Review of Jellybeaners

Post by **Vivian Stones** » 14 Apr 2022, 18:23

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jellybeaners" by Gene Scott.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Children are crying and in shock. Vane Sarge Walker arrives at the scene along with the Mount Vernon Volunteer Fire Department. Ashley, a three-year-old, seems to be the current victim of the pill mill tree of shame. Ashley's doll is found with a broken neck. Sarge promises to get to the root of the matter and bring the culprits to justice. Who are the brains behind the pill mill? Is Ashley the only one affected?

Samantha, Sarge's granddaughter, is required to keep a journal to stay out of jail. She asks Mr. Stephens not to burn her journal as he said he would. Through this journal, we learn about her boyfriend Jasper and how she had been the subject of ridicule because of her height. What more is there to discover about Samantha? What secrets can a simple journal hold? Read this book to find out more.

Jellybeaners by Gene Scott holds a special place in my heart because of the numerous positive aspects I found while reading the book. The book captures growth in teenagers as I watched the characters grow and make certain decisions due to this growth. I loved Samantha as a character. She was brilliant and knowledgeable. I learned a lot about history from her. She talked about things that would have prevented the invasion of the Taliban and how people leaving things incomplete can cause issues. She had a disdain for addiction to drugs and technology as she felt that teenagers were losing most of their time to the internet while missing out on life.

I took a liking to Sarge's personal identification phrase, "don't start what you can't finish." The book covers a lot of themes like corruption. It talked about how criminals benefit from loopholes in acts and laws and how some officials are willing to bend the laws for money and other enticements. Samantha talks about how reliance on drugs can be curbed, and it was devastating to discover the percentage of people addicted to drugs. It also takes about domestic violence, love, and betrayal. A theme I found very noteworthy was the theme of rape. Although this was not discussed in a lengthy manner, I could see why some rape victims refuse to sue, and I was unhappy about the questions that the judge asked the culprit as I believe that a victim of rape shouldn't be accused of being the cause of their pain.

I found only an error while reading this book, and the only problem I encountered was that I found it challenging to understand the story at first; however, the author quickly resolved the situation.

Since I cannot find any reason to deduct any star from my rating, I rate this book four out of four stars. It was an informative and worthwhile read for me. I recommend the book to anyone interested in crime-related novels and anyone suffering from an addiction. This book would prove to be a life changer.

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Jellybeaners
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Precious_Nzeakor · Post by **Precious_Nzeakor** » 21 Apr 2022, 09:17

What is the connection between the scene mentioned in the beginning and the rest of the review?

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 22 Apr 2022, 04:20

I'd like to find out if Ashley is affected.

Ay Obaj · Post by **Ay Obaj** » 26 Apr 2022, 06:08

I love it when books storyline are constructed perfectly, and contains every single element of thrill. A book like this will surely wow any reader. Thanks for a honest review.

Post by **Joshua Sawders** » 14 May 2024, 07:45

Howdy! After reading your review, it seems like Jellybeaners by Gene Scott would be a mighty fine read. With themes like corruption, addiction, and personal growth, it appears to be a thought-provoking and informative novel. I reckon I'll give it a go, especially since it garnered a solid four out of four stars from you. Thanks for sharing your insights and reckon I'll add this one to my reading list! Compelling narrative, drew me in from the start.

Idris Alooma · Post by **Idris Alooma** » 28 Jul 2024, 02:29

After reading this review, I reckon "Jellybeaners" by Gene Scott seems like a mighty good read. This book tackles various important themes such as corruption, addiction, and domestic violence. The characters' growth and decision-making add depth to the story, especially Samantha with her knowledge and disdain for technology addiction. The author shows understanding of societal issues like rape and how victims shouldn't be blamed. With only a minor initial difficulty in understanding the story, this book receives a solid four out of five stars. Y'all should give it a go! Evocative descriptions, brought scenes to life vividly.

Onyemuwa-dave · Post by **Onyemuwa-dave** » 10 Jul 2025, 08:26

It's clear that Samantha's character, with her brilliance, historical knowledge, and disdain for addiction, deeply resonated with you. Your appreciation for the book's coverage of serious themes like corruption, drug reliance, and especially the sensitive topic of rape, shows the depth and impact of the narrative.

Sunitha A R · Post by **Sunitha A R** » 15 Jul 2025, 01:41

The characters described in here are wonderful. Learning about corruption seems very interesting to me. I might add this to my reading list. Thanks for the review!

Helen Waziri · Post by **Helen Waziri** » 15 Jul 2025, 08:19

This comment demonstrates Jellybeaners' ability to blend crime fiction with contemporary themes in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking. A story that examines issues like drug abuse, corruption, and trauma from the perspective of a teenager like Samantha is compelling. I particularly enjoy how her journal acts as a tool for her personal development as well as a window into her world. This is more than just a normal crime novel because of the combination of powerful themes, emotional depth, and moral reflection. It seems like a book that makes an impression that lasts in addition to telling a gripping tale.