What do you think?
Rate this book
The Peacemaker: A story of stolen opportunities and Redemption
A gate slams shut, sending a jolt of reality through seventeen-year-old Jayson Jackson's entire body. As an officer pats him down, Jayson secretly hopes that tomorrow, when he turns eighteen, his life will finally be his own. But he knows it will not be easy. Two years ago, he accidentally shot his best friend. Once again, Jayson is the victim of stolen opportunities.Now left helpless as he awaits a judge's decision to either let him walk free or give him a sentence that could land him in a correctional facility for a long time. Jayson reflects on the friendship he once shared with Michael-Stephens all-star athlete, high school scholar and aspiring singer. On the surface, Michael, also known as Mr. Basketball, appeared to have it all. But no one but Jayson knew that he and Michael shared a powerful kinship created through similar childhood tragedies. Now with the help of his grandmother and his uncle Scott, Jayson must learn to reconcile his past in order to move forward with his future.Set against the sometimes-gritty backdrop of Detroit, this poignant saga reveals an unforgettable message of forgiveness, responsibility and second chances as a young man struggles to regain his life after a horrible mistake.
158 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2012
2 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 25, 2018
If you are looking for a YA Fiction novel for young black males....don't sleep on the Peacemaker.
Check out my review here:
https://bibliophileonabudget.wordpres...
Check out my review here:
https://bibliophileonabudget.wordpres...
August 24, 2013
Great short read about what can happen when we make the wrong decisions. This is a great read to pass on to a teenager. This book shows you that your life can be forever changed in the blink of an eye! Great book T.L. Criswell. I look forward to reading your next book!
March 30, 2018
A GREAT READ FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD...ER
The Peacemaker tells a great story of a young inner-city boy. While not starved for material things, he is desperately in need of parental guidance. Neither him or his parents realize this until it's too late. An unfortunate turn of events brings great misery to his family and friends, but subsequently helps some of those same people find a different and better path for themselves.
This book is so realistic and heartwarming. Definitely got teary eyed.
The Peacemaker tells a great story of a young inner-city boy. While not starved for material things, he is desperately in need of parental guidance. Neither him or his parents realize this until it's too late. An unfortunate turn of events brings great misery to his family and friends, but subsequently helps some of those same people find a different and better path for themselves.
This book is so realistic and heartwarming. Definitely got teary eyed.
March 31, 2018
Enjoyable read
This was my first read by this author. I enjoyed the book. It was a story of loss and redemption. The book showed how bad choices can ultimately ruin your life and affect the lives of others. I would recommend this book to young boys and girls. I felt that I was not the target audience. The author was able to pull emotions out of me. I look forward to reading more of her work.
This was my first read by this author. I enjoyed the book. It was a story of loss and redemption. The book showed how bad choices can ultimately ruin your life and affect the lives of others. I would recommend this book to young boys and girls. I felt that I was not the target audience. The author was able to pull emotions out of me. I look forward to reading more of her work.
April 21, 2018
Making choices
I am not easily swayed to relinquish 5 stars but I think if I could give this 6 I would.
This story touched my heart. So many relatable issues so skillfully rolled into one piece of work. We get a look at what 1 bad decision can do to an entire community. This is definitely a must read & should be required reading for all teenagers.
Many lesson many triumphs
EYECU READING APPROVED
I am not easily swayed to relinquish 5 stars but I think if I could give this 6 I would.
This story touched my heart. So many relatable issues so skillfully rolled into one piece of work. We get a look at what 1 bad decision can do to an entire community. This is definitely a must read & should be required reading for all teenagers.
Many lesson many triumphs
EYECU READING APPROVED
March 30, 2018
The Peacemaker would be a great read for young adults. It will give them a good picture of what could possibly happen when living the fast life and doing drugs. The author also touches on how forgiveness isn't always easy but necessary to move forward. I'm glad we chose this book to read with the students, I believe they'll love it.
EyeCU Approved.
EyeCU Approved.
March 17, 2018
It's Never to Late
They say love conquers all but does it? I loved how this novel turned out. I was so happy to see relationships repaired. Broken but in the end healed. This is a must read for all ages.
They say love conquers all but does it? I loved how this novel turned out. I was so happy to see relationships repaired. Broken but in the end healed. This is a must read for all ages.
March 11, 2018
Wow
I start a book with no expectations and just enjoy the story. This one however, was different. I fell into it and didn’t even think about anything else! The power of love, redemption and even karma woven throughout the story is what made it so powerful to me!
I believe that once you read this book, The Peacemaker will be on your top ten list of one of the best reads of all times!
I start a book with no expectations and just enjoy the story. This one however, was different. I fell into it and didn’t even think about anything else! The power of love, redemption and even karma woven throughout the story is what made it so powerful to me!
I believe that once you read this book, The Peacemaker will be on your top ten list of one of the best reads of all times!
April 24, 2014
What a difference a day makes! For that matter, how drastically your life can change in a minute. Every choice good or bad, right or wrong has consequences. The Peacemaker - A Story of Stolen Opportunities and Redemption by T.L. Criswell is a book about choices and the repercussions of those actions.
Teenage choices fueled by peer pressure, unresolved pain, violence and family secrets that tip the scale in the wrong direction and result in almost deadly consequences. Contrary to belief, this is not a story about a teenager from the "wrong side of the tracks," but rather a story about how sometimes all the love in the world just can't protect or save you.
The Peacemaker is a story about a teenager that transcends race and speaks to the modern-day dilemma that many young men face in rural, urban and suburban communities alike. It centers around teenagers with too much time on their hands, too much hurt, too much pain, and too much anger rolled up into a ball on a collision course with destiny. The main character, Jayson Jackson, is as complex as any man-child with one toe in adulthood and the other foot still firmly planted in the teenage world that we may hear or read about in the media.
Two childhood friends on the brink of manhood, Jayson Jackson and Michael Stephens. Both raised in stable households, who grew up like brothers but headed in two different directions. Two paths inextricably intertwined with a date with destiny neither could avoid. Sometimes talking is not enough, sometimes you have to feel the fire on your neck before you decide to move. In an instance dreams are shattered.
THOUGHT for your SOUL:
•"Running away from your past does not change it or make it go away; it only prolongs the healing process."
•"If you find a path that doesn't have any obstacles, it probably doesn't go anywhere."
As Jayson sat in his jail cell and relived the past two years since that terrible incident, he contemplated his future. The realization that his life was now in the hands of someone else because his poor judgement put him in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ironic twist of fate. The gun that he "stared at [on that fateful day] and wondered if it really was a peacemaker" was the reason why he had to "make peace" with whatever decision was made. In order to do this Jayson has to "be the peacemaker. [He] has to let go and forgive. It's funny how we all seem to live our lives according to what we think God's plan for us is, only to find out we really don't know what his plan is."
Teenage choices fueled by peer pressure, unresolved pain, violence and family secrets that tip the scale in the wrong direction and result in almost deadly consequences. Contrary to belief, this is not a story about a teenager from the "wrong side of the tracks," but rather a story about how sometimes all the love in the world just can't protect or save you.
The Peacemaker is a story about a teenager that transcends race and speaks to the modern-day dilemma that many young men face in rural, urban and suburban communities alike. It centers around teenagers with too much time on their hands, too much hurt, too much pain, and too much anger rolled up into a ball on a collision course with destiny. The main character, Jayson Jackson, is as complex as any man-child with one toe in adulthood and the other foot still firmly planted in the teenage world that we may hear or read about in the media.
Two childhood friends on the brink of manhood, Jayson Jackson and Michael Stephens. Both raised in stable households, who grew up like brothers but headed in two different directions. Two paths inextricably intertwined with a date with destiny neither could avoid. Sometimes talking is not enough, sometimes you have to feel the fire on your neck before you decide to move. In an instance dreams are shattered.
THOUGHT for your SOUL:
•"Running away from your past does not change it or make it go away; it only prolongs the healing process."
•"If you find a path that doesn't have any obstacles, it probably doesn't go anywhere."
As Jayson sat in his jail cell and relived the past two years since that terrible incident, he contemplated his future. The realization that his life was now in the hands of someone else because his poor judgement put him in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ironic twist of fate. The gun that he "stared at [on that fateful day] and wondered if it really was a peacemaker" was the reason why he had to "make peace" with whatever decision was made. In order to do this Jayson has to "be the peacemaker. [He] has to let go and forgive. It's funny how we all seem to live our lives according to what we think God's plan for us is, only to find out we really don't know what his plan is."
September 27, 2015
After reading this book “The PeaceMaker” by Author T.L. Criswell I found myself thinking that this is a feel good type of book, because that is definitely the emotion that I walked away with. It sort of reminded me of a afternoon school television special (PG-PSA), in that it not so much taught me but it confirmed for me that as a good child there are certain positions in life that you shouldn't be placed in as long as you are in the care of responsible parents and the main characters young parents wanted to be more his friend than good parents...
Although this book was a very short and quick read, I found it to be very interesting. The story line flowed. The author covered a lot of different topics, in which they were very relateable. There were very few typos, if any and this book took me through a range of emotions.
Reflecting back on the main character, Jayson Jackson Jr., I didn't see him as a bad child gone wrong but more so as a child who was simply broken hearted by his parents and their decision making when it came to him and raising him. Although his parents were very young at the time that he was born, it's not so much that they couldn't have taken care of him but they simply chose not to because of their own selfish ambitions in the adult entertainment industry. Like most children, when his young parents didn't step up and take full responsibility for him, he found himself in the care of his mother's parents. From there Jayson's character goes through a few situations that he didn't plan for and simply didn't see them coming, such as getting caught up in a convenient store robbery with his so called friends and subsequently the accidental shooting of his best friend, which lands him in jail.
Throughout reading this book there were a few surprises. I found the books ending to be somewhat predictable, but very good. It was more or less in order for Jayson to be released from prison and go on with a productive life he had to come full circle with himself as a Grown man and all that he had done to get himself in the position he was in and own it... The PeaceMaker was not that gun he found under his mother's bed mattress, but he himself.
Tangela D. Fleming
Brownstone Book Club
Founder/President
4 Stars
Although this book was a very short and quick read, I found it to be very interesting. The story line flowed. The author covered a lot of different topics, in which they were very relateable. There were very few typos, if any and this book took me through a range of emotions.
Reflecting back on the main character, Jayson Jackson Jr., I didn't see him as a bad child gone wrong but more so as a child who was simply broken hearted by his parents and their decision making when it came to him and raising him. Although his parents were very young at the time that he was born, it's not so much that they couldn't have taken care of him but they simply chose not to because of their own selfish ambitions in the adult entertainment industry. Like most children, when his young parents didn't step up and take full responsibility for him, he found himself in the care of his mother's parents. From there Jayson's character goes through a few situations that he didn't plan for and simply didn't see them coming, such as getting caught up in a convenient store robbery with his so called friends and subsequently the accidental shooting of his best friend, which lands him in jail.
Throughout reading this book there were a few surprises. I found the books ending to be somewhat predictable, but very good. It was more or less in order for Jayson to be released from prison and go on with a productive life he had to come full circle with himself as a Grown man and all that he had done to get himself in the position he was in and own it... The PeaceMaker was not that gun he found under his mother's bed mattress, but he himself.
Tangela D. Fleming
Brownstone Book Club
Founder/President
4 Stars
November 21, 2017
Screaming!!! Author TL Criswell, I'mma need you to stand up & take a bow!
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! "The Peacemaker" is THE TRUTH!
Within these pages the author managed to capture the TRUE ESSENCE of stolen opportunity & redemption.
First, let me start by saying... It generally takes me about a week to finish a book but as I was COMPLETELY ENGULFED in the thoughtfully detailed storytelling, I finished in 2 days! THAT'S A HUGE DEAL for ME😂
Secondly, I think this may have been my first time reading a book without first reading the synopsis so I was totally caught off guard when the water works came time and time again.
Once, I had to just shut it down, reflect & regroup! In all my years of reading I can't recall doing the snotty nose Viola Davis cry so much! But I say all this to say, WOW! Addressing bullying, peer pressure, personal accountability, choices, parent friend syndrome and so much more..."The Peacemaker" is a MUST READ that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to EVERY1!
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! T. L. Criswell, U did that!
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! "The Peacemaker" is THE TRUTH!
Within these pages the author managed to capture the TRUE ESSENCE of stolen opportunity & redemption.
First, let me start by saying... It generally takes me about a week to finish a book but as I was COMPLETELY ENGULFED in the thoughtfully detailed storytelling, I finished in 2 days! THAT'S A HUGE DEAL for ME😂
Secondly, I think this may have been my first time reading a book without first reading the synopsis so I was totally caught off guard when the water works came time and time again.
Once, I had to just shut it down, reflect & regroup! In all my years of reading I can't recall doing the snotty nose Viola Davis cry so much! But I say all this to say, WOW! Addressing bullying, peer pressure, personal accountability, choices, parent friend syndrome and so much more..."The Peacemaker" is a MUST READ that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to EVERY1!
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! T. L. Criswell, U did that!
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved
March 20, 2014
This is an awesome read for any age; it teaches life lessons and the consequences that come from making bad choices. I would recommend reading this with your young adult, mine had many questions during our read, and we both learned a lot about one another during this process.
July 26, 2018
A THOUGHT PROVOKING READ !!
WOW ! This book was so engaging, I just couldn't put it down. This Authors writing has the, ability to captivate you and put you in a world of you're own. Once I started reading I, knew that this book was going to be finished in one sitting. The plot is about real life situations that can take place in any family. The characters are powerful, that demands to be heard, overall this book is thought provoking, and yes I will recommend this book. Actually I believe that all teenagers, who is going down the wrong path should read read this book. I don't do spoilers but I will say this, this book mad me cry, laugh, and have a jaw dropping movement. 30% into this book, I knew I had to have part two, so I down download it. Stay tuned for that review, I rate this book 5 stars. However it's worth a ten stars.
WOW ! This book was so engaging, I just couldn't put it down. This Authors writing has the, ability to captivate you and put you in a world of you're own. Once I started reading I, knew that this book was going to be finished in one sitting. The plot is about real life situations that can take place in any family. The characters are powerful, that demands to be heard, overall this book is thought provoking, and yes I will recommend this book. Actually I believe that all teenagers, who is going down the wrong path should read read this book. I don't do spoilers but I will say this, this book mad me cry, laugh, and have a jaw dropping movement. 30% into this book, I knew I had to have part two, so I down download it. Stay tuned for that review, I rate this book 5 stars. However it's worth a ten stars.
April 16, 2023
Thoughts on The Peacemaker
This story was realistic and well written. I believed the characters and thought the author might have experienced or knew someone who may have experienced some of what her main character, Jay lived through. Teen violence, dysfunctional families , grandma holding the family together, and maturity in young males. I only wish the story had more detail on why Patches chose suicide and I wish it was longer, going into more background on Big Man and Patches. I will read this author again and hope to meet her again at another function. You were right Ms. Crowell. This was a good story!
This story was realistic and well written. I believed the characters and thought the author might have experienced or knew someone who may have experienced some of what her main character, Jay lived through. Teen violence, dysfunctional families , grandma holding the family together, and maturity in young males. I only wish the story had more detail on why Patches chose suicide and I wish it was longer, going into more background on Big Man and Patches. I will read this author again and hope to meet her again at another function. You were right Ms. Crowell. This was a good story!
May 24, 2018
A beautifully written story!
This story brought me to tears more than once. Author TL Criswell did a beautiful job conveying the message intended in The Peacemaker! After my first time crying, I was reluctant to read anymore.... I didn't want the story to end.
This story is one that will hold tight to your heart strings pulling at will.
The life lessons touched on in the Peacemaker will not be forgotten!
This story brought me to tears more than once. Author TL Criswell did a beautiful job conveying the message intended in The Peacemaker! After my first time crying, I was reluctant to read anymore.... I didn't want the story to end.
This story is one that will hold tight to your heart strings pulling at will.
The life lessons touched on in the Peacemaker will not be forgotten!
March 5, 2018
Screaming!!! Author TL Criswell, I'mma need you to stand up & take a bow!
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! "The Peacemaker" is THE TRUTH!
Within these pages the author managed to capture the TRUE ESSENCE of stolen opportunity & redemption.
First, let me start by saying... It generally takes me about a week to finish a book but as I was COMPLETELY ENGULFED in the thoughtfully detailed storytelling, I finished in 2 days! THAT'S A HUGE DEAL for ME😂
Secondly, I think this may have been my first time reading a book without first reading the synopsis so I was totally caught off guard when the water works came time and time again.
Once, I had to just shut it down, reflect & regroup! In all my years of reading I can't recall doing the snotty nose Viola Davis cry so much! But I say all this to say, WOW! Addressing bullying, peer pressure, personal accountability, choices, parent friend syndrome and so much more..."The Peacemaker" is a MUST READ that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to EVERYONE!
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! T. L. Criswell, U did that!
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! "The Peacemaker" is THE TRUTH!
Within these pages the author managed to capture the TRUE ESSENCE of stolen opportunity & redemption.
First, let me start by saying... It generally takes me about a week to finish a book but as I was COMPLETELY ENGULFED in the thoughtfully detailed storytelling, I finished in 2 days! THAT'S A HUGE DEAL for ME😂
Secondly, I think this may have been my first time reading a book without first reading the synopsis so I was totally caught off guard when the water works came time and time again.
Once, I had to just shut it down, reflect & regroup! In all my years of reading I can't recall doing the snotty nose Viola Davis cry so much! But I say all this to say, WOW! Addressing bullying, peer pressure, personal accountability, choices, parent friend syndrome and so much more..."The Peacemaker" is a MUST READ that I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND to EVERYONE!
B👏🏽R👏🏽A👏🏽V👏🏽O!!!! T. L. Criswell, U did that!
Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved
May 23, 2018
What a powerful, powerful story. As a librarian for the Detroit Public Library, I've read my share of poignant urban inspired young adult literature, but this book is a standout. It captures the reader from the very first page, spilling out on the pages all the drama, turmoil and grit that the big city of Detroit holds for a young man as he struggles with all around him. Ms. Criswell has a dynamic writing style, as well as a great command of her character development, both two very vital elements in holding the attention of the reader, and she doesn't fail to deliver. I highly recommend this to middle and high school students, they won't be disappointed.
April 11, 2018
I loved this book from beginning to end! It was such a relatable tale for my urban youth. I was excited to read a book that took place in familiar settings. The tragedies that unfolded in this book were likely but unpredictable. I appreciate the authors sensitivity to the subject matter and her manner to accentuate the details! Can’t wait to read the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews