Customer Reviews

The Thirteenth Time Zone

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I highly enjoyed reading this action-packed novel. I've always wondered what would happen if I just quit my job and traveled the world, so it's really neat to see my daydream played out in a fictional story. Also, being from San Diego, it hit close to home with the references to places around town. San Diego may be a tourist's dream, but it definitely has it's dark spots just like any city. I encourage other readers to pick up this one.

I was also surprised to find out that David Jebb is a first time author because the story flowed so well!

A friend told me about this book and I thought "oh great, just another retrospective cop story." I saw the book lying around and got intrigued by the back cover write-up. I have to say, it's really a real page-turner!

If I was a book critic, I'd say "Raw and refreshing. Entertaining and insightful. Inspiring! You just may learn a thing or two--Go grab a copy NOW!"

Not just another cop story. Although it starts out with life on the force, and this part is good, the bulk of the book follows a much different story line. The wide eyed and open dialog as the lead character travels across the world will keep you glued to the book. A kind of "Siddartha with a badge" story that will leave you wanting more from David Jebb. Well done.

Brad

When a friend told me to read this book, I was uncertain as to why and what I would find. Boy! What a joy! I live in San Diego and from the very beginning it caught me. Just as I was getting to believe where the author was taking me... Bam... off we go into an entirely different and extremely enjoyable direction. This book is very well written and captures you from the get-go. You can feel the passion that David brings to this story. I do alot of reading... and I must say this book is among the top of the list. I did not want to put it down and go back to work!!!!

This book is a total surprise! It is not what you expect by the cover or the title... but is one that you will very much enjoy. I enjoyed it soooo much that I did not want it to end.... hope he writes the sequel to this ....PLEASE!?!?!?

read this one! you will not be disappointed...promise!

So we've finished the last chapter and are halfway out the door with our backpack when we remember, this all happened in the Vietnam era, not today. Despite that fact, David Jebb's book is timeless in the tale it tells and the lessons to be learned.

Jebb's hero, no doubt modeled on himself, takes a leave of absence from his job as a cop and heads out. Along the way he picks up some new skills, hones some old ones, makes new friends, and regains some of the compassion he had lost while dealing with the hard elements on his beat. Thru Mexico, Central America, and across the ocean to Europe and eventually to India, our hero walks, rides, and stumbles his way to enlightenment.

Could he have learned this all at home? A tough question. One could say with the destructive path he was on most likely not. But how about the rest of us? With family, commitments and the current world situation, a journey of this type may not be possible. What is possible is to find friends, compassion and ourselves. By looking at things not from the materialistic view shoved down our throat from every media outlet, but by using this book as a guide. With it's help we can step out of our comfort zone, and try something new. A chance to look at things from new eyes and a new perspective, with a healthy dose of compassion thrown it.

Police officer Owen Drew assigned to a covert operation is driven to wage war against San Diego's drug lords. In the midst of the intense battle against personal attack, violence and threats on his life, Drew discovers he is on the edge of madness. Instead of therapy he signs up as a crew member on a yacht. Drew takes a year's leave of absence from the police force in hopes of finding cleansing for his soul and purpose and meaning in his life.

While on the open seas in the midst of a hurricane, "Just before nightfall, the reefed mainsail exploded into rags. Instantly, our steering was compromised and so was our headway into the waves. From here on, the situation could only worsen." Although crisis followed crisis as Owen faced his fear of death, he began a journey to find inner peace. On this journey he spent time in a Benedictine Monastery, the commune of a quasi Indian mystic in England. While in India, Owen traveled with a Hindu Sadhu. Here he begins to see the bridge between the East and West.

In the aftermath of his divorce Owen sought redemption in relationships, often fleeting, establishing a new relationship, and then moving on to another. His journey took him through Turkey and India. During his "search for self understanding and love in a world that seemed completely psychotic" his health failed. Near death he started on a return trip to England for medical attention. Through the kindness and sustenance of "god sent" providers Owen's strength returned. His travels took him through Switzerland. Here Owen found the conclusion to his search for truth and understanding.

I found myself forgetting I was reading a novel, and was soon living vicariously through the adventures of Owen Drew. Jebb's detailed and moving descriptions made each setting genuine. The reader senses that Jebb had himself experienced the emotions generated by the people of each locale mentioned.

David Jebb has written a gripping fast moving, haunting novel. His insights into the thoughts and motivations of his characters give evidence that he personally has found the self fulfillment and purpose sought for by his hero, Owen Drew.

An excellant read. Starts out as a fast paced police novel that brought back memories of my time on the SDPD during the same time period. I could see in my minds eye the real officers used as members of "Blues" squad. What I enjoyed the most though was what followed the police force. I'm looking forward to Jebb's next book.

Impressively down-to-earth and fast-paced action. Mr. Jebb's first work (as far as I know) is a page-turning thriller set in modern day San Diego. It brings up interesting questions along the way, and keeps the reader engaged in the story line.

Fun Fun Read!! Thanks David Jebb!

I, like many readers find that I just don't usually have the time to sit down for a good read. When I got this book though, I only read it for about 15 minutes before putting it back down. I went promptly to the kitchen for some tea and good snack food. I then got comfortable on the couch, grabbed the book again, and didn't get up until well after it was time to go to bed! :-) 2 days after picking it up, I had read and quite enjoyed the entire story.

Instantly engaging, and captivating from cover to cover. Don't miss the opportunity for this good read.

David Jebb inherits the mantle from Kerouac, Steinbeck, Wolfe and Moon in a story that is both riveting action and profound meditation.

The journeys of Drew Owen geographically cover more terrain than Moon's 'Blue Highways' and thematically more terrain than 'On the Road'. A detailed comparison balances the perspectives of Kerouac's Dean Moriarity.

The conflicts in Owen's personal life are analogous to the issues facing the world. His inward journey is analogous to his outward journey. His Odyssey covers 3 continents and 13 time zones.

Having lost himself in a myopic obsession with law and order, Owen finds himself, and literally wraps his arms around the world.

Through a forthright and personal style we witness a series of events and encounters which round out the corners of the 'ultra- square' Officer Drew Owen.

This remarkable transition is articulately depicted with brutal sincerity.

The paradigm shift of the cultural revolution of the 60's 70's is discovered with the keen perception of a Special Ops police officer. Drew is a kind of 'Everyman' - an anti-antihero. In an era of drop-outs and opt-outs, Dave Jebb gives new meaning to the term " Cop"-out.

I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down.