Copyright © Jeff Hampton 2013
GRANDPA JACK
Reviews
FROM A FRIEND
By Jayne Knighton
I just finished reading “Grandpa Jack.” What a read! I loved it! The story line is so refreshing, and I can’t decide which character I love more – Jack, Billy, or Kevin! I love a book with multiple good guys, a protagonist who is lovable yet human, a message of redemption, and a vocabulary devoid of words my mother never thought – much less said! Can’t wait to read your next one, Jeff!
FROM AMAZON.COM
4 Stars (out of 5)
A Silver-Haired "DAVE" Story (Sort Of)
By D. Morris - May 5, 2013
Kindle Edition / Amazon Verified Purchase
GRANDPA JACK is a fun read, although it gets off to a slow start. The "Prologue" isn't a prologue; it's an excerpt from the last chapter in the book. The first chapter *is* a prologue: a detailed narrative of Jack Dodger's history from his birth in 1929 to New Year's Eve, 1999. That's when this story actually begins.
Once it does begin, though, it moves right along and weaves an interesting tale of 70-year-old Jack Dodger's unexpected propulsion into a race for the White House. Jack is feisty and likeable, practical and down-home. He speaks his mind and doesn't back down. He's impatient with political game-playing and kind to people who need help.
The story has believable characters, good dialogue, and enough description to keep readers grounded in the scene without becoming overwhelmed with details. It kept me reading. On the writing alone, at least from Chapter 2 to the end, I'd give it 4 or even 5 stars.
The plotting is more problematic. Several characters do uncharacteristically stupid things at various intervals, presumably to add plot twists. Billy, the drafted media consultant, blows off an official chance to correct a number of serious accusations against Jack Dodger prior to them being published. Jack throws a temper tantrum and runs away to go fishing mid-campaign, losing his biggest national supporters. Those things jolted me out of the story and made it seem contrived.
Still, the story is far, far better than the rather disjointed and misleading Amazon book description conveys. (Much ado about a "secret" that's totally insignificant... not nice to use red herrings in a book description. Shame on the publisher for that!)
I won't post a spoiler to give away the end. I will say that I'll hope to see more books from this author in the future, perhaps other novels featuring older protagonists in non-stereotyped roles.
FROM AMAZON.COM
4 Stars (out of 5)
Politics, history and strong family values
By GraceGritsGarden.com - May 27, 2013
Kindle Edition
Grandpa Jack is a heartwarming story with sincere, well-developed characters. The plot develops with several twists and turns to hold the reader's interest. A reminder of what's good and right about our country, Grandpa Jack was the perfect ending to my Memorial Day weekend. I recommend Hampton's book for anyone who enjoys politics, history and strong family values. We should all strive to be like Grandpa Jack.
FROM AMAZON.COM
4 Stars (out of 5)
A lovely read!
By Michael Moorhead - July 27, 2013
Kindle Edition / Amazon Verified Purchase
It is a charming book quickly read. I very much enjoyed it! And I heartily recommend it to any age group.
FROM AMAZON.COM
5 Stars (out of 5)
A very good imaginative story
By Katherine Boyer - August 22, 2013
Paperback
What if happenstance catapulted you into the national spotlight as a "third party candidate" for president of the United States? That is exactly what happened to Jack Dodger in Grandpa Jack by Jeff Hampton. Jack is an almost 70 year-old, retired man who just wanted to play cards with his friends in the back of his "retirement" barbershop business and spend time with his granddaughter, Wendy, dubbed by Jack as his "Little Blossom" and his constant canine companion, Blackie. What ensues is a sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes passionate run for the presidency with a motley crew of people as advisors and the backing of the Golden Eagles, a national organization of senior citizens.
The campaign workers had to make decisions on a "platform", make plans on how and where to campaign and most of all pick a running mate for Jack. When Wendy volunteered to be the VP candidate, media aide Billy Briar used that to answer questions about the search.
"Jack did not like playing verbal games and initially he was uneasy with the implied meaning of the statement - that they had talked to a "real" contender. But Billy reasoned that they had indeed spoken to a candidate - even though she was just in grade school - and in truth they had not heard from others yet, though they had no idea who those others were."
With this accomplished, they began to campaign in earnest. The road to the White House was filled with surprises, meeting new people and winning them over to their way of thinking. How did Jack run his campaign? What promises did he make? What were the obstacles and rallying points? Will he make it all of the way to the White House and the Presidency? Read this stimulating and attention-grabbing take on the presidency to see what happens.
Grandpa Jack is a quick, enjoyable read. You will enjoy the premise put forth as well as the tale of this senior citizen hero. I know I did and I am looking forward to future books like this from Mr. Hampton.
