The Manual (Urban Christian) [Paperback]

Sherryle Kiser Jackson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Deidre Collins can't help but compare her fourteen-year-old son, DeAndre, to his father, who walked out of their lives eight years ago. Even after rededicating herself to the Lord, she's having a hard time forgiving and forgetting. Lately, she can't understand where the sweet child she raised has gone, replaced by this disobedient and disrespectful person. Lately, DeAndre keeps one foot in church and the other foot in trouble.
After the sudden loss of his own father, Andre Hicks resurfaces in Deidre and DeAndre's lives with a determination to compensate for the time lost with his son. Reluctant to see Andre as the answer to her prayers, Deidre must set aside her reservations in order to let DeAndre stay with his father during his suspension from school.
Father and son forge a bond that puts Deidre in constant contact with Andre. Old feelings are brought to the surface. Can they leave behind the disappointments of the past in order to do what is right for their son's future? Can they submit their will to the possibilities of what God has in store for all of them? --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Multipublished author, wife, mother and teacher, Sherryle strives to be a fresh voice in Christian Fiction. Born in Prince Georges County, Maryland, Sherryle went on to get a degree in Elementary Education from from Salisbury State University. Her triumphant debut novel, Soon and Vey Soon (2007) was followed up by her sophomore release, The Manual (2009), Soon After (2010) and Taylor- Made (2011) for Urban Christian Books. She lives in Marylad with her husband and two children.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 370 pages
• Publisher: Urban Books; Original edition (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601629354
• ISBN-13: 978-1601629357
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,748,153 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Multipublished author, wife, mother and teacher, Sherryle strives to be a fresh voice in Christian Fiction. Born in Prince Georges County, Maryland, Sherryle went on to get a degree in Elementary Education from from Salisbury State University. Her triumphant debut novel, Soon and Vey Soon (2007) was followed up by her sophomore release, The Manual (2009), Soon After (2010) and Taylor- Made (2011) for Urban Christian Books. She lives in Marylad with her husband and two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Manual, February 19, 2010

By 

Rhonda McKnight "Urban Christian Fiction Today" (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Manual (Urban Christian) (Paperback)

I appreciate an author who weaves social issues into a fiction story. Sherryle K. Jackson's sophomore novel, The Manual, does just that. Single-parenting, troubled youth, the hoarding of African-American males in special education, teen age sex, urban violence and even male health concerns. That may seem like a lot, but it's a big book and Jackson manages to juggle them very well.

Jackson's strength in this novel is in characterization. While Deidre worked my very last nerve, I enjoyed the men a great deal. In particular I loved Andre Hicks. Jackson captured the male voice authentically, although I have to admit I would have liked to see him stand up to Ms. Deidre a little more. Then there was the kid in the middle, DeAndre Hicks. He was the quintessential teenage son. I know, I have one. Good kid, but the attitude, mouth and hormones. Great work climbing into the head of a teenager.

All and all I would recommend The Manual and I look forward to more from this author.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In Negotiations, March 7, 2010

By 

OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!" (World Wide Web, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Manual (Urban Christian) (Paperback)

"The Manual" by Sherryle Kiser Jackson jumps right into the lives of Deidre Collins, Andre Hicks and their son De Andre Hicks. We meet Deidre and Andre as teens and can sense from the start that what the two share is undeniable. As the story progresses, we realize that there's been more loss than gain in their relationship, which has caused a seven-year separation not just from one another, but their son as well.

Reunited at a friend's wedding, the co-parents consider the needs of their only child and decide that it's imperative that Andre plays a more active part in De Andre's life. Failing, fighting and females appear to be damaging any chances De Andre has of being promoted to ninth grade. While his parents are trying to parent, they find themselves looking back on their past. Can they all do what is needed in order to make things right?

"The Manual" is a good read. I love the way Christ is offered as a solution even for the teenage son when facing a very difficult decision. "The Manual" is a fresh approach to dealing with co-parenting, raising teens and succeeding in life.


Reviewed by: Crystal

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Manual for your Kids!, November 25, 2009

By 

Keleigh Crigler Hadley (author of the Preacher's Kids series) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Manual (Urban Christian) (Paperback)

"Blessed are the children, for they shall inherit the earth."

Need a manual on raising children and having healthy relationships? Refer to the Bible. That's what Deidre Collins' inner spirit is telling her to do now that Andre, her son's father, is back in town after deserting them eight years ago.

At fourteen years old, her son, DeAndre, is struggling with his own issues--peer pressure, problems at school, and figuring out how to navigate his first crush.

When DeAndre gets suspended from school for ten days, Andre sees it as the perfect opportunity to get to know his son--and to get closer to Deidre.

Rating: 8/10

Plot: 8.5/10

Characters: 8/10

Ending: 8/10

Enjoyment: 8/10

Cover: 7/10

Keleigh Crigler Hadley author of Christian YA fiction:[...]