Jim the Boy
Jim the Boy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Brief
239
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1930s
2000
Adult
12-18 years
800L
Super Short Summary
Jim the Boy by Tony Earley is set in 1934 and follows ten-year-old Jim Glass, who lives with his mother and uncles in a rural North Carolina town. Eager to help on the family farm, Jim learns about hard work, faces rivalry at his newly consolidated school, and grapples with his sense of place in the wider world as he experiences significant changes in his community and meets his estranged grandfather.
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Serene
Reviews & Readership
3,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tony Earley's Jim the Boy receives acclaim for its poignant portrayal of early adolescence in a rural 1930s setting, with richly drawn characters and a nostalgic tone that captivates readers. Critics appreciate Earley's gentle, lyrical prose and vivid storytelling. However, some find the plot too slow and simplistic, potentially limiting its appeal. Overall, a heartfelt and evocative read.
Who Should Read Jim the Boy?
Readers who enjoy Jim the Boy by Tony Earley typically appreciate nostalgic coming-of-age novels set in rural America during the Great Depression. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and My Ántonia by Willa Cather would likely be drawn to Earley’s evocative depiction of small-town life and richly developed characters.
3,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
239
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1930s
2000
Adult
12-18 years
800L
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