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Jump
Killing her grandmother was a choice Helena Hunter made all by herself, but she wasn't thinking about the consequences of her actions when she pulled the trigger. Back home after eight years in prison, she finds that the little girl she left behind is now a teenage stranger who thinks her mother might be a monster. The family members who labeled her the black sheep want her to forget the fact that they all played a part in her downfall. And the wonder of being free again is overshadowed by the fear of a future filled with uncertainty.
Shaking the stigma of incarceration proves to be more than Lena bargained for. Before her life went to hell, she was a middle-class computer geek and a proud parent. Now that she's been labeled a menace to society, she is a walking, talking poster child for what can happen to victims who take the law into their own hands.
Experience is the best teacher, though, and whatever lessons Lena hasn't learned, she soon will--from the most unlikely sources. Complete freedom is possible, but only when the truth is finally revealed and the ghosts from her past are exorcised.
Those brave enough to step into Lena's world will be left asking themselves one burning question: "What would I have done?"
Shaking the stigma of incarceration proves to be more than Lena bargained for. Before her life went to hell, she was a middle-class computer geek and a proud parent. Now that she's been labeled a menace to society, she is a walking, talking poster child for what can happen to victims who take the law into their own hands.
Experience is the best teacher, though, and whatever lessons Lena hasn't learned, she soon will--from the most unlikely sources. Complete freedom is possible, but only when the truth is finally revealed and the ghosts from her past are exorcised.
Those brave enough to step into Lena's world will be left asking themselves one burning question: "What would I have done?"
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Terra Little
15 books105 followersTerra Little debuted on the literary scene in 2008, with the national re-release of her self-published novel, Running from Mercy. Since then, she continues to do exactly what she set out to do - craft well-written stories that resonate with readers and provide the ultimate escape. Her work has been critically acclaimed by numerous literary venues, including The Romantic Times, Kirkus Reviews, The San Francisco Book Review, and Fresh Fiction; and in 2009, Terra's second novel, Where There's Smoke, was named a 2009 Best Book by Library Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 24, 2011
Powerful, Gritty, Uncompromising Realism
In Terra Little's latest novel “Jump,” we’re introduced to Helena Hunter. In the opening of the book, Helena has just been released from prison after eight grueling years. In a matter of seconds Helena went from being a professional woman and doting mother with a bright future to an inmate who has lost everything. Prison life is a culture shock to say the least, and Helena has to do unthinkable things in order to survive. Helena finds herself largely cut off from society, and she discovers that inmates have to form their own support systems in order to endure the daily rigors of prison life. In time Helena develops a harsh exterior and takes things day by day.
When Helena's release date finally arrives, Helena moves in with her sister, who has been raising her daughter in her absence. She discovers re-entering society is going to be more difficult than she ever imagined. With a felony on her record Helena can forget about any type of meaningful employment; she has to struggle just to get a menial job. Things are not looking good for Helena as she tries to adjust to life on the outside. Helena tries to reacquaint herself with her daughter, but she can't seem to rid herself of demons from her past.
In “Jump” we witness first hand the horrors of prison, and we also see the unique set of circumstances that female felons face upon release. Ms. Little takes readers on a wild ride of the realities of daily prison life. Readers find themselves rooting for Helena's success, and as the book moves forward, readers come to understand Helena and what drove her to execute her crime. Does Helena ultimately succeed and forge a relationship with her daughter? Is she able to move forward with her life? With realistic characters, “Jump” is a thrilling ride. It showcases the defeat and ultimate triumph of the human spirit. I commend Terra Little on an excellent novel.
Reviewed by: Anna
In Terra Little's latest novel “Jump,” we’re introduced to Helena Hunter. In the opening of the book, Helena has just been released from prison after eight grueling years. In a matter of seconds Helena went from being a professional woman and doting mother with a bright future to an inmate who has lost everything. Prison life is a culture shock to say the least, and Helena has to do unthinkable things in order to survive. Helena finds herself largely cut off from society, and she discovers that inmates have to form their own support systems in order to endure the daily rigors of prison life. In time Helena develops a harsh exterior and takes things day by day.
When Helena's release date finally arrives, Helena moves in with her sister, who has been raising her daughter in her absence. She discovers re-entering society is going to be more difficult than she ever imagined. With a felony on her record Helena can forget about any type of meaningful employment; she has to struggle just to get a menial job. Things are not looking good for Helena as she tries to adjust to life on the outside. Helena tries to reacquaint herself with her daughter, but she can't seem to rid herself of demons from her past.
In “Jump” we witness first hand the horrors of prison, and we also see the unique set of circumstances that female felons face upon release. Ms. Little takes readers on a wild ride of the realities of daily prison life. Readers find themselves rooting for Helena's success, and as the book moves forward, readers come to understand Helena and what drove her to execute her crime. Does Helena ultimately succeed and forge a relationship with her daughter? Is she able to move forward with her life? With realistic characters, “Jump” is a thrilling ride. It showcases the defeat and ultimate triumph of the human spirit. I commend Terra Little on an excellent novel.
Reviewed by: Anna
April 7, 2011
Fractured
What kind of person kills their own grandma? Grandmothers are sweet old ladies that bake treats and spoil you, right? Well, Lena Hunter is that kind of person. After serving eight years for her ending her grandmother's life, Lena is free and forced to adjust to a new world. Gone is life as she once knew it. The label `convicted felon' outweighs her degrees. Her little girl is gone and in her place is a fourteen-year-old woman/child with seesawing emotions. She hates her mother. She loves her mother. What is not gone, though, is a haunting past. Add to that the new demons she picked up during eight years of incarceration. Going back is not an option, so Lena must find a way to navigate her past and present in order to have a future.
There are very few characters that I feel. I felt Lena . Not felt her in that we share similar experiences or feelings. I felt her in that the author does a terrific job of placing readers in Lena 's shoes. Readers see the world through Lena 's eyes. Eyes often blurred by tears, anger and unsurety. It was both a pleasure and pain to read. With JUMP, Terra Little drives home a powerful story and is a testament to what strong writing can accomplish.
Terra Little's emotional tale of loss and reconciliation is one I highly recommend. With that said, JUMP is not a book I recommend to any reader. It is a page-turner no doubt, but not in the current sense of the word. If you're looking for surface reading, pointless sex, over the top drama, microwave and it's done in 90 seconds gratification, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that takes the time to develop its plot and characters, is steeped with substance, pays attention to detail and was penned by a writer that appreciates and respects the craft, then this is the book for you. It's not what I'd call a grown and sexy read because the subject matter is too serious, so I'll call it grown folks reading. Enjoyment awaits those who appreciate a story well told.
Having now read three books by this author, not been disappointed in any of them, and having witnessed the growth with each book, Terra Little is official in my book.
OOSA BOTM (Apr)
Also check out:
Where There's Smoke
Where There's Smoke 2
What kind of person kills their own grandma? Grandmothers are sweet old ladies that bake treats and spoil you, right? Well, Lena Hunter is that kind of person. After serving eight years for her ending her grandmother's life, Lena is free and forced to adjust to a new world. Gone is life as she once knew it. The label `convicted felon' outweighs her degrees. Her little girl is gone and in her place is a fourteen-year-old woman/child with seesawing emotions. She hates her mother. She loves her mother. What is not gone, though, is a haunting past. Add to that the new demons she picked up during eight years of incarceration. Going back is not an option, so Lena must find a way to navigate her past and present in order to have a future.
There are very few characters that I feel. I felt Lena . Not felt her in that we share similar experiences or feelings. I felt her in that the author does a terrific job of placing readers in Lena 's shoes. Readers see the world through Lena 's eyes. Eyes often blurred by tears, anger and unsurety. It was both a pleasure and pain to read. With JUMP, Terra Little drives home a powerful story and is a testament to what strong writing can accomplish.
Terra Little's emotional tale of loss and reconciliation is one I highly recommend. With that said, JUMP is not a book I recommend to any reader. It is a page-turner no doubt, but not in the current sense of the word. If you're looking for surface reading, pointless sex, over the top drama, microwave and it's done in 90 seconds gratification, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that takes the time to develop its plot and characters, is steeped with substance, pays attention to detail and was penned by a writer that appreciates and respects the craft, then this is the book for you. It's not what I'd call a grown and sexy read because the subject matter is too serious, so I'll call it grown folks reading. Enjoyment awaits those who appreciate a story well told.
Having now read three books by this author, not been disappointed in any of them, and having witnessed the growth with each book, Terra Little is official in my book.
OOSA BOTM (Apr)
Also check out:
Where There's Smoke
Where There's Smoke 2
January 9, 2018
This book is a legit treasure. I found it at the dollar store and it is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The writing is so honest and simple. I loved the main character's journey.
This is the story of Lena. She spent 8 years in max security prison for killing her grandmother. Leaving behind her 4 years old daughter. The book ask what would you have done and I most definitely would have done the same thing. The grandmother was one of the most vile people and she deserved to die.
The subject matter tackled in the book was done very well and could only be told this way. Terra Little does real life very well.
This book has some amazing quotable lines:
While listening to co-workers:
“I’m so far beyond their bullshit that I don’t even recognize the language they speak.”
While sitting in a movie theater with teens behaving badly:
“...I sit in my seat and count the seconds until someone starts shooting. This is how simple nonsense escalates into complete chaos.”
While talking to her teenage daughter:
“How was I supposed to know you changed your mind little girl? A few months ago, you didn’t want me touching you, and now I’m supposed to guess the precise moment you finally decided I was worth your time?”
This is the story of Lena. She spent 8 years in max security prison for killing her grandmother. Leaving behind her 4 years old daughter. The book ask what would you have done and I most definitely would have done the same thing. The grandmother was one of the most vile people and she deserved to die.
The subject matter tackled in the book was done very well and could only be told this way. Terra Little does real life very well.
This book has some amazing quotable lines:
While listening to co-workers:
“I’m so far beyond their bullshit that I don’t even recognize the language they speak.”
While sitting in a movie theater with teens behaving badly:
“...I sit in my seat and count the seconds until someone starts shooting. This is how simple nonsense escalates into complete chaos.”
While talking to her teenage daughter:
“How was I supposed to know you changed your mind little girl? A few months ago, you didn’t want me touching you, and now I’m supposed to guess the precise moment you finally decided I was worth your time?”
May 8, 2011
Terra Little has real talent. But that's not all. She also has a polished style and expert storytelling ability.
August 7, 2012
Abuse is the reason the main character is locked up and soon gets out of prison. This book or should I say story is very twisted and frighten to the point that the character do recovers from the love and help of her daughter. It's a very intense read with passion of hope that sweeps the pages as you read. Some parts could have been flushed out some more, so I took the good with the bad and keep reading.
May 12, 2017
Powerful
I don't have the words to express the different emotions I had reading this book. Denial is causes so much destruction. That God for healing and the love that he has for u.
I don't have the words to express the different emotions I had reading this book. Denial is causes so much destruction. That God for healing and the love that he has for u.
April 13, 2011
i read this book last week while riding the train. it kept my attention and the reveal i did not see coming! great read!!
June 4, 2011
Just started today!
April 20, 2011
Another 5 star read from author Terra Little!
Read
June 23, 2011it was a great eye opener, wild and wonderful all in in one book .I love the learning progress , I was so touch by the grandmother, who was also abused by her child and she also let it go on?
July 3, 2012
Omg! Read the last chapter in my car because I couldn't wait 'til I got home to finish this book! Aaron and Lucky were so romantic.
www.jessica-watkins.com
www.jessica-watkins.com
April 3, 2017
Good story. The back and forth between past and present could have used a differ font or something. In the beginning it was a little difficult.
Insane family drama happening in this book.
Insane family drama happening in this book.
March 17, 2019
4.5 stars
I needed to read a book that started with a "J" for a challenge. This was one of the options available at the library and sounded the most interesting. I'm glad I found this book and this author.
This is a great character driven book. It switches between past and present in a way that is beneficial to the story. It is a hard book to read because of the subject but worth it!
I needed to read a book that started with a "J" for a challenge. This was one of the options available at the library and sounded the most interesting. I'm glad I found this book and this author.
This is a great character driven book. It switches between past and present in a way that is beneficial to the story. It is a hard book to read because of the subject but worth it!
November 3, 2020
I was a bit confused by the rapid transitions of the story but the ending brought it all together.
July 22, 2011
Prison can change the most timid or ruthless person. However, being incarcerated whether male or female will bring out the survivor hidden inside. This is one of the few messages readers will receive from Jump by Terra Little. Helena Hunter is given eight years in prison for the killing of her grandmother. Helena’s family members overlook their involvement in the pain she feels and they are against her feelings of no remorse. Everything happens for a reason and Helena’s only regret has been leaving her daughter to deal with the problem Helena has created.
After being released from prison, Helena, now referred to as Lena, must adjust her life as a free woman, which proves to be harder then she had anticipated. Lena most also deal with issues from her past for the betterment of her and her family. When Lena meets Aaron, a neighbor in her apartment building, she is hesitant about building a friendship. Will Lena change her mind?
Aaron is shocked when he runs into the new tenant in his apartment complex. Aaron finds her mysterious ways charming and can not resist starting a conversation. Aaron finds that what started off as a friendly gesture just might turn out to be all that he has imagined.
Jump is about freedom and being able to overcome shortcomings. The author has combined a book of pain, drama, frustration, and suspense into an entertaining masterpiece. The main characters’ story, attitude, and survival will capture the reader’s attention until the end. After reading this book, readers will also have a clear understanding of a place no one should want to go. This is now my favorite book by this author and I definitely recommend Jump to others.
After being released from prison, Helena, now referred to as Lena, must adjust her life as a free woman, which proves to be harder then she had anticipated. Lena most also deal with issues from her past for the betterment of her and her family. When Lena meets Aaron, a neighbor in her apartment building, she is hesitant about building a friendship. Will Lena change her mind?
Aaron is shocked when he runs into the new tenant in his apartment complex. Aaron finds her mysterious ways charming and can not resist starting a conversation. Aaron finds that what started off as a friendly gesture just might turn out to be all that he has imagined.
Jump is about freedom and being able to overcome shortcomings. The author has combined a book of pain, drama, frustration, and suspense into an entertaining masterpiece. The main characters’ story, attitude, and survival will capture the reader’s attention until the end. After reading this book, readers will also have a clear understanding of a place no one should want to go. This is now my favorite book by this author and I definitely recommend Jump to others.
July 26, 2016
Despite not being sure what to expect of this book, I had trouble putting it down at night.
It intrigued me from the first moment and the further I got in the book and the more I got to know about the main character, the more I WANTED to know!
Throughout the entire book I was hooked on the main character, I wanted to know everything there was to know about her, wanted to feel everything she felt and see everything she saw.
When she was angry, I was angry; when she was sad, so was I.
I loved the way the book was written, going between past and present; and while a lot of books I read are quite predictable, Jump was not predictable at all. Sure, you had some bits which you saw coming and expected; but the main story was very unpredictable, I didn't see any of it coming until a couple of pages before it was about to happen! And then it made me read faster just because I wanted to know if I was right.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, but I do advise only to read this book if you have a strong stomach because the writer is incredibly good at describing everything even the horrible moments!
I am very much looking forward to any future books by Ms Little, I will be keeping an eye out!
It intrigued me from the first moment and the further I got in the book and the more I got to know about the main character, the more I WANTED to know!
Throughout the entire book I was hooked on the main character, I wanted to know everything there was to know about her, wanted to feel everything she felt and see everything she saw.
When she was angry, I was angry; when she was sad, so was I.
I loved the way the book was written, going between past and present; and while a lot of books I read are quite predictable, Jump was not predictable at all. Sure, you had some bits which you saw coming and expected; but the main story was very unpredictable, I didn't see any of it coming until a couple of pages before it was about to happen! And then it made me read faster just because I wanted to know if I was right.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, but I do advise only to read this book if you have a strong stomach because the writer is incredibly good at describing everything even the horrible moments!
I am very much looking forward to any future books by Ms Little, I will be keeping an eye out!
April 28, 2012
I don't think I was prepared for this book. It definitely made my skin crawl when the author wrote about the main character's prison experience and her childhood that ultimately set the stage for why she ended up in prison to begin with. I felt for the main character, she was done wrong on so many levels and she ended up doing wrong for a reason I couldn't blame her for. Something parents say they'll do for their children all the time. I enjoyed reading about her getting her life back after prison and eventually releasing those demons so she could truly move on. Great story, I'd definitely recommend as long as you can bear to read the gritty details dealing with what goes on in a women's prison and child abuse.
July 3, 2011
Jump was more than an entertaining for me, it was also very thought provoking...
Although this is a fictional tale I felt a certain measure of realism in the situation facing the victims/survivors in this story that had me really empathizing with them. It's unfortunate that this really happens to so many families and no one want to be to the one to "JUMP" in to put an end to it.
I had no problem following the flow or direction that the author set for her story.
I enjoyed reading a book worthy of pondering over,leaving me questioning what if...
Although this is a fictional tale I felt a certain measure of realism in the situation facing the victims/survivors in this story that had me really empathizing with them. It's unfortunate that this really happens to so many families and no one want to be to the one to "JUMP" in to put an end to it.
I had no problem following the flow or direction that the author set for her story.
I enjoyed reading a book worthy of pondering over,leaving me questioning what if...
August 18, 2012
It's a decent book about an abused woman who is sentenced to prison for shooting her grandmother. We are privy to her post-prison adjustment and finding love. The book had a lot of blather though what with the main character constantly speaking in riddles in an attempt to appear mysterious. I could have also done without the love interest which added little to the story. However, I do recommend it for great scenes about prison life and because of the great suspense throughout the story as the reader finds out little by little about her abuse.
May 20, 2011
My initial response is DAMN. I didn't see the ending coming. The characters are well developed and the storyline was tight. Little is on top of the game as a modern day renaissance writer. This is a must read and a positive edition to African American literature. What is your truth? What would you kill or die for? Sometimes life forces you to JUMP before thinking it all through...but are you ready for the consequences?
August 27, 2011
After taking this book away for our summer vacation, I was so glad I did! Everything you want in a book - captivating characters, story that makes you think, and awesome writing style from the author.
Thanks to Goodreads, I was recieved this book through the first reads giveaways. I am thankful that I was given an opportunity to get this book in my hands, as I may not have had a chance to read otherwise.
You won't be disappointed!
Thanks to Goodreads, I was recieved this book through the first reads giveaways. I am thankful that I was given an opportunity to get this book in my hands, as I may not have had a chance to read otherwise.
You won't be disappointed!
June 7, 2011
i got this book from the goodreads giveaway and I'm glad I did. Not an author I've come across before but will look for again. This book challenges you to think what would you do if faced with such a moral dilemma. It makes you think about how people released from prison are faced with the prejudices of the world they have re-joined. I was however disappointed with the very predictable ending but other than that would highly recommend. Be prepared to have your views challenged.
April 1, 2011
Okay so I am not really the "reviewing" kind...I just like to read and keep it to myself :-)...but OMG I have to type up some props for this one! This book was awesome! I could not put it down! The plot was soooo interesting, captivating, and unique. It's the kind of book that makes you think about the characters long after you put the book down. I cried, I laughed, I smiled...I loved it!
May 17, 2011
This book was ALL over the place!!!!! Didn't like how it ended.
November 4, 2011
All I can say is that Terra Little can tell a story. I had a huge "didn't see it coming moment."
May 2, 2012
Excellent story! Do not miss this one.
July 21, 2012
Fantastic! Terra Little has masterfully crafted a story that will captures from word one. Wonderful, layered story that will readers satisfied.
August 10, 2012
Excellent Read! Terra did an amazing job with holding your attention!
February 16, 2014
My first Terra Little book!!! Great read! Recommend this book to everyone. Crazy world we living in.
September 16, 2014
Awesome Book :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews