Jimmy

For the longest time I didn't want to read this novel. I consider Robert Whitlow one of my favourite's authors, but I was used to his novel having a predominantly legal angle to it. This novel centres on the life of Jimmy, and his interactions with his world. Being a fiend for reading, and after having this on my wish list for a while, I decided to read this. I'm so glad I did. It starts off slow, as we are introduced to Jimmy and his family, and friends. Their is a legal angle to this, but the greatest revelation for me is learning to see the world through Jimmy's eyes, and developing a child like faith. In places I laughed out loud, and I was also driven to tears, on a few occasions. This novel questioned my role as a father, as I read how Jimmy related to his father. To read this book was an enjoyable occasion, and i would recommend it to one and all

Jimmy is a special book about a special young man. The title character is initially described with the euphemism "special" because of his low IQ. But it is only as you proceed through the pages of this special book that you come to see this term "special" in a whole new, and very positive, light. Besides this special young man, what was it that made Jimmy, the book, special? Part of the book's appeal is the setting of the story. Piney Grove, Georgia could be any number of small west Georgia towns "tobacco spitting distance from the Alabama line." I happen to live in just such a place, and Robert Whitlow has painted a beautiful portrait of not only the place, but the people and the kinds of problems they experience. There is no doubt that the cast of characters make this book special. There are several rich relationships which are explored through the author's expert story telling, but my favorite was the bond between Jimmy and his Grandpa. You will read of Jimmy going fishing with his Grandpa, and later of Jimmy becoming a fisher of men. You will find that the characters have their fears and frailties, and when they are able to overcome those fears and frailties through faith, your spirit will soar right along with theirs. And as the case of any truly special book, you will experience a full range of emotions while reading Jimmy. One minute I would find myself laughing out loud, and the next I would be reaching for a Kleenex. Jimmy is, indeed, a special book. It is a multi-faceted journey with something in it for everyone: courtroom drama, outdoor adventures, exploration of emotional issues, encounters with angels, life-lessons, and a legacy of love which will challenge you to become someone "special" yourself.

I know of a true story about a couple of fellows from the same church. The one guy had his own electrical business, while the other man went from job to job, just trying to make ends meet. The one man got a job at a well known store and was waiting for his orientation. Unbeknownst to him, there was a well known co-worker watching him for a few minutes. The co-worker went back to his job, and bragged to the other fellow about this goofy guy he'd seen. The man said, "Oh yeah! Did he act a little strange and act funny sometimes? Did he have a weird look on his face?" The other guy gave a startled look and said, "Why yes! That's the guy! How'd you know that?" The other man simply replied, "I'll have you know, that man goes to my church. He's a friend of mine, and he's got a heart of gold." Folks, I'll have everybody know that I personally read this, and with a lump in my throat, proclaim that Jimmy has a heart of gold. Just the way this was put together, I could tell that this was something very special indeed. Robert Whitlow intended this to be not just another courtroom thriller, but one that gives some real feeling, and a new meaning altogether to life itself. So while this might lack the suspense of "The Trial", or doesn't drive forward like "Life Support", it stands on it's own, and never lets you go. See the world through the eyes of James Lee Mitchell III, or as others simply call him, Jimmy. Feel free to romp around with Jimmy and his dog, Buster, as they have fun in the yard, or with Jimmy's best buddy, Max! Feel the excitement with Jimmy as you grip a power pole, and attempt to climb straight to the top. To be specific, it's not just a pole, but a 45 foot, class-B pole made from a south Georgia pine tree, just like Grandpa used to work with. Jimmy sure loves his grandpa. He makes sure that his heart goes THUMP THUMP THUMP every time he visits. Plus he has parents that love him, he knows all about telling the truth, because lying is a sin. Something really cool about Jimmy is the Watchers he sees from time to time. (his mama calls them angels.) I'd like to think that Robert Whitlow has done his finest work to date. Not just because it's his latest book, and not because it's a little off the beaten path of his other works. This is the best, and it is only the best because "Jimmy" has a heart of gold! Robert Whitlow shines with a new light!

Robert Whitlow continues to mature as a writer with each new book and Jimmy is no exception. His extraordinary insights into human nature are uplifting and remind me of people I know personally. I read To Kill a Mockingbird in college many years ago, then saw the movie with Gregory Peck--several times. It's become one of my favorites. I must say that Jimmy evokes memories of that wonderful and powerful novel. This is a book about character, and characters. It is also like a 10 course meal--one that must be savored to be enjoyed. Be patient, enjoy the journey, and you will come away very satisfied, and longing to repeat the experience. If you haven't read his other works, do so as quickly as possible and you too will become a fan.

"Jimmy" is a book that I simply could not put down, reading it in its entirety during the Labor Day weekend. Its a spellbinding book of relationships, encouragement, inspiration, family and faith - all derived from the 14 year old central character like ripples from a pebble thrown in a pond. Jimmy's relationship with his stepmother and grandfather are heartwarming, with his father a mirror to us dads who don't always spell our love as "time," and with the football team for which he manages as showing their realization that he is one who can contribute, indeed show them wisdom, despite his mental challenges. The belief of his grandfather in him spurs his accomplishments, and his desire for his grandfather to have the faith which he does is a prism through which each adult reader must look. Even the concluding heartache turns to heartwarmth as Jimmy's example of his life and words spurs his family forward. A book to remind us of the gift of family and faith we often take for granted, it is highly recommended.