A review by megribbin
Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way by Jeffrey Blount

hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

James is a successful businessman, in fact one of the first black billionaires. When things go sideways in his personal life, it is plastered all over the news and James loses the life he loved and worked so hard for. Instead of caving in on himself or become self-destructive, James moves to Mississippi and becomes Mr. Jimmy from around the way, changing the lives of his new community forever. 

This book is beautiful. It paints a stunning picture of life in the rural, poverty stricken, racist south in ways that I hadn't read before. It was horrifying to read about this community and I found myself thinking, this is supposed to be 2017?!?! While I don't see these attitudes in my daily life (particularly as a white female) I have no doubt they still exist and are very real, even in 2017 and 2024. 

This story is overwhelmingly sad, but contains strong undertones of hope. James could easily just quit and become bitter and say screw the world, but instead he uses what he has to make a difference in his new community and the results are astounding. I loved every part of this amazing novel and will be recommending it far and wide. 
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