Unconventional (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

YOUNG JAMES FROST just knows, deep in his bones, that he's a writer. He writes far into early mornings, after his wearying hours of scrubbing toilets and sweeping floors. He loves writing that much. But it's not only the joy of words that keeps him grinding; it's his desire to retire the janitor's mop. He sees being published as the key to living an improved life. James has another deep-seated conviction: that he's not good enough. He secretly longs to be accepted. However, the conventional others in his life seem all too willing to remind him that he's wasting his time. Then he meets and falls in love with Leigh, the one bright spot in his endless misery of self-doubt. A quiet but resolutely religious girl, she has to fight off disapproval of her own from overly critical parents, whose insults are countered by James's often-voiced admiration of her. Likewise, Leigh's faith in his talents begins to build his confidence, eventually allowing her to introduce him to a different way to help himself: relying on God. Ultimately, James's newfound faith is sorely tested to the point of doubt when his dream to be published seems to melt into a mirage, smothered by countless rejection slips from agents and publishers. His faith is also battered by having to fight highly emotional battles and suffer fear and loss. Just when James appears hopelessly sapped by devastating events, one last door opens, and he's rocked by an epiphany. UNCONVENTIONAL is designed to inspire readers to reach for their dreams. Buy this book. Read it. Share it with everyone you know. You - and they - will be glad you did!

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Mindstir Media (July 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098196480X
• ISBN-13: 978-0981964805
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #501,326 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courageously Adopting the Unconventional, August 18, 2009

By	KJ Smith (Southern United States) - See all my reviews

I found Unconventional to be very engaging. I enjoyed the struggle James endures to be true to himself. The story is a believable one in that the world doesn't do much to encourage people who dream "outside the box." Dysfunctional families, loneliness, and self-loathing are a very real aspects that James must not only face but overcome. I enjoyed getting into the mind of James; he feels real to me. One of my favorite scenes is when he imagines a conversation with the characters in his book. Nicely done. There are some unexpected changes in this novel; I was surprised and kept reading because I wanted to know how everything ended up. If you're a writer, you will appreciate this book from a writer's perspective and if you're not a writer, you will enjoy it's inspiring message: believe. I recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding inspiration when inspiration is playing hide-n-seek., August 6, 2009

By	Dayna Burnworth - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unconventional was a great read. I found the characters and situations heartening and infuriating at the same time: the creative minds that encourage vs. the 'conventional' ones that just don't 'get it.' The mixture of frustration and exasperation directed at the publishing industry is very relatable, as is the self-doubt every writer/artist/musician experiences when trying to bring their creations to the world. Well written and truly inspirational for anyone ever attempting to tread the path less followed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming story!, October 19, 2009

By	Dina J. Stout (Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unconventional is a heartwarming story about a man who struggles to achieve his dream of becoming a published author. James Frost wants to be a writer more than anything in this world! He works for his fathers janitorial company to pay the bills, but in his spare time, he is working on his fantasy novel. He suffers from low self esteem and has many battles to overcome to just believe in himself. James works so hard and finally finishes his novel and submits it to lots of different publishers. Then come the rejection letters. This adds to his low feeling of self worth. Rejections mount and mount, but the one bright spot in his life other than writing, is Leah. She makes him believe in his dreams. Leah has her own issues to battle with her controlling parents, but together James and Leah overcome many things to be together and to find happiness. Leah shows James his need for a Savior and this is one aspect of the book that meant a lot to me. I love how James' character evolves in this book, from someone who is ashamed of his skinny body and ugly brown teeth and low paying job, to someone who knows that he's a Christian and an heir of God. Someone who knows his dreams are important, and God does love him. He comes to terms with an enemy of his past and finds a way to forgive him for the wrongs he did when James was in school. Sometimes we carry unforgiveness in our hearts toward people who have wronged us in some way. The way James is able to overcome his enemy is a lesson to be learned in this book.
The characters in Unconventional were so real and believable. There were periods in the book that I was so sad and crying, and other times when I was on top of the world!! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to be inspired! I'm anxiously awaiting the authors next book. What an awesome debut book!!!