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The Richard Jackson Saga #1
The Beginning
The Richard Jackson Saga
Book 1: The Beginning
An adventure filled series of a young man’s coming of age in the late 1950’s. Starting in the summer before his freshman year it follows him through high school and beyond. He finds wealth as an inventor and fame in Hollywood as he searches for a girlfriend. Wealth and fame prove easier than girls.
The first book titled, ‘The Beginning’ sees the handsome young Rick on a cross country trip, hitchhiking from a small Ohio town to California. Along the way there is a bank robbery, bull riding in the rodeo, a movie with John Wayne and rustlers among other events.
After the summer his first year in High School starts. From the excitement of summer to the dullness of school Rick is followed as he proves that school need not be dull.
For the young this is a coming of age adventure, for those who lived it a trip down memory lane, and for those with a search engine Easters Eggs galore.
This tongue in cheek saga is all true, give or take a lie or two.
Book 1: The Beginning
An adventure filled series of a young man’s coming of age in the late 1950’s. Starting in the summer before his freshman year it follows him through high school and beyond. He finds wealth as an inventor and fame in Hollywood as he searches for a girlfriend. Wealth and fame prove easier than girls.
The first book titled, ‘The Beginning’ sees the handsome young Rick on a cross country trip, hitchhiking from a small Ohio town to California. Along the way there is a bank robbery, bull riding in the rodeo, a movie with John Wayne and rustlers among other events.
After the summer his first year in High School starts. From the excitement of summer to the dullness of school Rick is followed as he proves that school need not be dull.
For the young this is a coming of age adventure, for those who lived it a trip down memory lane, and for those with a search engine Easters Eggs galore.
This tongue in cheek saga is all true, give or take a lie or two.
577 pages, ebook
Published August 9, 2019
207 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 19, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 12, 2019
Love this book!
Love the mc and the pace and variety! Awesome and neat coming of age story. Happy there are so many books in this series!
Love the mc and the pace and variety! Awesome and neat coming of age story. Happy there are so many books in this series!
July 1, 2020
"'How I spent my summer', it's all true give or take a lie or two ..."
May 17, 2020
I was surprised by how amusing I found this book to be; it is definitely tongue-in-cheek reading, but is highly entertaining. Having grown up during the time period he discusses, I found that his allusions to be accurate and so much fun to remember. I have always resisted the term "cool," preferring the former -and definitely superior - "neat." I found his discussion of this transition most interesting. One has to be wary though, you can miss allusions!
August 14, 2019
Go Bellefontaine
I really liked this first book of the Richard Jackson Saga. As I read thru the first chapters, I thought “how far fetched “. Then I remembered having that same thought when I read Around the World in 80 Days the first time. Go into these books with the same mindset, and you will be as pleased as I was.
I really liked this first book of the Richard Jackson Saga. As I read thru the first chapters, I thought “how far fetched “. Then I remembered having that same thought when I read Around the World in 80 Days the first time. Go into these books with the same mindset, and you will be as pleased as I was.
August 14, 2019
Great book keeps my interest
While the whole series of adventures stretch the imagination, individually they are believable. Characters are well developed. I enjoyed the easter eggs of identifying the books he read and the pop culture references to some minor characters names and location. The easter eggs add and don't detract from a great story.
While the whole series of adventures stretch the imagination, individually they are believable. Characters are well developed. I enjoyed the easter eggs of identifying the books he read and the pop culture references to some minor characters names and location. The easter eggs add and don't detract from a great story.
December 14, 2019
Good quick Read
I did love the story, and once I got over Ricks summer trip I found the story fascinating. The story takes place a little before my own time. When Rick was 14, I was 5. But I did love all the little social things of the time. IT did take me a little time to get over how lucky Rick was. Once I got over that I found the book very enjoyable. I do recommend it.
I did love the story, and once I got over Ricks summer trip I found the story fascinating. The story takes place a little before my own time. When Rick was 14, I was 5. But I did love all the little social things of the time. IT did take me a little time to get over how lucky Rick was. Once I got over that I found the book very enjoyable. I do recommend it.
January 7, 2020
WOW what a book
I had a feeling that I would either love or hate this book. I loved it, so glad I broke down and tried it. Amazon keep recommend it but not my normal sifi. A Fast fun read. And we'll worth 5 stars
I had a feeling that I would either love or hate this book. I loved it, so glad I broke down and tried it. Amazon keep recommend it but not my normal sifi. A Fast fun read. And we'll worth 5 stars
January 19, 2020
This is a very entertaining read. The pacing keeps the storyline moving at an accelerated speed. Tongue-in-cheek is an understatement. I’m on to book 3 now!
May 8, 2020
Great to a series
Richard Jackson is a great story series and it was fun reading the beginning again. I recommend to others. GREAT!!!!!!!!
Richard Jackson is a great story series and it was fun reading the beginning again. I recommend to others. GREAT!!!!!!!!
October 23, 2021
What's funny is that this is probably the most readable of all the books in the Saga. Rather than being a novel consider it a writing exercise or more accurately a book report/synopsis? Which for me as a reader was really disappointing because the potential is there for a really compelling and endearing series. The whole composition of the series just becomes truly annoying I mean seriously his 4-5 year old sister is more intelligent than he is and is much emotionally aware than our erstwhile protagonist.
The repetitive nature of Ricky repeating his exploits ad naseum to anyone and everyone was annoying in the first book the fact that he repeats it in every single book is mind-numbing. His asexual attitude to girls/women is just ridiculous in the extreme and his passive acceptance of anything a person in authority says is again just annoying as hell.
So predictions for the Asberger/Autistic/Idiot Savant Ricky Jackson is he will marry his 'Mother' he will be a 'Cuckold and probably end up dying before the age of 30 saving a kitten stuck in a tree.
The repetitive nature of Ricky repeating his exploits ad naseum to anyone and everyone was annoying in the first book the fact that he repeats it in every single book is mind-numbing. His asexual attitude to girls/women is just ridiculous in the extreme and his passive acceptance of anything a person in authority says is again just annoying as hell.
So predictions for the Asberger/Autistic/Idiot Savant Ricky Jackson is he will marry his 'Mother' he will be a 'Cuckold and probably end up dying before the age of 30 saving a kitten stuck in a tree.
September 30, 2021
Just a Wonderful Series
I wanted to wait till I've read a few books to write a review so I'm on book 10 now ABC I have to tell you I gave enjoyed all ten books so far the only part that got Monotonous was in book nine I think where the author spent a quarter of the book describing a golf game but out if nine books that's not at all bad.
I can't say how much I've enjoyed this series all the little bits through out the series about old TV shows and how Richard meets all these different actors is just hilarious.
I will say that this us one if best series that uve read in a while. I definitely give this series two thumbs up and recommend these books to anyone who wants to start reading a series of books with a great main character and a lot of humorous things that happen along the way.
I wanted to wait till I've read a few books to write a review so I'm on book 10 now ABC I have to tell you I gave enjoyed all ten books so far the only part that got Monotonous was in book nine I think where the author spent a quarter of the book describing a golf game but out if nine books that's not at all bad.
I can't say how much I've enjoyed this series all the little bits through out the series about old TV shows and how Richard meets all these different actors is just hilarious.
I will say that this us one if best series that uve read in a while. I definitely give this series two thumbs up and recommend these books to anyone who wants to start reading a series of books with a great main character and a lot of humorous things that happen along the way.
February 20, 2021
The story works like one of the old "tall tales" starting with some simple things that seem realistic, but then taking it a bit further and further until you have a great time seeing a grand adventure that is completely unlikely, yet still within the realm of possibility. It reads like a young man's fantasy, but from an older man's view. The series keeps on going, and the adventures keep on delivering. I like the characters of Richard and his family. The books continually interested me with their adventures. The literary references or puzzles made it a lot of fun. Richard does what a "real man" would do, and I think a lot of us guys aspire to be that kind of man, and have those adventures. Have fun with this series of books, I sure did.
November 10, 2023
Imaginative read of an adventuresome youth. I followed the whole series, so let me make some general remarks:
1) A little bit more editing would have been fine. The faults in grammar, spelling and story line (for example around the publicity agent whose name changes from Sharon to Susan and back or a new hire for the position that seems to be forgotten afterwards) are never disruptive but would habe been avoidable.
2) There are some cases of copy paste (for example the business updates) where the same thing is repeated in different books.
3) Even though it is a fairy tale about a young boy growing up, the fairy gets bigger with every following book. So imh the last ones of this series are not as pleasurable to read as the first ones.
Nevertheless a remarkably good series.
1) A little bit more editing would have been fine. The faults in grammar, spelling and story line (for example around the publicity agent whose name changes from Sharon to Susan and back or a new hire for the position that seems to be forgotten afterwards) are never disruptive but would habe been avoidable.
2) There are some cases of copy paste (for example the business updates) where the same thing is repeated in different books.
3) Even though it is a fairy tale about a young boy growing up, the fairy gets bigger with every following book. So imh the last ones of this series are not as pleasurable to read as the first ones.
Nevertheless a remarkably good series.
March 19, 2021
I Like This Story
I am reminded of the movie, "The Life of Pi" where there story is of a boy befriended by a tiger. It was not the true story of the Life of Pi,which was pretty awful, but the closing line is, "Which story would you rather hear?". Most of us have nowhere near a life story as Richard Jackson's, but we would like to! Another part I liked, being a Baby Boomer, was reminiscing of early television, tv and movie stars, recording artists. All that are are part of MY growing experiences - though only indirectly. I suppose I could write a story about LISTENING to the Beach Boys, but which story would you rather hear?
I am reminded of the movie, "The Life of Pi" where there story is of a boy befriended by a tiger. It was not the true story of the Life of Pi,which was pretty awful, but the closing line is, "Which story would you rather hear?". Most of us have nowhere near a life story as Richard Jackson's, but we would like to! Another part I liked, being a Baby Boomer, was reminiscing of early television, tv and movie stars, recording artists. All that are are part of MY growing experiences - though only indirectly. I suppose I could write a story about LISTENING to the Beach Boys, but which story would you rather hear?
October 28, 2021
Great story, problematic proofing.
I enjoyed reading this entire series so much that I have started it over again. The improbable adventures of protagonist Rick Jackson, starting as a high school freshman in book one, are highly entertaining. Thus it got five stars despite the poor quality of the proofreading. Tenses are sometimes mixed in the same sentence, quote marks are occasionally missing or superfluous. If you can see past such issues, you will like this novel, and the series.
I enjoyed reading this entire series so much that I have started it over again. The improbable adventures of protagonist Rick Jackson, starting as a high school freshman in book one, are highly entertaining. Thus it got five stars despite the poor quality of the proofreading. Tenses are sometimes mixed in the same sentence, quote marks are occasionally missing or superfluous. If you can see past such issues, you will like this novel, and the series.
December 7, 2023
The book begins with a collection of improbable incidents and encounters that although mildly interesting, didn’t really hold my attention and I thought about giving up.
However by a third of the way through something strange happened I realised I was not only enjoying the story, but I was becoming enthralled.
I’m not sure how to categorise the book, it’s a sort of school drama mixed in with a modern fairy-story, but in the end it had me hooked.
If possible I would have given 4.5 stars.
However by a third of the way through something strange happened I realised I was not only enjoying the story, but I was becoming enthralled.
I’m not sure how to categorise the book, it’s a sort of school drama mixed in with a modern fairy-story, but in the end it had me hooked.
If possible I would have given 4.5 stars.
August 8, 2020
A great lighthearted romp
This is a fun book about a set of good old days that may or may not have ever existed. It’s a fun read, nothing really objectionable, good action and a hero who’s making it through hard work and a dose of luck.
If the dirt part of the book about his summer trip feels over the top, rest assured the last 80% is a bit more toned down on average.
Worth reading.
This is a fun book about a set of good old days that may or may not have ever existed. It’s a fun read, nothing really objectionable, good action and a hero who’s making it through hard work and a dose of luck.
If the dirt part of the book about his summer trip feels over the top, rest assured the last 80% is a bit more toned down on average.
Worth reading.
June 7, 2021
Great story!
But...this kid could fall in a septic tank and come out smelling of roses while holding a diamond necklace. It's wonderful when it happens, but it don't happen often. Of course, the kid worked for it. Studying ahead and working smart, not hard, will usually give decent results. Waiting for the world to hand you money, fame and whatever, it ain't gonna happen. Something I read said, "Every thing you want or desire is on the other side of hard."
But...this kid could fall in a septic tank and come out smelling of roses while holding a diamond necklace. It's wonderful when it happens, but it don't happen often. Of course, the kid worked for it. Studying ahead and working smart, not hard, will usually give decent results. Waiting for the world to hand you money, fame and whatever, it ain't gonna happen. Something I read said, "Every thing you want or desire is on the other side of hard."
May 10, 2021
Fun and fast moving.
I wasn't impressed with the summary but started it anyway. I couldn't put it down. Finally finished at 2:30 am. I love all the casual references to pop culture and the main character is level headed but still human and interesting. Am looking forward to the next book.
I wasn't impressed with the summary but started it anyway. I couldn't put it down. Finally finished at 2:30 am. I love all the casual references to pop culture and the main character is level headed but still human and interesting. Am looking forward to the next book.
June 3, 2021
Amazing read!
I just happened upon this book and looked at a sample to see if I might like it. I read the first two pages a d I was hooked! One of the most interesting books I have read…I tremendously like the main character and the setting. Try a couple of pages and see what you think…
I just happened upon this book and looked at a sample to see if I might like it. I read the first two pages a d I was hooked! One of the most interesting books I have read…I tremendously like the main character and the setting. Try a couple of pages and see what you think…
September 8, 2021
Well that was interesting
The first part of the book was about where I thought it should be and what I wanted to read about. Kid leaving home and growing up on the road. Then he comes home and surprisingly the book was still interesting.
I did learn a bit about heroes. Thanks Mr. Nelson
The first part of the book was about where I thought it should be and what I wanted to read about. Kid leaving home and growing up on the road. Then he comes home and surprisingly the book was still interesting.
I did learn a bit about heroes. Thanks Mr. Nelson
July 28, 2022
Absolutely Awesome
This story was kinda like Forest Gump but with a young genius. His godmother is Betty the Queen who was his mum’s best friend during the War. He causally meets lots of famous people. I usually like my books with some magical powers, but a good story is a magic all its own.
This story was kinda like Forest Gump but with a young genius. His godmother is Betty the Queen who was his mum’s best friend during the War. He causally meets lots of famous people. I usually like my books with some magical powers, but a good story is a magic all its own.
October 25, 2023
a biography of a Midwestern Forest Gump
this is a growing up in the Late fifties story, interesting, but not much action. The observations of the adults and his classmates are applicable to any time. he crosses paths with the important persons of the era. it was a time of peace to be envied.
this is a growing up in the Late fifties story, interesting, but not much action. The observations of the adults and his classmates are applicable to any time. he crosses paths with the important persons of the era. it was a time of peace to be envied.
March 8, 2024
Fortunate young man
I loved this book. Probably not for the reasons it was written, but because young Mr. Jackson's experiences made me laugh as I recognized the books he read, even without the titles being given. His adventures on his summer excursion and resultant welcome home were in the too good to believe arena. I will definitely read the next one.
I loved this book. Probably not for the reasons it was written, but because young Mr. Jackson's experiences made me laugh as I recognized the books he read, even without the titles being given. His adventures on his summer excursion and resultant welcome home were in the too good to believe arena. I will definitely read the next one.
November 23, 2024
really fun read!
This is a story about a kid, so I thought I’d be bored, but the writer keeps it going so fast and fun that it could have been about a pigeon and still been great! This is a really cool concept for a story, and really enjoyable, with relatable life lessons built in. Easily earns the five stars!
This is a story about a kid, so I thought I’d be bored, but the writer keeps it going so fast and fun that it could have been about a pigeon and still been great! This is a really cool concept for a story, and really enjoyable, with relatable life lessons built in. Easily earns the five stars!
November 24, 2024
Not what I expected
This story starts a little slow but kept my interest. This book was recommended as a time-travel/regressor story which it is not, instead of future knowledge the protagonist is armed with maturity, forethought and the ability to pay attention.
An enjoyable read, I will definitely continue with the series.
This story starts a little slow but kept my interest. This book was recommended as a time-travel/regressor story which it is not, instead of future knowledge the protagonist is armed with maturity, forethought and the ability to pay attention.
An enjoyable read, I will definitely continue with the series.
December 30, 2025
First book in the series
This YA adventure is very enjoyable for adults because of all the easter eggs and what they refer to. The book describes the adventures of a 14 year old boy that hitchhikes from Ohio to California in 1958 and the people he meets along the way. A great story.
This YA adventure is very enjoyable for adults because of all the easter eggs and what they refer to. The book describes the adventures of a 14 year old boy that hitchhikes from Ohio to California in 1958 and the people he meets along the way. A great story.
November 1, 2020
The most entertaining book I've read recently!
A fourteen year old Forest Gump type character is winning bull rider, knockout golfer and in between foils a bank robery and cattle rustling. Loved it!
A fourteen year old Forest Gump type character is winning bull rider, knockout golfer and in between foils a bank robery and cattle rustling. Loved it!
November 26, 2021
Coming of age?
This book was promoted as a coming of age book, but I see it as a "how crazy my summer can get". I like how the author portray teenage angst, consequences of crazy adventures, and little stuff like how the lipstick of the 50s can stuck to anything.
This book was promoted as a coming of age book, but I see it as a "how crazy my summer can get". I like how the author portray teenage angst, consequences of crazy adventures, and little stuff like how the lipstick of the 50s can stuck to anything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews