Mr Jim Perkins

The Red Jacket: a Tale of Courage Mr Jim Perkins

Publisher Marketing: Do not let its plain cover deter you. The Red Jacket is a straightforward, almost charming novel about a young man growing up in the 1960s. Sixteen-year-old Francis grapples with the usual problems: he resents being the eldest son of a large, poor family, he dislikes his stepfather, and he thinks about girls without knowing too many of them. Less typical of the usual teenager, though, Francis also wrestles with his conscience. Recovering from a nasty illness that almost killed him, the boy wonders if he should become a priest or not. Not a lot of characters think about Elvis Presley and Jesus at the same time, but Francis is fleshed out enough to have these amusing contradictions. While the novel delves into the many reasons to go into the priesthood, its most entertaining and natural moments come from the family scenes that feature bickering, reminiscing, and the crazy grandfather who makes his own wine and talks about Italy all the time. The author writes these sections with skill and humor, and he gives Francis just enough serious trials to help him decide his path in life. Readers who want to dive into rose-colored nostalgia and don't mind some religious musings should give The Red Jacket a try. They might be pleasantly surprised. Contributor Bio:  Perkins, MR Jim Death in the Gallatin Valley is Jim Perkins' fourth fiction novel and second mystery. Other books include The Wine Red Road, a mystery in California wine country; The Red Jacket, the coming-of-age tale about a young man fighting long odds to become a professional baseball player; and Where Once Was Peace, about a young man on a quest for peace after the Vietnam War. Jim worked for several years as a small-town newspaper reporter, editor, publisher and freelance magazine editor. He brings a wide variety of other work and life experiences to his writing having been employed as a police officer, cook, mailman and real estate expert among other things. Jim graduated with a BA from Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. He is married, has four children and a dog and currently lives with his wife in Olympia. Contributor Bio:  Sharp, Cal Heather Doak Nishimura was born and raised in Citrus Heights, California, where she currently resides with her husband. Although not her current career, writing has been a passion and an outlet for Heather since her graduation from college. Aside from poetry, Heather's other writing includes short stories and a recently published autobiographical account of her experiences as a competitive gymnast entitled Finding The Perfect Balance.