Official Review: Just in Time by Joan L Jackson

[Supergirl1]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Just in Time" by Joan L Jackson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“Just ignore him. He’s crazy.” How often those words have been carelessly uttered by people when referring to individuals suffering from mental illnesses. It is imperative to understand that mental illness, like physical illness, is not something to be ashamed of, and should definitely not be ignored. Just in Time is a thought-provoking story centered on schizophrenia and its effects both on the sufferer and on their support system.

Steve is a calm, extremely well-behaved man with severe schizophrenia. Putting “well-behaved” and “severe schizophrenia” in the same sentence sounds like a tall order, but the efforts of Steve’s strong support system has made this possible. In fact, many people in his neighborhood have no idea that this onetime star athlete suffers from the debilitating illness. His parents Matt and Vivian, his siblings Scott and Sylvia, as well as his psychologist Dr. Rita between themselves manage to help him achieve an admirable level of normalcy in his life. But not all good things last forever. Steve soon loses both his parents and Dr. Rita to the cold hands of death. How does he weather this storm without his condition getting worse?

One outstanding lesson from this book is in the social treatment of schizophrenics. A disturbing number of people have an unhealthy fear of mentally ill individuals. As a result of this, mentally ill persons have to contend with unnecessary social stigma. Fear of stigmatization thus prevents many from seeking needed treatment early. The importance of showing kindness and acceptance to people suffering from mental illnesses is highlighted in this story. In fact, their success at managing and recovering from these conditions is greatly influenced by how people treat them.

Author Joan L. Jackson has written this book in a style that’s engaging, easy to read and easy to understand. She leaves the big, ambiguous words in the dictionary. The pacing is steady, devoid of any disconcerting time gaps. She also keeps the mood generally happy and optimistic, sweeping out the gloom that’s usually associated with mental illness. I found myself very reluctant to put this book down, and whenever anything happened to rock Steve’s world I would find myself silently praying for his safety. This book also makes that short list of books that end on a perfect note.

Just in Time is written with excellent grammar, and I found extremely few errors. I am unable to put my finger on a single thing I dislike about this book. I am happy to rate it 4 out of 4 stars, and I recommend it to everyone who has either directly or indirectly had to deal with mental illness. I think you will find it just as interesting as I did.

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Just in Time
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[Samantha Simoneau]

I love books that force you to "walk in the shoes" of someone very different from yourself, thereby fostering humility and compassion. It sounds like this book will do exactly that, and I've never read anything quite like it before. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Supergirl1]

I love books that force you to "walk in the shoes" of someone very different from yourself, thereby fostering humility and compassion. It sounds like this book will do exactly that, and I've never read anything quite like it before. Thanks for the recommendation!

You are absolutely right. Reading this book opened my eyes to a totally new way of looking at things. I used to erroneously believe people living with schizophrenia have “lost their marbles.” I was so so wrong!

[liftedbooks]

This sounds like a great book that highlights a very important subject. Mental illness is a 'taboo' topic in most circles, yet, if talked about more, perhaps more could be done to help the 'mentally ill'. Excellent review. Looking forward to reading the book.

[crediblereading2]

This is a topic that desperately needs to be chimed throughout the world. I have seen many persons laughing and sneering at the mentally ill on many occasions. This is so wrong because no one knows if this illness may not affect him/her in the future. It could also affect a loved one or friend. We have to exercise kindness and good senses. Thank you for such an insightful review.

[serahtemples]

Just in time is really an educative storyline, it widens our mindset to getting that particular feeling and pains mentally ill persons go through in their daily lives...(the stigma, the rejection and fear etc.) This interesting piece highlights the importance and the need to show love and care to them.

[kfwilson6]

Even those who don't look down on the mentally ill or mentally handicapped are very uncomfortable around them. My cousin recently starting working for a non-profit that provides support and activities for the mentally handicapped in the community. She said she herself was quite uncomfortable when she had to work directly with the clients, but as you spend time with them, you get over that discomfort. "With knowledge comes power," and I think with the understanding of what these people go through, one can engage with them without all of the discomfort, disgust, and criticism.

Great review. This sounds like an emotional story.

[Julie Green]

It's so important to be able to talk openly about the challenges faced by people dealing with mental illnesses. Your review has made me want to read this book. Thank you.

[Kemunto lucy]

Sounds like a very sensitive book. Awesome review I must say! I will check it out sometime.

[Cecilia_L]

I believe we have so much to learn about many of the issues surrounding mental illness, and it sounds like this book is a valuable teaching tool. I appreciate your excellent review!

[Supergirl1]

This sounds like a great book that highlights a very important subject. Mental illness is a 'taboo' topic in most circles, yet, if talked about more, perhaps more could be done to help the 'mentally ill'. Excellent review. Looking forward to reading the book.

So true! Information is power, and if more people knew more about this important issue, I also believe their general attitude towards sufferers will improve. Thank you for the great comment.

[Supergirl1]

This is a topic that desperately needs to be chimed throughout the world. I have seen many persons laughing and sneering at the mentally ill on many occasions. This is so wrong because no one knows if this illness may not affect him/her in the future. It could also affect a loved one or friend. We have to exercise kindness and good senses. Thank you for such an insightful review.

I love your comment. Making fun of mentally ill people is wrong on so many counts!

[Supergirl1]

Even those who don't look down on the mentally ill or mentally handicapped are very uncomfortable around them. My cousin recently starting working for a non-profit that provides support and activities for the mentally handicapped in the community. She said she herself was quite uncomfortable when she had to work directly with the clients, but as you spend time with them, you get over that discomfort. "With knowledge comes power," and I think with the understanding of what these people go through, one can engage with them without all of the discomfort, disgust, and criticism.

Great review. This sounds like an emotional story.

The way they are despised in our society’s is alarming. Reading the experiences relatedness in this book was truly eye-opening. I totally agree with you that understanding what they have to go through will stir empathy. Thank you for sharing your cousin’s experience.

[Supergirl1]

It's so important to be able to talk openly about the challenges faced by people dealing with mental illnesses. Your review has made me want to read this book. Thank you.

I’m glad the review piqued your interest in this book. Thank you for reading and for your nice comment.

[Supergirl1]

Sounds like a very sensitive book. Awesome review I must say! I will check it out sometime.

Please do! Thank you Lucy.