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Center of Attention: A True Crime Memoir
In his driver’s license photo, Jason Derek Brown looks like a typical Southern California surfer—tan, with spiky hair, a red hoodie, and an open smile. The photo looks completely out of place on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list where it’s been since December, 8, 2007. For eight of those years, Jason appeared directly beside Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden is long gone, but Jason is still wanted for armed robbery and murder.
For years, his sister, Jami D. Brown Martin has watched the true crime programs and read the amateur investigative blogs devoted to Jason, his crime, and the efforts to apprehend him knowing the story wasn’t as simple, nor was it just Jason’s. To be the sister, brother, or relative of one of the world’s most wanted men is to live every day with the horrible truth and many consequences of his brutal act.
CENTER OF ATTENTION is the story of a former Mormon missionary turned murderer. It is also a riveting look behind the facade of the genetically blessed, seemingly prominent and pious Brown family of Laguna Beach, California. It is a tale of the family patriarch, John Brown, who disappeared without a trace ten years before his son. More important, it is the gripping and ultimately hopeful story of the sister of one of the world’s most wanted fugitives and her journey to accept that despite being a product of the same crazy environment as her brother, her life and path are her own.
For years, his sister, Jami D. Brown Martin has watched the true crime programs and read the amateur investigative blogs devoted to Jason, his crime, and the efforts to apprehend him knowing the story wasn’t as simple, nor was it just Jason’s. To be the sister, brother, or relative of one of the world’s most wanted men is to live every day with the horrible truth and many consequences of his brutal act.
CENTER OF ATTENTION is the story of a former Mormon missionary turned murderer. It is also a riveting look behind the facade of the genetically blessed, seemingly prominent and pious Brown family of Laguna Beach, California. It is a tale of the family patriarch, John Brown, who disappeared without a trace ten years before his son. More important, it is the gripping and ultimately hopeful story of the sister of one of the world’s most wanted fugitives and her journey to accept that despite being a product of the same crazy environment as her brother, her life and path are her own.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2020
237 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 3, 2021
Insight into narcissism and sociopathy
This is a great book for anyone who has lived with a narcissist or sociopath as a parent or sibling or even child.
The author learned hard lessons in life as a result ofbthe chaos in her life caused by family members with these disorders.
In a community like Laguna Beach or Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, everyone knows everyone, especially on the higher end, and people try very hard to be the perfect example of beauty and wealth, no matter how much pain they're in. This isolates people. You always have to look and act "up" and successful. Beauty is everything - just looking at the author's picture tells me so much. She has to be not just together, but superwoman. Perfect nails, makeup, body, lips, eyebrows, shading, hair (must be blonde)... the pressure is tremendous and people are hard on each other and themselves.
Under that facade lurks real pain for many people, yet they can only share that pain with very few people.
Itbwas in this culture that the author's family problems and personal pain became embarrassingly public and humiliating.
How do you find your way back from total devastation inside a culture that's so demanding?
Her story tells us how she did that.
At the end, she talks about how, unfortunately, we learn the most during protracted loss and pain in our lives, and we have to decide how to respond to the devastation in our lives.
She made good choices and turned her life into a positive by helping other people get their lives together.
So although this is a true crime book and is fascinating to read, it's also inspirational.
If you've been through a lot of betrayal and have been fed upon by a narcissist or sociopath, reading Jami's story will bring insight and possibly some healing.
I highly recommend it and will be sharing it.
This is a great book for anyone who has lived with a narcissist or sociopath as a parent or sibling or even child.
The author learned hard lessons in life as a result ofbthe chaos in her life caused by family members with these disorders.
In a community like Laguna Beach or Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, everyone knows everyone, especially on the higher end, and people try very hard to be the perfect example of beauty and wealth, no matter how much pain they're in. This isolates people. You always have to look and act "up" and successful. Beauty is everything - just looking at the author's picture tells me so much. She has to be not just together, but superwoman. Perfect nails, makeup, body, lips, eyebrows, shading, hair (must be blonde)... the pressure is tremendous and people are hard on each other and themselves.
Under that facade lurks real pain for many people, yet they can only share that pain with very few people.
Itbwas in this culture that the author's family problems and personal pain became embarrassingly public and humiliating.
How do you find your way back from total devastation inside a culture that's so demanding?
Her story tells us how she did that.
At the end, she talks about how, unfortunately, we learn the most during protracted loss and pain in our lives, and we have to decide how to respond to the devastation in our lives.
She made good choices and turned her life into a positive by helping other people get their lives together.
So although this is a true crime book and is fascinating to read, it's also inspirational.
If you've been through a lot of betrayal and have been fed upon by a narcissist or sociopath, reading Jami's story will bring insight and possibly some healing.
I highly recommend it and will be sharing it.
January 17, 2022
Interesting View
While not what I expected,this book was an interesting read and insightful account of the life experiences of a sibling of one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List long sought fugitive. The author related her years as the child and sister of criminals who dissappance has confounded law enforcement agencies for many years. Most surprising was the honest account of her neglect and emotional abuse by a narcissistic, petty criminal father, as were her siblings. This is more a brutally honest self-reflective memoir of the life of the author and her journey to find herself than "true crime". I have read accounts of her brother's horrible and senseless murder during the robbery of a armoured car for a paltry sum of money. Interesting and informative the author tells how her journey through life has developed and changed,not exactly a true crime memoir, more how those people who are related to those who commit crime deal with their own experience being related to those who commit true crime.
While not what I expected,this book was an interesting read and insightful account of the life experiences of a sibling of one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List long sought fugitive. The author related her years as the child and sister of criminals who dissappance has confounded law enforcement agencies for many years. Most surprising was the honest account of her neglect and emotional abuse by a narcissistic, petty criminal father, as were her siblings. This is more a brutally honest self-reflective memoir of the life of the author and her journey to find herself than "true crime". I have read accounts of her brother's horrible and senseless murder during the robbery of a armoured car for a paltry sum of money. Interesting and informative the author tells how her journey through life has developed and changed,not exactly a true crime memoir, more how those people who are related to those who commit crime deal with their own experience being related to those who commit true crime.
December 23, 2020
Jami’s honest and soul searching memoir is an interesting study of two siblings, both victims of a very dysfunctional family, and the choices that took them down very different roads. It is a compelling exploration of family, cruelty and fear, free will and resilience. This book will have you laughing and crying and cause you to evaluate your own choices in life. I couldn’t put it down!! Loved it!!!
July 28, 2021
Center of Attention
The author really grabs your attention from the beginning of the book. I read this book within two days! She talks about her family, how it molded her within the dysfunctional family setting along with describing her siblings and her father who is a horrible human as far as I’m concerned.
I commend the author for not giving up and trying to live her best life.
The author really grabs your attention from the beginning of the book. I read this book within two days! She talks about her family, how it molded her within the dysfunctional family setting along with describing her siblings and her father who is a horrible human as far as I’m concerned.
I commend the author for not giving up and trying to live her best life.
December 20, 2021
Nauseating
This is more of a ego narcissistic book about the author than about her brother. I think she wants the center of attention and is just like her dad and brother. Couldn’t finish it
This is more of a ego narcissistic book about the author than about her brother. I think she wants the center of attention and is just like her dad and brother. Couldn’t finish it
December 24, 2020
The story of the Brown family -- who lived among the celebrities and rich where home prices were 180 percent above the national average and appearances were everything -- and how they survived their father's abuse and eventual abandonment. The Brown family's upbringing of mayhem made no behavior seem too outrageous. The life leading up to a shocking murder and its aftermath will make you cry. A tragedy that changed lives forever. Difficult to read and hard to put down at the same time. I pray the author continues to pursue her life of peace, and my heart goes out to all the victims.
Read
June 2, 2021Narcissism overload
What a wild and horrific story this is. Its hard to believe how behavior passes down through the generations. The children suffered because of the sins of the father. I found the whole family to be self centered. Jami in her own way is full of herself. Referring to herself as beautiful and bragging about her abilities in her life and job. I do give her credit for making it through all her hardships and making something of herself and overcoming.
What a wild and horrific story this is. Its hard to believe how behavior passes down through the generations. The children suffered because of the sins of the father. I found the whole family to be self centered. Jami in her own way is full of herself. Referring to herself as beautiful and bragging about her abilities in her life and job. I do give her credit for making it through all her hardships and making something of herself and overcoming.
July 29, 2021
When I decided to read "Center of Attention," I thought it was going to be a true crime book about a father and brother who disappear. It is about that, of course. But it's also about a sister's journey through life as she deals with her family situations and emotional trauma.
People of true courage are people who never give up, never quit, and keep moving ahead. To me, that's what this story is mostly about, and I enjoyed reading it.
People of true courage are people who never give up, never quit, and keep moving ahead. To me, that's what this story is mostly about, and I enjoyed reading it.
December 21, 2020
Excellent Read, Powerful Voice, Evil, Painful, yet Full of Hope
This is a devastating, fascinating story of broken family, murder, and survival, fueled by a sociopathic father in a seemingly idyllic and beautiful world of faux wealth and paradise. Definitely a C-PID - Couldn't Put It Down.
This is a devastating, fascinating story of broken family, murder, and survival, fueled by a sociopathic father in a seemingly idyllic and beautiful world of faux wealth and paradise. Definitely a C-PID - Couldn't Put It Down.
June 5, 2021
Very interesting and crazy family life-the author overcame a lot to get to where she is today. At times it seems like the author just wants to talk about how great/blond/good looking/talented she was and that got a little tedious. But really, given how she was raised and who her family members are, I give her a break on that.
September 1, 2021
This story is amazing
I got this book because the authors brother has been on the Most Wanted list for the longest time ever, and it sounded like a interesting story. It is so much more. Her family and her childhood was turbulent and abusive. Yet Jami Brown Martin has survived it all and made a life for herself. It is an amazing story. I'm so glad I read this one!
I got this book because the authors brother has been on the Most Wanted list for the longest time ever, and it sounded like a interesting story. It is so much more. Her family and her childhood was turbulent and abusive. Yet Jami Brown Martin has survived it all and made a life for herself. It is an amazing story. I'm so glad I read this one!
March 21, 2022
Very insightful
This book an insightful journey with many truths about the Mormon religion and their need for control. I was raised Mormon and could relate with Jami and her siblings. It truly shows how children are products of their environment. And an in-depth look at the sociopath and narcissist behaviors. Good read!
This book an insightful journey with many truths about the Mormon religion and their need for control. I was raised Mormon and could relate with Jami and her siblings. It truly shows how children are products of their environment. And an in-depth look at the sociopath and narcissist behaviors. Good read!
January 6, 2024
True What?
It's rare I can't finish a book but this has little to do with true crime
and seems like a "poor me" diary. About 10% of it concerned the actual crime and the rest was a walk down memory lane where she had the nerve to complain about growing up a child of privilege. Lady, we're all broken.
It's rare I can't finish a book but this has little to do with true crime
and seems like a "poor me" diary. About 10% of it concerned the actual crime and the rest was a walk down memory lane where she had the nerve to complain about growing up a child of privilege. Lady, we're all broken.
March 5, 2021
Who are you?
Amazing story. Born into a family without a sense of belonging, seeing criminal acts as normal, finding a way to a purpose, provides inspiration and aspiration to those who seek them.
Amazing story. Born into a family without a sense of belonging, seeing criminal acts as normal, finding a way to a purpose, provides inspiration and aspiration to those who seek them.
April 13, 2021
Amazing memoir!
I couldn’t put this book down! Such a interesting yet tragic story of life. One of the best true crime memoirs I’ve ever read and Jamie told her life story perfectly. She is an amazing person and truly inspirational!
I couldn’t put this book down! Such a interesting yet tragic story of life. One of the best true crime memoirs I’ve ever read and Jamie told her life story perfectly. She is an amazing person and truly inspirational!
February 5, 2022
Crap read don't waste your time or money
Seriously don't waste your time on this apparent insight. It was so boring and rambling I finish all novels this no way. Not an educated read
Seriously don't waste your time on this apparent insight. It was so boring and rambling I finish all novels this no way. Not an educated read
March 9, 2022
Undecided
Enjoyed the story, but still don't know what your brother did. Seems you left the details out. He may have killed someone but all I'm left with is maybe. Did your self analysis involve the possibility that narcissism runs in the family?
Enjoyed the story, but still don't know what your brother did. Seems you left the details out. He may have killed someone but all I'm left with is maybe. Did your self analysis involve the possibility that narcissism runs in the family?
January 13, 2021
Couldn't put it down!
Stayed up waaay to late reading this book. Love the way it flows from past to present. True crime fans must read this book!!!
Stayed up waaay to late reading this book. Love the way it flows from past to present. True crime fans must read this book!!!
March 6, 2021
A true crime memoir. Light on the crime, but fun to read about places I know and love around Laguna Beach.
Read
June 9, 2021Not what I was expecting but still kind of interesting
September 12, 2021
No way is this a balanced story
Very poorly written, and one-sided. It all seemed so overtly dramatic and unbelievable. A little narcissism in this sibling, also, it would appear.
Very poorly written, and one-sided. It all seemed so overtly dramatic and unbelievable. A little narcissism in this sibling, also, it would appear.
June 23, 2022
A life story
It just shows that broken lives can be mended and the damage it does to others. A great read on the psychology of nassicistic people.
It just shows that broken lives can be mended and the damage it does to others. A great read on the psychology of nassicistic people.
July 1, 2022
Amazing
I couldn't stop reading this book. I loved that it was about her life, with th family drama, being part of her story.
I couldn't stop reading this book. I loved that it was about her life, with th family drama, being part of her story.
July 7, 2022
Interesting story, poor writing.
October 9, 2022
Sucked
Didn't want to read about some chicks mental problems. Not a crime memoir. Terrible read. Glad I didn't pay for it.
Didn't want to read about some chicks mental problems. Not a crime memoir. Terrible read. Glad I didn't pay for it.
November 4, 2022
Great Read
This was an amazing book to read. So real and raw. If you haven’t read it I would definitely suggest you do.
This was an amazing book to read. So real and raw. If you haven’t read it I would definitely suggest you do.
November 11, 2022
Selfish
More about her horrid behavior than anything eles. She's the psycho. She sounds like a horrid selfish person. Perhaps her family life was bad?
More about her horrid behavior than anything eles. She's the psycho. She sounds like a horrid selfish person. Perhaps her family life was bad?
April 14, 2025
After meeting Jami I learned she had written a book! She is an amazing person that has been able to overcome so much and make something of her life. So proud of her!
(Audible, clean)
(Audible, clean)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews