The Jealous Kind - (Holland Family Novel) by James Lee Burke (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author and "the reigning champ of nostalgia noir" (The New York Times Book Review) James Lee Burke returns with a powerful novel in the Holland Family series set in 1950s Texas, as the specter of the Korean War looms.

On its surface, life in 1950s Houston is as you'd expect: stoic fathers, restless teens, drive-in movies, and souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath that surface lies a world shifting under high school junior Aaron Holland Broussard's feet. The underlying class war between the haves and have nots is growing steadily, along with the menace of conflict overseas in Korea, providing a harrowing backdrop to his growth to manhood. But when Aaron spots the beautiful Valerie Epstein at a drive-in, he steps in when he sees her fighting with her boyfriend, Grady Harrelson. Aaron's newfound confidence helps catch Valerie's eye, and the two begin dating. Grady is a live wire though, and presents a looming problem for Aaron.

You will recall the feelings and inspirational power of your first love, and empathize with Aaron's extraordinary challenges to protect himself and the ones he loves in "this dark, atmospheric story" (Publishers Weekly). The Jealous Kind illustrates how first loves, friendship, violence, and power can alter what traditional America means for the people trying to find their way in a changing world.

Review Quotes

"What brings the myth-laden story to life is Burke's lyrical prose and his ability to use description to mirror emotion. That and what is perhaps the best last paragrapgh in this author's landmark career."" Booklist, Starred Review""

"A gorgeous prose stylist." Stephen King"

Burke has a hit with this dark, atmospheric story. " Publishers Weekly ""

Burke s evocative prose remains a thing of reliably fierce wonder. "Entertainment Weekly""

Burke's gritty coming-of-age tale is a typically entertaining read that may cap a trilogy but also begs for a sequel. "Kirkus""

For five decades, Burke has created memorable novels that weave exquisite language, unforgettable characters, and social commentary into written tapestries that mirror the contemporary scene. His work transcends genre classification. "Philadelphia Inquirer""

James Lee Burke is the heavy weight champ, a great American novelist whose work, taken individually or as a whole, is unsurpassed. Michael Connelly"

James Lee Burke is the reigning champ of nostalgia noir. "The New York Times Book Review""

Mr. Burke has crafted another epic tale in an unforgettablelandscape about an imperfect man s search for redemption. Once again, everymember of the sprawling cast of characters, minor to major, makes animpression, and rings true Mr. Burke s novels always offer a compelling story.But, the reader is rewarded with a multitude of haunting themes that run deepand wide. Pick and choose the ones you wish to explore. They are skillfully andnon-intrusively woven into the narrative. But these layers are what alwayselevate a James Lee Burke novel above any genre tale.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"

About the Author

James Lee Burke is a New York Times bestselling author, two-time winner of the Edgar Award, and the recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts in Fiction. He has authored forty novels and two short story collections. He lives in Missoula, Montana.