Jacob's List

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

A heartwarming contemporary novel of a couple overcoming tragedy and finding renewal as they complete their son's list of adventures.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Novels, Contemporary

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. It was a really good book for a Christian Book. I never liked the main character Pam. She was always blaming everyone else for her problems.

I liked the changes Michael, the father went through. It was nice to see him get faith through searching for a way to stay close to his son.

The Dog, Rambo was the best character in the book. I would have liked to see more of the Monroe family and how they dealt with the tragedy.

I also would have liked to see more of the list.

Over all I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving One of my very rare and special 5 star ratings to Jacobs list.
This book takes on a serious subject and gives it soul. Wonderfully written with well crafted and believable characters.
Bravo!!

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book about a boy who makes a list of things he wants to do before he graduates from college. He dies, and his parents struggle with grief and want to finish the list.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The parental loss of a child is only something that I can imagine. I found this book to be insightful as each parent travels the road of grief after the loss of a child. The author realistically portrays how unbelievable sorrow can affect a marriage. I feel that the author portrays the characters true to the nature of each individual. She also admits the road of sorrow is a lot longer than she can portray in the length of a novel. I was surprised at how each parent incorporated Jacob's list into their path of sorrow and came out at the end knowing their son better than before. I enjoyed traveling through the emotions of each character.

[Moxie Cosmos · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than Good

This feel bad then feel good story will be helpful to anyone who has suddenly lost a loved one. The characters are true to life. The prose is clear. The plot will keep you reading and probably crying. As for the religious message, I found it more welcome and interesting than intrusive. I am not a Bible student nor a churchgoer, but I believe in a spiritual life for each of us in our own way.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was much better than the other two books. The story was good, a clear message about forgiveness and letting God be in control of your life no matter your economic status. The setting was in the USA so all the language was English, no trying to figure out what was being said.

[Audry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally don't like these kind of books. Too sad. I quick read until the death. Then, read normally. I liked how the parents worked through their grief, their finding things out about themselves and each other. Death certainly changes us. For the better, I hope. It did for me.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad but accurate

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read about dealing with the loss of a child.

[Kathryn McConaughy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, but also a rather stressful one.

[Melodie Herbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good story. A “chicken soup for the soul” type of read.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am too tired to be interested in this plotline

[Bitsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you lose a child it is considered “the worst loss”. For the Nolans the loss of their son doesn’t just risk destroying their world, it also risks tearing them apart, as he was the only thing that was keeping them together.

It can take up to two years before parents can even think about getting over the loss of their child. In Jacob's List this is shortened a little for literary license but the very real grief and devastation that these parents felt. A lot of my expectations were blown away by it.

Keep in mind this is a Christian novel. There were a lot of Christian themes and both parents are profoundly affected by a transformation in Christ that is one of the main themes of the book. I appreciated that a lot of the biblical conversion stuff was saved until later in the novel so that you could get wrapped up in the story first. I was irked that it was implied that the only way they could really expect full healing and forgiveness was through Christ, a common Christian theme but I personally am open to other options if it helps people.

I also personally felt that the African American character was painted and wielded very awkwardly by the author. I think the character was depicted in an over the top manner in an attempt to accentuate the novel's racial diversity. This was damaged a bit by the fact that, when it came right down to it, the Christian acquaintance was more of a help in her time of her need than her (non-Christian) friend for life. There were also a few other subtle snubs to this (sexually active in a committed relationship, feminist) "friend" throughout that I didn't really appreciate.

As for the positives, I did think that the depression and suffering experienced by the Nolans was very well drawn and very realistically portrayed. You understood how devastating this loss was for them, and could empathize with their suffering. Even shortened as it was their process of healing was very believable and their quest towards forgiveness was portrayed as realistically difficult and painful to achieve.

Any Christian that has experienced the loss of a loved one would appreciate this book. Those that aren't Christians and have no desire to be will probably find it as patronizing and difficult as the parents initially did. Despite that, Jacob's List teaches that we each should do the things we want to do while we are alive, "live it up" and sky dive, or rock climb, or take that one trip you've always meant to. You never know when a day might turn out to be your last. Reach out, help others and live life while you have it.

Favorite Quote:

You want to what?!" She and Michael had blurted it out in unison as they stared down at the typewritten list.
"Do these things before I settle down." He weighted the piece of paper down with the ketchup bottle and then took another bite of burger talking while he chewed. "Actually, I want to do a lot more - but I narrowed it down to ten for now."
Pam set her own sandwich down and read the list again with a combination of anger and terror. Hang-gliding. Rock-climbing. Sky-diving. "Isn't there something you'd like to do that isn't potentially lethal?"

[Paula-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob's List by Stephanie Grace Whitson


Story is about young man who makes a list of daring adventures he wants to finish before graduation ,he and his good friend Andy work together to fulfil it.
The parents of Jacob are wealthy but the wealth does not exclude them from the heartaches of life as you will see as you read this book. His dad is a Doctor as his dad before him is too. Too many times work overrides family time. Mom is a stay at home one involved in charities and lot of idle time living day to day without really living. when a catastrophy happens this couple seem to be pulled apart instead of together to help one another.
Andy's family is a christian one and involves God in all that they do. These two families collide more then once as the story evolves.
There is much to learn from reading this story and you will be glad that you did when you turn the last page.
There is sadness-forgiveness-Love-happiness-Faith and un-faith struggling....
Stephanie does a wonderful job of bringing it altogether so we can enjoy the story and learn from it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob has a list of ten extreme things he wants to do before he "settles down". His friend, Andy, is working on a documentary about Jacob's List and hoping to earn a scholarship for it.

Jacob's sudden death changes everything--for his parents and their troubled marriage, for Andy and the scholarship, for Andy's family (who had made Jacob part of their family).

Questions of faith and trust must be dealt with. A process of rebuilding must begin.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

W.O.W. I really enjoyed this book. It makes me feel hopeful and sad at the same time. Sad about the loss of one's child before their time and the grief that is so painful & raw. But hopeful that when you are so low and choose to change and seek God, He can provide the changes one needs. That a person that is stuck in the same cycle, the same terrible habits that can bring one to ruination, and be able to start progression to gradually change for the better.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I never know exactly what to expect when I pick up a book of the "Christian fiction" genre. This had a very moving and compelling story line and was not preachy in the least bit. It has also motivated me to look for more ways to help people in a non-self serving way (not looking for any kind of thanks or credit). I will look for more books by this author.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGH! Started out with so much potential then... got lost in a bunch of religious mumbo-jumbo- cheezyness. And, the cover on the front is 100% misleading- the scene never comes close to happening but the storyline seems like it will, I think the author meant to go there but found God in the process and forgot about plot.

[Rebecca Tredway · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read from a local author. I've enjoyed reading her historical fiction, but reading a present-day novel with local landmarks was distracting for me. Still, I'm proud to call Whitson a fellow Nebraskan.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad but heartwarming story of a family's loss of their only child and how trusting in and turning to God was the only way to find true peace. Peace for themselves and peace for their marriage...I give this one 4-1/2 stars.

[Lyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just re-read for book club and liked it even more the 2nd time! Great book about redemption and reconciliation. Great read, HIGHLY recommend! Really love this author, hope she continues to produce such great works of faith.

[Lewestover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does an excellent job of handling a difficult experience for
parents -- the death of a child. The effect of this event on the marriage relationship, interaction with friends, faith or lack thereof, are detailed here in a manner that is very true to life.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching story of healing through grief

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one I enjoyed.Would recommend as a quick read.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, and can see how it would help me deal with the loss of a loved one.

[Carlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting book, dealing with loss and restarting your life. Excellent.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie, Grottoes patron, June 2015, 5 stars:

It's one of the best books read and could read again.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching novel about grief, forgiveness and reconciliation...