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The Awakening of Jim Bishop: This Changes Things
Jim Bishop is alone. His wife died. He lost his job. His brother is on the west coast. But something else, something different, something new is waiting for him.
In uptown Charlotte, the lives of five strangers are bound together as tightly as the twisted metal frame of the bicycle at the center of a horrible hit-and-run accident.
A homeless woman watches as a minister tries to comfort the young computer coder who believes he killed the cyclist, while an exhausted nurse and a power-driven CEO slip off into the night.
As Jim begins to rebuild his life, a strange vagrant helps guide him to the five people involved in the accident, revealing the dangerous secrets and vulnerabilities threatening to destroy each one. Someone has a gun. Someone has been physically abused. A relationship desperately needs mending. Someone will die.
Jim finds himself in situations with his new friends he never expected, giving him opportunities he never saw coming, providing new meaning in ways he never could have imagined.
Filled with tragedy and promise, The Awakening of Jim Bishop is a powerful and moving story of loss, hope and healing sure to provoke thought long after the last page is turned.
In uptown Charlotte, the lives of five strangers are bound together as tightly as the twisted metal frame of the bicycle at the center of a horrible hit-and-run accident.
A homeless woman watches as a minister tries to comfort the young computer coder who believes he killed the cyclist, while an exhausted nurse and a power-driven CEO slip off into the night.
As Jim begins to rebuild his life, a strange vagrant helps guide him to the five people involved in the accident, revealing the dangerous secrets and vulnerabilities threatening to destroy each one. Someone has a gun. Someone has been physically abused. A relationship desperately needs mending. Someone will die.
Jim finds himself in situations with his new friends he never expected, giving him opportunities he never saw coming, providing new meaning in ways he never could have imagined.
Filled with tragedy and promise, The Awakening of Jim Bishop is a powerful and moving story of loss, hope and healing sure to provoke thought long after the last page is turned.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2022
25 people are currently reading
1747 people want to read
About the author
Ben A. Sharpton
6 books42 followers “Tell stories.” It's one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. Stories inspire people to grow and expand their horizons. They entertain. They challenge. They comfort. Simply put, they make life much better.
I’ve been telling stories all my life. When I worked with youth years ago, I told stories that helped them understand, learn and develop. Later, as a corporate training manager I used stories to demonstrate examples, to encourage better business practices and to stimulate learning. As an online college professor I found stories to be instrumental in challenging people to think and comprehend.
Today I continue to tell stories. You’ll find them in my nonfiction curriculum books and all of my award-winning novels. My hope is you’ll enjoy my stories and share them with your friends.
Then, tell your own stories. It’s a great piece of advice.
I’ve been telling stories all my life. When I worked with youth years ago, I told stories that helped them understand, learn and develop. Later, as a corporate training manager I used stories to demonstrate examples, to encourage better business practices and to stimulate learning. As an online college professor I found stories to be instrumental in challenging people to think and comprehend.
Today I continue to tell stories. You’ll find them in my nonfiction curriculum books and all of my award-winning novels. My hope is you’ll enjoy my stories and share them with your friends.
Then, tell your own stories. It’s a great piece of advice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 31, 2021
This story was not what I expected when I requested the book.
Jim Bishop’s beloved wife, Jean, dies suddenly from a stroke. She has been out doing some survey or something with the homeless when she collapses. They stay with her and try to help her until an ambulance arrives and do not steal from her.
Kerry Noland, CEO of Bell Intelliservices, knocks a young man off his bike one night and, seeing there are no witnesses, flees the scene. The next car along is being driven by Todd Sanders, coincidentally one of Kerry’s employees, he drives over the bike and thinks HE has killed the young man. There was, however, a witness - a young pregnant homeless woman. These lives and others intersect in various ways as Jim tries to give back by helping the homeless.
I don’t know how this book ended up in the mystery/thriller category as it was not mysterious or thrilling. To me it read as rather aspirational and sentimental. Although it could be considered heartwarming, I found it to be a little cliched and saccharine. There was a character called Eugene who seemed to appear all over the place offering pearls of wisdom. I think he may have been supposed to be like some sort of guardian Angel. I don’t know about that but I do know that I didnt enjoy reading this. The plot was thin and there was little in the way of character development as the book was mercifully short. Thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Jim Bishop’s beloved wife, Jean, dies suddenly from a stroke. She has been out doing some survey or something with the homeless when she collapses. They stay with her and try to help her until an ambulance arrives and do not steal from her.
Kerry Noland, CEO of Bell Intelliservices, knocks a young man off his bike one night and, seeing there are no witnesses, flees the scene. The next car along is being driven by Todd Sanders, coincidentally one of Kerry’s employees, he drives over the bike and thinks HE has killed the young man. There was, however, a witness - a young pregnant homeless woman. These lives and others intersect in various ways as Jim tries to give back by helping the homeless.
I don’t know how this book ended up in the mystery/thriller category as it was not mysterious or thrilling. To me it read as rather aspirational and sentimental. Although it could be considered heartwarming, I found it to be a little cliched and saccharine. There was a character called Eugene who seemed to appear all over the place offering pearls of wisdom. I think he may have been supposed to be like some sort of guardian Angel. I don’t know about that but I do know that I didnt enjoy reading this. The plot was thin and there was little in the way of character development as the book was mercifully short. Thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
January 19, 2022
Ben Sharpton has previously written thrillers but The Awakening of Jim Bishop is a different genre, being literary fiction. It begins with the introduction to six different characters connected to a hit and run accident. As each of their lives unfold, the interconnectedness to each other is revealed. Jim Bishop is the main protagonist whose wife has recently died of a stroke and so, a homeless veteran, minister, nurse and two employees of a major Charlotte Company have their lives changed. Opportunities, new friends and meaning must be found amongst the story of loss, hope and healing in life. Overall, an average feel-good story, if somewhat idealistic, so only a two-and-a-half-star rating. With thanks to Black Rose Writing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, without bias.
November 29, 2021
A compelling story of one man’s struggle to find himself after hitting bottom, The Awakening of Jim Bishop: This Changes Things explores relationships, selflessness, second chances, and the healing power of a generous heart. It’s a story with intriguing characters and winding plot twists that will leave you reading long into the night and keep you captivated from the first page to the last. A truly feel-good story.
November 30, 2021
A fast read with strong intertwining characters traveling down a pathway towards atonement
Ben Sharpton's story is fearless, full of heart, loveable characters, and twists and turns that cause you to lose track of time before you realize you're half a dozen chapters in. His protagonist, Jim Bishop, travels a road of redemption after his wife's unexpected death and his journey intersects with half a dozen others, with issues of their own to work through. Ben's ability to paint Jim Bishop as your neighbor, trying to understand his wife’s death, makes this book relatable to anyone. Through Jim's interactions with the other characters, the tension continues to ratchet up with each page turn, with each chapter flowing effortlessly into the next. From Jim's demanding old boss Kerry Noland to the Sheryl, the homeless expectant mother, Ben's characters will stick with you long after you put this book down.
Ben Sharpton's story is fearless, full of heart, loveable characters, and twists and turns that cause you to lose track of time before you realize you're half a dozen chapters in. His protagonist, Jim Bishop, travels a road of redemption after his wife's unexpected death and his journey intersects with half a dozen others, with issues of their own to work through. Ben's ability to paint Jim Bishop as your neighbor, trying to understand his wife’s death, makes this book relatable to anyone. Through Jim's interactions with the other characters, the tension continues to ratchet up with each page turn, with each chapter flowing effortlessly into the next. From Jim's demanding old boss Kerry Noland to the Sheryl, the homeless expectant mother, Ben's characters will stick with you long after you put this book down.
December 27, 2021
A book about people, about how interactions occur in domino effect after a significant incident. In this case the death of Jim's wife is the trigger for his charity work. Simultaneously the wrong doing of a woman following an accident causes their paths to cross, not for the first time. Their lives are affected by a series of further happenings caused by significant others sets the seal to their stories.
A book that I could not put down, I read from cover to cover becoming more and more interested and invested in the protagonists. I may have shed a little tear as I read the last pages. Thoroughly recommend.
A book that I could not put down, I read from cover to cover becoming more and more interested and invested in the protagonists. I may have shed a little tear as I read the last pages. Thoroughly recommend.
December 15, 2021
As you would expect, this is the story of how the main character undergoes an extraordinary sea change. What you might not expect is that as he transforms into a better, more fulfilled version of himself, he pulls others along with him. Witnessing the transformation is akin to the pleasure of seeing Scrooge evolve from heartless miser to an enlightened employer and friend.
Jim Bishop loses his wife at the opening of this tale, set mostly in Charlotte, North Carolina. While his wife exerted some positive influence over him in life, her death triggers an even more profound change. Sharpton draws a convincing picture of a man who, while not as bad as Scrooge, inadvertently manages to find both himself and his own humanity. From a seemingly simple goal of wanting to thank the homeless people who called for help when his wife suffered a stroke, Bishop's quest matures and blossoms into a life-affirming crusade that touches the lives of both friends and strangers.
This is a book that speaks to an age of division, social isolation, and mistrust. Bishop's story is both heartwarming and engaging - and sorely needed.
Jim Bishop loses his wife at the opening of this tale, set mostly in Charlotte, North Carolina. While his wife exerted some positive influence over him in life, her death triggers an even more profound change. Sharpton draws a convincing picture of a man who, while not as bad as Scrooge, inadvertently manages to find both himself and his own humanity. From a seemingly simple goal of wanting to thank the homeless people who called for help when his wife suffered a stroke, Bishop's quest matures and blossoms into a life-affirming crusade that touches the lives of both friends and strangers.
This is a book that speaks to an age of division, social isolation, and mistrust. Bishop's story is both heartwarming and engaging - and sorely needed.
December 16, 2021
Excellent story that gripped me from chapter one.
Mr Sharptons abliity to develop Characters that you can genuinely connect with is Impressive I felt these characters and by the last pages we had shared an experience.
Mr Sharptons abliity to develop Characters that you can genuinely connect with is Impressive I felt these characters and by the last pages we had shared an experience.
December 31, 2021
A heartfelt, occasionally tragic, story from beginning to end. Sharpton has written vivid characters that readers will quickly care about. They are real, tragic, flawed, good, and everything in between. Anything but predictable yet definitely satisfying, a highly recommended read.
January 13, 2022
I found this story to be ultimately uplifting, which is what I was in the mood for. This writing here is pretty good, and I stayed mostly engaged. Connections between the characters was interesting too.
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!
January 8, 2022
Review coming soon
March 26, 2022
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
As Jim begins to rebuild his life, a strange vagrant helps guide him to the five people involved in the accident, revealing the dangerous secrets and vulnerabilities threatening to destroy each one. Someone has a gun. Someone has been physically abused. A relationship desperately needs mending. Someone will die.
"Celebrating the life of a man who took an opportunity to make a difference in his world."
Over the course of this book's pages, we are introduced to several people. Each with a life sad, filled with struggles, some so big that no human answer could help. And one man that had a close connection with all. Each on a different level of society.
From the streets of Charlotte to boardrooms of a large corporate business, you are whisked into their lives by a clever and sharp-witted writing style. Even the pastor of the community isn't spared.
The awakening of Jim Bishop is truly a heartwarming book, written with so much empathy that it left me startled at the ending.
Jim Bishop's life began the day his wife's ended. It sounds crude, but I mean it in the most beautiful way. When she passed away, Jim realized how swallow he was and by tracing his wife's footsteps, he knew he had so much to learn about life, love and the intrigues of relationships. It became a learning school and one he relished in.
The layered story peeled away till you get to the very heart of life before healing began and life could come from the ashes. This is a book that really touches the very heart of humanity and what each person would do when under severe pressure.
Only when he himself was mugged did his eyes finally open and could he become the man that stepped into his destiny.
It is a fast-paced book, with well-crafted dialogue and plotline that really speaks to the heart and opens the very core of each human. A first-hand experience as you learn about their reasons, which led to fatal or constructive conclusions. It is all about consequences and how each choice influences the next person. Whether good or bad.
It is witty and sharp and at times you didn't understand the brief glimpses into some characters' lives until the next layer is peeled away. The last chapter, where many things fell into place, left me startled but in a good way.
Thanks for the read.
As Jim begins to rebuild his life, a strange vagrant helps guide him to the five people involved in the accident, revealing the dangerous secrets and vulnerabilities threatening to destroy each one. Someone has a gun. Someone has been physically abused. A relationship desperately needs mending. Someone will die.
"Celebrating the life of a man who took an opportunity to make a difference in his world."
Over the course of this book's pages, we are introduced to several people. Each with a life sad, filled with struggles, some so big that no human answer could help. And one man that had a close connection with all. Each on a different level of society.
From the streets of Charlotte to boardrooms of a large corporate business, you are whisked into their lives by a clever and sharp-witted writing style. Even the pastor of the community isn't spared.
The awakening of Jim Bishop is truly a heartwarming book, written with so much empathy that it left me startled at the ending.
Jim Bishop's life began the day his wife's ended. It sounds crude, but I mean it in the most beautiful way. When she passed away, Jim realized how swallow he was and by tracing his wife's footsteps, he knew he had so much to learn about life, love and the intrigues of relationships. It became a learning school and one he relished in.
The layered story peeled away till you get to the very heart of life before healing began and life could come from the ashes. This is a book that really touches the very heart of humanity and what each person would do when under severe pressure.
Only when he himself was mugged did his eyes finally open and could he become the man that stepped into his destiny.
It is a fast-paced book, with well-crafted dialogue and plotline that really speaks to the heart and opens the very core of each human. A first-hand experience as you learn about their reasons, which led to fatal or constructive conclusions. It is all about consequences and how each choice influences the next person. Whether good or bad.
It is witty and sharp and at times you didn't understand the brief glimpses into some characters' lives until the next layer is peeled away. The last chapter, where many things fell into place, left me startled but in a good way.
Thanks for the read.
February 25, 2022
A man's wife dies. A CEO accidentally kills a cyclist, her employee takes the blame for it, and a homeless person knows the truth. A nurse worries about her teenage daughter. A minister struggles. The Awakening of Jim Bishop shows the connections between these people and many others. We see how the actions of one person affect another.
From the executive suite to Charlotte, North Carolina's homeless shelters, Ben Sharpton takes us on an emotionally stirring journey through these characters' lives and the unexpected ways they intertwine. Characters fight for survival, struggle with guilt, and seek redemption. At the center is Jim Bishop, who tries to find purpose after the death of his wife. He becomes a catalyst who affects those around him—sometimes in shocking ways.
Sharpton does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and giving humanity to even the most seemingly unredeemable people. He takes us to a conclusion that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
The Awakening of Jim Bishop will awaken you too. It's a well-written, human book. (A copy of this book was provided by the author.)
From the executive suite to Charlotte, North Carolina's homeless shelters, Ben Sharpton takes us on an emotionally stirring journey through these characters' lives and the unexpected ways they intertwine. Characters fight for survival, struggle with guilt, and seek redemption. At the center is Jim Bishop, who tries to find purpose after the death of his wife. He becomes a catalyst who affects those around him—sometimes in shocking ways.
Sharpton does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and giving humanity to even the most seemingly unredeemable people. He takes us to a conclusion that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
The Awakening of Jim Bishop will awaken you too. It's a well-written, human book. (A copy of this book was provided by the author.)
December 24, 2021
I usually write thrillers. But with this novel, I wanted to write a story that was more character-driven than plot-driven. First, I created the protagonist, Jim Bishop, and his situation -- facing a life alone after the death of his wife. Then I created five characters he might interact with and each character had his/her own hidden struggles. I actually diagrammed this on a piece of paper with lines and arrows linking all the characters to each other.
Then I fleshed out the plot and pulled the story together. I had some great help. This story was the capstone of my Queens University MFA degree, and was workshopped (read and critiqued) by lots of students and professors during my time there.
Dealing with six or more characters can be tough, and some of my best feedback has been how I managed to pull it off without confusing the reader. I'm proud of the final product and hope you enjoy it.
Then I fleshed out the plot and pulled the story together. I had some great help. This story was the capstone of my Queens University MFA degree, and was workshopped (read and critiqued) by lots of students and professors during my time there.
Dealing with six or more characters can be tough, and some of my best feedback has been how I managed to pull it off without confusing the reader. I'm proud of the final product and hope you enjoy it.
February 22, 2022
Fast-paced and full of unforgettable characters
This book is the story of a man who loses his beloved wife, and yet, in his grief, touches the lives of many others, ultimately bringing them together to form an unlikely community. The story confronts fundamental human flaws and reveals how compassion can offer redemption. The author adroitly leverages rotating points of view, believably depicting a diverse cast of characters — from the grieving widower and a hospital worker, to a minister, a greedy executive, a downtrodden computer programmer, and people without homes who play witness to it all. Reminiscent of Stuart Woods’ thrillers, this book takes the reader on a complex race track of plot twists and turns.
This book is the story of a man who loses his beloved wife, and yet, in his grief, touches the lives of many others, ultimately bringing them together to form an unlikely community. The story confronts fundamental human flaws and reveals how compassion can offer redemption. The author adroitly leverages rotating points of view, believably depicting a diverse cast of characters — from the grieving widower and a hospital worker, to a minister, a greedy executive, a downtrodden computer programmer, and people without homes who play witness to it all. Reminiscent of Stuart Woods’ thrillers, this book takes the reader on a complex race track of plot twists and turns.
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January 9, 2022A tragic but beautiful story by Ben Sharpton that will stay with me for a long time.
Jim Bishop recently lost his job and then unexpectedly his wife, Jean, suffers a stroke whilst she was out helping some homeless people. They looked after her until the emergency services arrived but sadly she lost her battle in the hospital.
Jim is distraught and left feeling incapable of life without her.
The story tells the steps he took to find meaningful ways to survive and the people he met along his journey.
A wonderful storyline and meaningful characters who were intrinsically entwined. Highly recommend this to all readers.
Jim Bishop recently lost his job and then unexpectedly his wife, Jean, suffers a stroke whilst she was out helping some homeless people. They looked after her until the emergency services arrived but sadly she lost her battle in the hospital.
Jim is distraught and left feeling incapable of life without her.
The story tells the steps he took to find meaningful ways to survive and the people he met along his journey.
A wonderful storyline and meaningful characters who were intrinsically entwined. Highly recommend this to all readers.
December 17, 2021
An uplifting story with meaningful messages.
This engaging novel follows Jim Bishop, a retiree whose sudden loss of his wife changes him in ways he could never anticipate. As he interacts with other characters – all of them with challenges of their own – Jim learns much about others and more about himself. Each of the individuals in the novel is intriguing and flawed in some way, and the author’s ability to tell their stories in easily readable, high impact prose is impressive. There is a lot to like about this novel, including suspense, spirituality, relationships, giving back and more.
This engaging novel follows Jim Bishop, a retiree whose sudden loss of his wife changes him in ways he could never anticipate. As he interacts with other characters – all of them with challenges of their own – Jim learns much about others and more about himself. Each of the individuals in the novel is intriguing and flawed in some way, and the author’s ability to tell their stories in easily readable, high impact prose is impressive. There is a lot to like about this novel, including suspense, spirituality, relationships, giving back and more.
January 10, 2022
What I liked most about Ben Sharpton's latest book is how he developed the characters - all very different, from different walks of life, yet all connected. I would not expect these particular characters to interact so believably, but Ben was able to make their stories intertwine in a way that reinforced my belief that people, no matter who they are or where they come from, can relate to each other without constraints of "society" holding them apart. NIce work, Ben! It was a pleasure to read your latest work!
January 5, 2022
Great story with intriguing plot development and satisfying ending. I enjoyed the character development as several sub-stories each present a new main character. These new perspectives, presented in third person, expose the facts of the story from these different views. The characters, places, and scenarios feel very plausible and the story progresses at a compelling pace that kept me reading in a single setting. A good read!
January 21, 2022
A wonderful and moving story from the first page the very last. The thing I look for in books I read are real characters with brilliant depth and a level of realism that is relatable. Ben Sharpton hits that mark beautifully. This book kept my attention and kept me guessing, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Kudos, Mr. Sharpton. I'm looking forward to more.
January 21, 2022
Author Sharpton weaves a tale of diverse and flawed characters who come to support each other in the face of great loss. A believable and touching tale that tugs at the reader's heart. Wholly recommended.
January 23, 2022
Review on Amazon, absolutely amazing story how one event can touch so many lives. The author has a voice for everyone. Read immediately!
January 28, 2022
“The Awakening of Jim Bishop” introduces readers to main character, Jim Bishop, who is facing the biggest loss of his life: his wife, Jean, passed away in a local hospital after being aided by some homeless people she used to volunteer to help when they were in various shelters. This death starts a series of odd events that readers might not expect; revealing connections between the characters that grow in number…until they all circle back to Jim.
Each character has their own interactions and backstory with other characters. Some are positive; some are very negative. Each character goes through their own life changes based upon Jean’s sudden passing. It reminds this reader of the fact that the world is actually small, because one tragic event can affect several people in a myriad of ways.
Readers will feel for Jim and his attempts to try to find his new self and a new life now that his beloved wife has passed away. Readers can put themselves in his shoes and ask themselves if they would try to better their lives, or if they’d choose to live the way their spouse did and somehow find a way to continue on with their legacy. Jim does face the ultimate sacrifice in this novel, and many readers (like me) may not agree with how the book ends. The reasoning behind what Jim’s path becomes made sense to who he turned out to be after Jean’s death, but the end didn’t really fit.
The changes in some of the other characters were great to see but also not entirely realistic, especially when it came to one specific character. This reader does not want to include any spoilers, but I was greatly disappointed at one subplot where justice was not necessarily served. The tragedy of another character was unexpected but most readers will never be in that type of position, so it is unknown what someone might actually do if faced with such a trial. But this reader felt for him.
Overall, “The Awakening of Jim Bishop” will show readers how an event that should only impact a couple of humans really does influence far more. It will show how connections are important in our lives, and how these connections can help when other events hit us straight between the eyes. An interesting look at the old theory of six degrees of separation.
Each character has their own interactions and backstory with other characters. Some are positive; some are very negative. Each character goes through their own life changes based upon Jean’s sudden passing. It reminds this reader of the fact that the world is actually small, because one tragic event can affect several people in a myriad of ways.
Readers will feel for Jim and his attempts to try to find his new self and a new life now that his beloved wife has passed away. Readers can put themselves in his shoes and ask themselves if they would try to better their lives, or if they’d choose to live the way their spouse did and somehow find a way to continue on with their legacy. Jim does face the ultimate sacrifice in this novel, and many readers (like me) may not agree with how the book ends. The reasoning behind what Jim’s path becomes made sense to who he turned out to be after Jean’s death, but the end didn’t really fit.
The changes in some of the other characters were great to see but also not entirely realistic, especially when it came to one specific character. This reader does not want to include any spoilers, but I was greatly disappointed at one subplot where justice was not necessarily served. The tragedy of another character was unexpected but most readers will never be in that type of position, so it is unknown what someone might actually do if faced with such a trial. But this reader felt for him.
Overall, “The Awakening of Jim Bishop” will show readers how an event that should only impact a couple of humans really does influence far more. It will show how connections are important in our lives, and how these connections can help when other events hit us straight between the eyes. An interesting look at the old theory of six degrees of separation.
January 28, 2022
I had to read this story twice, once for the review and once to find everything I’d missed, the subtleties of speech and mannerisms. The story is fascinating. It documents the travels of one Jim Bishop, widower, as he searches for the people who helped his late wife in her final few minutes.
While it takes place in the US, a lot of what happens in the book is hauntingly familiar to this Canadian. Ben Sharpton asks hard questions with even harder answers. Among other themes, Sharpton covers first impressions and what secrets exist in a few interconnected lives. It’s not quite about “keeping up with the Jones’” but it’s close in some spots. First impressions and appearances, the most important things in our lives. Or are they?
The book’s viewpoints remind me of the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey, where the astronaut goes from one part of his life to another, just by turning and looking at a different viewpoint. The Awakening of Jim Bishop does the same thing. It pings back and forth between characters like a demented pinball, but for all that, the reader never loses sight of the story. On page 37, one of the characters says that Bishop isn’t relevant. He has no reason to matter to the street people he comes in contact with. Another character sums up the street life succinctly. “Staying invisible is safer.”
As the book progresses, we cheer along with Bishop as he learns more about his late wife, his neighbors, and the Invisible Ones. The book covers a plethora of topics: homelessness, self-harm, abuse, people not being willing or able to accept responsibility for their situation, altruism, suicide, and the fear of government agencies who are supposed to help the less fortunate but end up condemning or dehumanizing clientele. The ‘safety nets society has put out are more of an overloaded lifeboat rather than the lighthouse they’re supposed to be.
I tried to think of something that would sum up the book properly and it came as a song came on the radio. Michael Jackson’s “The Man in the Mirror”. Well done, Ben Sharpton.
While it takes place in the US, a lot of what happens in the book is hauntingly familiar to this Canadian. Ben Sharpton asks hard questions with even harder answers. Among other themes, Sharpton covers first impressions and what secrets exist in a few interconnected lives. It’s not quite about “keeping up with the Jones’” but it’s close in some spots. First impressions and appearances, the most important things in our lives. Or are they?
The book’s viewpoints remind me of the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey, where the astronaut goes from one part of his life to another, just by turning and looking at a different viewpoint. The Awakening of Jim Bishop does the same thing. It pings back and forth between characters like a demented pinball, but for all that, the reader never loses sight of the story. On page 37, one of the characters says that Bishop isn’t relevant. He has no reason to matter to the street people he comes in contact with. Another character sums up the street life succinctly. “Staying invisible is safer.”
As the book progresses, we cheer along with Bishop as he learns more about his late wife, his neighbors, and the Invisible Ones. The book covers a plethora of topics: homelessness, self-harm, abuse, people not being willing or able to accept responsibility for their situation, altruism, suicide, and the fear of government agencies who are supposed to help the less fortunate but end up condemning or dehumanizing clientele. The ‘safety nets society has put out are more of an overloaded lifeboat rather than the lighthouse they’re supposed to be.
I tried to think of something that would sum up the book properly and it came as a song came on the radio. Michael Jackson’s “The Man in the Mirror”. Well done, Ben Sharpton.
January 4, 2022
Overall Rating = 4.17
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 4
Editorial = 4.5
When Jim Bishop suddenly loses his wife, he contemplates the goodness she created in her life and decides he needs to pay it forward. Set in Charlotte, the path Jim takes leads him through a web of people who are interconnected in some way, and each of them have a void or a need in their life. Jim tries to help each one of them, and he is guided by a mysterious homeless man who seems to know everyone and their life stories.
This novel presents an intriguing concept, connecting several people who, under normal circumstances, would likely never have met or interacted. And two people are the catalysts for the connections and the changes – Jean, Jim’s deceased wife, and Gene, a homeless man. Unlike some stories that have multiple characters who are easy to lose track of, Mr. Sharpton develops each one and makes us feel invested in them. He helps the reader gradually discover the different layers of each character: their faults, their secrets, and their problems. This story delivers a nice subtle message to its readers, involving us in the lives of people from many different walks of life, all of them needing help or a sense of purpose. A great feel-good story to curl up with.
Sublime Line: “This Changes Things delivers a captivating inspirational message through well-developed characters and an intriguing concept.”
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 4
Editorial = 4.5
When Jim Bishop suddenly loses his wife, he contemplates the goodness she created in her life and decides he needs to pay it forward. Set in Charlotte, the path Jim takes leads him through a web of people who are interconnected in some way, and each of them have a void or a need in their life. Jim tries to help each one of them, and he is guided by a mysterious homeless man who seems to know everyone and their life stories.
This novel presents an intriguing concept, connecting several people who, under normal circumstances, would likely never have met or interacted. And two people are the catalysts for the connections and the changes – Jean, Jim’s deceased wife, and Gene, a homeless man. Unlike some stories that have multiple characters who are easy to lose track of, Mr. Sharpton develops each one and makes us feel invested in them. He helps the reader gradually discover the different layers of each character: their faults, their secrets, and their problems. This story delivers a nice subtle message to its readers, involving us in the lives of people from many different walks of life, all of them needing help or a sense of purpose. A great feel-good story to curl up with.
Sublime Line: “This Changes Things delivers a captivating inspirational message through well-developed characters and an intriguing concept.”
February 21, 2022
This is a fantastic read, and a quick one! Sharpton has brought together a number of believable characters in this interesting and heartfelt novel, without diminishing the personality and adversities faced by the main character, Jim Bishop. Jim Bishop's life intertwines with others in a way that not only brings about changes in his life, but in the lives of those he touches along the way. The author, Ben Sharpton, clearly understands people, their flaws and conquests, and the human spirit in general.
I highly recommend this well written book to anyone, especially those who are interested in the personal trials and conquests that are part of the makeup of the human condition!
I highly recommend this well written book to anyone, especially those who are interested in the personal trials and conquests that are part of the makeup of the human condition!
March 29, 2022
Once you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. Sometimes our lives intertwine with strangers, and things take unexpected turns. This is an emotional, at times heartwarming, read. I loved the characters, they all felt so real. The plot has enough twists that you can never be totally sure you know what's coming next, but is never really super tense either. A great reminder that all our actions have consequences, and redemption is possible.
January 20, 2022
This is a story about how a tragedy can bring about an 'awakening' in a person, causing them to see things differently. With the sudden death of Jean, Jim Bishop's wife, he regrets his unfaithfulness, remarking to his 'seducer'…"I made a terrible mistake, Jean was so much better than me. She never let go." He suspected she'd known of his 'liaisons' but had remained silent about them. It is only at Jean's funeral, when he sees the large crowd gathered to mourn/honor her passing that he realizes he didn't know many of those present and had no idea how they knew her. People from all walks of life were present and it was clear she'd impacted her community for good. Struggling with depression and grief, he tries to refocus on something positive and sets out to find the 'homeless' people responsible for getting his wife to the hospital. In that process, he meets many less fortunate than himself who have remained amiable, generous and forgiving, in spite of their difficult circumstances, and is changed by their attitude to life. He becomes involved with voluntary work, has a baby named after him by a grateful contact, and a friend is able to comment… "Knowing an exceptional man like Jim changes things. It make you want to be better… to live a better life."
I struggled to get into this story, as there was a constant stream of new characters being introduced and not a lot of time given to developing an emotional connection to any of them. However, the message that we should not judge another person by their appearance comes through strongly and some of the authors' descriptions were powerful i.e. ' The three men, stinking of dirt and sweat, fawned over her. To them, she was fresh meat' and 'a short, skinny man stepped out of the shadows and slid a shiny blade against the base of the man's throat.' Life is full of such 'chance' meetings and so often we miss an opportunity to contribute to the well being of others because our minds are closed, our attitudes set in concrete. The author encourages us to think again and for that reason, I can endorse this novel as worth the read.
I struggled to get into this story, as there was a constant stream of new characters being introduced and not a lot of time given to developing an emotional connection to any of them. However, the message that we should not judge another person by their appearance comes through strongly and some of the authors' descriptions were powerful i.e. ' The three men, stinking of dirt and sweat, fawned over her. To them, she was fresh meat' and 'a short, skinny man stepped out of the shadows and slid a shiny blade against the base of the man's throat.' Life is full of such 'chance' meetings and so often we miss an opportunity to contribute to the well being of others because our minds are closed, our attitudes set in concrete. The author encourages us to think again and for that reason, I can endorse this novel as worth the read.
March 31, 2022
"That place was Hell, and when you been to Hell, you’re gonna bring back some demons.”
3/5 ⭐
tw // physical abuse, mention of sexual abuse
In “the awakening of Jim Bishop” the lives of five people get tightly intertwined after a hit-and-run accident. After his wife’s death, Jim Bishop is trying to figure out what to do with his life now, he’s looking for some kind of meaning and purpose and he seems to and it in charity and volunteering. Is during this search his life also gets interlaced with that of the beforementioned strangers.
This is a nice and easy-to-read book. The writing is not complex and makes for a fast read. You can definitely read this in one go. The stories of the characters were interesting and seeing how each of them were connected to each other, even if just with the “weakest” of links was (interesting) too. I think what I liked the most about the story though was seeing the character development of Kerry Nolan.
I lowkey feel like the ending is a bit left to the readers' imagination and I’d prefer it if we got to know what happens with these characters now: what happens to Kerry, Paula, Sheryl...? I’d also like to know who Eugene was. He felt like he was some kind of guardian angel, but leaving that unexplained... If he was a guardian angel then the book would have a bit of a fantasy tint, right? And if he wasn’t, then who the hell is he and where does he come from.
On a different note, it was cool and inspiring the impact one person can have on so many lives and all the good they can do. All in all, it’s a nice and feel-good read that I’d recommend for anyone in search of a fast read that’ll also leave them with a warm heart. And, who knows, maybe it will motivate you to help others more often.
Thanks to the author and RRbooktours for the copy in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts are my own!
3/5 ⭐
tw // physical abuse, mention of sexual abuse
In “the awakening of Jim Bishop” the lives of five people get tightly intertwined after a hit-and-run accident. After his wife’s death, Jim Bishop is trying to figure out what to do with his life now, he’s looking for some kind of meaning and purpose and he seems to and it in charity and volunteering. Is during this search his life also gets interlaced with that of the beforementioned strangers.
This is a nice and easy-to-read book. The writing is not complex and makes for a fast read. You can definitely read this in one go. The stories of the characters were interesting and seeing how each of them were connected to each other, even if just with the “weakest” of links was (interesting) too. I think what I liked the most about the story though was seeing the character development of Kerry Nolan.
I lowkey feel like the ending is a bit left to the readers' imagination and I’d prefer it if we got to know what happens with these characters now: what happens to Kerry, Paula, Sheryl...? I’d also like to know who Eugene was. He felt like he was some kind of guardian angel, but leaving that unexplained... If he was a guardian angel then the book would have a bit of a fantasy tint, right? And if he wasn’t, then who the hell is he and where does he come from.
On a different note, it was cool and inspiring the impact one person can have on so many lives and all the good they can do. All in all, it’s a nice and feel-good read that I’d recommend for anyone in search of a fast read that’ll also leave them with a warm heart. And, who knows, maybe it will motivate you to help others more often.
Thanks to the author and RRbooktours for the copy in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts are my own!
January 30, 2022
I liked the idea of this book, but the story was pretty odd. The quick switches between POVs made the book somewhat difficult to follow and lessened my emotional connection to the characters. The character of Gene was superfluous and failed to be a meaningful mentor to the characters. There were also numerous jumps in time that further confused the storyline. The writing was decent but not super compelling.
However, I would’ve been able to overlook these issues if the novel had fulfilled its promise of inspiration. There were points when I could see a message of hope or redemption, but in general, the book was incredibly depressing. While that’s not entirely uncommon in inspirational fiction, the ending typically provides some comfort and feeling of growth that makes the challenges worthwhile. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this book. The majority of the characters had very unhappy endings, and there was only one character that I felt had possibly improved by the end of the novel.
Overall, this book was quite sad and strange, and I wouldn’t recommend it to those looking for an encouraging book of inspiration.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
However, I would’ve been able to overlook these issues if the novel had fulfilled its promise of inspiration. There were points when I could see a message of hope or redemption, but in general, the book was incredibly depressing. While that’s not entirely uncommon in inspirational fiction, the ending typically provides some comfort and feeling of growth that makes the challenges worthwhile. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this book. The majority of the characters had very unhappy endings, and there was only one character that I felt had possibly improved by the end of the novel.
Overall, this book was quite sad and strange, and I wouldn’t recommend it to those looking for an encouraging book of inspiration.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
November 9, 2022
Before Jim Bishop's wife dies of a stroke, she is helped by homeless people. Jim tries to find these homeless folks to thank them. In so doing, he finds that things change an his life becomes worthwhile. In the meantime, someone hits an kills a bicycle rider and leave the scene while another person stops thinking he hit and killed the rider. Both of their lives change one for the better and one for the worst.
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