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Fiction. Literature. HTML: The summer of 1972 was the most pivotal of Matt Plumley's childhood. While his beloved Pirates battle for back-to-back World Series titles, Matt's family moves from Pittsburgh to Dogwood, West Virginia, where his father steps into the pulpit of a church under the thumb of town leader Basil Blackwood. A fish out of water, Matt is relieved to forge a fast bond with two unlikely friends: Dickie Darrel Lee Hancock, a mixed-race boy, and Jesse Woods, a tough-as-nails girl with a sister on her hip and no dad in sight. As the trio traipses the hills and hollers, Matt begins to fall for Jesse, and their promises to each other draw him deeper into her terrifying reality. One night, the wrath of the Blackwoods and the secrets of Jesse's family collide, and Matt joins Jesse in a rescue that saves one life and ends another . . . and severs the bond of their friendship. Years later, Matt is pulled back to Dogwood and to memories of that momentous summer by news of Jesse's upcoming wedding. He could never shake the feeling that there was more to the story of that fateful night, and he's determined to learn the truth behind the only promise Jesse Woods ever broke..… (more)
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The story takes place between 1972-1984. An unlikely
The story follows the trio as they go through some tough times growing up. I have to say that Jesse was my favorite character. She is a tough as nails girl who ferociously protects her little sister. She has made a promise to her mother. What promise did she make? Does she keep her promise or forget about as she gets older? I loved that she never backed down from a fight and would do anything for you if you were her friend. She was made fun of because she was poor . She acted like it didn't bother her, but deep down her heart was broken. It's hard to feel unwanted and to alone in the world.
Dickie is a great kid but has to deal with his dad being away serving in the Vietnam War. Dickie misses his dad and is so proud of his patriotism. I loved the friendship between Dickie and Matt. Dickie has this wonderful saying that he tells everyone. "I'm looking for a breakthrough. " Does he ever find his breakthrough" Matt and Dickie seemed to be inseparable until a secret is revealed that causes their friendship to end. What secret destroyed their friendship? Will Dickie ever forgive Matt?
I loved the story that flowed with ease and kept me glued to the pages as Matt's life is told with humor, sadness, and promises. The story is emotional at times and I became attached to the characters. The blooming attraction between Jesse and Matt is sweet and a wonderful coming of age story. This is one story you will never forget. Why does Matt come back after all these years to his hometown? How important is it to keep a promise?
"Man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart."
"If you can't keep a promise, what can you keep?"
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.
Dogwood once again comes to life in The Promise of Jesse Woods. There is a dual time line (1972 and 1984) as Matt Plumley recounts his first months in the town his parents have returned to. I loved how Chris incorporated the events and fads of that year as he lays the foundation for the story. Overweight, a bit of a misfit, and with a love for all things baseball, Matt becomes friends with Jesse and Dickie. On the fringe of polite Dogwood society, these two accept Matt and include him in ways he has never been before. The three make unlikely friends, differing in many ways, yet their shared isolation, bonds them. Until tragedy rips their friendships apart. Twelve years later, Matt returns to right the wrongs done to him and Jesse.
Fabry’s writing is beautiful even as it recounts the ugliness in the world. Innocence is destroyed in all three of the main characters’ lives as they deal with death, deception and plain, old-fashioned meanness. The novel is told in Matt’s first person voice which provides insight into what the characters are dealing with. Yet Matt’s knowledge is incomplete. It is not until the end of the novel when all things become clear. The events of the summer of 1972 only make sense in his return to Dogwood in the fall of 1984. That’s when Matt learns the whole truth, and comes to understand himself. The Promise of Jesse Woods is a journey of growth for more than Matt, as all characters are forced to reflect on the choices they made twelve years before.
I listened to the audiobook, which I recommend as well. Fabry is the narrator, so you know that the story is told just the way it should be.
I would characterize The Promise of Jesse Woods as literary fiction. It is writing at its best and a guaranteed great read!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.