Review of Jesse's Challenge
-
Alida Spies
- Book of the Month Participant
- Posts: 644
- Joined: 20 Apr 2023, 13:45
- Currently Reading: Rasputin's Nephew
- Bookshelf Size: 395
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-alida-spies.html
- Latest Review: Jesse's Challenge by Larry Trapp
Review of Jesse's Challenge
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jesse's Challenge" by Larry Trapp.]
Jesse is sitting at his desk in his office. He slipped in extra early and locked the door. He doesn’t want anyone to know he is there. In front of him is a bottle of bootleg whisky. Jesse doesn’t usually drink, but today needs this false liquid courage. His pistol, fully loaded, is also on his desk. He opens a box given to him many years ago, filled with his special mementos. As he unpacks the box, he unpacks his life—the good and the bad relived on this fearful, horrendous day. Read “Jesse's Challenge,” written by Larry Trapp, and join Jesse as he reminisces about his life and prepares for an unpleasant challenge.
Jesse was born to Janos and Soninka Polchev, a young immigrant couple of Chechian descent. Jesse's parents are killed, and Sara Harlin, at only seventeen years old, takes over the care of her best friend’s son. Sara marries Sam Horne, and the couple moves to Alaska. One of their business partners kills the Hornes, and Jesse becomes an orphan again. Amos Sutter, a freed Negro slave, took over the care of Jesse. Jesse called Amos Papa, and Amos provided spiritual guidance and a stable environment. When Jesse was eight, the police arrested and jailed Amos and moved Jesse into an orphanage. At fifteen, the orphanage authorities transferred him to the Detroit Wayfarers Home. Jesse ran away and joined the army. He fought in World War I, and when the war ended, he stayed in the military. He met and married Ruth, and the couple relocated to Berkleton, where they opened a shop. The Osage people who lived in the area became excellent customers, and Jesse and Ruth worked hard to bridge the divide between the Osage and other residents of Berkleton.
Papa Amos ensured that Jesse knew God and gave his heart to Jesus. Jesse strayed from those beliefs often and didn’t involve the Lord in his decisions. In one of the most beautiful and moving pieces in the book, the author describes Jesse's realization that several people made sacrifices for him, but the one that surpasses all other actions is what Jesus Christ did for him on the cross.
Larry tells Jesse’s story with compassion and love. Jesse’s life is full of ups and downs, but he manages to overcome many adversities and emerges a stronger man. Loyalty, courage, family and equality are values we can appreciate about the protagonist. I love how Jesse treats Ruth; not only as a beloved wife but also as a valued advisor, confidante and life partner. One cannot help but root for Jesse, even when he makes mistakes and acts dishonestly.
When Ruth meets Jesse, she has very low self-esteem and focuses on her limp. I missed some reference to how she bloomed and developed because of Jesse’s love and care. Her negative feelings or her limp are never mentioned again. I also found numerous errors in the book, and an experienced editor can enhance the reading experience. These are the only things I think the author can improve. As a result, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories depicting human nature and Christian values will enjoy this book. Atheists and non-Christians may not enjoy the underlying Christian principles mentioned throughout the book.
******
Jesse's Challenge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Jesse is sitting at his desk in his office. He slipped in extra early and locked the door. He doesn’t want anyone to know he is there. In front of him is a bottle of bootleg whisky. Jesse doesn’t usually drink, but today needs this false liquid courage. His pistol, fully loaded, is also on his desk. He opens a box given to him many years ago, filled with his special mementos. As he unpacks the box, he unpacks his life—the good and the bad relived on this fearful, horrendous day. Read “Jesse's Challenge,” written by Larry Trapp, and join Jesse as he reminisces about his life and prepares for an unpleasant challenge.
Jesse was born to Janos and Soninka Polchev, a young immigrant couple of Chechian descent. Jesse's parents are killed, and Sara Harlin, at only seventeen years old, takes over the care of her best friend’s son. Sara marries Sam Horne, and the couple moves to Alaska. One of their business partners kills the Hornes, and Jesse becomes an orphan again. Amos Sutter, a freed Negro slave, took over the care of Jesse. Jesse called Amos Papa, and Amos provided spiritual guidance and a stable environment. When Jesse was eight, the police arrested and jailed Amos and moved Jesse into an orphanage. At fifteen, the orphanage authorities transferred him to the Detroit Wayfarers Home. Jesse ran away and joined the army. He fought in World War I, and when the war ended, he stayed in the military. He met and married Ruth, and the couple relocated to Berkleton, where they opened a shop. The Osage people who lived in the area became excellent customers, and Jesse and Ruth worked hard to bridge the divide between the Osage and other residents of Berkleton.
Papa Amos ensured that Jesse knew God and gave his heart to Jesus. Jesse strayed from those beliefs often and didn’t involve the Lord in his decisions. In one of the most beautiful and moving pieces in the book, the author describes Jesse's realization that several people made sacrifices for him, but the one that surpasses all other actions is what Jesus Christ did for him on the cross.
Larry tells Jesse’s story with compassion and love. Jesse’s life is full of ups and downs, but he manages to overcome many adversities and emerges a stronger man. Loyalty, courage, family and equality are values we can appreciate about the protagonist. I love how Jesse treats Ruth; not only as a beloved wife but also as a valued advisor, confidante and life partner. One cannot help but root for Jesse, even when he makes mistakes and acts dishonestly.
When Ruth meets Jesse, she has very low self-esteem and focuses on her limp. I missed some reference to how she bloomed and developed because of Jesse’s love and care. Her negative feelings or her limp are never mentioned again. I also found numerous errors in the book, and an experienced editor can enhance the reading experience. These are the only things I think the author can improve. As a result, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories depicting human nature and Christian values will enjoy this book. Atheists and non-Christians may not enjoy the underlying Christian principles mentioned throughout the book.
******
Jesse's Challenge
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Jesse's Challenge by Larry Trapp
