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The Collectibles Trilogy #1
The Collectibles
In his debut novel, James J. Kaufman delivers a gripping and unforgettable story of two strong men from separate worlds - one touched by tragedy, the other by greed - brought together with unexpected results. In chronicling how their lives and those they touch are dramatically changed by their encounter, Kaufman reveals the power of realtionships, the nature of love, and ultimately the meaning of life.
309 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2010
200 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
James J. Kaufman
7 books21 followersAn attorney, businessman and former judge, James J. Kaufman has published several works of non-fiction.
The Collectibles, his debut novel, draws heavily from his experiences in law, his dealings in the business world, and his interactions with people from widely different backgrounds. Kaufman lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his wife, Patty, and is working on his second novel.
The Collectibles, his debut novel, draws heavily from his experiences in law, his dealings in the business world, and his interactions with people from widely different backgrounds. Kaufman lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his wife, Patty, and is working on his second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
August 6, 2011
What a load of sentimental sticky sweet ooze! I feel a little nauseous from having to digest this book. I had wanted to read it because I thought the premise sounded interesting: one good man asking another to take care of a few people when he no longer could. But when this one good man turns out to be practically perfect and leaves trails of sunflowers wherever he goes, it gets a little maddening. Jesus himself didn’t perform as many miracles as Joe, the main character. As for the boardroom drama, it felt like the author was on a major ego trip and dragging the reader along. Suffice it to say, I was very bored in the boardroom. The characters were stereotypes. The dialogue was stilted. And the morality tale bonked the reader over the head to the point of causing migraine headaches. I think I’ll go throw up now.
July 20, 2024
Fabulous.
September 27, 2013
I purposely did not read any GR reviews before I started reading this book because I wanted to be objective. I was swayed to buy the book by the 198 5 star reviews on Amazon. But I am seriously doubting Amazon's 5star reviews after having read a blog about how authors pay companies for good, but not necessarily honest reviews.
This story's premise sounded very promising. The reference to Grisham, in my opinion, is very misleading as there was nothing that reminded me of Grisham's writing. The book is reasonably well-written but it lacks believability. As another reviewer said, the main character's name should have been prefaced by 'St'. There was no tension in the story and I always knew exactly how it was going to end.
I will certainly NOT be reading the sequel.
This story's premise sounded very promising. The reference to Grisham, in my opinion, is very misleading as there was nothing that reminded me of Grisham's writing. The book is reasonably well-written but it lacks believability. As another reviewer said, the main character's name should have been prefaced by 'St'. There was no tension in the story and I always knew exactly how it was going to end.
I will certainly NOT be reading the sequel.
September 11, 2013
I started out really wanting to like this book. I met the author at an event last year, and he was a great guy, very funny and engaging. The story sounded good, so I bought the book.
I expected I would give the book four stars (really liked it) or at least three (liked it), but in all honesty I can’t. There are too many rookie mistakes—stereotypical characters, contrived dialog, lots of telling instead of showing and an overuse of cliches. Joe is too saintly to be real. Two-thirds of the way through I stopped reading every word and skimmed my way to the end.
It was also at the two-thirds mark that I was curious to see what other readers had to say about The Collectibles. There are plenty of people who love this book, most of them on Amazon, although a fair amount of Goodreads reviewers gave it four or five stars. It’s inspirational. It’s uplifting. It shows that greedy, selfish people can change and a good man can make a difference.
I believe in inspiration and I can use as much uplifting as the next person. I also want greedy, selfish people to change their ways and I believe good people can make a difference. I don’t object to the story. I just wish it were written in such a way that I could feel uplifted and inspired instead of just “meh.”
I expected I would give the book four stars (really liked it) or at least three (liked it), but in all honesty I can’t. There are too many rookie mistakes—stereotypical characters, contrived dialog, lots of telling instead of showing and an overuse of cliches. Joe is too saintly to be real. Two-thirds of the way through I stopped reading every word and skimmed my way to the end.
It was also at the two-thirds mark that I was curious to see what other readers had to say about The Collectibles. There are plenty of people who love this book, most of them on Amazon, although a fair amount of Goodreads reviewers gave it four or five stars. It’s inspirational. It’s uplifting. It shows that greedy, selfish people can change and a good man can make a difference.
I believe in inspiration and I can use as much uplifting as the next person. I also want greedy, selfish people to change their ways and I believe good people can make a difference. I don’t object to the story. I just wish it were written in such a way that I could feel uplifted and inspired instead of just “meh.”
November 2, 2012
I would recommend reading all the one star reviews on Amazon.com to get a good idea of what this book is like. I generously gave it three stars because early on the writing is coherent, readable and with very few errors. (Mostly these consist of things like Cannon for a Canon camera).
Unfortunately it is HUGELY sentimental and there is absolutely no(I add the adverb to show you that I use 'no' literally) dramatic conflict. One or two lawyers in the boardroom scene get a little warm and Buck the dog takes a perfectly extraneous 'bad' guy down who is giving the utterly unbelievable Johnny a hard time but everyone else is double sugar sweet.
I just cannot believe that this book deserves any of the 160+ five star reviews. Even if you are of tender, loving, Christian, heart-warming, non-aggressive disposition who enjoyed reading about Joe's syrupy kindliness, even then, this does not rate top billing. That would place it alongside novels by literary giants; 'The Collectibles' is little more than a pygmy.
Unfortunately it is HUGELY sentimental and there is absolutely no(I add the adverb to show you that I use 'no' literally) dramatic conflict. One or two lawyers in the boardroom scene get a little warm and Buck the dog takes a perfectly extraneous 'bad' guy down who is giving the utterly unbelievable Johnny a hard time but everyone else is double sugar sweet.
I just cannot believe that this book deserves any of the 160+ five star reviews. Even if you are of tender, loving, Christian, heart-warming, non-aggressive disposition who enjoyed reading about Joe's syrupy kindliness, even then, this does not rate top billing. That would place it alongside novels by literary giants; 'The Collectibles' is little more than a pygmy.
December 15, 2019
This had potential as a story about a mediator, but turned out to be just a mishmash of clichés from completely different cable TV channels. The main theme is schmaltz, and I am okay with that if done right, but that aspect is manly told instead of shown. The thing that irritated me the most was the supposedly crackerjack oncologist (doctor specializing in cancer) encouraging his patient to smoke.
Read
January 5, 2012This book is a third person narrated story told from the point of view of 2 main characters and about 8 minor characters. Many reviews mention the similarities to Grisham but that comparison is fleeting. The story moves on and develops more about people and relationships.
As far as the typical protagonist antagonist battle with good winning over evil this book doesn't have it. Actually at some point I started to think this book is about nothing. Then I got to 95% on my kindle and the tears started to flow. The author had done such a good job of building characters and stories that I couldn't help but feel the sadness
As far as the typical protagonist antagonist battle with good winning over evil this book doesn't have it. Actually at some point I started to think this book is about nothing. Then I got to 95% on my kindle and the tears started to flow. The author had done such a good job of building characters and stories that I couldn't help but feel the sadness
March 8, 2012
This book was only 99c for the Kindle version, and had over 180 reviews giving it a total of 4.5 stars, so I was excited to read it.
I was left disappointed. I honestly don't know how so many people rated it so highly.
I found the story empty with a lot of pointless detail that didn't flow smoothly.
I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, or some major twist but it never showed up.
The only positive thing I can say about this book is that the story had a good moral to it - that you should always be helpful to others around you.
I definitely don't recommend reading this book unless you have absolutely nothing else at your disposal to read.
I was left disappointed. I honestly don't know how so many people rated it so highly.
I found the story empty with a lot of pointless detail that didn't flow smoothly.
I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, or some major twist but it never showed up.
The only positive thing I can say about this book is that the story had a good moral to it - that you should always be helpful to others around you.
I definitely don't recommend reading this book unless you have absolutely nothing else at your disposal to read.
did-not-finish
August 2, 2016Halfway through the book I decided I just couldn’t slog on any further. At that point the desire to find out what happened in the end was outweighed by the effort required to continue reading. The book is loaded with excruciatingly minute detail, and the action, dialogue, and characters are stilted and not quite realistic. Joe is particularly unrealistic – no one could be that perfect.
I chose to read the book partly because of all the 5-star reviews, but I think my fellow readers misled me this time. I don’t recommend the book.
I chose to read the book partly because of all the 5-star reviews, but I think my fellow readers misled me this time. I don’t recommend the book.
January 6, 2013
My amazon.com review:
This book is like reading Paulo Coelho pseudo-philosophical rambling. But worse: the author makes a promise at the beginning, and unfortunately never delivers. The more or less interesting part finishes with all the proceedings (half of the book?) - I was expecting more action, a mystery maybe, unexpected turns and twists (especially that several reviewers suggested it's like Grisham's books - well, it's not). Instead I got a cheesy story of an angelic lawyer redeeming a capitalistic sinner and teaching him a "life lesson". And the ending is worst of it all: I'm sorry, I really couldn't bring myself to join the collective "Aaaawww... That's so deep!"
I'm just happy this book was free.
This book is like reading Paulo Coelho pseudo-philosophical rambling. But worse: the author makes a promise at the beginning, and unfortunately never delivers. The more or less interesting part finishes with all the proceedings (half of the book?) - I was expecting more action, a mystery maybe, unexpected turns and twists (especially that several reviewers suggested it's like Grisham's books - well, it's not). Instead I got a cheesy story of an angelic lawyer redeeming a capitalistic sinner and teaching him a "life lesson". And the ending is worst of it all: I'm sorry, I really couldn't bring myself to join the collective "Aaaawww... That's so deep!"
I'm just happy this book was free.
August 16, 2016
I loath this book. It commits so many crimes, but it's greatest is its obnoxious, too-perfect hero.
June 28, 2011
The characters fit so well in the story line, No character seem out of place. Red was a great supporting character and he spoofed me a little. Always right around the corner, even startling Joe a few times. Alice was a wonderful dear and a superb assistance to Joe. Preston, I liked, and his character is definite one any business owner /entrepreneur can spot in his/herself. Tommy, loud but I liked his spirit, Corey, a master wood maker and Johnny, the forgotten child.
This is a well written novel. Beware, the novel scenes will take you into the financial world of SOT’s, mergers, bankruptcy and other banking terms. I did have a few non chanlant moments in the novel, but it did not affect my reading, I just didn’t care to read a lot of the descriptive scenes relating to the financial woes of automobile business. This novel was not just written for entertaining, there is a theme to the storyline. I think readers will walk away wanting to reevaluate what friendship mean, unconditional love, trust, and priorities. This book answers the question: Am I my brothers keeper. How sweet this world would be if we could follow after JOE HART.
The book cover design relates to a part of the story toward the end and not to the title. My personal reading pace was moderate to slow then moderate again toward the end. I most enjoyed the last three chapters. This novel is buzzing about a movie. Yes, I would go see it. On my bookshelf I placed this book as A Good READ!31/2
In accordance with FTC guidelines for bloggers, I received this book free. My review is my honest opinion.
This is a well written novel. Beware, the novel scenes will take you into the financial world of SOT’s, mergers, bankruptcy and other banking terms. I did have a few non chanlant moments in the novel, but it did not affect my reading, I just didn’t care to read a lot of the descriptive scenes relating to the financial woes of automobile business. This novel was not just written for entertaining, there is a theme to the storyline. I think readers will walk away wanting to reevaluate what friendship mean, unconditional love, trust, and priorities. This book answers the question: Am I my brothers keeper. How sweet this world would be if we could follow after JOE HART.
The book cover design relates to a part of the story toward the end and not to the title. My personal reading pace was moderate to slow then moderate again toward the end. I most enjoyed the last three chapters. This novel is buzzing about a movie. Yes, I would go see it. On my bookshelf I placed this book as A Good READ!31/2
In accordance with FTC guidelines for bloggers, I received this book free. My review is my honest opinion.
April 8, 2012
While this book is a definite change of pace from what I've been reading lately, I enjoyed the story so much. The prose is abrupt in places but I didn't think it deterred from the storytelling. It's a feel good, do the right thing kind of story. It left me happy I read it.
July 27, 2016
Get out the kleenex!
Read
August 17, 2016Did not finish. Will not rate.
February 2, 2017
There was something just good about this book. I selected it from a buy one get one free menu on Audible. So I don't know if I would have run across it otherwise. For some reason I was under the impression that it was a mystery...
It was a "page-turner" but not in the usual way. More of a novel that morphed into a series of three books. And yet, I could read just this book and be satisfied (if there weren't two more already written, of course!) It could have been a stand alone book.
I don't want to add any spoilers, so I will talk in generalizations. In this book, the characters deal with grief, loss, finance, law, dogs, social-economic status, loyalty, decisions, and friendship. I would love to meet the protagonist and be his friend.
Some characters grow and some stay the same. Religion and faith are there, but more like a neighbor. Present, but not overpowering. Well, depending on how you look at things like that. There's a little cussing, and some Navy background.
This book is difficult to describe. Just read it.
It was a "page-turner" but not in the usual way. More of a novel that morphed into a series of three books. And yet, I could read just this book and be satisfied (if there weren't two more already written, of course!) It could have been a stand alone book.
I don't want to add any spoilers, so I will talk in generalizations. In this book, the characters deal with grief, loss, finance, law, dogs, social-economic status, loyalty, decisions, and friendship. I would love to meet the protagonist and be his friend.
Some characters grow and some stay the same. Religion and faith are there, but more like a neighbor. Present, but not overpowering. Well, depending on how you look at things like that. There's a little cussing, and some Navy background.
This book is difficult to describe. Just read it.
October 30, 2023
I recently learned of this trilogy by James J. Kaufman and found the time to give the well-developed characters and story lines justice. I was definitely Not disappointed!! Once I finished The Collectibles, I eagerly began The Concealers, and again, loved all the characters and details of the twists and turns. As I need a good block of time to fully appreciate The Conciliators, I eagerly now await this final book. Unfortunately, that also means it will be the end of the stories from this engaging author.
June 4, 2017
Two interesting characters: Joe and Preston. The part about the plan to save the business is boring and difficult to understand since I don't know anything about these kind of dealings, and it drags on and on. The part I liked best were the scenes about the people Joe asks Preston to take care of. It shows us the power of good relationships.
Joe comes across as such a good guy, it is almost too good to be true.
Joe comes across as such a good guy, it is almost too good to be true.
October 22, 2018
The was an amazing book!!!!!! Great book about character and seeing past ones own self ambitions. I was desperate for a book and happened upon this one and gave it a try and what a find probably one of my favourite books. Not the action or espionage geo political stories I typically love, however this one was fantastic. Definitely drew me into the story and the characters. I highly recommend this book!
October 30, 2022
A character development novel for and about men. It was interesting but not my usually read. The fictional characters introduced to the readers in this, the 1st volume of the Collectibles Trilogy, are taught how to live their lives by a naval captain who has the special gifts of sympathy, understanding, and honesty. The author is moralizing and spiritualizing to his readers in hopes of improving their outlook and lifestyles.
July 7, 2017
Heartwarming lessons
This is a 'Pay it Forward' type story that's good for us to read even though there is a bit of incredulity and too-perfectness at times. It made me think and reminded me to reach out to others more. I recommend it!
This is a 'Pay it Forward' type story that's good for us to read even though there is a bit of incredulity and too-perfectness at times. It made me think and reminded me to reach out to others more. I recommend it!
July 22, 2018
My husband and I listened to this book together on Audible on a road trip. It took a little while to get into but once we were attached to the characters we both really enjoyed this book. We bought this one on sale but ended up buying and enjoyed the whole trilogy. I highly recommend!
October 13, 2021
This has a trilogy?
This was a miserably tiresome and boring read. The most excitement and satisfaction it brought me came from making a game of spotting typos, misspelling, grammatical errors.
This was a miserably tiresome and boring read. The most excitement and satisfaction it brought me came from making a game of spotting typos, misspelling, grammatical errors.
December 28, 2016
This was a decent read. It was a bit predictable, though. I am not sure if I will read the rest of the series or not.
February 17, 2017
This series was a great story, great lessons learned and a great message to be had. Read all three in the series, and at the end you'll have that, "now what do I read or do" feeling.
May 10, 2017
I enjoyed this one - even got my husband involved and he is reading it now. Great story about how we can go above and beyond and be extraordinary in someones life.
June 1, 2017
Enjoyed the whole book. The characters are vivid and the story was hard to put down.
June 6, 2017
An interesting concept and enlightening idea. The story seemed too loaded with legal details and had a disjointed storyline with all the "collectibles" characters involved.
October 11, 2018
Skimmed to the end. Not my cup of tea.
May 28, 2019
Mixed feelings. Basically a chicken soup for the soul story. Lots of privilege and discontinuity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews