle mystery plays out in the background as life goes on despite Pete's best efforts to discover why Isaac has gone missing.
The strength of this novel comes from its characters. Such a cross-section of live out-loud people who made me smile and squirm...and shed a tear or two. Especially as the mystery unravels. And there are two romances, though Missing Isaac is categorized as Historical Fiction. You know I love my romance and these two are sweet perfection despite (or maybe because of) the struggles along the road to their HEA.
Fans of Ann H. Gabhart's Heart of Hollyhill series will want to welcome newcomer Valerie Fraser Luesse's debut onto their keeper shelves.
Fraser has a beautiful writing voice -- the kind that lures you into the pages and begs you to stay a long while. Pete's story spans years and during that time we get to watch as he matures into an honorable young man. All the while an unsolved tragedy shapes his present, defines his relationships and shadows his future. The subtle mystery plays out in the background as life goes on despite Pete's best efforts to discover why Isaac has gone missing.
The strength of this novel comes from its characters. Such a cross-section of live out-loud people who made me smile and squirm...and shed a tear or two. Especially as the mystery unravels. And there are two romances, though Missing Isaac is categorized as Historical Fiction. You know I love my romance and these two are sweet perfection despite (or maybe because of) the struggles along the road to their HEA.
Fans of Ann H. Gabhart's Heart of Hollyhill series will want to welcome newcomer Valerie Fraser Luesse's debut onto their keeper shelves.
April 26, 2018
Beautifully written debut. I was pulled in from the first page into the world of 1960s Glory, Alabama. I typically think of coming of age novels to be about women. Missing Isaac is the coming of age story of Pete McLean. Isaac is his best friend and as he grows through his teen years he has to do so without the benefit of Isaac nor his father.
Southern charm abounds in this lovely novel. So many fabulous secondary characters. Even those with cold hearts were well written.
Southern charm abounds in this lovely novel. So many fabulous secondary characters. Even those with cold hearts were well written.
January 3, 2018
This is a debut novel by this author, and it sure won’t be my last to enjoy by her, she sure has won me over, a read that felt like I was watching as this story unfolded.
There is a lot of pain and heartache here and when we face growing up in the 1960’s Alabama, and meet prejudice head on. This is Pete’s story and his family that found the town of “Glory”, the setting of this story.
While the author has us walking in Pete’s shoes, we experience and walk with others in this community, and learn a lot of life lessons here. While things don’t always turn out how we want them to, there are a lot of surprises here, both good and bad.
A warning that once you start, you won’t be able to stop, and I could have used a few more epilogues, I wanted to spend more time with these characters.
I received this book through Revell Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
There is a lot of pain and heartache here and when we face growing up in the 1960’s Alabama, and meet prejudice head on. This is Pete’s story and his family that found the town of “Glory”, the setting of this story.
While the author has us walking in Pete’s shoes, we experience and walk with others in this community, and learn a lot of life lessons here. While things don’t always turn out how we want them to, there are a lot of surprises here, both good and bad.
A warning that once you start, you won’t be able to stop, and I could have used a few more epilogues, I wanted to spend more time with these characters.
I received this book through Revell Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much and I can't really put my finger on exactly why. The writing was done really well and the plot had a little bit of everything - tragedy, murder, mystery, young love, found love - but I think it was how well drawn the characters were that really endeared me to this story. The author has a easy talent at creating characters that are instantly familiar without ever forcing anything on the reader. Each of the characters in the book were given the same amount of fluid and thoughtful attention by the author. This attention gave them the ability to seamlessly drift through the entirety of the story, weaving themselves in and out of the plot and in and out of each others lives without ever leaving anyone behind. Each time a character came back into the forefront it was like seeing an old friend. It's been a long time since I have thought a book was too short, but when I got to the end of this one I could have had much more the stories these characters have. Thank you to the publisher and Bookish for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
February 9, 2018
Pete McLean is a young man living in Glory, Alabama during the mid 60's. After school each day and all summer long he helps his grandfather and his father work the farm they own. In his family, black and white work along together to get the job done. When Pete's father dies suddenly and tragically, Pete quickly befriends Isaac who was his dad's right hand man. Isaac helps Pete through his grief my taking him away from the farm to go fishing or to grab a bite to eat. When Isaac goes missing without a trace, Pete won't rest until he finds him. Over four years we hear Pete's story and the journey to find his friend. He will grow up a lot over that time and his life will change dramatically.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I don't know if Valerie Fraser Luesse has written any other books, but I want to read them. Watching Pete grow into a respectable young man that his whole community admires is what makes this book so great. When you think about the South, especially at this time in our history, it's amazing to me so see how well most of the people in this story treat them. They treat them like members of their family. Allowing the maid to drive the car and put her groceries on your tab, rebuilding homes and churches and never questioning anything.
I really enjoyed this book. It is important even in today's society to learn how to get along with all people no matter their race or gender. You can feel the emotions of each character in this book and each of them have quite strong personalities.
Pete--even though he is a young man, he is strong in his beliefs and his convictions.
Daddy Ballard--even though he is one of the richest men in town, he doesn't brag or boast about all he does for the community.
Lila--Through her grief, she is able to still raise her son to be the man his father would be proud of.
Isaac--his story is brief, but he is a strong man who cares for those around him even if they aren't his family.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I don't know if Valerie Fraser Luesse has written any other books, but I want to read them. Watching Pete grow into a respectable young man that his whole community admires is what makes this book so great. When you think about the South, especially at this time in our history, it's amazing to me so see how well most of the people in this story treat them. They treat them like members of their family. Allowing the maid to drive the car and put her groceries on your tab, rebuilding homes and churches and never questioning anything.
I really enjoyed this book. It is important even in today's society to learn how to get along with all people no matter their race or gender. You can feel the emotions of each character in this book and each of them have quite strong personalities.
Pete--even though he is a young man, he is strong in his beliefs and his convictions.
Daddy Ballard--even though he is one of the richest men in town, he doesn't brag or boast about all he does for the community.
Lila--Through her grief, she is able to still raise her son to be the man his father would be proud of.
Isaac--his story is brief, but he is a strong man who cares for those around him even if they aren't his family.
I highly recommend this book.
December 11, 2017
With a style of writing that brings to life a Southern town of Glory, this author achieved many emotions in one book. Most of all was the laughter I experienced while watching Pete and Dovey grow close to one another, and Lila and John explore their different relationship. Then there was Geneva who literally had me choking back bursts of laughter. Talk about a woman who knows how to get her own way!!
The beginning of the book pulled me in, especially the interaction with Pete and Isaac. There was some great dialogue between them on their fishing trip.
In some ways this book deserves a higher rating because the setting was well written, and I could picture everything so well. But sadly, I found the storylines somewhat disjointed. Time passed, but the way it was written, it was like you saw all that time passing when you really didn't. There also were quite a number of characters and it took me until the end to really distinguish between some of them. This may be my fault entirely because most of the characters were extremely unique!
The part with Isaac missing was different than I imagined. That initially wasn't a problem. It was more how the title gave the impression that him missing changed the story completely, when for a good chunk of the middle there was only a few passing conversations about his disappearance, and Pete missing him. Something didn't quite seemed tied together, although the ending of the book achieved more of what the title shows.
This is the sort of book that I believe many will enjoy despite my rating. It deals with segregation, Christianity, and emotions. There weren't deep Bible conversations, but a soft underlay of many of the characters attending church and serving in their church.
I can say that I definitely will look more by this author in the future, because she is an extremely talented writer.
*I received this book to read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
The beginning of the book pulled me in, especially the interaction with Pete and Isaac. There was some great dialogue between them on their fishing trip.
In some ways this book deserves a higher rating because the setting was well written, and I could picture everything so well. But sadly, I found the storylines somewhat disjointed. Time passed, but the way it was written, it was like you saw all that time passing when you really didn't. There also were quite a number of characters and it took me until the end to really distinguish between some of them. This may be my fault entirely because most of the characters were extremely unique!
The part with Isaac missing was different than I imagined. That initially wasn't a problem. It was more how the title gave the impression that him missing changed the story completely, when for a good chunk of the middle there was only a few passing conversations about his disappearance, and Pete missing him. Something didn't quite seemed tied together, although the ending of the book achieved more of what the title shows.
This is the sort of book that I believe many will enjoy despite my rating. It deals with segregation, Christianity, and emotions. There weren't deep Bible conversations, but a soft underlay of many of the characters attending church and serving in their church.
I can say that I definitely will look more by this author in the future, because she is an extremely talented writer.
*I received this book to read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
January 16, 2018
I enjoy discovering new author’s stories and debut author Valerie Fraser Luesse’s story, Missing Isaac, is one for the keeper shelf. When I first started this story I really did not know what I was getting into. I was happily surprised by this novel and its message of love and community that was written between its pages.
As the title suggests, we are introduced to a young boy, Pete, who has latched on to his father’s field hand, Isaac, after some terrible circumstances. Isaac is like the big brother Pete never had, guiding him and showing him how to be himself. Then Isaac disappears without a trace. As the year’s progress and Pete grows into manhood and he meets new people and new friends, he has not forgotten Isaac. Isaac’s lost story line is relevant in the shaping of Pete and his loved ones lives. Even though life continued to go on, there was still a missing piece.
This is a story of a small community made up of rich, poor, black, and white during the 1960’s. Some of the people are kind, some mean, and some very peculiar. This is also a coming of age story. This book touched on some of the deepest tragedies people can face and showed how after a while they were picking up the pieces learning to live and love again. There are a couple of romances nestled into these pages. And though this story’s focus is not the romance, the two that are within are superbly told. I am glad I picked up this book and tried this new author. I can’t wait for more of her stories.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
As the title suggests, we are introduced to a young boy, Pete, who has latched on to his father’s field hand, Isaac, after some terrible circumstances. Isaac is like the big brother Pete never had, guiding him and showing him how to be himself. Then Isaac disappears without a trace. As the year’s progress and Pete grows into manhood and he meets new people and new friends, he has not forgotten Isaac. Isaac’s lost story line is relevant in the shaping of Pete and his loved ones lives. Even though life continued to go on, there was still a missing piece.
This is a story of a small community made up of rich, poor, black, and white during the 1960’s. Some of the people are kind, some mean, and some very peculiar. This is also a coming of age story. This book touched on some of the deepest tragedies people can face and showed how after a while they were picking up the pieces learning to live and love again. There are a couple of romances nestled into these pages. And though this story’s focus is not the romance, the two that are within are superbly told. I am glad I picked up this book and tried this new author. I can’t wait for more of her stories.
I received a copy of this novel for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
December 29, 2017
A coming of age and slice of life story, not my typical choice, but there were two simple romance threads that kept me happy. :) Especially the older couple's. The title made me think there would be more to the search than there was and the cover and first chapters made me think this was a story of a young boy (which I don't think I would have enjoyed as much as what the book truly turned out to be). The story extends over years and sees him into adulthood and other characters share a lot of the limelight too, but it's more a story of a set of characters as they grow in a world struggling with change. Valerie's descriptive ability was simple and authentic feeling, making this town and its people seem real and sucked me in. Reading the author note, she did most of her research by oral history and is likely the reason why it felt so real.
February 7, 2018
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I was so excited to start this debut novel from author Valerie Fraser Luesse. The first thing I usually notice about a book is its cover and I totally loved this one. Missing Isaacis a beautifully written story that takes place during the 1960’s in the small southern town of Glory, Alabama.
The main character was Pete, an eleven year old boy who loses his father to an accident at the beginning of the book. Pete has an unlikely friend on the farm, a field hand named Isaac who works for his grandpa. Pete feels that his mom is so sad about the death of Pete’s dad that he doesn’t want to add to her sorrow by showing his. So Pete shares his feelings with Isaac about his father’s death. Then one day out of the blue, Isaac disappears. Pete is left now without his best friend and he is determined to find out what has happened to him.
There were so many things that I loved about this novel. First the author is just flat out an AMAZING storyteller. The plot was original and flowed smoothly. The characters were believable and wonderfully developed. The dialogue and interaction between the characters was realistic and smooth flowing. Valerie Fraser Luesse’s descriptive prose brings Glory, Alabama and its inhabitants vibrantly to life.
Missing Isaac is a story of class and race in the 1960’s South…a story of loss, unlikely friendships, and a boy’s determination to not give up on his friend. I hope this is the beginning of a long writing career by this gifted storyteller. Four out of five stars for Missing Isaac!!!
Thank you Valerie Fraser Luesse, Revell, and BookishFirst for providing me with a review copy of this book to read.
January 18, 2018
Full review on Faithfully Bookish
Southern rural community culture plays an essential role in Missing Isaac, the setting is more than a simple canvas for this story to be painted on. It is the South and the collective pride and prejudices of her people that form the foundation and framework of this immersive experience.
Pete McLean is just a nice young man and I'm sure his mama is over the moon proud of him. Isaac Reynolds might be employed by the McLean family but Pete is unconcerned by age, social class, and skin color. As far as Pete is concerned, Isaac is simply his father's friend and now his friend, too.
Pete encounters resistance on his search yet he inspires those around him to see with their hearts instead of their eyes and listen to the Spirit instead of the crowds. I cried no less than three times during this book yet there were also moments bursting with joy, full of hope, and some light-hearted mischief as well. I highly recommend this story and look forward to future works of fiction from this author!
I requested the opportunity to read this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
Southern rural community culture plays an essential role in Missing Isaac, the setting is more than a simple canvas for this story to be painted on. It is the South and the collective pride and prejudices of her people that form the foundation and framework of this immersive experience.
Pete McLean is just a nice young man and I'm sure his mama is over the moon proud of him. Isaac Reynolds might be employed by the McLean family but Pete is unconcerned by age, social class, and skin color. As far as Pete is concerned, Isaac is simply his father's friend and now his friend, too.
Pete encounters resistance on his search yet he inspires those around him to see with their hearts instead of their eyes and listen to the Spirit instead of the crowds. I cried no less than three times during this book yet there were also moments bursting with joy, full of hope, and some light-hearted mischief as well. I highly recommend this story and look forward to future works of fiction from this author!
I requested the opportunity to read this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 10, 2018
I was surprised by how much I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed Missing Isaac by debut author Valerie Fraser Luesse. I hope she publishes some more...
February 10, 2021
This book is fantastic. The way the author wrote this made the story seem so real.
January 13, 2019
Wow! I see why this won a Christy Award! Poignant!
February 2, 2021
As I lay this book down, closing it softly, my eyes are filled with tears. This is such a tremendous story.
I’ve read at least one other book by Valerie Fraser Luesse, but I think I like this one best.
A story of an unlikely friendship between a young White Boy and a black man. A story of loss, of families, and so much more.
This book shows real people, real life, and it will touch your heart in unbelievable ways. I think this is one of those stories I won’t ever forget.
It is sweet, yet heart wrenching all at once.
I’ve read at least one other book by Valerie Fraser Luesse, but I think I like this one best.
A story of an unlikely friendship between a young White Boy and a black man. A story of loss, of families, and so much more.
This book shows real people, real life, and it will touch your heart in unbelievable ways. I think this is one of those stories I won’t ever forget.
It is sweet, yet heart wrenching all at once.
October 31, 2022
I am always encouraged by a clean read, and this is one of them. How I wish there were more of this genre. As a southern woman, I find the voices and the events of this book to be authentic. One thing The story lacks is tension. Somehow I did not miss Isaac, but I thoroughly enjoyed being with the main character, Pete. It is a great coming-of-age story.
November 2, 2020
I absolutely enjoyed the story of this book! Friendship, love, mystery, and healing are all powerful parts of this story. The story was woven in such a way that I felt as if I was there, in Alabama. Strong characters who were like able and broke through all sorts of barriers of the 1960s compelled me to read on and on. I highly recommend this book!
February 2, 2018
This is one of the best books I've read in years. Beautifully written, intricately plotted, it hooked me from the first page. And, while I kept turning pages, anxious to see what would happen next, part of me didn't want it to end. This is a true keeper, a book to savor and read again and again.
December 19, 2017
Missing Isaac is a good debut novel by Valerie Fraser Luesse. The characters are interesting with a wonderful setting. The plot, for the most part, was enjoyable but at times was slow and hard for me to get through. There are a few humor scenes that I liked between Pete and Dovey. They were fun together. Overall, I think Missing Isaac is worth a read and I am wondering what other stories the author will come up with next. I give this one 3 1/2 stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review was 100 percent my own honest opinion.
I received this book from the publisher. This review was 100 percent my own honest opinion.
May 17, 2021
The setting for this book is on a farm in Alabama during the 60’s. Since I’m from the South and a 60’s baby who is married to a farmer this was a must read for me. I expected a great novel and I was not disappointed!
Missing Isaac handles some heavy issues, but there is a lightness and a wit about it that keeps the darkness at bay. There are some really funny moments in the midst of fear and grief and discouragement — a picture of real life. Missing Isaac has a wonderful foundation of faith as well. It is as natural and living as the fields that surround the small farming community.
Ms. Luesse has a gift as a writer and I was shocked to learn that this was her debut novel. She made the setting and characters come alive. You can taste the good old Southern cooking and work in the cotton fields while you listen to the blues. It is refreshing to read a novel with a sweet story based on friendship and love in the midst of all that is going on in the world today!
Missing Isaac handles some heavy issues, but there is a lightness and a wit about it that keeps the darkness at bay. There are some really funny moments in the midst of fear and grief and discouragement — a picture of real life. Missing Isaac has a wonderful foundation of faith as well. It is as natural and living as the fields that surround the small farming community.
Ms. Luesse has a gift as a writer and I was shocked to learn that this was her debut novel. She made the setting and characters come alive. You can taste the good old Southern cooking and work in the cotton fields while you listen to the blues. It is refreshing to read a novel with a sweet story based on friendship and love in the midst of all that is going on in the world today!
April 21, 2019
Although Missing Isaac was not what I expected at first, it turned out to be a great read. I loved the story and the characters. I will definitely read more from this author.
January 7, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. Review will go live on Jan. 6, 2018.
Set in the 1960s in rural Alabama, Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a quick-read that's rich in content, imagery, and emotionally-filled southern dialect. The book opens ... Full review posted: bit.ly/PageBedtime
Set in the 1960s in rural Alabama, Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a quick-read that's rich in content, imagery, and emotionally-filled southern dialect. The book opens ... Full review posted: bit.ly/PageBedtime
March 29, 2018
Meh. Not the worst thing I've ever read, but not great, either. I kept reading because I wanted to know what happened to Isaac, not because I cared about any of the other characters. Once that was revealed, I found it difficult to finish the book.
December 27, 2017
I can see this book being adapted into a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately, it is not a book I enjoyed; it is much too saccharine.
In Glory, Alabama, in 1964, Isaac Reynolds, a black field hand goes missing. When Jack McLean, Isaac’s friend and employer, was killed two years earlier, Isaac took Pete, Jack’s son, under his wing and the two were almost inseparable. Thirteen-year-old Pete sets out to try and find out what happened to Isaac; in the process he finds a new friend and learns about the world.
This is to be seen as a coming-of-age novel showing Pete’s maturation from the age of 11 to 17. The problem is that Pete seems mature from the beginning. If anything, he is too good to be true. He never seems to do anything wrong; his only transgression is lying to his mother that he is going fishing with Isaac when he actually goes with him to a barbecue in the black section of town where he hears blues music for the first time! He is unfailingly courteous, works hard, and takes responsibility for his actions. He shows no sign of teenage rebelliousness; he does get into a fight at school but only because he is defending a girl’s honour. And because he respects Dovey, his girlfriend, sex is never ever mentioned.
And it is not only Pete who is perfect. His entire family borders on the saintly. They show no prejudice; though Jack was white and wealthy, one of his best friends was a black man and the other was a poor man. Pete’s maternal grandfather, Ned Ballard, is the town philanthropist who quietly gives money to any deserving person regardless of colour. In his attitude and behaviour, he is very much the Atticus Finch character. Dovey’s deceased mother is described as an angel and Dovey seems one too; she is always doing nice things for others. She even has an angelic singing voice! The one person who could be seen as a rebel is Pete’s Aunt Geneva who is known for speaking her mind; nevertheless, everyone is crazy about her, even those she cowers into subservience. She is Harper Lee’s Miss Maudie.
The blacks and the poor are also portrayed as overwhelmingly good. Of the poor white people living in the hollow (?!) only Joseph Pickett is shown in a negative light; he marries a woman who is described as a loudmouth with no sense and who wears tight shorts and halter tops. The blacks are likewise shown only in a positive light. Hattie, for instance, is so hardworking that she is respected by all the whites. She brings to mind Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird.
While Pete’s family has no flaws, there are villains who have no redeeming qualities. A character is introduced early in the book whom any discerning reader will immediately identify as one of the evil characters who will keep reappearing throughout. Then there are the stereotypes: two obvious ones are the stupid, prejudiced sheriff and the uneducated country bumpkin who in her mannerisms and speech reminded me of Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird.
With all the religious overtones, this book would probably fit the category of Christian fiction. Hymns are quoted liberally. The McLeans are good church-going Christians, as are the blacks. The poor whites do not feel welcome in Glory’s churches but worship in their own way. In the end, the good are rewarded (usually by finding a soulmate and getting married) and the hypocrites receive their comeuppance.
Anyone who loves a feel-good ending will love this ending. Despite some temporary setbacks, evil is eventually vanquished. Good conquers all. Happiness awaits those who persevere through hardships. I wish life were so simple, but such endings are not very realistic.
Undoubtedly, I will be criticized as being too harsh in my comments. I do not mean to be. This type of book is just not for me; it does not reflect the real world. People are more nuanced than the characters in this novel. Furthermore, by resorting to stereotypes and clichés, the author does not increase the reader’s understanding of Alabamians or appreciation for Southern culture. (Or has my reading been coloured by Roy Moore’s Senate campaign in Alabama?)
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.ca/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
In Glory, Alabama, in 1964, Isaac Reynolds, a black field hand goes missing. When Jack McLean, Isaac’s friend and employer, was killed two years earlier, Isaac took Pete, Jack’s son, under his wing and the two were almost inseparable. Thirteen-year-old Pete sets out to try and find out what happened to Isaac; in the process he finds a new friend and learns about the world.
This is to be seen as a coming-of-age novel showing Pete’s maturation from the age of 11 to 17. The problem is that Pete seems mature from the beginning. If anything, he is too good to be true. He never seems to do anything wrong; his only transgression is lying to his mother that he is going fishing with Isaac when he actually goes with him to a barbecue in the black section of town where he hears blues music for the first time! He is unfailingly courteous, works hard, and takes responsibility for his actions. He shows no sign of teenage rebelliousness; he does get into a fight at school but only because he is defending a girl’s honour. And because he respects Dovey, his girlfriend, sex is never ever mentioned.
And it is not only Pete who is perfect. His entire family borders on the saintly. They show no prejudice; though Jack was white and wealthy, one of his best friends was a black man and the other was a poor man. Pete’s maternal grandfather, Ned Ballard, is the town philanthropist who quietly gives money to any deserving person regardless of colour. In his attitude and behaviour, he is very much the Atticus Finch character. Dovey’s deceased mother is described as an angel and Dovey seems one too; she is always doing nice things for others. She even has an angelic singing voice! The one person who could be seen as a rebel is Pete’s Aunt Geneva who is known for speaking her mind; nevertheless, everyone is crazy about her, even those she cowers into subservience. She is Harper Lee’s Miss Maudie.
The blacks and the poor are also portrayed as overwhelmingly good. Of the poor white people living in the hollow (?!) only Joseph Pickett is shown in a negative light; he marries a woman who is described as a loudmouth with no sense and who wears tight shorts and halter tops. The blacks are likewise shown only in a positive light. Hattie, for instance, is so hardworking that she is respected by all the whites. She brings to mind Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird.
While Pete’s family has no flaws, there are villains who have no redeeming qualities. A character is introduced early in the book whom any discerning reader will immediately identify as one of the evil characters who will keep reappearing throughout. Then there are the stereotypes: two obvious ones are the stupid, prejudiced sheriff and the uneducated country bumpkin who in her mannerisms and speech reminded me of Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird.
With all the religious overtones, this book would probably fit the category of Christian fiction. Hymns are quoted liberally. The McLeans are good church-going Christians, as are the blacks. The poor whites do not feel welcome in Glory’s churches but worship in their own way. In the end, the good are rewarded (usually by finding a soulmate and getting married) and the hypocrites receive their comeuppance.
Anyone who loves a feel-good ending will love this ending. Despite some temporary setbacks, evil is eventually vanquished. Good conquers all. Happiness awaits those who persevere through hardships. I wish life were so simple, but such endings are not very realistic.
Undoubtedly, I will be criticized as being too harsh in my comments. I do not mean to be. This type of book is just not for me; it does not reflect the real world. People are more nuanced than the characters in this novel. Furthermore, by resorting to stereotypes and clichés, the author does not increase the reader’s understanding of Alabamians or appreciation for Southern culture. (Or has my reading been coloured by Roy Moore’s Senate campaign in Alabama?)
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.ca/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
January 2, 2018
Missing Isaac is the first novel of Author Valerie Fraser Luesse. This is a very heart warming story that takes place in Alabama in the 1960's. When Pete's father dies, we see the relationship Pete has with his father's employee and friend, Isaac. Isaac often takes care of Pete, taking him fishing as well as secretly taking Pete to visit Isaac's family and friend. When Isaac goes missing, Pete and his grandfather are convinced things are not what law enforcement says. Pete leaves home early one day to look for Isaac's body. He meets a young girl who helps him when he gets into trouble. This is just the start of a friendship between two children of different race, social standing and religion.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I enjoyed the mystery that slowly came out during the story. The story shows the loving heart that Pete's grandfather had for others, including those of different race and those in poverty. We also see how much Pete's grandfather did for the small town in such quiet ways. In a day when white people did not mix with the blacks, Pete's family did not follow those standards and Pete was picked on because of it.
The author has done a great job of writing an easy to follow story. Even though the story has a lot of characters, it is very easy to keep them straight. I think anyone who enjoys reading good, clean fiction will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. This is my honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I enjoyed the mystery that slowly came out during the story. The story shows the loving heart that Pete's grandfather had for others, including those of different race and those in poverty. We also see how much Pete's grandfather did for the small town in such quiet ways. In a day when white people did not mix with the blacks, Pete's family did not follow those standards and Pete was picked on because of it.
The author has done a great job of writing an easy to follow story. Even though the story has a lot of characters, it is very easy to keep them straight. I think anyone who enjoys reading good, clean fiction will enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. This is my honest review.
January 28, 2018
I'm going to be honest here, which, of course, is what you're supposed to be with reviews. MISSING ISAAC is not a book I would've ever picked up to read. In fact, I was dismayed when it showed up in my mailbox because it is not a book I wanted to read. This book is a historical - to me, although I am not sure it would be considered one by the industry professionals, simply because it is set before my time. It starts with the mandatory historical book death, but moves on to an unlikely friendship between a young eleven year old boy and thirty year old man, and a mixing of black and white. Which in the sixties was pretty much a very touchy subject. Never the twain shall meet, type thing.
Okay, so while I wouldn't have picked this book up on my own, I did start reading it, and wow, I can see why the publisher bought it. This is a topic that established authors would shy away from, and yet this brave debut author beat the odds with a book that some would consider a "hard-sell." And because it is so awesomely written, even if the editor didn't like the topic (and I don't know if he or she did or not) they, if they are anything like me, was hooked. Sold. Yep, I would've bought this if I was the publisher.
Young Pete is such a sweetheart, and so innocent. Isaac is stoic I guess is the word. He's used to others not liking him, treating him like so much trash because he's black, but Pete just doesn't get it. He sees Isaac as his daddy's best friend. A man to emulate, a man of honor. And despite Isaac's lack of formal education, he was a learned man thanks to his mama getting hands on books for him to read. I loved Isaac. And Pete. And what Pete and his grand-daddy does at the end of the book is just so dog-gone sweet.
Even if MISSING ISAAC is not a book you'd pick up, pick it up. These characters are so real they just walk right off the page and into your heart. And they are destined to stay there long after you close the pages of this book.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Okay, so while I wouldn't have picked this book up on my own, I did start reading it, and wow, I can see why the publisher bought it. This is a topic that established authors would shy away from, and yet this brave debut author beat the odds with a book that some would consider a "hard-sell." And because it is so awesomely written, even if the editor didn't like the topic (and I don't know if he or she did or not) they, if they are anything like me, was hooked. Sold. Yep, I would've bought this if I was the publisher.
Young Pete is such a sweetheart, and so innocent. Isaac is stoic I guess is the word. He's used to others not liking him, treating him like so much trash because he's black, but Pete just doesn't get it. He sees Isaac as his daddy's best friend. A man to emulate, a man of honor. And despite Isaac's lack of formal education, he was a learned man thanks to his mama getting hands on books for him to read. I loved Isaac. And Pete. And what Pete and his grand-daddy does at the end of the book is just so dog-gone sweet.
Even if MISSING ISAAC is not a book you'd pick up, pick it up. These characters are so real they just walk right off the page and into your heart. And they are destined to stay there long after you close the pages of this book.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2018
Missing Isaac is Valerie Fraser Luesse’s first novel, and I hope it won’t be her last. Her writing style runs counter to some of the modern writing conventions. She uses dialect and non-standard spelling. There are unnecessary adverbs and repetition. The dialgoue tags are often clunky. The point of view is often distant, and slips into omniscient at times.
Yet it works despite these “errors”. Or perhaps because of them. When Pete’s father dies in a farm accident, Pete’s relationship with Isaac is the one thing that keeps him going. It didn’t matter that Isaac was only a field hand, or that he was black—even in 1960’s Alabama.
But when Isaac disappears, leaving only his truck, no one seems much inclined to find out what happened. Except Pete.
Missing Isaac doesn’t fall neatly into any one genre. It’s part mystery, as Pete tries to find the truth of what happened to Isaac. It’s part family saga, as Pete grows up, and part romance, as he meets Dovey. And it’s part historical fiction, in that it’s a story set in a time far removed from ours, in terms of culture and attitude, if not years.
The writing is strong, with a unique and lyrical style, and a lot of home truths, like the privileged white boy/man who doesn’t understand his privilege because it’s all he’s ever known. It could equally be talking to those in the modern world who don’t understand why #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter are newsworthy.
Missing Isaac is a strong debut novel, with a solid story driven by strong characters and set in a time of great social change. Recommended.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Yet it works despite these “errors”. Or perhaps because of them. When Pete’s father dies in a farm accident, Pete’s relationship with Isaac is the one thing that keeps him going. It didn’t matter that Isaac was only a field hand, or that he was black—even in 1960’s Alabama.
But when Isaac disappears, leaving only his truck, no one seems much inclined to find out what happened. Except Pete.
Missing Isaac doesn’t fall neatly into any one genre. It’s part mystery, as Pete tries to find the truth of what happened to Isaac. It’s part family saga, as Pete grows up, and part romance, as he meets Dovey. And it’s part historical fiction, in that it’s a story set in a time far removed from ours, in terms of culture and attitude, if not years.
The writing is strong, with a unique and lyrical style, and a lot of home truths, like the privileged white boy/man who doesn’t understand his privilege because it’s all he’s ever known. It could equally be talking to those in the modern world who don’t understand why #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter are newsworthy.
Missing Isaac is a strong debut novel, with a solid story driven by strong characters and set in a time of great social change. Recommended.
Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
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