Customer Reviews

Anybody Seen Junebug?

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If June Bug ain't crazy than what is the definition of crazy? Delores has written a tale that is riveting because you really don't know from the opening scene to the last how Delores managed to weave a tale of multi-diminsions.

June Bug can't decide who he is or "won't" decide. Actually, during the reading, I couldn't decide if June Bug was crazy or was everyone around him actually a little mental-deprived.

I enjoyed the way the author managed to peel away the layers in such a manner that we are very much sympathetic to June Bug and how he became and stays cocooned in his own world which in my opinion, not only protected him but those he truly loved.

I hope there's a sequel.

In Delores Thornton's third title, HAS ANYBODY SEEN JUNEBUG, she has chosen, once again, to delve into the psyche of a multi-dimensional character.

June Bug, even in jail, can't seem to come to terms as to who he really is. Is it because it's too painful or does June Bug have something to hide and acting crazy provides the perfect hiding place?

It's hard not to go into details surrounding this particular story because Thornton's writing has many layers. Just when you think you're going on one ride you find out that she's secreted you on another.

If I had one negative to say about this story is that it leaves you wanting more. After all, Where is June Bug? He's probably somewhere or someone in all of our families.

Kudos to Ms. Thornton...
if she keeps this up she'll become even more of a literary phenomenon than already.

I read Delores Thornton's book before I ever knew who she was, and was amazed by the quality of character development. We immediately asked Delores to be our Disilgold Book of The Year judge, and she actually selected an author who has gone on to receive outstanding reviews. We always have said that, "Talent recognizes talent." Anybody Seen Junebug? is by far one of the most intriguing books of our times that deals with issues too personal for me to discuss here, but has gone on to be among one of the favorites of YOUnity Reviewers Worldwide for content, real issues, and exposure to unfortunate situations that can happen to anyone, and at any time. Never feel that you are alone if your suffer from dual personalities. This disease comes from extreme loneliness, depression and traumatic life's situations that many normal people hide by occupying their life with goodness for others, and or harm to escape the harshest of realities they've had to deal with, and perhaps will never tell until their dying day or until someone makes an effort to help these souls. Junebug is a classic character who I wanted to embrace, nurture, support, and help. He is the sophomore sequel to BABE!, another prior book with equal weight. I felt empathy for Junebug. He is the underdog and pathetic soul that folks lock up in jail and throw away the key. He is Michael Jackson, glorified and knocked down and stripped to nothingness, and may go to jail for being different when innocent, but no one will take his side so it seems. He can be your neighbor who helped you with groceries, the man who saved your child from drowning, the next president of the United States of America, your brother, and even your father. I have a lot of sympathy for folks in his predicament, and in reality, this can be a dangerous task to take on, but someone has to care. Delores begins this journey by writing a powerful book that will bring better understanding to mental disease, and I believe that all who are well, should feel blessed, and fortunate to read this book, and perhaps help people undergoing circumstances like those experienced by Junebug. I have no idea how Delores Thornton created this character. He is totally original, quite frightening at times, mysterious, unpredicatable, and the kind of character fit for a movie like The Green Mile. This one is an unassuming winner that is powerfully overwhelmed by the glittery books on the market. I encourage true die hard book lovers to read the message inside, a message much more powerful than the cover. I truly recommend this book as the standard for quality literature and I am sure many YOUnity Reviewers will agree. There is no time limit for this book to filter into every real home library. Anybody Seen Junebug? is a book of the ages, and I do not doubt that The New York Times Review will one day feature this book which is far too sophisticated to be a trend. This book is one for life long domain. I am very proud of Delores Thornton's work and believe that Junebug will become a celebrity very soon. I also, love the matching CD. Brilliant work!!!!!!!

Junebug's got problems. Nobody knows the extent of them like his cellmate John. Incarcerated for their various crimes a strong bond is formed between the two men. What starts out as crazy eventually leads John into realizing that here lies a human being who is incapable of rescuing himself from the mire of his many different personalities.

Often eccentric, but totally without apology, Junebug's bizarre behaviour strikes a resonant chord within John who sets out to become Junebug's savior. Upon Junebug's release, and with John's outside connections firmly in place, Junebug is finally on target to get his life back in order.

But life on the outside doesn't come without its challenges. There is no warden, or prison administration carefully crafting the ordinary routines of life. Now it is up to Junebug to forge his own way. With pressures steadily rising and the re-emergence of his many different personalities, one wonders if the power of friendship and love can help Junebug overcome his mental disorder once and for all.

Delores Thornton's "Anybody Seen Junebug?" stresses the age-old cliche that no man is an island. Without friends, love, and a network of support many would be doomed to isolation and eventual failure. Can Junebug be saved, or will the loony bin be his next permanent address?

Rosalind Stormer, author of "Healing The Breach"
Flavah Reviewer

Junebug is in prison. But thats not his biggest problem. For years, Junebug had to deal with five different personalities in his mind, without any professional help. Each personality is based on stories, told to Junebug, by his grandma at a early age. Although Junebug realizes that he has a mental problem, he never sought professional help. While in prison he meets John, his cell mate, who committed a crime because of a mental problem he never sought help for. Junebug and John become close friends and it's John that suggest Junebug speaks with a professional when he gets out of prison. When Junebug is released, he starts to get his life back together. He moves back to his old apartment, gets a job and starts to see a psychiatrist. All is going well until one of his personalities, Elizabeth, decides to teach Junebug a lesson which could change his life, forever.
Delores Thornton has created some memorable characters in "Anybody Seen Junebug?". I became very interested in the lives of The Davis Family and their unconditional support of Junebug. Their love and support for each other was very heart warming. I was amazed at the lengths John went through to keep the family together after their mother was killed by a drunk driver.
Also, as I was reading "Anybody Seen Junebug?", I couldn't help but analyze the judicial system. I started to think about all the black men in prison who may be dealing with the same problems Junebug and John went through. For all the crimes committed by them, who ever took the time to consider that maybe a mental problem is the basis behind it. Society will sit back and blame their family, the school system, television and rap music before they really seek to find out what may really be the problem. I wonder how many smart, loving and strong brothers are locked up right now because they were trying to deal with a mental anguish on their own.
Thornton was able to write a interesting novel without creating the stereotypical sexually charged, dramatic, back stabbing characters that seems to be popping up in other novels lately. This is a book that everyone in the family can (and should) read.