Now a New York Times Best Seller“I devoured Finding Jake. The tension is almost unbearable in this thriller-cum-character study as layer after layer of a father’s soul are revealed as reflected in the character of his missing son. Utterly engrossing.”–Alice LaPlante, New York Times bestselling author of Circle of Wives and Turn of MindSimon Connolly’s successful wife has gone to her law office … successful wife has gone to her law office each day, while he has stayed home to raise their children–Jake and Laney. He has tried to do the best for the kids. For sunny, outgoing Laney, it’s been easy. But Jake is different. He has always been on the quiet side, preferring the company of his small group of friends to popularity and organized sports. Now that his children are in high school, Simon should be able to relax, to worry less. He’s never given that chance.
On a warm November day, he receives a text: There has been a shooting at the high school.
Racing to the rendezvous point, Simon is forced to wait with scores of other anxious parents as one by one, they are reunited with their children. Their numbers dwindle, eventually leaving Simon alone. That is when he learns that Jake is the only child missing.
As his worst nightmare unfolds, Simon’s thoughts race. Where is Jake? What happened in those final moments? Jake could not have done this–or could he? Did Simon miss the signs? As rumors begin to ricochet, amplified by an invasive media and the fear swallowing their community, Simon must find answers.
But there is only one way to understand what has happened . . . he must find Jake.
“Harrowing.” –New York Times Book Review
more
It was told from the father’s point of view. It is obvious he loves his children, yet feels trapped in the place life has taken him. The book goes back and forth, from past to present and it is well done. This book is a tear-jerker.
This book took me out of my comfort zone because of the basic premise of the book of a school shooting. But the characters in the book were so real. I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to have your son blamed for a school shooting. I kept reading the book, but had to put it back down. Picked it up and read more, and put it …
Rachel and Simon decide before they have kids, theirs would be a gender-reverse relationship. Rachel will be the primary wage earner and Simon will be the house-husband. It makes economic sense.
When it comes time to raise their two kids, Simon is a great father, but he gets stuck often thinking, wait, I’m a man, I’m not supposed to be …
A searing tale of parental love in standing by your child in the face of overwhelming evidence that they have committed an unspeakable act. A must read.
A story of a stay-at-home dad facing the worst thing a parent can imagine, and questioning his own parenting as a result. Can’t-put-down-able.
Awesome, one of my favorites…
This was a great book. I read this in one sitting to find out the end. This was a recommendation from bookbub – so glad I listened
Really enjoyed this book – couldn’t wait to find out what happened
I loved reading this book. At times it was sad but so thought provoking! It really makes you think about a lot of deep issues. The impact that all of us have on each other and the importance of being kind. We can learn a lot from Jake!
Ever think about your kid getting singled out as a murderer in the court of public opinion? This is that story, and a father’s relentless pursuit to set the record straight.
Can’t put this book down til finished. Wow
I enjoyed the way this book was written. The flash backs were helpful in setting up the story. Makes you think before judging a person. Quick read and well written.
Simon is a stay-at-home dad. His wife Rachel is a high-powered lawyer. Simon is an insecure father taking care of Jake and Laney. Then one day he gets a call that there has been a shooting at the school. Suspicisons rise as Simon is one of the last parents called about his children. Is Jake involved? You won’t want to put the book down.
Riveting! So well written. So emotional, loved it.
An unfortunate timely topic! ….but, so much more than that! So much tragedy. You never suspect who the next one might be, until it’s at your child’s school!
Thought provoking!!
Excellent book. Character of OCD father compulsively worrying was a bit overdone but loved the twists in story and the plot. Also great characters especially Jake. Interesting development of the difficulties in befriending bullied kids.
Not only for curriculum, this is a book which needs to be read by every parent, teacher, administrator, bus driver and custodian. This book touches every aspect of a school setting. So many active parents don’t have the answers, yet take themselves so seriously and guilt themselves over what could have and should have. There is no manual.
Terrific take on the dark topic of school shooters and the way the media runs with a story and haunts its subjects. As the family comes to grips with the horror of the day, they are also struggling with how, and whether, their son, Jake, could have been involved.
Timely, well written and totally relevant in America’s world of the NRA and guns.
Excellent book. It kept you guessing the outcome until the very end.