The Cedar Post: The Pristine American Dream

This book made me laugh out loud, cry, and want to be a better person. I can identify so well with Jon, the main character. The lens through which he looked at his life was comical and sometimes sad. This is a must read for anyone wondering if their kids are going to make it in this world or for anyone hoping to make something out of their life or help someone else do the same. I've read it several times and still love it and I credit this book for getting my husband into reading for pleasure. For teens and up.

Not only entertaining, down-to-earth, and easy to relate to, but the teaching in it comes together perfectly as the book progresses so that like John, feeling ordinary, you feel by the end that you to can maximize your potential and be better than you currently are. Knowing your rights and privileges and being able to learn them in a captivating view, allows you to see the bigger, broader, better picture of life. This is what this book has done for me!

This is one of the most amazing and insightful books I have ever read. It is a funny and fast moving story line but with a depth that deserves to be read again and again. I still read it several times a year and get something new out of it every time. Great for every age group from teens and beyond. Be sure to get the sequel as well called Tears of Joy. Read the book and make sure everyone you know reads it as well. It could well change the world.

This book is nothing short of incredible. I enjoyed it very much and was inspired by it. To avoid confusion, this review was not written by C.D.Nemelka, but by a family member who evidently knows my password :)

"The Cedar Post" is an excellent novel. Our book group read it in January 2002, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The young man, Jon, is easy to identify with. His doubts and struggles with life are reflected in each of our lives. His incredible journey of discovering the "Pristine American Dream" begins when he meets a man that is both blind and deaf, and legless. This man, Ur, begins to tell his incredible story of joy, love, sorrow, and tragedy, all the while engrossing the reader. After the September 11th tragedy, I needed to be reminded of the American Dream and our wonderful heritage that we can no longer take for granted. "The Cedar Post" teaches the fundamental values that are important for both the young teenager and the mature adult to review. The story gave me renewed strength to do the right thing, have a deeper gratitude for my freedom, and continue to reach for the stars. I am looking forward to a sequel from the author, Jack Rose. I even recommended this book to the Oprah Book Club, so we'll see what happens.