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Joshua
Life is bleak for 12-year-old Joshua Miller. He's failing in school, his teachers pick on him, his classmates laugh at him, a relentless bully terrorizes him, his best friend has moved away, and he's hopelessly in love with the prettiest girl in his school. At home, his harsh and distant father has all but disinherited him, he worries his mother to tears, and he squabbles senselessly with his pretty, talented sister Anica, who seems to be everything he is not. Then adolescence comes along and really complicates things. A torrent of long-denied feelings for a sister who once adored him compel Joshua to repair the damage he's done to their relationship. His longtime babysitter helps him to understand things his mother doesn't know how to tell him and his father doesn't want him to know. Then, in a murky funeral home far away from home, he meets a distant cousin who changes his life in ways he could never have imagined. As Joshua starts to turn his life around, his father's tortured past catches up with him, and life at home begins to unravel. Joshua is faced with a decision that could imperil his very life. He will risk everything to protect his sister, and in the process, he learns the power of love and the meaning of courage.
180 pages, ebook
Published March 3, 2019
179 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Robert Fishell
2 books4 followersRobert Fishell is the author of Joshua: A Novel and The Adventures Of Spike Bike. He is an Ohio Native who moved to Illinois in 1977 where he now lives with his family. He has degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, and secondary education. He has worked as an engineer, programmer, math teacher, sheet metal worker, shipping clerk, and printer's devil. He retired in 2014 and now devotes most of his time to his family.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
not-even-if-you-paid-me
August 16, 2019Do yourself a favor, check out the Sample first before even considering this one.
I read the Look Inside sample, and was underwhelmed. What even is this? I'm assuming it's an Adult novel, but it's sure not written well for that, and definitely doesn't seem to be a Middle Grade story.
It's really, really tough to write Adult stories with kid protagonists, the only one I can think of off-hand who pulls it off is Stephen King.
And of course J. K. Rowling, while not writing Adult books with Harry Potter, certainly did write stories with young protagonists that adults also enjoy.
But this? Nah, needs a better narrator, at least.
I read the Look Inside sample, and was underwhelmed. What even is this? I'm assuming it's an Adult novel, but it's sure not written well for that, and definitely doesn't seem to be a Middle Grade story.
It's really, really tough to write Adult stories with kid protagonists, the only one I can think of off-hand who pulls it off is Stephen King.
And of course J. K. Rowling, while not writing Adult books with Harry Potter, certainly did write stories with young protagonists that adults also enjoy.
But this? Nah, needs a better narrator, at least.
September 25, 2019
Life for 12-year-old Joshua Miller is an endless roller coaster of bullying, hardship and loss. But as puberty sets in, Joshua’s life starts to unravel. His home life becomes a nightmare and he knows he must protect his sister at all costs. Will the pretty girl at school reciprocate his feelings? Will he finally become close to his sister, releasing the jealousy inside? Will he gather his courage to protect himself and his sister from an abusive father? Will he learn the true power of love and be able to breathe without fear?
Joshua is a very dark, disturbing coming of age story but one I know several teens will be able to relate to. Growing up is all about navigating through the perils of school, home, family, friends and crushes. Bullying in all forms appears in this story and I found it very difficult to read. The sheer violence and emotional toll are clearly portrayed. I give credit to Robert Fishell for not shying away from the brutal truth he’s describing. The ending was unexpected but it provides the right amount of drama, suspense and closure.
Why 3.5 stars? While well written, I found the bullying and abuse over the top. There were times when it seemed it was thrown in and I didn’t see the value of it other than for shock value. The plot stalled in places and the ending was a little rushed. Other than that, it was a great story.
If you’re looking for a gripping coming of age story dealing with stark themes, pick up Joshua today.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Joshua is a very dark, disturbing coming of age story but one I know several teens will be able to relate to. Growing up is all about navigating through the perils of school, home, family, friends and crushes. Bullying in all forms appears in this story and I found it very difficult to read. The sheer violence and emotional toll are clearly portrayed. I give credit to Robert Fishell for not shying away from the brutal truth he’s describing. The ending was unexpected but it provides the right amount of drama, suspense and closure.
Why 3.5 stars? While well written, I found the bullying and abuse over the top. There were times when it seemed it was thrown in and I didn’t see the value of it other than for shock value. The plot stalled in places and the ending was a little rushed. Other than that, it was a great story.
If you’re looking for a gripping coming of age story dealing with stark themes, pick up Joshua today.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
August 6, 2019
This book is about Joshua a young boy growing up and learning about life. It is also about his family and his relationships with them.
Joshua and his sister are very close when they are young. As they grow older his sister Anica is gifted with piano and gymnastics while he struggles in school is always in trouble and thinks he is ugly and worthless. When his sister is endangered by their father he protects her. He comes out of his shell and starts to do better in school and get along. Everything is going well when his father has a breakdown and beats him until he has to go to the hospital.
The book also talks about his father John who was raised in an abusive home and beat by his father. His overly religious preacher father planted strange ideas in his head which caused him problems. When his business fails he has a breakdown and starts drinking.
The story talks about his mother Agnes, and her challenges with John, Joshua and her marriage.
It is a story of a family, of the love between a brother and a sister and their fear of their father and love for their mother.
A story that has heartwarming moments, some sadness, a bit of tragedy and a lot of love. I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it.
Joshua and his sister are very close when they are young. As they grow older his sister Anica is gifted with piano and gymnastics while he struggles in school is always in trouble and thinks he is ugly and worthless. When his sister is endangered by their father he protects her. He comes out of his shell and starts to do better in school and get along. Everything is going well when his father has a breakdown and beats him until he has to go to the hospital.
The book also talks about his father John who was raised in an abusive home and beat by his father. His overly religious preacher father planted strange ideas in his head which caused him problems. When his business fails he has a breakdown and starts drinking.
The story talks about his mother Agnes, and her challenges with John, Joshua and her marriage.
It is a story of a family, of the love between a brother and a sister and their fear of their father and love for their mother.
A story that has heartwarming moments, some sadness, a bit of tragedy and a lot of love. I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it.
February 15, 2023
Do not read, even for free!
July 2, 2019
From the day she was born, Joshua Miller has stood by his little sister.
“The bond between them was the only thing that gave Joshua any respite from his struggles.” (6)
He begins his growing years in kindergarten, separated from his beloved sister. As time goes on, she learns and gains other interests. Loneliness and resentment soon begin to take root in Joshua as he realized that his sister doesn’t seem to need him anymore. Then Josh starts having trouble in school while his parents quarrel in the background. Anica would have fun in school while school was a prison for Josh. He was the loser kid that nobody wanted. And he was so alone.
“Was that to be the purpose of his life, to acquiesce, just to be nagged, scolded, and lectured?” (39)
No one loved him—not his teachers, not his classmates, not his parents, and not even his sister it would seem.
Throughout his school years, Josh had learned to survive. Meanwhile, the rest of his family was dealing with issues of their own. Anica couldn’t figure why her brother was so angry at her. His mother questioned what was happening to her children. His father didn’t know why he even bothered with the boy. The emotional baggage weighed heavily on them all. I’m not sure if the POVs of the other characters lent anything to Josh’s story.
The writing was good, but I think the story lamented too much on the emotional aspect and it was further strained by the various points of view. For instance, I don’t think it was necessary to relive how the parents met. If the story had to have the differing POVs, then it would’ve been better just centering it on the key players of the family (Josh, Anica, mother, father.) Instead, we got the views of even more characters. Cammie, Becky, Mary. I mean, who were all these other people?
The whole thing was a good drama with an emotional toll. Even though the book was titled after Josh, the story is really about a family being torn apart by feelings and issues. Readers will definitely feel for these characters. Story is a lonely and poignant tale with an impactful ending.
A pretty good read.
“The bond between them was the only thing that gave Joshua any respite from his struggles.” (6)
He begins his growing years in kindergarten, separated from his beloved sister. As time goes on, she learns and gains other interests. Loneliness and resentment soon begin to take root in Joshua as he realized that his sister doesn’t seem to need him anymore. Then Josh starts having trouble in school while his parents quarrel in the background. Anica would have fun in school while school was a prison for Josh. He was the loser kid that nobody wanted. And he was so alone.
“Was that to be the purpose of his life, to acquiesce, just to be nagged, scolded, and lectured?” (39)
No one loved him—not his teachers, not his classmates, not his parents, and not even his sister it would seem.
Throughout his school years, Josh had learned to survive. Meanwhile, the rest of his family was dealing with issues of their own. Anica couldn’t figure why her brother was so angry at her. His mother questioned what was happening to her children. His father didn’t know why he even bothered with the boy. The emotional baggage weighed heavily on them all. I’m not sure if the POVs of the other characters lent anything to Josh’s story.
The writing was good, but I think the story lamented too much on the emotional aspect and it was further strained by the various points of view. For instance, I don’t think it was necessary to relive how the parents met. If the story had to have the differing POVs, then it would’ve been better just centering it on the key players of the family (Josh, Anica, mother, father.) Instead, we got the views of even more characters. Cammie, Becky, Mary. I mean, who were all these other people?
The whole thing was a good drama with an emotional toll. Even though the book was titled after Josh, the story is really about a family being torn apart by feelings and issues. Readers will definitely feel for these characters. Story is a lonely and poignant tale with an impactful ending.
A pretty good read.
February 24, 2022
Ugh. This "book" was worth the $0.00 I paid on Kindle for it. Do yourselves a favor and don't go near it.
October 11, 2020
A very emotional, heartbreaking book. My heart cried for Joshua. Such a well written, beautiful book.
Life is bleak for 12-year-old Joshua Miller. He's failing in school, his teachers pick on him, his classmates laugh at him, a relentless bully terrorizes him, his best friend has moved away, and he's hopelessly in love with the prettiest girl in his school.
At home, his harsh and distant father has all but disinherited him, he worries his mother to tears, and he squabbles senselessly with his pretty, talented sister Anica, who seems to be everything he is not. Then adolescence comes along and really complicates things.
A torrent of long-denied feelings for a sister who once adored him compel Joshua to repair the damage he's done to their relationship. His longtime babysitter helps him to understand things his mother doesn't know how to tell him and his father doesn't want him to know. Then, in a murky funeral home far away from home, he meets a distant cousin who changes his life in ways he could never have imagined.
As Joshua starts to turn his life around, his father's tortured past catches up with him, and life at home begins to unravel. Joshua is faced with a decision that could imperil his very life.
He will risk everything to protect his sister, and in the process, he learns the power of love and the meaning of courage.
#Joshua #NetGalley
Life is bleak for 12-year-old Joshua Miller. He's failing in school, his teachers pick on him, his classmates laugh at him, a relentless bully terrorizes him, his best friend has moved away, and he's hopelessly in love with the prettiest girl in his school.
At home, his harsh and distant father has all but disinherited him, he worries his mother to tears, and he squabbles senselessly with his pretty, talented sister Anica, who seems to be everything he is not. Then adolescence comes along and really complicates things.
A torrent of long-denied feelings for a sister who once adored him compel Joshua to repair the damage he's done to their relationship. His longtime babysitter helps him to understand things his mother doesn't know how to tell him and his father doesn't want him to know. Then, in a murky funeral home far away from home, he meets a distant cousin who changes his life in ways he could never have imagined.
As Joshua starts to turn his life around, his father's tortured past catches up with him, and life at home begins to unravel. Joshua is faced with a decision that could imperil his very life.
He will risk everything to protect his sister, and in the process, he learns the power of love and the meaning of courage.
#Joshua #NetGalley
December 17, 2023
Highly Recommend
Took a chance on this as it seemed it was something I would not normally read. I read it between last night and (thank goodness it’s Saturday and I had nothing pressing to do today) finished it this afternoon. Felt a bit guilty, but …
I liked both Joshua and Ani’s characters. Josh just kept trucking on. Ani had her talent. They found each other again and rediscovered their brotherly and sisterly love for each other.
I understood Mom’s character. Understood why she let herself be kept down. Everyone walking around on broken glass. Carefully, carefully, carefully. Hoping the explosion won’t come but knowing it will.
Just read the book. There are some emotional moments. Few tears of sadness, and there are some joyful tears too. Most of us have some disfunction in our family life. We can all relate.
Took a chance on this as it seemed it was something I would not normally read. I read it between last night and (thank goodness it’s Saturday and I had nothing pressing to do today) finished it this afternoon. Felt a bit guilty, but …
I liked both Joshua and Ani’s characters. Josh just kept trucking on. Ani had her talent. They found each other again and rediscovered their brotherly and sisterly love for each other.
I understood Mom’s character. Understood why she let herself be kept down. Everyone walking around on broken glass. Carefully, carefully, carefully. Hoping the explosion won’t come but knowing it will.
Just read the book. There are some emotional moments. Few tears of sadness, and there are some joyful tears too. Most of us have some disfunction in our family life. We can all relate.
September 6, 2019
Joshua is a young boy who always seems to get the worst end of the deal. His sister is pretty, talented and loved by all and he is left in the background. He clearly loves his sister and I felt
I didn’t really understand why there were so many characters within the story as they didn’t really add anything extra and I found ALL the scenes of Joshua with girls cringy and unnecessary..
It wasn’t a terrible read but I wasn’t my cup of tea. Very slow and I didn’t connect with any of the characters in any meaningful way.
I didn’t really understand why there were so many characters within the story as they didn’t really add anything extra and I found ALL the scenes of Joshua with girls cringy and unnecessary..
It wasn’t a terrible read but I wasn’t my cup of tea. Very slow and I didn’t connect with any of the characters in any meaningful way.
October 21, 2019
Too many POV's . It needs to be pared down. Felt bad for Joshua. His family and life were disasters. but it could have used more editing to create a better story.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
November 7, 2019
Concept interesting
Novel about siblings from dysfunctional family who are devoted to each other. A bit repetitive and wordy but might be good for young readers.
Novel about siblings from dysfunctional family who are devoted to each other. A bit repetitive and wordy but might be good for young readers.
December 17, 2021
The writing was too full to hold my interest. It was ok kind of read but not something that can keep you turning pages or stay engrossed in the story. I wouldn't recommend it.
July 7, 2022
Good quick read
I liked this book because it speaks volumes about situations I've witnessed growing up. But it needs to be made into a series.
I liked this book because it speaks volumes about situations I've witnessed growing up. But it needs to be made into a series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews