“What a joy to read. I was raised in much the same way, by a wonderful family. I was the “good guy” all of my life. Some of my “wild oats” came much later in life, than they did for Jene’. I do not regret them, I embrace them fully. I do not regret the years I spent doing “the right things” either. But I now embrace my being a good person, by accepting all of myself. This beautifully written book have me such a lift. If you are open minded and secure, this is an amazing book, about truly living, and experiencing life! Very highly recommended!”
April 19, 2018
“I love this book. Like The Alchemist, you might not know where you’ll end up when you start a journey, but when it takes courage and inspiration and it would be so much easier to just give up and turn back, you know you’re doing life’s work. Unlike The Alchemist, it is an American journey about a young woman who spent her youth sheltered in the confines of a well meaning but repressive religion which she has rejected. But how does she go about fearlessly entering the world that she’s had been warned about for so long? With the help of some new friends, she makes a list consisting of never before tried adventures, each more daunting than the one before. And where does she end up? Knowing herself and trusting her own wisdom; a different person altogether. As I was reading this book, it echoed the book I had read just previous to it, Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. It has complicated childhood characters entrenched in a culture,a beautifully drawn narrative, and a landscape of laughter and tears.”
December 3, 2017
“Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” While a project based on a 37 year old Nazarene preacher’s daughter desire to sow some wild oats might seem like harmless fun to some and a dangerous game to others, Jackson shows us the courage, the vulnerability, and the desire for personal growth that motivates her. I thoroughly enjoyed Jackson’s prose and the tender message of her story. This is a book that will stay with you.”
February 16, 2017
“Jene’ Jackson has written an incredibly courageous book. She shows there are no easy answers and that following the path of the non-conformist can be lonely but ultimately rewarding. Part confession, part meditation, The Oat Project is a must-read for anyone looking to find the wild in the everyday. Truly one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read.”
May 20, 2017
“I could not put this book down!! Having grown up an RK, Rabbi’s kid, I so identified with the author! Living a sheltered life, being watched, and having to “set the example”, was so limiting.I love how Jene’ takes us on her raw journey of self discovery. She doesn’t sugar coat the ups, and downs, of what it means to find yourself at any age. I admire her courage, and tenacity to take, write about, and publish her journey publicly…she is a true Shero in my book!! Thank you, Jene’, for speaking your truth, and declaring it to the world. It encourages me to be more transparent, and vulnerable, with the telling of my own story.”
February 12, 2017
“I could not put this book down and ended up reading it in one day because it was so dang good. I love non-fiction so this was right up my alley as a good choice to read. To read about someone life and their struggles and successes is so stimulating to me. I could relate to a lot of the author’s feelings and the book left me rooting for her and also respecting her for the decisions she made.”
August 1, 2017
“This is a fine book about figuring out how to take life by the horns (or whatever) and give it a good ride. It’ll help the reader think about times when his own experience gets in the way or her own shame makes her hesitant. All the while, the reader is asked to reflect on what kind of life is calling them and to go for it. I recommend it without hesitation.”
August 19, 2017
“From Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day, Jene’s book celebrates womanhood. She begins as a young wife seeking the motivation she needs to lovingly divorce her husband. The passion of writing creates a link between nurturing her family and protecting her impish spirit. This book is a must-read for avoiding a bitter or destructive divorce. Its healing power embraces human weakness and allows for change within the context of society. I think the subtitle should be, “How to have a successful divorce.”
May 19, 2017
“I love this book and I identify with the life of this author. The book is readable and funny with great imagery. In a soft and subtle way, Jackson boosts my courage and holds my hand a bit in these challenging times. Thank you!”
December 19, 2016