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Still Waters
When George, a high school teacher, wakes up one morning, he's surprised to find his doting wife, Henrietta, cooking breakfast for him and their three young children, Junior, Cynthia and Addie. Not because this is out of the ordinary—as far as George can tell, this is routine—but because he doesn't recognize them. Any of them. Or himself, he soon realizes. Hundreds of miles from the only home he's ever known, George tries to adapt to his new, idyllic life and navigate the unique challenges that come with it. But his past won't let him move on so easily.
As he struggles to let go of what was and hold onto what is—and, more importantly, what can be—traumas, past and present, dare to carry George back to a world he desperately wants to escape.
Rooted in a dark, and important, history, Still Waters is an emotionally gripping story of love and loss that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
As he struggles to let go of what was and hold onto what is—and, more importantly, what can be—traumas, past and present, dare to carry George back to a world he desperately wants to escape.
Rooted in a dark, and important, history, Still Waters is an emotionally gripping story of love and loss that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
11 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 24, 2022
Jenna Caldwell is a dedicated and intentional talent of a writer. The heartbreaking topic of George Stinney Jr’s fatal experience with the American justice system was handled with such care and honesty that it brought me to tears. Reading this sweet life that she imagined for George really made you try to hold on to it for as long as you could. I hope Jenna writes more books because this was an unforgettable experience.
December 31, 2022
There are only a hand full of books (thus far), that I have read when going to bed and then ended up reading through the night into the next morning because I simply COULDN'T stop reading it, and prompted me to feel compelled to immediately write a review of it once I finished it.
Still Waters by Jenna Caldwell falls squarely into that category.
Yesterday my wife suggested I read Still Waters because my wife is of course familiar with my own work and the subjects that interest me... one of them being the abomination that was the murder of a 14 year old Black child by the hand of an unjust system. The second aspect, which I won't discuss, has to do with yet another subject that is near and dear to me, and of which I have constantly spoken with to people in my circle, written about and made videos and podcasts about. Ironically, I don't want to say what it is, because in my opinion, it would serve as a spoiler to this well written, well thought out and cleanly constructed narrative.
Upon just reading the subject of the novel, it went IMMEDIATELY to the top of my reading list... like START READING IT TONIGHT, top.
I stayed awake all night (full disclosure, I think I may have actually drifted off for an hour or hour and a half, but as SOON as I opened my eyes, I was RIGHT BACK ON IT).
Caldwell weaves a story that is both fact and fiction, leaving breadcrumbs throughout, and has the touch of an element that I personally enjoy reading in short stories and novels (unfortunately, to say what it is would be a spoiler of sorts).
Here prose is tight and has a logical flow to them giving the subject matter, the time period and the characters (who are themselves vivid and well developed - both lamentably and with a hint of irony, given the direction the story MUST take for those who are familiar with George Stinney and the atrocity that was his murder by the state).
I feel that Jenna Caldwell has produced something quite insightful, touching, enraging, thought provoking, and with on point speculation based firmly upon logic with Still Waters. So along with my FIVE STARS I want to encourage ANYONE who likes good books that not only evoke emotional responses, but truly makes one think, I would HIGHLY recommend this genre defying work.
I am definitely going to be on the lookout for more from this author, and if her new novels are of this same caliber, she's in for some BIG THINGS - and so are WE!
Ok... NOW, I'm going to get some sleep!
Still Waters by Jenna Caldwell falls squarely into that category.
Yesterday my wife suggested I read Still Waters because my wife is of course familiar with my own work and the subjects that interest me... one of them being the abomination that was the murder of a 14 year old Black child by the hand of an unjust system. The second aspect, which I won't discuss, has to do with yet another subject that is near and dear to me, and of which I have constantly spoken with to people in my circle, written about and made videos and podcasts about. Ironically, I don't want to say what it is, because in my opinion, it would serve as a spoiler to this well written, well thought out and cleanly constructed narrative.
Upon just reading the subject of the novel, it went IMMEDIATELY to the top of my reading list... like START READING IT TONIGHT, top.
I stayed awake all night (full disclosure, I think I may have actually drifted off for an hour or hour and a half, but as SOON as I opened my eyes, I was RIGHT BACK ON IT).
Caldwell weaves a story that is both fact and fiction, leaving breadcrumbs throughout, and has the touch of an element that I personally enjoy reading in short stories and novels (unfortunately, to say what it is would be a spoiler of sorts).
Here prose is tight and has a logical flow to them giving the subject matter, the time period and the characters (who are themselves vivid and well developed - both lamentably and with a hint of irony, given the direction the story MUST take for those who are familiar with George Stinney and the atrocity that was his murder by the state).
I feel that Jenna Caldwell has produced something quite insightful, touching, enraging, thought provoking, and with on point speculation based firmly upon logic with Still Waters. So along with my FIVE STARS I want to encourage ANYONE who likes good books that not only evoke emotional responses, but truly makes one think, I would HIGHLY recommend this genre defying work.
I am definitely going to be on the lookout for more from this author, and if her new novels are of this same caliber, she's in for some BIG THINGS - and so are WE!
Ok... NOW, I'm going to get some sleep!
January 7, 2026
I am very happy this book exists, had it not, I would never have learned who George Stinney Jr was.
This book tells the story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old Black boy from South Carolina who was wrongly convicted of brutally murdering two young white girls in 1944. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by electric chair over the course of one day with zero pieces of evidence to point him to the crime. The jury deliberated for 10 minutes. George Stinney is the youngest American to be executed in the United States in the 20th century. Now if these facts are not enough to curdle your blood I don't know what could. The author Jenna Caldwell rewrites Georges future and gives him a meaningful and beautiful life, a life he was meant to live. Her imaginative retelling is a delicate tribute to what could have been. Her use of dreamscape and nightmare to bring us in and out and back and forth was captivating.
As far as the actual writing and literary elements in Still Waters I would give it 3 stars, the most meaningful parts of this book lie in the simple idea of it which breathes oxygen back into a world where George Stinney Jr got to have his life.
This book tells the story of George Stinney Junior, a 14 year old Black boy from South Carolina who was wrongly convicted of brutally murdering two young white girls in 1944. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by electric chair over the course of one day with zero pieces of evidence to point him to the crime. The jury deliberated for 10 minutes. George Stinney is the youngest American to be executed in the United States in the 20th century. Now if these facts are not enough to curdle your blood I don't know what could. The author Jenna Caldwell rewrites Georges future and gives him a meaningful and beautiful life, a life he was meant to live. Her imaginative retelling is a delicate tribute to what could have been. Her use of dreamscape and nightmare to bring us in and out and back and forth was captivating.
As far as the actual writing and literary elements in Still Waters I would give it 3 stars, the most meaningful parts of this book lie in the simple idea of it which breathes oxygen back into a world where George Stinney Jr got to have his life.
February 12, 2023
Still Waters by Jenna Caldwell is a powerful, breathtaking retelling of the wrongful conviction and execution of George Stinney Jr. in 1944. Caldwell’s storytelling skills are unparalleled, transporting readers into a dream-like state as George struggles to piece together his past with his present, which has become foreign to him. With vivid imagery, Caldwell showcases George’s journey of self-discovery and inner turmoil as he grapples with the injustice and discrimination he faces.
His life feels distorted, as if his wife and children don’t seem real, including his job at a high school and promotion as the first black man to oversee the board of education’s art department. When George must face unexpected events, he is thrust into a dire situation, adding to the story’s emotional power and bringing to light vital themes of racism, classism, and a corrupt justice system.
The author provides an immersive experience, leaving readers holding their breath for what comes next. I especially found the transition from George’s story to the factual account of George Stinney Jr’s case exceptional and poignant.
Still Waters by Jenna Caldwell reminds us of the raw, unapologetic, and ongoing injustices marginalized communities face. I recommend this fantastic book as it is an important reminder of how history should be remembered and its impact on many people today.
His life feels distorted, as if his wife and children don’t seem real, including his job at a high school and promotion as the first black man to oversee the board of education’s art department. When George must face unexpected events, he is thrust into a dire situation, adding to the story’s emotional power and bringing to light vital themes of racism, classism, and a corrupt justice system.
The author provides an immersive experience, leaving readers holding their breath for what comes next. I especially found the transition from George’s story to the factual account of George Stinney Jr’s case exceptional and poignant.
Still Waters by Jenna Caldwell reminds us of the raw, unapologetic, and ongoing injustices marginalized communities face. I recommend this fantastic book as it is an important reminder of how history should be remembered and its impact on many people today.
April 11, 2023
Enjoyed this one 4 stars ish. As a debut novel Caldwell shows a ton of natural burgeoning talent and I am excited to follow her career and writing journey. First, my favorite thing about the book is that is is truly original, I absolutely loved the premise of the story, Caldwell demonstrates creativity and critical thinking far beyond her years.
This book should absolutely should be required reading for all Americans. I knew George's story before reading this book so I caught on very early to where Caldwell was taking us but none the less I found it creative and captivating. I would be interested to get readers takes who were not familiar with the story to see if the "twist" was more surprising for them?
I loved the casualness of her tone and prose, it was clear Caldwell was drawing on her own experience and upbringing to weave in novel interactions of love and happiness amongst the characters.
Like many debut novels, there were a few places where the author stumbled a bit. The first was in telling, not showing. I think there was a bit of overly descriptive writing that could have been streamlined. The second is in repetitive nature of some of the facts (which sometimes appeared a few times on the same page), nothing a strong edit couldn't fix and since I believe this was self published, these types of changes could be easily adjusted.
Overall a super original and captivating read, I will eagerly pick up anything Caldwell writes in the future.
This book should absolutely should be required reading for all Americans. I knew George's story before reading this book so I caught on very early to where Caldwell was taking us but none the less I found it creative and captivating. I would be interested to get readers takes who were not familiar with the story to see if the "twist" was more surprising for them?
I loved the casualness of her tone and prose, it was clear Caldwell was drawing on her own experience and upbringing to weave in novel interactions of love and happiness amongst the characters.
Like many debut novels, there were a few places where the author stumbled a bit. The first was in telling, not showing. I think there was a bit of overly descriptive writing that could have been streamlined. The second is in repetitive nature of some of the facts (which sometimes appeared a few times on the same page), nothing a strong edit couldn't fix and since I believe this was self published, these types of changes could be easily adjusted.
Overall a super original and captivating read, I will eagerly pick up anything Caldwell writes in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Future untold
The telling of this person's future because of their past is the ultimate gift of life. I know my sentence makes no sense, but if hippy read the book, you'll understand. George's future deserved to be imagined.
The telling of this person's future because of their past is the ultimate gift of life. I know my sentence makes no sense, but if hippy read the book, you'll understand. George's future deserved to be imagined.
November 15, 2025
I am happy that I went into this book blind. This was such a great read!! It was amazing retelling of the life our black boys should be living!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews