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The Clock Tower Treasure
The 1950’s was a time of new homes, television, astronauts, new cars, and rock and roll. It was also a time of nuclear threats and deadly polio. Out of this challenging decade comes the enchanting story of a ten-year-old boy from the Midwest showing a small town the meaning of toughness and tenacity.
The Shawnee Indian treasure was a myth, they said. Nowhere to be found, except in the legends and tall tales of the region. Despite his polio, despite his poverty, despite his fractured family, Jesse Hall believes the stories and discovers irresistible clues in the courthouse clock tower.
With each twist and turn, Jesse learns to overcome all that life can throw at him. He leads his Boy Scout pal, his nineteen-year-old nurse, and the local county historian in a quest for the mythical treasure - a hunt that yields a most unexpected discovery.
The Shawnee Indian treasure was a myth, they said. Nowhere to be found, except in the legends and tall tales of the region. Despite his polio, despite his poverty, despite his fractured family, Jesse Hall believes the stories and discovers irresistible clues in the courthouse clock tower.
With each twist and turn, Jesse learns to overcome all that life can throw at him. He leads his Boy Scout pal, his nineteen-year-old nurse, and the local county historian in a quest for the mythical treasure - a hunt that yields a most unexpected discovery.
- GenresYoung Adult
289 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2019
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Victor Hess
6 books25 followersVictor Hess’ novels were chosen as finalist in the William Faulkner – William Wisdom Creative Writing competition in 2015 and 2019, and an Award-Winning Finalist in the Fiction: Inspirational category of the 2018 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest. The third novel in this series will be released this year. Besides a successful businessman, he has been a community Economic Development specialist, an Army Bomb Disposal Instructor, and, for decades, taught Bible Study for children and adults. Raised in Ohio, he attended Central State University and Ohio University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 23, 2021
Well-written tale of family and hardship.
The details of Jesse’s daily life consume this book. This is clearly an era the author is very familiar with and that shows through in details of the hardships and poverty the nine-year-old endures. The narration is consistent as the simple telling of life from the perspective of a child. Jesse does not lament over his misfortunes, even when he ends up in the hospital with polio, just informs the reader of how it is.
The titular treasure hunt is a slow build, not even mentioned until halfway through, and the ultimate find is not what one might expect.
Overall, this is a solid, well-written tale that will give school-age children a glimpse into life in the 1950s.
The details of Jesse’s daily life consume this book. This is clearly an era the author is very familiar with and that shows through in details of the hardships and poverty the nine-year-old endures. The narration is consistent as the simple telling of life from the perspective of a child. Jesse does not lament over his misfortunes, even when he ends up in the hospital with polio, just informs the reader of how it is.
The titular treasure hunt is a slow build, not even mentioned until halfway through, and the ultimate find is not what one might expect.
Overall, this is a solid, well-written tale that will give school-age children a glimpse into life in the 1950s.
August 30, 2020
The Clock Tower Treasure by Victor Hess is the enchanting, family-friendly tale of ten-year-old Jesse Hall’s adventures searching for an ancient Indian treasure.
Set during the 1950’s, the novel also deals with serious real-life issues, such as the main character, Jesse, dealing with polio and poverty and an alcoholic parent. The era was captured well, with nothing jarringly out of place that I could see.
Since the novel is reminiscent of a young Indiana Jones and perhaps even a touch of the Goonies, it’s definitely easy to visualise The Clock Tower Treasure as a classic Spielberg movie.
The writing was a little stilted and telling over showing, plus the main meat of the book takes a while to get started, but once it does there are several turns to keep the interest going. I appreciated how well developed Jesse and his problems were and how resilient a character he proves to be.
March 8, 2021
Set in the 1950s, Clock Tower Treasure offers an authentic-feeling look back at a bygone era. Most of us are probably familiar with retellings of "the good old days" by well meaning story tellers who may tend to white-wash and over simplify life back in this era. Mr. Hess offers a more honest and less naive version of the era- a version where very real problems like alcoholism, polio, and even child predators exist (without being too graphic or inappropriate for the intended reader age group). That said, this isn't a tragedy- faith, community, hope, determination all win the day here. I found myself rooting for young Jessie quite early on and no spoilers here, but the end was very satisfactory.
I believe this book is written for the tween/young teen age group, but frankly it was pretty captivating from an adult perspective as well. Even as we see the world through the eyes of a 10 year old, it never felt like the writing style was trivialized or compromised.
I believe this book is written for the tween/young teen age group, but frankly it was pretty captivating from an adult perspective as well. Even as we see the world through the eyes of a 10 year old, it never felt like the writing style was trivialized or compromised.
June 23, 2020
This book was an engaging, entertaining and thought provoking look into the life of young Jesse, a boy living in the 1950s. Jesse has a lot to deal with, including a vengeful enemy, polio, and an alcoholic, dishonest, deadbeat father. But he’s got a lot going for him. His own spunk, and the support of friends, including, oddly, the friendship of a mummified old stranger, though this is not a ghost story. The friendship with the mummy, needless to say, is a bit one sided, but therapeutic for him.
Jesse becomes interested in finding Tecumsah’s treasure, rumored to be hidden somewhere nearby. But will he find it, or is it just a myth?
Jesse becomes interested in finding Tecumsah’s treasure, rumored to be hidden somewhere nearby. But will he find it, or is it just a myth?
December 6, 2020
An enchanting, down to earth tale of a ten-year-old searching for an Indian treasure.
This is the story of Jesse, a young boy that had suffered a lot in his life, but he never gave up, no matter what life has thrown at him. He yearned for three things: home, friendship, and family. He wanted his parents back together, and he tried several moves to make that happened. Sometimes he lost hope, but other times he found new ways to make it possible. Will he be successful?
He was unfortunate enough to suffer from polio, and we get some insight into this awful disease. With each twist and turn, Jesse learns to overcome all that life can throw at him. So, polio only made Jesse a stronger and grounded person. It was in the hospital that he heard the story about the Shawnee Indian treasure, and he believed it was true. Jesse is a good boy, a great friend, a well-behaved son, but after all, he was only a child. And children love to solve mysteries. And so, we get to witness that part of the story as well. Was the Indian treasure only a myth?
The book is full of lovely messages, out of which I loved this one the most: “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”
The characters are well described, and the setting is easily visualized. The story is set in the 1950s, and I felt genuinely transferred back in time. I even listened to Patti Page while reading the story, this great singer being Jesse’s mother’s favorite singer. I didn’t want the story to end.
I will check out more books by this author.
This is the story of Jesse, a young boy that had suffered a lot in his life, but he never gave up, no matter what life has thrown at him. He yearned for three things: home, friendship, and family. He wanted his parents back together, and he tried several moves to make that happened. Sometimes he lost hope, but other times he found new ways to make it possible. Will he be successful?
He was unfortunate enough to suffer from polio, and we get some insight into this awful disease. With each twist and turn, Jesse learns to overcome all that life can throw at him. So, polio only made Jesse a stronger and grounded person. It was in the hospital that he heard the story about the Shawnee Indian treasure, and he believed it was true. Jesse is a good boy, a great friend, a well-behaved son, but after all, he was only a child. And children love to solve mysteries. And so, we get to witness that part of the story as well. Was the Indian treasure only a myth?
The book is full of lovely messages, out of which I loved this one the most: “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”
The characters are well described, and the setting is easily visualized. The story is set in the 1950s, and I felt genuinely transferred back in time. I even listened to Patti Page while reading the story, this great singer being Jesse’s mother’s favorite singer. I didn’t want the story to end.
I will check out more books by this author.
October 3, 2019
It isn't often that I find the second in a series to be as good as the first, but in this case, I might even like this second one better.
People always think of the 50s like Mayberry or Leave it to Beaver, very simple and wholesome and with few cares. But this series shows that the fifties weren't so idyllic - there was still divorce, domestic abuse, sexual predators and poverty, just like in present day. But there were other things that thankfully we no longer have to worry about, like our friends and classmates contracting polio. I think that the biggest difference that this story points out is the sense of community and helping one another out that was more common back then.
Jesse is young but is probably one of the strongest characters I have encountered in the books I have read. He doesn't let anything get him down and trusts that God will see him and his family through whatever they face.
People always think of the 50s like Mayberry or Leave it to Beaver, very simple and wholesome and with few cares. But this series shows that the fifties weren't so idyllic - there was still divorce, domestic abuse, sexual predators and poverty, just like in present day. But there were other things that thankfully we no longer have to worry about, like our friends and classmates contracting polio. I think that the biggest difference that this story points out is the sense of community and helping one another out that was more common back then.
Jesse is young but is probably one of the strongest characters I have encountered in the books I have read. He doesn't let anything get him down and trusts that God will see him and his family through whatever they face.
July 27, 2020
The second book of the series continues with a well-written inspirational tale. Much like “To Kill a MockingBird,” we see the story through a child’s eyes. Set in Ohio during the “simpler times” of the 1950s, we see how Jesse heroically tries to live a normal life—from paper rounds to singing, to searching for treasure—as he contracts polio. With heart-warming letters to and from his best friend Lynn, this book reminds us of hope, especially in trying circumstances.
December 19, 2020
Very inspirational read
I enjoyed following Jesse's story. For a person as young as he was, he showed a lot of resilience and positivity through all the trials the world threw at him. I liked the fact that, though this was the second book in a series, it read like a stand alone. Well written book, and a wonderful read.
I enjoyed following Jesse's story. For a person as young as he was, he showed a lot of resilience and positivity through all the trials the world threw at him. I liked the fact that, though this was the second book in a series, it read like a stand alone. Well written book, and a wonderful read.
April 23, 2020
I loved this book!!! It was hard to put down and do my daily chores. Lol! I DEFINITELY and highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!!!
May 1, 2021
For the first time ever, all of my brothers and sisters were in one place at the same time. “Mom is not Paula Jean’s mom, but her dad is my dad,” I said. “My dad is not Jesse’s dad, but we have the same mom,” Gary added. “This is the first time Jesse ever lived with his brothers under the same roof,” Mom said. “I lived half my life with Grandma and Grandpa,” Paula Jean said.
This is a passage near the mid-point of the book. I found it rather amusing but it is also very telling because it captures one of the primary themes of the novel - belonging. The year is 1956 (a year before the debut of Leave it to Beaver) but eleven-year-old Jesse Hall might as well live light years away from the concept of that idyllic family unit. He lives with his adorable baby sister and troubled mother as they bounce around small-town Ohio trying to eke out a living. Like other boys of this era, Jesse has and loves his paper route but unlike most other boys, his money is needed to help pay rent and put food on the table.
There isn't a lot of tension, danger, or serious conflict in this novel - and I think that's what makes this book a bit different and unique - but it is a really enjoyable coming-of-age tale that takes you back to a simpler time and place in America. Little League, paper routes, bible study, treasure hunts, budding friendships, and first loves are wonderfully portrayed and explored amidst the backdrop of more serious issues like polio, alcoholism, and poor parenting. Hess makes this a very easy and enjoyable read on account of his good storytelling voice (narrated by Jesse) and his vivid descriptions of scenes and settings. He clearly has a good sense of era as well. As a fan of early North American history, I particularly enjoyed the non-fiction elements of this book but won't reveal too much so as not to spoil the read. I would recommend this book to readers young and old.
This is a passage near the mid-point of the book. I found it rather amusing but it is also very telling because it captures one of the primary themes of the novel - belonging. The year is 1956 (a year before the debut of Leave it to Beaver) but eleven-year-old Jesse Hall might as well live light years away from the concept of that idyllic family unit. He lives with his adorable baby sister and troubled mother as they bounce around small-town Ohio trying to eke out a living. Like other boys of this era, Jesse has and loves his paper route but unlike most other boys, his money is needed to help pay rent and put food on the table.
There isn't a lot of tension, danger, or serious conflict in this novel - and I think that's what makes this book a bit different and unique - but it is a really enjoyable coming-of-age tale that takes you back to a simpler time and place in America. Little League, paper routes, bible study, treasure hunts, budding friendships, and first loves are wonderfully portrayed and explored amidst the backdrop of more serious issues like polio, alcoholism, and poor parenting. Hess makes this a very easy and enjoyable read on account of his good storytelling voice (narrated by Jesse) and his vivid descriptions of scenes and settings. He clearly has a good sense of era as well. As a fan of early North American history, I particularly enjoyed the non-fiction elements of this book but won't reveal too much so as not to spoil the read. I would recommend this book to readers young and old.
February 20, 2021
Jesse is a hero for young readers
I enjoyed a lot about this book. Jesse tells it in first person, and many phrases seemed spastic. Normally this would be an issue for me, but Jesse is only ten, so it came across as authentic for the POV. Jesse went through a lot but always stayed positive. I cheered with whenever he was victorious. The rest of my review will contain spoilers.
The Good.
I like when dialogue is used more than narration to move the story.
The chapters felt episodic. Themes did go throughout, but each chapter had a proper flow.
Jesse hit a triple with hay dust in his eyes. He had to be guided my cheering to round the bases.
The letters between Jesse and Lynn were heartwarming.
Jesse joined the Scouts. I'm an Eagle Scout and remembered trips like those described. In fact, my two sons are camping as I write this. Jesse's first campout was quite memorable.
The polio chapters were excellent.
The discussion questions at the end were a nice touch.
The author was a bomb technician instructor. I'm a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer in real life. It was best to see a kindred spirit in bomb tech turned author.
The Bad.
The Pastor Shepard stuff was resolved to easily and stoically. I don't like PTSD events that are easily forgotten. Jesse worried more about a lost stroller than almost being kidnapped.
Jesse also never felt scared when he was paralyzed in the hospital.
I didn't need the Tecumseh book report.
A lot of reminders to the previous book that weren't needed.
The Technical.
There is some childhood trauma.
There are religious sections.
The book is first person.
I enjoyed a lot about this book. Jesse tells it in first person, and many phrases seemed spastic. Normally this would be an issue for me, but Jesse is only ten, so it came across as authentic for the POV. Jesse went through a lot but always stayed positive. I cheered with whenever he was victorious. The rest of my review will contain spoilers.
The Good.
I like when dialogue is used more than narration to move the story.
The chapters felt episodic. Themes did go throughout, but each chapter had a proper flow.
Jesse hit a triple with hay dust in his eyes. He had to be guided my cheering to round the bases.
The letters between Jesse and Lynn were heartwarming.
Jesse joined the Scouts. I'm an Eagle Scout and remembered trips like those described. In fact, my two sons are camping as I write this. Jesse's first campout was quite memorable.
The polio chapters were excellent.
The discussion questions at the end were a nice touch.
The author was a bomb technician instructor. I'm a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer in real life. It was best to see a kindred spirit in bomb tech turned author.
The Bad.
The Pastor Shepard stuff was resolved to easily and stoically. I don't like PTSD events that are easily forgotten. Jesse worried more about a lost stroller than almost being kidnapped.
Jesse also never felt scared when he was paralyzed in the hospital.
I didn't need the Tecumseh book report.
A lot of reminders to the previous book that weren't needed.
The Technical.
There is some childhood trauma.
There are religious sections.
The book is first person.
October 29, 2020
This is a chapter book full of small and great adventures for Jesse Hall between 1954 and 1957. He delivers newspapers, meets writers like Helen Hooven Santmyer, joins the Boy Scouts, and even finds a treasure. Set in Sabina and Xenia (towns near Dayton, OH), the story tackles life for children and adults alike. The chapters on Polio are informative.
Written for tweens, many of Jesse's adventures are contained in a single chapter. Other topics like Polio and the search for the treasure stretch over a number of chapters or are recurring themes.
Victor Hess captures life in small town Ohio from the perspective of a youth who is fairly independent and is definitely a bread winner. Read this one with your children.
For a different review, see the Ohioana Library Association Quarterly http://www.ohioana.org
NOTE: There are Christian morals and values taught through the stories.
Written for tweens, many of Jesse's adventures are contained in a single chapter. Other topics like Polio and the search for the treasure stretch over a number of chapters or are recurring themes.
Victor Hess captures life in small town Ohio from the perspective of a youth who is fairly independent and is definitely a bread winner. Read this one with your children.
For a different review, see the Ohioana Library Association Quarterly http://www.ohioana.org
NOTE: There are Christian morals and values taught through the stories.
June 22, 2021
Having hailed from Ohio, it was both interesting and at times concerning to see names of towns and whatnot reflected within the story that I knew very well indeed. I hope the MC made it away from Xenia before the tornado hits the town in 20 years!
The story is told from a 10 year old's viewpoint and does a very good job at putting us into his shoes. A few things took me away from his story - in the first bit, they have a corpse that somehow no one's able to identify, so they just leave it on public display? Without it rotting, etc? Also, sometimes the kids say things that don't sound, well... like a kid. One of the kids talks about "blackballing" the MC from little league. Just minor things like that pull it away from a solid 5 rating to a solid 4 rating.
All in all, a good read.
The story is told from a 10 year old's viewpoint and does a very good job at putting us into his shoes. A few things took me away from his story - in the first bit, they have a corpse that somehow no one's able to identify, so they just leave it on public display? Without it rotting, etc? Also, sometimes the kids say things that don't sound, well... like a kid. One of the kids talks about "blackballing" the MC from little league. Just minor things like that pull it away from a solid 5 rating to a solid 4 rating.
All in all, a good read.
October 20, 2020
The Clock Tower Treasure continues the compelling story of Jesse Hall, the juvenile hero of Victor Hess’s first book, Jesse Sings. This time Jesse is just a bit older and making the adjustment to a new community, but still plagued by the enduring family woes that almost got him down in the earlier book.
In The Clock Tower Treasure, however, there are new obstacles for Jesse to face—among them, a hostile preacher and an unexpected illness. There is also a new challenge: The search for an old Shawnee Indian treasure that everyone says is hidden somewhere near Xenia, Ohio—but nobody knows exactly where.
Jesse’s resourcefulness and positivity in the face of these challenges gives a positive role model for young readers, and an enchanting story for young and old alike.
In The Clock Tower Treasure, however, there are new obstacles for Jesse to face—among them, a hostile preacher and an unexpected illness. There is also a new challenge: The search for an old Shawnee Indian treasure that everyone says is hidden somewhere near Xenia, Ohio—but nobody knows exactly where.
Jesse’s resourcefulness and positivity in the face of these challenges gives a positive role model for young readers, and an enchanting story for young and old alike.
April 17, 2021
The Clock Tower Treasure is definitely a treasure. It is a continuation of Jesse Sings. Jesse is a young boy growing up in the 50's. He is not even in his teens yet and comes from a struggling family with a dad that rarely comes around. He makes the most out of every hardship that comes his way. Along the way he discovers a relationship with God! I love the way that Victor Hess is able to put into a story that no matter what happens it can still be good!
June 9, 2021
Reading The Clock Tower Treasure was as relaxing and comforting as soaking in a warm bath after a long day. The day to day happenings and adventures of Jesse Hall not only held my interest, but made me feel as if I were walking side by side with him. He is such a likable, relatable character, I was rooting for him the whole way. Great story!
October 17, 2020
Sweet story with a mysterious twist
This is a story that takes place in the 1950's. It's a story about a boy in a small town, dealing with a complicated family situation, financial stress, and friendships. It's realistic and down to earth and Jesse is a likable and believable character. This small town story has a fun twist, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. This is the second book in the series but can be read easily as a standalone. I have not read book 1 yet and had no issues with the story at all. Recommended.
This is a story that takes place in the 1950's. It's a story about a boy in a small town, dealing with a complicated family situation, financial stress, and friendships. It's realistic and down to earth and Jesse is a likable and believable character. This small town story has a fun twist, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. This is the second book in the series but can be read easily as a standalone. I have not read book 1 yet and had no issues with the story at all. Recommended.
September 26, 2020
This was an author giveaway. thank you Mr. Hess for this wonderful opportunity! I really enjoyed this book. It's a great slice of life in 1950's. The main character, 10 year old, Jesse, is strong, tenacious, and full of wonder and adventure. His life is less than ideal, dealing with divorced parents, tight finances, and the ultimate challenge, polio. But Jesse meets all the challenges head-on, and even goes on a quest to find the Shawnee Indian treasure.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to learn more about life in 1950.
This is a great book for anyone wanting to learn more about life in 1950.
July 30, 2020
I really enjoyed my time with Victor Hess’s The Clock Tower Treasure. It is a well crafted and beautifully written book that tells the sweet story of childhood innocence through the eyes of the young protagonist Jesse Hall.
The plot, for me, felt like it took some time to get going. From opening with the surprising and enthralling bang that was Eugene (a tourist attraction and mummified corpse sitting at the edge of town), to the encounter with a perverted preacher, the story had all the ingredients of a riveting page-turner. I did feel, however, that beyond these two things the first 100 pages were a little mundane, dealing with little leagues and paper routes, childhood friends, and the threat of a house move. The plot exploded from there on, and once the secrets and mystery were established there was nothing that could part me from this book. I loved finding out what the treasure was and it’s links to the town, and I loved the mix between dark and light themes throughout (namely death, poverty, and neglect, undercut with the role of religion, piety towards family, and striving to help others).
As a protagonist, Jesse was an extraordinary character. I loved seeing the world through his eyes. As a boy in the 1950s, his life is far from perfect. His family is broken and his father riddled with addiction, but rather than lamenting and acting out, Jesse gets on with life without a single moan or complaint. He didn’t feel like he came across as naive as someone his age often would; he was simply a boy that gets on with things and when he recognizes a bad situation he tries to help others the best he can. These qualities were why I found him so compelling and why I was rooting for him until the very end.
I found that the role Christianity played in this book was proportionate and did not overshadow the story. It is clear that the subject plays an important role in Hess’s life and that he is clearly well-versed in the subject, but the core of the story remains at the book's heart. The dialogue and subject matter fits in perfectly with the timeframe and character that Hess has created and created a truly authentic feel for 1950’s America.
I really liked this book. I hope I can revisit Jesse SIngs sometime soon and I look forward to his next adventure.
The plot, for me, felt like it took some time to get going. From opening with the surprising and enthralling bang that was Eugene (a tourist attraction and mummified corpse sitting at the edge of town), to the encounter with a perverted preacher, the story had all the ingredients of a riveting page-turner. I did feel, however, that beyond these two things the first 100 pages were a little mundane, dealing with little leagues and paper routes, childhood friends, and the threat of a house move. The plot exploded from there on, and once the secrets and mystery were established there was nothing that could part me from this book. I loved finding out what the treasure was and it’s links to the town, and I loved the mix between dark and light themes throughout (namely death, poverty, and neglect, undercut with the role of religion, piety towards family, and striving to help others).
As a protagonist, Jesse was an extraordinary character. I loved seeing the world through his eyes. As a boy in the 1950s, his life is far from perfect. His family is broken and his father riddled with addiction, but rather than lamenting and acting out, Jesse gets on with life without a single moan or complaint. He didn’t feel like he came across as naive as someone his age often would; he was simply a boy that gets on with things and when he recognizes a bad situation he tries to help others the best he can. These qualities were why I found him so compelling and why I was rooting for him until the very end.
I found that the role Christianity played in this book was proportionate and did not overshadow the story. It is clear that the subject plays an important role in Hess’s life and that he is clearly well-versed in the subject, but the core of the story remains at the book's heart. The dialogue and subject matter fits in perfectly with the timeframe and character that Hess has created and created a truly authentic feel for 1950’s America.
I really liked this book. I hope I can revisit Jesse SIngs sometime soon and I look forward to his next adventure.
March 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this one because it touched my heart.
The story is set in the 1950s and takes the reader into the life of 9-year-old Jesse Hall. He has lived a life full of hardships, and the author has very well captured the details of the hardships people faced in that era. The story is told from Jesse's perspective, and we see that even with so many problems in his life, he is not someone who gives up easily.
Jesse is young but is probably one of the strongest characters I have come across in books. He is resilient, and his faith is strong, so when he lands in the hospital, instead of crying over his illness, he learns about the Tecumsah's treasure and takes it upon himself to find it and goes on an adventure.
The story is set in the 1950s and takes the reader into the life of 9-year-old Jesse Hall. He has lived a life full of hardships, and the author has very well captured the details of the hardships people faced in that era. The story is told from Jesse's perspective, and we see that even with so many problems in his life, he is not someone who gives up easily.
Jesse is young but is probably one of the strongest characters I have come across in books. He is resilient, and his faith is strong, so when he lands in the hospital, instead of crying over his illness, he learns about the Tecumsah's treasure and takes it upon himself to find it and goes on an adventure.
July 7, 2020
Inspirational Read
The Clock Tower Treasure is set in the 1950's, with a nostalgic and literary tone. It showcases both the good and the bad of the era, seen through the eyes of a boy.
Jessie is nine when the story opens. He has by today's standards, adult responsibilities that were normal for the era. He lives with his mother and baby sister in a small apartment. Times are tough and they are just barely getting by. His parents are divorced and his father doesn’t always send child support. His mom works long hours and does dress alterations. Jessie watches his sister and has a paper route. In spite of their poverty, Jessie is both happy and resilient. He has friends, a strong faith in God, and most-important hope for his future. Even when the worst, short of death, happens to him.
An inspirational read that easily could have spread into three books.
It's the second book in the series but this book is a solid stand-alone novel.
The Clock Tower Treasure is set in the 1950's, with a nostalgic and literary tone. It showcases both the good and the bad of the era, seen through the eyes of a boy.
Jessie is nine when the story opens. He has by today's standards, adult responsibilities that were normal for the era. He lives with his mother and baby sister in a small apartment. Times are tough and they are just barely getting by. His parents are divorced and his father doesn’t always send child support. His mom works long hours and does dress alterations. Jessie watches his sister and has a paper route. In spite of their poverty, Jessie is both happy and resilient. He has friends, a strong faith in God, and most-important hope for his future. Even when the worst, short of death, happens to him.
An inspirational read that easily could have spread into three books.
It's the second book in the series but this book is a solid stand-alone novel.
August 2, 2020
I received this book for an honest review. All expressed opinions, cynical or otherwise, are my own.
Set in the 1950’s, The Clock Tower Treasure is well-written, pleasant little jolt of realism.
Our protagonist is Jesse, a boy who endures everything thrown at him with a stoic stiff upper lip. Of course, he’s not British, nor is this novel set there. Which is good because I’ve read enough novels about tea and crumpets. What he is, is believable. Hess’s characterization of Jesse and the supplementary cast is strong, and grounded.
Overall, I found the book compelling, albeit, slow to build. Yet, that is rather normal for Literary Fiction. The writing is simple and easy to understand, the plot straightforward. Hess balances nostalgia with non-idyllic realism well. I am sure others who enjoy this genre will find it a pleasant read.
Set in the 1950’s, The Clock Tower Treasure is well-written, pleasant little jolt of realism.
Our protagonist is Jesse, a boy who endures everything thrown at him with a stoic stiff upper lip. Of course, he’s not British, nor is this novel set there. Which is good because I’ve read enough novels about tea and crumpets. What he is, is believable. Hess’s characterization of Jesse and the supplementary cast is strong, and grounded.
Overall, I found the book compelling, albeit, slow to build. Yet, that is rather normal for Literary Fiction. The writing is simple and easy to understand, the plot straightforward. Hess balances nostalgia with non-idyllic realism well. I am sure others who enjoy this genre will find it a pleasant read.
August 6, 2020
The second book in the series and just as wonderful. Jessi's story is so amazing. The things he has went through has seemed to only make him stronger. This book will have you yearning for a more simpler time. When people really cared for each other and was there to offer a helping hand. A perfect read for these crazy times we are living in today. Very well written, the story will pull you in have you living in the moment of the story.
February 16, 2021
I hadn’t read the first in series, and I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had. I found the book quite slow. I thought it was hard to get into, but the pace never really picked up. It was an okay story, with decent characters, but nothing stood out for me. It is well written though, which took it from a two star to a three.
(edited for my typo)
(edited for my typo)
July 27, 2020
Nostalgia for 1950's era
An amusing piece of literature written marvelously by Victor Hess. It is lovely to see how a boy of such young age with great sense of responsibility experiences the world in 1950s. Including the good, the bad, and the ugly of the era.
An amusing piece of literature written marvelously by Victor Hess. It is lovely to see how a boy of such young age with great sense of responsibility experiences the world in 1950s. Including the good, the bad, and the ugly of the era.
August 6, 2021
This is a wonderful story of a boy in the 1950's. It felt very real, with deeply developed characters. The time period came to life in so many ways. From the cars to the technology, from the polio epidemic to the politics and so much more. It was very immersive and enjoyable.
At times, the main character came across rather old for ten. Despite that, I still feel the book works.
Life is complicated, and it's hard for young people to know how to navigate certain challenges, especially unspoken ones. To make things harder, kids haven't developed ways to talk about things when life turns rough--or perhaps to even recognize that something is messed up. In this story, 10-year-old Jesse's father is terrible about paying child support or even showing that he cares; meanwhile, his mother struggles to make ends meet. Unfortunately, many families are struggling today and that has to be hard for kids. So a book like this gives young readers a way to explore that, to see another child going through challenges. It may help them make sense of things or navigate their own lives a little better. That's a great thing.
When I picked up this book, I got the impression I was reading a plot-driven treasure hunt. So by the 20 percent mark I started to wonder when that would start. By the 50 percent mark, I realized that the treasure only a very small subplot of the story, and that it's really more of a literary book. So that affected my experience for the first half. Once I gave up on that, I enjoyed the book for what it is. This could easily be fixed by changing the book description and perhaps the book title as well. It felt like an unnecessary distraction that dampened my enjoyment of what is a truly good book.
This inspirational story is definitely worth picking up, and I think introspective young readers will particularly enjoy this. Very well done.
At times, the main character came across rather old for ten. Despite that, I still feel the book works.
Life is complicated, and it's hard for young people to know how to navigate certain challenges, especially unspoken ones. To make things harder, kids haven't developed ways to talk about things when life turns rough--or perhaps to even recognize that something is messed up. In this story, 10-year-old Jesse's father is terrible about paying child support or even showing that he cares; meanwhile, his mother struggles to make ends meet. Unfortunately, many families are struggling today and that has to be hard for kids. So a book like this gives young readers a way to explore that, to see another child going through challenges. It may help them make sense of things or navigate their own lives a little better. That's a great thing.
When I picked up this book, I got the impression I was reading a plot-driven treasure hunt. So by the 20 percent mark I started to wonder when that would start. By the 50 percent mark, I realized that the treasure only a very small subplot of the story, and that it's really more of a literary book. So that affected my experience for the first half. Once I gave up on that, I enjoyed the book for what it is. This could easily be fixed by changing the book description and perhaps the book title as well. It felt like an unnecessary distraction that dampened my enjoyment of what is a truly good book.
This inspirational story is definitely worth picking up, and I think introspective young readers will particularly enjoy this. Very well done.
July 15, 2021
This book is not so much a story about a boy and his search for a fabled treasure—contrary to the emphasis in the title and blurb. Rather it’s more a delightful slice-of-life story of the mid-1950s. Told from the viewpoint of pre-teen Jesse, the story focuses on his hopes and dreams and the challenges that he faces. While the search for the treasure does play a part, it’s only one piece of Jesse’s tale.
This is the second book about Jesse but reads very well as a standalone. I haven’t yet read book 1 and yet had no problems getting right into this engaging story.
Elements I liked:
The writing has a pleasant, smooth flow that really fits the slower pace of life that we’ve heard was true of that time period. The story’s gentle, easy pace is perfect for following a boy’s life. Jesse is an appealing character, concerned with things a boy of that age would have been interested in but also dealing with the troubles of his fractured family. He meets his challenges with perseverance, without any angst or added drama, and with the support of his faith well integrated into his life.
Elements I struggled with:
In the first part of the book, Jesse’s no-nonsense approach to the troubles in his life felt a little unrealistic. He’s only a boy and he seemed a little too matter-of-fact about the troubles of his past, especially his mother’s struggles. This just seemed a bit out of character for a boy of his age.
Overall:
I enjoyed following Jesse through his troubles and triumphs. I can easily see this book as a great reading assignment for middle-grade students. It reminds me of the best of the books that I remember being assigned when I was in those grades. This story is a very engrossing and enjoyable read!
This is the second book about Jesse but reads very well as a standalone. I haven’t yet read book 1 and yet had no problems getting right into this engaging story.
Elements I liked:
The writing has a pleasant, smooth flow that really fits the slower pace of life that we’ve heard was true of that time period. The story’s gentle, easy pace is perfect for following a boy’s life. Jesse is an appealing character, concerned with things a boy of that age would have been interested in but also dealing with the troubles of his fractured family. He meets his challenges with perseverance, without any angst or added drama, and with the support of his faith well integrated into his life.
Elements I struggled with:
In the first part of the book, Jesse’s no-nonsense approach to the troubles in his life felt a little unrealistic. He’s only a boy and he seemed a little too matter-of-fact about the troubles of his past, especially his mother’s struggles. This just seemed a bit out of character for a boy of his age.
Overall:
I enjoyed following Jesse through his troubles and triumphs. I can easily see this book as a great reading assignment for middle-grade students. It reminds me of the best of the books that I remember being assigned when I was in those grades. This story is a very engrossing and enjoyable read!
April 6, 2021
A Slice of American Life in 1956
Victor Hess’s The Clock Tower Treasure is the coming-of-age story of eleven-year-old Jesse Hall, set in small-town Ohio in 1956. The style is reminiscent of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer and Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, providing an accurate slice of life of the era. The story is told first person in Jesse’s voice and for the most part, the writing is appropriate to a boy of Jesse’s age. The author is a senior citizen, so it is commendable that he was able to capture Jesse’s youthful voice nearly flawlessly.
There is no real plot here; it’s simply a rambling account of major and minor events in Jesse’s life, which I suppose is appropriate, as everything seems equally important to a child of that age. The titular treasure is not even referenced until midway through the book, so it is hardly the focus of the story.
Jesse is unfailingly optimistic and industrious, strongly reminding me of Horatio Alger’s characters. Indeed, that’s the biggest problem I have with this book; as Jesse battles poverty, separation from the father he dearly loves and even the scourge of polio, there’s scarcely a hint of despair or anger, which is certainly uplifting but scarcely realistic. However, the book is not preachy like Alger’s stories, although there is a heavy Christian bent; again, I think appropriate, given the time and the place.
I dropped the rating one star because of the one-dimensionality of the main character. However, The Clock Tower Treasure is an easy read that may well be appropriate for those times when life has got you down.
Victor Hess’s The Clock Tower Treasure is the coming-of-age story of eleven-year-old Jesse Hall, set in small-town Ohio in 1956. The style is reminiscent of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer and Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio, providing an accurate slice of life of the era. The story is told first person in Jesse’s voice and for the most part, the writing is appropriate to a boy of Jesse’s age. The author is a senior citizen, so it is commendable that he was able to capture Jesse’s youthful voice nearly flawlessly.
There is no real plot here; it’s simply a rambling account of major and minor events in Jesse’s life, which I suppose is appropriate, as everything seems equally important to a child of that age. The titular treasure is not even referenced until midway through the book, so it is hardly the focus of the story.
Jesse is unfailingly optimistic and industrious, strongly reminding me of Horatio Alger’s characters. Indeed, that’s the biggest problem I have with this book; as Jesse battles poverty, separation from the father he dearly loves and even the scourge of polio, there’s scarcely a hint of despair or anger, which is certainly uplifting but scarcely realistic. However, the book is not preachy like Alger’s stories, although there is a heavy Christian bent; again, I think appropriate, given the time and the place.
I dropped the rating one star because of the one-dimensionality of the main character. However, The Clock Tower Treasure is an easy read that may well be appropriate for those times when life has got you down.
August 4, 2021
The book is more about the life of a young boy living in the 1950s than about a treasure hunt.
Jesse, the protagonist, is a survivor. Coming from a broken home with a complicated family structure, he finds familial love among close friends. In many ways, he is mature for his years but at heart he is a little boy who wants his father’s love and appreciation. He has a lot thrown at him, including the debilitating disease of polio but his inner strength and resilience keep him from giving up on his goals.
I liked Jesse’s character and his innocent friendships. The polio chapters were interesting. But somehow, I could not remain invested in the story continuously. It seemed to ebb and flow. The title led me to expect a different type of story. Perhaps, the charm of the book lies in the depiction of American society in the fifties. But I didn’t get it.
The four stars are for the good writing and for the characters, and the feeling that it’s probably my fault and not the book’s that I could enjoy only some parts of it.
Jesse, the protagonist, is a survivor. Coming from a broken home with a complicated family structure, he finds familial love among close friends. In many ways, he is mature for his years but at heart he is a little boy who wants his father’s love and appreciation. He has a lot thrown at him, including the debilitating disease of polio but his inner strength and resilience keep him from giving up on his goals.
I liked Jesse’s character and his innocent friendships. The polio chapters were interesting. But somehow, I could not remain invested in the story continuously. It seemed to ebb and flow. The title led me to expect a different type of story. Perhaps, the charm of the book lies in the depiction of American society in the fifties. But I didn’t get it.
The four stars are for the good writing and for the characters, and the feeling that it’s probably my fault and not the book’s that I could enjoy only some parts of it.
May 5, 2024
I LOVE a book that includes Discussion Questions. This touching story covers a young boy growing up in the years before most of today's readers may have been born. We learn about polio and how it affects children as well as how different daily life was for those growing up in the 1950's. There are regional historical facts and religion with biblical quotations explored as the book goes on. The main character perseveres through many challenges with his mom and younger sister, practically abandoned by his father. A few extended family members along with kind and generous neighbors teach Jesse how to succeed in life. 5 STARS This would be a fine title for book discussion groups.
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