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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 The Dash - Apr 30, 2007
By CHayes
"Cheryl"
Just a Season by John T. Wills
What do you see when looking at a tombstone? There is a start date, a dash, and an end date, but what happens in between is the question posed in Just a Season by John T. Wills. Wills feels that your life is defined by the dash. So much has happened to you in your lifetime that only the dash can tell this significant story. This novel is a cross between a history reference guide and a boy's journey to becoming a man. This story takes place in the 1950s' where segregation, discrimination and prejudices were running rampant. Just a Season is a journey through Tucks' life, his love and dedication to his grandfather and family. Showcased are the trials-and- tribulations he faces growing up, and having to help support his family at a young age, to becoming a man and supporting a family of his own.
Just a Season embodied the traits of loyalty, guidance an the understanding of how to handle the pressure of being a young black man in a time when you could get lynched for speaking to the wrong woman, or being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Wills pulls you in from the very first page and takes you step-by-step through the countryside dealing with farm living, to fighting in the war in Japan. I felt like I was there and was learning right along with him as he faced his biggest fears, and tried to defeat those who thought he did not have the courage or experience to become a strong black man in today's society.
Just s Season is a heart-wrenching story about growing up and believing in yourself.
I highly recommend this book to young men in high school, trying to find themselves and feeling like they have nowhere to turn.
Reviewed by Cheryl H.
APOOO BookClub
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A Great Read! Mar 28, 2007
By Cheryl Robinson
"Just About Books Radio Talk Show Host"
In Just A Season, we journey through the life of an ordinary man--grief stricken by the death of his son. As he looks at his son's gravestone and sees a name, a beginning date, a dash and an ending date, he realizes that each person's life is defined by "what" the dash holds. Ultimately, he decides to take a serious look at his life's journey. The journey began with a paternal mentor, Granddaddy, who instilled great values and taught extraordinary life lessons to be carried on for generations to come. John's life, one from a different perspective, is an incredible journey of hope, adversity and destiny. This great man assertively implanted the concept that knowledge is power, which developed into the understanding that education is the single most important ingredient necessary to neutralize those forces that breed poverty and despair, especially in African American men. This story allows the reader to travel through time reliving a life through the eyes of a gentle soul, who gains much knowledge and great wisdom over time and through events during the last fifty years of his life! John T. Wills captures a male bonding between generations and lets the reader passively watch as family love and closeness unfold on the pages before us--in Just A Season.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Life Lessons Jun 25, 2007
By OOSA Online Book Club
"O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!"
JUST A SEASON begins with John Wells at Friendly Church's cemetery,
a place often associated with being the finality in reference to one's life story. We journey back through the 50 years beginning with the Jim Crow days. Readers get a first hand look at discrimination, segregation, anguish, uprising, problems and valuable lessons of what being a man entails.
Even before John Wells was born, his grandfather, Sylvanus Reid, knew that he would be the one to change things. His grandfather believed firmly that faith was being sure of what you hoped for and certain of what you could not see.
Newcomer John T. Willis particulars each notion so eloquently that you feel that you're actually right there with him. While on our expedition, we not only partake in the learning and joys that life has offered him, but we also partake in the lost of his son. John openly shares with readers his pain and how he tries to remain strong through this volatile stage of his life.
No matter where he's been or what he's gone through, John has carried the precious words of wisdom his granddad shared with him. "I raised you to be a man and as a man you have to do what you have to do."
JUST A SEASON is such a pivotal read. I have two sons and this is an inflicting history lesson that I believe all African American males should experience. Best of luck to you with all of your future endeavors Mr. Wells.
Reviewed by: Carmen
An interesting read Nov 18, 2009
By Robin Cain
"Robin Cain, Author of WHEN DREAMS BLEED"
Just s Season is an interesting insight into one man's journey, particularly if the reader is of a different race. The author's perspectives on life and people he has come across in his journey are portrayed honestly and with feeling. Encompassing several decades, Just a Season gives the reader another perspective on the historic events of the times through the eyes of one who experienced it all.
Incredibly insightful Jan 07, 2008
By Tonja L. Covington
Not since The Color Purple have I read a book that evoked such emotions. John T. Wills possesses the ability to transport the reader directly into the life and struggles of his main characters story. Having grown up in the north during this same time frame, I was educated in a way that did not afford me the benefit of truly understanding the significance of the historical events taught from a stand alone perspective. The events of slavery, sharecropping, the civil rights movement and the many assassinations of those that challenged the status quo, allowed my eyes to be opened in a way that changes my perception of what being black in America truly means.
The lessons taught by the main characters grandfather are lessons that can benefit all, especially African American men. The reader will be constantly astonished by his fortitude and courage, evidenced by the most powerful lesson shared -"I raised you to be a man. You don't know what you might have to do, but when the time comes - just do it" And he did. with the utmost grace, compassion and fortitude.
I would like to see this book added to history curriculums as mandatory reading so that our youth can have a true understanding of how they've come to be where they are. The gift of this knowledge will surely inspire them to reach for the stars and feel confident that they are capable of overcoming any adversity.
Although I laughed, rejoiced and cried following this man's journey, after all was said and done this book begs the question: What would the people that know you say about your "dash"? Surely John T. Wills "dash" will be one that his granddaddy and his son would be immensely proud of. This book actually touched my heart and inspired me to increase the equity in my "dash"!
Tonja L. Covington
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