Review of Country Club Time

Seetha E · Post by **Seetha E** » 12 Nov 2023, 10:19

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Country Club Time" by James Allen.]

5 out of 5 stars

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We have read books written with the best of intentions to help those who may be going through terrible times, some so hopeless that they may be considering suicide rather than putting up with the daily anguish and disappointments. Few authors can instill faith, enthusiasm, and self-belief in their readers. James Allen, the author of Country Club Time, does just that as he shares his story as an addict and the influence it had on his life and future to help those who are feeling hopeless in similar situations.

Here is the story of Jimmy, who turns bad and then turns good again, as the subtitle suggests. Jimmy's parents divorced when he was a baby, and he hasn't seen much of his father since. His mother tried everything she could to provide for him. She remarried when Jimmy was seven, and Red became his stepfather. Jimmy loved Red while yearning for his father. He distinctly remembers the brief moments he spent with his father and also the instances in which his father saved his life.

Initially, he attended a Catholic all-boys school and then moved to a co-ed public school. His exposure to physical activity in the new school got him interested in various sports. He finally settled on football, and his only dream was to gain a football scholarship. Soon, Jan was his girlfriend. Football and spending time with Jan were the only things he looked forward to.

A little later, he got into bad company and started hanging out with friends for surfing, which involved drugs. The craze for drugs took over him so badly that he soon became a drug dealer. The money and the highs the drugs gave him made him feel invincible. He treated his mother and Jan disrespectfully, bringing them to tears. He was willing to give up everything he had ever wanted, including a football scholarship, for drugs. One thing led to another, and he finally found himself in prison for kidnapping and bank robbery with some of the worst kinds of people and life-threatening situations day in and day out. I urge you to read this book to follow his journey from being a drug addict and drug dealer to his experiences in various prisons where he managed to keep himself alive, the recognition of a higher power, and his life thereafter.

The author certainly has a way with words. The narrative is presented in an immensely engaging yet simple writing style. I admire how he honestly expressed his exact emotions when recounting each episode. He describes how it feels to be addicted to drugs. He goes into great depth about how it makes the user feel on top of the world, as well as the actual reality. I appreciate how he sensitizes and warns about what the downfall feels like by providing a stage-by-stage progression of the impacts of his actions. He has given a first-hand account of life in prison. God forbid, no one should have to learn life lessons this way.

I cannot think of anything negative about this book. All sensitive subjects within the book were dealt with very skillfully. Despite the severity of the subject, the author did a good job of maintaining balance by including lighter moments. A reader will surely feel His presence in the way miracles occur in the author’s life. Considering all the above points and the fact that there were only a few errors that did not distract me in any way, I rate this book a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

The author provides adequate warning to drug users and a glimpse into what lies ahead. This book will aid addicts as well as those who are trying to help them. It is unquestionably a book that parents and educators can use to caution the young and vulnerable generation against merging with a druggie lifestyle. If not for certain portions that would be considered inappropriate for young audiences, this is a book that could be made available in every classroom.

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Country Club Time
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