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Mary Ellis follows her captivating "Widow's Hope" with a new story from the...
Unconventional, a debut novel by J.J. Hebert, is the story of a young man with a calling, a calling that cannot be ignored or denied. It tells the story of James Frost and his journey to achieve his dream while overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is the saga of a young man's growth in faith, both in himself and in God; of persistance in striving for something that remains tantalizingly out of reach; of faith when it seems there is no reason to continue. I read this book in one sitting and watched in awe as the character grew from a boy with a dream to a man filled with wisdom and love. The journey was rocky but rewarding and I highly recommend this book. J.J. Hebert is a skilled writer who knows how to weave a believable story and I will be eagerly watching for future books from him!
J.J. Hebert's debut novel Unconventional is the story of James Frost, an aspiring author surviving as a janitor in his father's cleaning company. James embraces his friend's suggestion to live "unconventionally," that is, to pursue his dream of being published, to not attend college with the rest of his flock, and to avoid alcohol. Along the highs and lows of his journey Robert meets the woman of his dreams, befriends an alcoholic author, and embraces Christianity. I won't give away any more than that. I will say, this book grew on me. Initially I had a hard time embracing the main character, James, and the dialog really stuck out at me as unrealistic or overwritten. My impression through the first hundred pages or so was that the novel was either really, really realistic, or trying too hard to be realistic. As I was reading, I also questioned how autobiographical the book might be. (Maybe real-life writers do speak in prose.) Was J.J. cleaning toilets while writing and revising Unconditional? Of course, his biography at the end doesn't offer any helpful clues. My other comment has to do with the title and theme of being "unconventional." Personally, I didn't find any of James's choices all that unconventional - plenty of people don't go college, plenty of people want to be writers, and plenty of want-to-be writers turn down creative writing classes. The theme seemed more tied in with Robert's conversion to Christianity - the "unconventional teachings of Christ" - but as that didn't come until rather late in the book, it seemed quite separate from his friend's motivational speeches. But as I said before, it grew on me. The dialog improved; James became a more interesting character, and his lady interest got a little deeper too. By the end, I was rooting for James - and for the success of his fantasy novel. (Which I'd like to read, by the way.) Overall, an enjoyable piece of fiction. P.S. Thanks to FirstReads for the opportunity to read this one.
A Wonderful, inspiring, uplifting story of James and Leigh as they try to reach for the "Unconventional" amid family dysfunction,and those who would have them be just ordinary. This was a departure from my usual choice of old historical novels. I was very much surprised by its impact even on my own life. Every one should read the novel and especially those younger folks attempting to make decisions about what they wish to do with their lives. Great Justin, I look forward to your next novel.
I have just finished reading Unconventional and was greatly impressed by the author and his writing style. The characters were real and believable while the story was somewhat predictable it was enjoyable. The idea of being and practicing unconventionality is a great one and I expected James to be consistent in his pursuit of it. He, throughout, the entire book only sought to be conventional. The voice inside of his head always thought so little of him and I felt that he truly believed that he would only be recognized if he presented himself as others wished for him to be. This is a great beginning for a new author and I look forward to more from J. J. Herbert.
Unconventional is a heartwarmining story of a young mans dream of becoming a published writer. Has love, humor, heatbreak and inspiration. Wondeful read for a first time author. Recommed highly for a great read.
Sam Spade meets Gandalf in some of the most fun modern genre fiction out there!
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