Quick Take

Jocelyn has two boys in her life. And a priest. Gabe has shared fourteen years of growing up next door. He's "a golden boy, an all-star." Yet now, in the spring of 1975, he's missing, disappeared on the brink of senior year at Weaver High. The whole town is set to go searching for him. Benny has only been in New Hampshire since January, yet for Joss, he's the answer to a long-held prayer to be someone in somebody's eyes. She loves them both. Father Warren--hair turning white and "kind of cool in his black clothes"--is the link between the three of them. Or a wedge. Or a threat. For Joss, the priest holds the power over her sense of self; for Benny, power over his soul; for Gabe, so mysterious and alluring, he holds the power of destiny. In a story shot with suspense, these four characters, and the lives of others they've touched in their small town, intermingle with unforgettable force.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Stained

Introduction

"Stained" by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is a captivating novel set in a small New Hampshire town in 1975. The story follows Jocelyn, a 17-year-old girl who finds herself entangled in a complex web of relationships, secrets, and religious beliefs. With its suspenseful plot and relatable characters, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its exploration of themes such as love, self-discovery, and the consequences of one's choices. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, author background, analysis of views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommendation.

About Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Jennifer Richard Jacobson is an accomplished author known for her award-winning fiction and nonfiction works for children. With a career spanning over three decades, she has written picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels. Among her notable works are "This Is My Room (No Tigers Allowed)" and "Oh, Chickadee!" Her writing has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including ALA Best Books For Young Adults, Publishers Weekly Best Books, NYPL Best Books for Teens, Parents Choice Gold Award, IRA Young Adult’s Choice, ILA Social Justice Award, NTCE Charlotte Huck Honorable Mention, Bank Street Best Books of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Selections. Jacobson resides in mid-coast Maine with her husband.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers praise the book for its compelling narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The story's suspenseful elements and unexpected twists add to the overall enjoyment of the reading experience.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters in "Stained" are described as well-crafted and relatable. Jocelyn's struggles with her identity and the dynamics between her, Benny, and Gabe create a sense of empathy among readers. The portrayal of Father Warren adds depth to the story and raises questions about his true intentions.
Themes of Love and Betrayal: The book explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. The relationships between Jocelyn, Benny, and Gabe are complex and nuanced, allowing readers to connect with the emotional journey of the characters.
Engaging Setting: The small New Hampshire town setting adds a sense of authenticity to the story. Readers appreciate the way the author captures the atmosphere of the time period and the sense of community that pervades the town.
Well-Written Prose: Many readers commend the author's writing style for its clarity and ability to transport them into the world of the story. The descriptions and dialogue are praised for their vividness and realism.

Reasons for Recommendation

Suspenseful Plot: The suspenseful plot keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The mystery surrounding Gabe's disappearance and the revelations that unfold throughout the story create a sense of anticipation that keeps readers engaged.
Well-Developed Characters: The characters are well-written and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them on an emotional level. The exploration of their struggles and relationships adds depth to the story and resonates with readers.
Engaging Setting: The small New Hampshire town setting adds authenticity to the story and provides a backdrop for the characters' experiences. Readers appreciate the sense of community and nostalgia that permeates the narrative.
Themes of Love and Betrayal: The exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and self-discovery resonates with readers. The relationships between Jocelyn, Benny, and Gabe are complex and thought-provoking, making the book a compelling read for those interested in exploring these themes.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Confusing Plot Structure: Some readers found the alternating chapters between the past and present confusing at times. The shift in timelines made it challenging for them to fully grasp the story's progression and understand certain plot points.
Lack of Surprising Ending: A few readers felt that the ending was predictable or lacked a satisfying resolution. They felt that certain aspects of the story were left unresolved or unexplained, leaving them feeling unsatisfied with the overall outcome.

Conclusion

"Stained" by Jennifer Richard Jacobson is a captivating novel set in a small New Hampshire town in 1975. With its suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, engaging setting, and exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and self-discovery, it has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its captivating narrative. While some readers found certain aspects confusing or lacking in surprise, overall "Stained" offers a compelling reading experience that resonates with those seeking a gripping story filled with emotionally complex characters and thought-provoking themes.