Jimmy Lee Hickam is a young man whose sad family life is only topped by the poverty and depression of his southeastern Ohio hometown. No one expects much of him with his violent father, good-for-nothing brothers, and a worn down mother who can't quite find the strength to support her youngest child. Despite all of this, Jimmy finds a way out via brains, physical strength and the goodwill of a special teacher. On the surface, this may sound like a typical underdog story. Yet Robin Yocum's skill at creating complex characters and setting them loose to flounder their way through his world lifts this narrative into something more than a tale about a small-town scruff making good. In Jimmy's transformation from class "dirty neck" to academic and athletic success, Yocum doesn't settle for easy answers about nature vs. nurture or cause and effect. He takes great care allowing people be people. Messy. Confused. Disingenuous. This is not a sentimental book. There's no happy ending with a capital H. It's more that Jimmy gets his shot--the chance to succeed or fail on his own merits. In the end, my money is on Jimmy. My school librarian recommended this book to me. I LOVED IT. First off, the setting of Appalachia Ohio is so great. I've been interested in Appalachia for awhile so reading about someone who grew up in that region is really interesting. Second, the CHARACTERS - they were so well developed and I truly felt like they were all very real. The book has many plot lines but it doesn't overdo it and actually they all tie together really nicely to create this well-written book. Think Friday Night Lights + The Freedom Writers Diary but set in Appalachia Ohio. Really great!
What do You think about The Essay (2012)?
The best book I've read on ages! So glad that I took a chance on it.
—sam
Looking forward to the next book...his books keep you wanting more!
—knoxvillian
