I have to admit this book totally took me by surprise – the blurb I thought was quite vague and the cover doesn’t reveal much at all so going into it I had no preconceived ideas about what was going to happen and what I got was a fantastic story that I couldn’t put down until I had finished. The author told a really powerful story and I liked that it was through the eyes of a teenage boy and I think this may be a first for me. I have read many coming of age stories but the main character is usually a girl and the stories can be a little predictable but this one wasn’t at all. I could tell that the author had really thought about what he was writing – there weren’t a vast amount of characters in the story which made it feel more of an intimate read and I felt like I got to know them all really well. This is my first read by this author and I know that it won’t be the last; he has truly captured my attention with his engaging writing style and attention to detail with his characters. A great YA/Coming of Age book that I would 100% recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2018-12-21 06:43:042018-12-21 08:57:42Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Katie Matthews
I’m seriously scared to have teenage boys now after reading this. I didn’t I could be more freaked out about my kids growing up. The author put this in a male POV and it was an eye opener. I have read plenty of books were the male is lead. But this is a teenage boy. There thought process is so weird and dangerous. They bond over the craziest moments. Jackson was low key nerdy. He was also adorable. I felt he learned and grew a lot throughout the story. Everyone that came and left his life had a purpose in being there. This was a good story that shows a kid going through life and making all the mistakes we make as kids. This was my first book by this author and definitely not my last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gail Guerrerohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGail Guerrero2018-12-20 21:36:512018-12-21 06:13:29Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Gail Guerrero
Leaving Jackson Wolf is a pretty serious story about a high school boy going through some pretty life-changing moments. Some were bigger than others, but that time in high school, the people you are surrounded with, the way you view yourself and the world? There’s just so much going on, and it affects who you become as an adult. This was also pretty political, a modern day snapshot of how things are for our youth and how the adult decisions affect them. I found this enjoyable, emotional, and interesting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Boltiadorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Boltiador2018-12-20 05:37:342018-12-20 07:35:32Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Lisa Boltiador
Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A Kane is a Young Adult coming of age story that is thought provoking and at times it was both heart wrenching and heartwarming with social issues and strong bonds of friendships. It is about a young man trying to come to terms with his ethnicity and where he fits both at home and in the world. It is a powerful and emotional read and one that you won’t be able to stop until it ends. P.A. has done a good job at writing a story that will leave you a little raw as you take the journey in to a world that shows the best and the worst of human nature. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Kane.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2018-12-20 01:52:412018-12-20 07:20:52Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Jenni Bishop
Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane a four-star read you won’t want to leave. This was a powerful and great story, but there was just something I couldn’t put my finger on that stopped me giving five-stars. The coming of age aspect and power that shines through this story are great, Jackson Wolf and James McDougal both show us a different aspect of life today, the struggles they face will astound you. The storytelling is second to none, the author has such a great flow and will surprise you no end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Oxtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Oxton2018-12-19 11:38:202018-12-19 12:16:06Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Sara Oxton
Leaving Jackson Wolf By P. A. Kane. While not my typical read I did enjoy this coming of age story that made me think about my own life a little. This is my first book by this author and I’m glad I picked it up. Like I said it was a bit different for me but it had me intrigued from page one. With its relatable characters and well written storyline it’s one you shouldn’t miss out on. There’s definitely hard times and situations faced in this story but the author writes about them well. If you’re looking for something a bit different and unique pick this book for sure. I’ll definitely be looking into this author again.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2018-12-19 09:06:562018-12-19 07:58:55Leaving Jackson Wolf By P. A. Kane – Review by Katie Kearney
This is not the type of book that I usually read but I decided to step out of my comfort zone a little. I’m glad that I did, this was a poignant story. On the surface it is a story about two teens who are bullied that become friends but it is so much more. It is a story about a friendship that grew from unlikely circumstances, about growing up and discovering the person you are and the person that you want to be. It is about facing harsh realities and overcoming them. It is about becoming stronger through adversity. It is about the bonds that tie people together.
I think that the book was well written and speaks volumes. It is my first book that I have read from this author and I will definitely be looking for more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anna Hirschhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnna Hirsch2018-12-19 04:48:152018-12-19 09:28:35Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A Kane- Review by Anna Hirsch
This coming of age story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I enjoyed the plot and characters and felt the author did a thorough job establishing each piece in rich detail. This story is one of discovery. This emotional roller coaster ride did a noteworthy job tackling tough and relatable YA subjects that included bullying. This book and its subject felt very real, very true, and highly relatable, no matter the reader’s stage of life. I highly recommend reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2018-12-17 20:15:142018-12-18 03:59:03Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Heather Lovelace
Leaving Jackson Wolf by P. A. Kane. This is a young adult book that is so emotional and good. Its the story of Jackson Wolf and James McDougal who are both bullied at school. They get suspended together and after James keeps at Jackson he gives in and they become great friends. They love bikes, girls and music and they learn about both together. They both have alcoholic fathers and they bond over that as well. As time goes on and they both grow in strength, Jackson begins to lose people in his life and he’s wondering if something is out to get him. He ends up facing his greatest loss ever and he doesn’t know if he can handle it and if its all worth it. This is a great coming of age story that a lot of people can relate to. I truly enjoyed this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2018-12-17 10:46:462018-12-17 13:47:47Leaving Jackson Wolf by P. A. Kane – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is a tough read for me. I really wanted to like it. The story is a good one and I like the theme running through it. McDougal has the wondrous ability and eases most people. He is sneaky in how he get under your defenses. Then you realize how great of a guy he is. Jackson, who I thought was a troubled youth, was really a good guy who surprised me more than once. He has teenage struggles as well as life struggles. The storyline moved forward slowly at times (all song titles) and other times moved along at a good pace.
This is a first time author for me. As previously stated I really struggled with this story keeping my interest. Probably since this is mostly narrative (thinking inside their heads) and bits of dialogue. I am a fan of more dialogue with active movement. This story was good the characters really grew on me as I read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2018-12-16 15:52:562018-12-16 19:48:23Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Lisa Helmick
This was a nice change from what I normally read. Not all the topics or happenings in this story were the easiest to read but life as a young adult in these times isn’t easy so it was pretty real and spot on in most parts.
This is my first read by this author and I sincerely enjoyed the style of writing. I don’t normally enjoy books where there’s more inner thoughts written then actual dialogue but in a lot of ways this one worked and with the way the world is today, where we feel like we are going backwards instead of forward this book fit right in.
I will definitely be watching for more by this author and I would recommend reading this story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2018-12-16 14:35:392018-12-16 14:35:39Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Debi Kircher
Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A Kane is a superb contemporary fiction story that really surprised me by how much I loved it. Not having read the author before, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but the blurb looked promising and a little different from what I have been reading of late, so I took a chance and dove in. I really am having trouble doing this brilliant book the justice that it deserves… The author really is an incredible storyteller, who took me on a journey that I won’t soon forget. This book contains a coming of age story, with a very strong friendship at the core of it all. The story also covers some social and political ‘issues’ that really added an extra element, and atmosphere, to the whole story. The plot is quite emotive- I really felt so much while following along on this story- my heart ached for the character/s at times. It is the incredible characters, their connection- and their bond of friendship that is the true star of this novel. They bring this story to life, elevating it and setting it apart from others in the same genre. I cannot recommend this story enough! I will definitely be reading more of Mr. Kane’s work from here on out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-11-30 22:40:102018-12-01 06:37:56Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Angela Hayes
Here’s a story that is well written and thought provoking. Jackson is a typical kid from the ‘hood with a drunk father and a runaway mother. He is bi-racial so he feels like he doesn’t fit in anywhere. It doesn’t help that his good for nothing father tells him he doesn’t fit in.
This story got me to thinking about my own life and fitting in. Each adventure or mis-adventure that the boys took reminded me of the dumb stuff I did as a kid too.
Leaving Jackson Wolf feels like its written in the 60’s or the 70’s but then Jackson and McDougal talk about Trump and other current events reminding me that it is written in current time.
I can recommend this book to readers looking for a different kind of story, one that makes you think about what your doing, where your going and how your going to get there. A story that makes you think about your own personal actions and reactions.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2018-11-30 19:29:412018-11-30 19:29:41Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Shannon Fowler
I tend to read the same type of story over and over again so lately I’ve been reading books “blind”. For this particular book, I didn’t even look at the cover – I just chose it. I did not know what it was going to be about, the genre, the author, well you get the drift.
I cracked the binding on this book after work last night at about 6PM and didn’t go to sleep until I was finished.
This is a super powerful story of growing up. The story takes place in a very short amount of time and it has very few characters that I needed to focus on. The setting is bleak, the outlook is not encouraging and the overall feeling of the book is dark, like a cloudy day when it looks like rain but it never comes. Shining through this setting is the brilliant, powerful, mishmash of human beings being human.
Every Jackson should have a James and every James should have a Jackson in their lives. The power of this friendship is breathtaking.
After reading the story, I looked up the author and was surprised that this beautiful story was written by a man (I hate admitting that because it feels so sexist. After reading his bio, I have a crush and will be stalking him for future stories.
I cannot say enough about this book and I cannot recommend it enough.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2018-11-30 16:52:142018-11-30 18:40:39Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Maura Harper
Leaving Jackson Wolf By: P.A. Kane 5 out of 5 stars
The story Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane is a YA/coming of age book. It is a story that I enjoyed reading. It is about the life of a teenage boy who is trying to deal with school, home life, and love. It is a journey that I found emotional and also thought-provoking. Reading about Jackson Wolf had me at times smiling, sad, angry, and frustrated. His story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The book tells of how he gains a friend in James McDougal. While you wouldn’t have been able to tell from the first time that they meet these two become inseparable. Bikes, music, and the girls in their lives are constant subjects between them. Both of their fathers like to drink heavily, and this is also something that they talk about. Wolf’s life can be chaotic and at times overwhelms him. He does at times have conflicted emotions about those around him. There comes a time when Wolf loses some of those in his life and he begins to wonder why and if it is life conspiring against him. Sometimes advice can be given that can help you find your inner strength and power. Will Wolf get the advice and help that he needs? Read this book to find out. I found both Wolf and McDougal to be very mischievous in some their actions. McDougal is the tech person in their friendship and Wolf is the one that pushes them to strengthen themselves. I also enjoyed reading about the part that many of the additional characters play in Wolf and McDougal’s life and their interactions with them. This is a story that is well-written and one I would recommend reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2018-11-30 12:49:122018-11-30 15:44:57Leaving Jackson Wolf By P.A. Kane – Review by Laura Furuta
This is a Young Adult-Coming of Age story that kept me reading until the end. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed the fast paced, engaging plot. This is a story about a young man and his journey of discovery of who he is and what his future could be. The characters took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that includes bullying. They are true to life and typical high schoolers that really are just learning to live. I highly recommend reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2018-11-30 12:11:382018-11-30 12:12:24Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Leaving Jackson Wolf is a modern coming of age story focused on two fringe fifteen year old boys—biracial Jackson and undersized McDougal (hypopituitarism)—trying to find their power in a complicated, unforgiving world. Jackson and McDougal come together after bullies randomly target and literally throw undersized McDougal at Jackson in a school hallway. A fight ensues and suspensions are issued. Post fight, Jackson is indifferent to McDougals overtures of friendship, but then the little whiz-kid shows him how he can use his iPhone to block security cameras at a local Rite Aid so they can steal some beer. From there they become fast friends and together they face challenges of family dysfunction, loss and alcohol abuse while bonding over indie music, extreme biking and ways to hang onto their smart strong girlfriends— Lexi and Syd. As people start to exit Jackson life he believes the world is conspiring against him. But with the help of McDougal and his friend Jessica Lee he learns to lean on his strength and goodness as his he is about to confront his greatest challenge yet.
Growing up in a three bed/one bath house with nine siblings in Buffalo, New York it was a just the facts, assembly-line type of childhood. However, one day during my tumultuous teen years in the late seventies that all changed when my exhausted mom uncharacteristically asked several probing questions about how I was doing, what I wanted of life and how I was going to get there . . . totally confounding me. She was supposed to dish out commands and make declarative statements—take out the trash, don’t come home unless you’re bleeding, every time you masturbate it’s a hundred-years in purgatory. She wasn’t supposed ask articulate, inward looking, questions about myself. Self-examination and contemplation, was light years beyond my transactional existence.
Eventually, though, due to a certain amount of aimlessness and failure I did come to consider my mom’s questions and many more which led me to writing. Presently, I am the author of two novels Written In The Stars: The Book Of Molly (2016) and my current book Leaving Jackson Wolf—which chronicles the coming of age story of Jackson Wolf and James McDougal—two fringe fifteen year old boys searching for their power in a complicated unforgiving world.
Presently I live in West Seneca, New York with my wife and three college age children. I have a State University of New York background in English and I love trade paperbacks, quiet black mornings and The Ramones.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2018-11-30 00:02:022020-04-06 09:29:33Leaving Jackson Wolf by P.A. Kane
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