New York Times bestselling author and “the reigning champ of nostalgia noir” (The New York Times Book Review) James Lee Burke returns with a powerful novel in the Holland Family series set in 1950s Texas, as the specter of the Korean War looms.On its surface, life in 1950s Houston is as you’d expect: stoic fathers, restless teens, drive-in movies, and souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath that … souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath that surface lies a world shifting under high school junior Aaron Holland Broussard’s feet. The underlying class war between the haves and have nots is growing steadily, along with the menace of conflict overseas in Korea, providing a harrowing backdrop to his growth to manhood. But when Aaron spots the beautiful Valerie Epstein at a drive-in, he steps in when he sees her fighting with her boyfriend, Grady Harrelson. Aaron’s newfound confidence helps catch Valerie’s eye, and the two begin dating. Grady is a live wire though, and presents a looming problem for Aaron.
You will recall the feelings and inspirational power of your first love, and empathize with Aaron’s extraordinary challenges to protect himself and the ones he loves in “this dark, atmospheric story” (Publishers Weekly). The Jealous Kind illustrates how first loves, friendship, violence, and power can alter what traditional America means for the people trying to find their way in a changing world.
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I read James Lee Burke about once a year. It’s all I can manage. He writes a very textured, detailed, emotional story that pulls at your mind and heart. This one, I think, has a lot of autobiographical elements to it. It’s just a great story about growing up in the 1950s in a bit of a hard, western world. The lessons still apply today. I enjoyed it and recommend it for a reflective read!
It’s a good read, but the main character isn’t believable. No teenager, however perceptive, possesses the the insight and articulation presented. The book was disappointing, because James Lee Burke never disappoints….. until now.
My hat comes off to James Lee Burke! Here is a man who was black-balled and could not get a book published for 16 years! But he continued to write, and finally the publishing wall cracked and fell. And thank goodness for us readers. There is something about a seasoned writer. Their prose feels comfortable and warm, and you know, just reading their work, that they are equally comfortable telling the tale. This is a good, rich book. You will enjoy it.
Word descriptive of a life in the 50’s and inspirational story telling.