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Finding Forrester
The inspiring story of the unlikely friendship between a famous, reclusive novelist and an amazingly gifted teen who secretly yearns to be a writer.
Set in Manhattan and the South Bronx, William Forrester, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who has not been heard from for four decades, accidentally discovers that Jamal, a brash 16-year-old African American who plays basketball on the court below his window, keeps a secret journal that shows a real gift for writing. Forrester takes Jamal on as a protégé, and the friendship challenges and changes the two of them forever.
Set in Manhattan and the South Bronx, William Forrester, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who has not been heard from for four decades, accidentally discovers that Jamal, a brash 16-year-old African American who plays basketball on the court below his window, keeps a secret journal that shows a real gift for writing. Forrester takes Jamal on as a protégé, and the friendship challenges and changes the two of them forever.
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2000
20 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
James W. Ellison
20 books11 followersLibrarian note:
He is sometimes published as James Whitfiled Ellison or as James Ellison
He is sometimes published as James Whitfiled Ellison or as James Ellison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 12, 2016
why sad ending it's just almost to be perfect why !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 15, 2009
I loved the movie, "Finding Forester" so much that I hoped to enjoy the story from another perspective by reading the novel. It seems so right to read the book upon which a movie is based, especially when the story revolves around two main characters who share a passion for the written word.
I read the book while traveling. It certainly made the time pass and easily fits in a carry-on bag, purse, or briefcase. You know that feeling that comes over you when you realize the book you are enjoying is in its last chapter? Well, that is why part of me wishes that Ellison could have drawn the story out a bit more. Other than that, it was a sublime read and ideal for travel entertainment.
I read the book while traveling. It certainly made the time pass and easily fits in a carry-on bag, purse, or briefcase. You know that feeling that comes over you when you realize the book you are enjoying is in its last chapter? Well, that is why part of me wishes that Ellison could have drawn the story out a bit more. Other than that, it was a sublime read and ideal for travel entertainment.
July 15, 2017
This book is unusual in that 1) it's based off a movie, not the other way around as usually happens, and 2) it's a vast improvement on the movie. I read the book and couldn't put it down. Then I watched the movie, expecting something as good as the book, and was really disappointed. But definitely read the book!
December 15, 2025
Finding Forrester, by Mike Rich
10 out of 10
Finding Forrester is one of the rare, superb, inspirational motion pictures that could be used in schools and universities to teach values:
Loyalty, friendship, genius, dedication, pride and more.
When Jamal Wallace aka the formidable Rob Brown and the Pulitzer Prize Winner William Forrester aka the iconic Sean Connery become friends, this is a spectacle like few other.
Jamal Wallace is a tremendously gifted teenager, who is intellectually superior to most in his group age and outside it, who has a surreal memory...when provoked by the owner of a BMW, the youngster proves that he knows the history of the company in detail, how they used to make airplanes and thus they have the logo of the propeller against the blue sky.
The first impression of William Forrester is that he is a peculiar, aging man, who spies the neighborhood with his binoculars and his strange manner make the young people talk about a 'dare'.
This is the occasion of the first contact between Jamal and the reclusive, isolated man, with a period of hostility followed by some annotations on the notebook left with the backpack in the apartment of the intriguing gentleman.
Gradually, tentatively the two protagonists, and antagonists to begin with, get to know each other...when he hears the name of his guest, Forrester says that 'it sounds like some kind of marmalade'.
He provokes the young man, saying that given that he is 16 and black, he is remarkable, only to explain later that this was an attempt to see 'how much bulshit Jamal is ready to take'
The teenager and the public would learn that this is no ordinary hermit, but the author of a magical work, Avalon Landing, awarded the Pulitzer Prize and immensely popular with readers...indeed, when Jamal would try to borrow it from the library, he would see that the many copies are all out and there is a waiting list.
The great writer has many memorable statements and amusing habits and lines...'I keep all these many books to impress my visitors...socks should be worn inside out...people have public readings to get laid...'
There are other, serious pronouncements...'an expression is worth one thousand words...superstition is like prayer...people are most afraid of what they don't understand...don't start a sentence with a conjunction '
Albeit the last rule is contested and debated between younger and older writer.
The fantastic Jamal Wallace has a dispute with the arrogant, frustrated professor Robert Crawford aka the Oscar Winner for the classic Salieri in Amadeus, F. Murray Abraham.
The professor does not believe in the extraordinary talent of his pupil and after they clash over the quotes that prove what a divine memory the student has, Crawford wants revenge and ultimately, the expulsion of the one who had demonstrated his limitations.
The professor uses farther, when he should have used further and consequently, instead of recognizing his mistake and praising the one who had noticed it, he becomes ever more infuriated and vengeful.
A dramatic step and an intervention would be needed from...William Forrester.
This is a phenomenal, magnificent motion picture!
10 out of 10
Finding Forrester is one of the rare, superb, inspirational motion pictures that could be used in schools and universities to teach values:
Loyalty, friendship, genius, dedication, pride and more.
When Jamal Wallace aka the formidable Rob Brown and the Pulitzer Prize Winner William Forrester aka the iconic Sean Connery become friends, this is a spectacle like few other.
Jamal Wallace is a tremendously gifted teenager, who is intellectually superior to most in his group age and outside it, who has a surreal memory...when provoked by the owner of a BMW, the youngster proves that he knows the history of the company in detail, how they used to make airplanes and thus they have the logo of the propeller against the blue sky.
The first impression of William Forrester is that he is a peculiar, aging man, who spies the neighborhood with his binoculars and his strange manner make the young people talk about a 'dare'.
This is the occasion of the first contact between Jamal and the reclusive, isolated man, with a period of hostility followed by some annotations on the notebook left with the backpack in the apartment of the intriguing gentleman.
Gradually, tentatively the two protagonists, and antagonists to begin with, get to know each other...when he hears the name of his guest, Forrester says that 'it sounds like some kind of marmalade'.
He provokes the young man, saying that given that he is 16 and black, he is remarkable, only to explain later that this was an attempt to see 'how much bulshit Jamal is ready to take'
The teenager and the public would learn that this is no ordinary hermit, but the author of a magical work, Avalon Landing, awarded the Pulitzer Prize and immensely popular with readers...indeed, when Jamal would try to borrow it from the library, he would see that the many copies are all out and there is a waiting list.
The great writer has many memorable statements and amusing habits and lines...'I keep all these many books to impress my visitors...socks should be worn inside out...people have public readings to get laid...'
There are other, serious pronouncements...'an expression is worth one thousand words...superstition is like prayer...people are most afraid of what they don't understand...don't start a sentence with a conjunction '
Albeit the last rule is contested and debated between younger and older writer.
The fantastic Jamal Wallace has a dispute with the arrogant, frustrated professor Robert Crawford aka the Oscar Winner for the classic Salieri in Amadeus, F. Murray Abraham.
The professor does not believe in the extraordinary talent of his pupil and after they clash over the quotes that prove what a divine memory the student has, Crawford wants revenge and ultimately, the expulsion of the one who had demonstrated his limitations.
The professor uses farther, when he should have used further and consequently, instead of recognizing his mistake and praising the one who had noticed it, he becomes ever more infuriated and vengeful.
A dramatic step and an intervention would be needed from...William Forrester.
This is a phenomenal, magnificent motion picture!
September 10, 2025
I think the first time I read this book was the autumn after I turned fifteen. As a sheltered sophomore, I struggled to look past the references to alcohol, occasional coarse language, and both the blatant and hidden mistreatment of the main character. It’s been sitting on my shelf ever since, untouched.
Now, some years later, as I’m on a quest to read every book on my shelves, I picked it up and tried it again. Seeing as I’ve grown in my life experience, social understanding, and writing abilities, I got so much out of the story as I settled in for the evening.
It’s a relatively simple story that says so much more. The characters are complex, the plot is compelling, and the messages it shares, both about writing, friendship, and family hold true. I especially love Terrell (because I’m a big fan of the supportive older brother trope) and Claire (who inspired some of my own characters in stories I’ve hidden away on my computer).
Jamal is an admirable character with a strong head on his shoulders, but not without his (realistic and understandable) flaws. His actions are commendable and I was rooting for him the whole time as he struggled to find his place at Mailor Callow and in the writing world. As someone who loves to write myself, I enjoyed the insight William had to offer about the writing process.
Overall, it’s not my ultimate favorite book I’ve ever read, but it’s a wonderful book that’s worthwhile to pick up and immerse oneself in, especially if one is interested in reading about writing, change, basketball, and quiet romances.
Now, some years later, as I’m on a quest to read every book on my shelves, I picked it up and tried it again. Seeing as I’ve grown in my life experience, social understanding, and writing abilities, I got so much out of the story as I settled in for the evening.
It’s a relatively simple story that says so much more. The characters are complex, the plot is compelling, and the messages it shares, both about writing, friendship, and family hold true. I especially love Terrell (because I’m a big fan of the supportive older brother trope) and Claire (who inspired some of my own characters in stories I’ve hidden away on my computer).
Jamal is an admirable character with a strong head on his shoulders, but not without his (realistic and understandable) flaws. His actions are commendable and I was rooting for him the whole time as he struggled to find his place at Mailor Callow and in the writing world. As someone who loves to write myself, I enjoyed the insight William had to offer about the writing process.
Overall, it’s not my ultimate favorite book I’ve ever read, but it’s a wonderful book that’s worthwhile to pick up and immerse oneself in, especially if one is interested in reading about writing, change, basketball, and quiet romances.
January 16, 2009
Finding Forrester is about a boy named Jamal Wallace, a 16-year-old with a secret passion for writing and a talented African-American scholar-athlete invades William Forrester’s apartment in the Bronx and re-ignites the dreams of his literacy legend in his life. The theme of Finding Forrester id that usually someone isn’t inspired until someone inspires or motivates them.
Jamal is very secretive about his passion for writing. He doesn’t want any of his friends to know about him being smart. When Jamal is playing basketball with his friends there is a man watching them play from his window in an apartment. Jamal gets very curious and confused why this man is there and wants to find out more about him. Jamal decides to do something to find out and while he is doing this he accidently leaves his backpack full of his writing behind. The man and Jamal both get something unexpected in return.
Finding Forrester is a page turning book. The author James Eillson did a very nice job at exploding the moments and making the end of the chapters very interesting so it makes you want to read the next chapter and the next and the next.
Jamal is very secretive about his passion for writing. He doesn’t want any of his friends to know about him being smart. When Jamal is playing basketball with his friends there is a man watching them play from his window in an apartment. Jamal gets very curious and confused why this man is there and wants to find out more about him. Jamal decides to do something to find out and while he is doing this he accidently leaves his backpack full of his writing behind. The man and Jamal both get something unexpected in return.
Finding Forrester is a page turning book. The author James Eillson did a very nice job at exploding the moments and making the end of the chapters very interesting so it makes you want to read the next chapter and the next and the next.
September 21, 2014
I didn't realize that this was written from the screenplay. I had never read a book written from a screenplay. I have to say, as much as I loved the movie, as is almost always the case, the book was far superior.
February 22, 2010
I love this story...love the characters, love the meanings. When we learn that friends can be closer to us than family. The writing is wonderfully poetic with many references to legendary authors.
This story always leads me to a wonderful place in my heart where all dreams can come true but we must make sure we pursue them before it is too late.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, birds fly then why can't I...yes, we can fly, we can dream big, and we must live our lives according to those dreams. Don't sit back and let life happen to you but get out there and do it.
This is a classic and will always be a favorite for me!
This story always leads me to a wonderful place in my heart where all dreams can come true but we must make sure we pursue them before it is too late.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, birds fly then why can't I...yes, we can fly, we can dream big, and we must live our lives according to those dreams. Don't sit back and let life happen to you but get out there and do it.
This is a classic and will always be a favorite for me!
June 17, 2009
The book is very good but one must realize it's written based on the screenplay for the movie. The title of the edition I had was confusing as it says at the top of the cover "Now a Major Motion Picture from Columbia Pictures and the Director of "Good Will Hunting" starring Sean Connery." In tiny print on the bottom of the front cover it says "Based on the screenplay written by Mike Rich." The movie was good, so the book isn't bad either. But don't read this expecting to find things not in the movie. In this case, the movie did come first.
September 6, 2018
Finding Forrester is my all-time favourite movie - and I kind of freaked out when I spotted this ex-library copy of the novelization. I find that most adaptations lack the spark from the original film, and they tend to drag too. But this one? Ellison wrote a book that is equal to the source material. I loved it. I was immediately sucked back into the story I’ve loved for almost two decades. This book seems to be long out of print, or else I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy. So... at least go watch the movie instead!
March 24, 2018
Love the story. Certain parts of the story could be better developed.
May 31, 2020
Honestly not a bad book. I think this is a rare case of the movie being slightly better then the book with pacing.
William in the movie comes off as a little more grounded and realistic where the William in the novel is clearly a person of privilege and wealth. There are some other key differences but I won't spoil them.
I did like being able to get into the heads of the characters more, though again there are some leaps and bounds that need to be taken (same as in the movie) for some of it to work.
Definitely a good read.
William in the movie comes off as a little more grounded and realistic where the William in the novel is clearly a person of privilege and wealth. There are some other key differences but I won't spoil them.
I did like being able to get into the heads of the characters more, though again there are some leaps and bounds that need to be taken (same as in the movie) for some of it to work.
Definitely a good read.
July 5, 2021
"We walk away from our dreams afraid that we may fail, or worse yet, afraid we may succeed".
There is still some debate whether or not the book was based on William Forester's real life. The book describes the relationship between a gifted basketball player and an eccentric, novelist. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer, he takes him on as his protegé.
Over time an unlikely friendship develops. As with most mentor-mentee relationships, the learning process is reciprocal and both benefit in the process.
There is still some debate whether or not the book was based on William Forester's real life. The book describes the relationship between a gifted basketball player and an eccentric, novelist. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer, he takes him on as his protegé.
Over time an unlikely friendship develops. As with most mentor-mentee relationships, the learning process is reciprocal and both benefit in the process.
November 29, 2021
I was 14 when this movie and book were released. I fell in love instantly. Jamal was everything for a kid like me. Twenty + years later and I still often visit one of the classroom scenes to remind myself of the challenges he overcame. I love this film/book and I hope every student, especially young Black boys are able to read this in school, at home, or own their own. I wish I could gift a copy to every child.
April 17, 2020
Best did not see it today,Jamal, an African-American teenager, gains admission to a prestigious private school and discovers his talent for writing with the help of William Forrester, a reclusive author.
did-not-finish
November 7, 2023I bought this thinking it had been a book turned into a movie. At the first page it felt like reading directions for a movie. It is definitely a screenplay adapted into a novel. Not that that makes it bad, but I feel like in that case, the movie may be better.
October 9, 2019
I read this book because I enjoyed the film when I saw it in the early 200”s
Read
May 14, 2022*read for school
But still, this is a really good book but you can tell it's based off the movie because it lacks detail and a more complex plot.
But still, this is a really good book but you can tell it's based off the movie because it lacks detail and a more complex plot.
March 14, 2013
Makeup ruined! Literally cryed it all down my face at the end. It is written so beautifully, it is so compelling and the storyline is so inspiring. 5 big gold stars. Its a real tear jerker! Love love love it! Emma
September 21, 2008
for the teacher in all of us...and the student we were at one time, longing for a teacher like this.
besides....in the movie, sean connery is hot:)
besides....in the movie, sean connery is hot:)
February 18, 2009
This was an exellent book, great moral lessons
March 5, 2010
Read this in Comp. Lit. I would of rather read Tale of Two Cities.
July 11, 2011
A great book with a great moral lesson. Wonderful character development.
September 4, 2012
I read this book based on a movie before I ever saw the movie, and I recommend the opposite experience. James Ellison surpassed his already excellent source material in his adaptation.
December 18, 2012
I loved the movie, and obiously loved the book, but I kind of expected more from it.
October 16, 2013
This is a novelization of the screenplay, which I don't generally read, but I liked it. And I love the movie, and I love Sean Connery's picture on the book cover!
April 3, 2015
Moving and inspirational. A little slow in the writing style, the words moving like molasses across the page, but definitely a story that'll stick with you when you're done.
July 6, 2014
Fantastic! It is never too late to be what you might have been. :)
January 12, 2022
Read in grade 8
January 24, 2009
A truly touching story with a natrally talented writer meeting to success!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews