Review of Hunt the Beloved

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hunt the Beloved" by JessieMay Kessler.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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JessieMay Kessler's book Hunt the Beloved describes her search to find a lifetime partner. Her narration is unique because many of her stories from her past are followed by notes she made after revealing these anecdotes to her therapist, Rev. Eaton. Kessler, also a therapist, is able to explain the significance that those events had on her present life.

This book is also unique because Hunt the Beloved is the middle book of a series, but they are not being published in order. This book is a coming-of-age story starting around age 14, but there are some backstories of the author's earlier childhood. I agree with the author that the books can be read in any order.

I liked the juxtaposition of the writer's memoir and the notes from her therapy. Kessler was able to capture the essence of a teenage girl's emotions with all the drama, passion and hormones that come with that age. Following each story with a psychological interpretation was intriguing. I also liked the original photographs, which added credibility.

Kessler's 44 chapters outline her quest to find a mate beginning in the fourth grade. She details her encounters with various male companions through her formative years. One negative for me is that half-way through this saga, the excitement wanes, the author matures, and the therapist notes lessen. The pace picks up again around the thirtieth chapter when wedding preparations begin.

Another negative for me is the ending. Even though the author explains that the reason for ending abruptly is because "the details are woven into the next book," I felt unsettled. Because of these two negatives, I am deducting one star. My rating is four out of five stars. There is no reason to deduct points for grammar errors because it has been impeccably edited. There is some sexual content, but it is tastefully described and not pornographic. Profanity is minimal. Readers who are bothered by spousal abuse descriptions might want to skip this book. I am still trying to understand the components of the cover. I may need to reread the book to figure it out.

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Hunt the Beloved
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Blueberry Dragon]

Yes, the cover is intriguing, indeed, apart from the title, of course. Could it be that the photographs represent some of the companions she has met over the years and the woman is reminiscing about them while looking at the photos? Thanks for the lovely review, @Diana Lowery.

[Diana Lowery]

Yes, the cover is intriguing, indeed, apart from the title, of course. Could it be that the photographs represent some of the companions she has met over the years and the woman is reminiscing about them while looking at the photos? Thanks for the lovely review, @Diana Lowery.

I am sure you are right about the picture gallery; I just can't understand why the woman is standing so close to that one photo and whose photo is it.

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hunt the Beloved" by JessieMay Kessler.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

JessieMay Kessler's book Hunt the Beloved describes her search to find a lifetime partner. Her narration is unique because many of her stories from her past are followed by notes she made after revealing these anecdotes to her therapist, Rev. Eaton. Kessler, also a therapist, is able to explain the significance that those events had on her present life.

This book is also unique because Hunt the Beloved is the middle book of a series, but they are not being published in order. This book is a coming-of-age story starting around age 14, but there are some backstories of the author's earlier childhood. I agree with the author that the books can be read in any order.

I liked the juxtaposition of the writer's memoir and the notes from her therapy. Kessler was able to capture the essence of a teenage girl's emotions with all the drama, passion and hormones that come with that age. Following each story with a psychological interpretation was intriguing. I also liked the original photographs, which added credibility.

Kessler's 44 chapters outline her quest to find a mate beginning in the fourth grade. She details her encounters with various male companions through her formative years. One negative for me is that half-way through this saga, the excitement wanes, the author matures, and the therapist notes lessen. The pace picks up again around the thirtieth chapter when wedding preparations begin.

Another negative for me is the ending. Even though the author explains that the reason for ending abruptly is because "the details are woven into the next book," I felt unsettled. Because of these two negatives, I am deducting one star. My rating is four out of five stars. There is no reason to deduct points for grammar errors because it has been impeccably edited. There is some sexual content, but it is tastefully described and not pornographic. Profanity is minimal. Readers who are bothered by spousal abuse descriptions might want to skip this book. I am still trying to understand the components of the cover. I may need to reread the book to figure it out.

******
Hunt the Beloved
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I wonder if this book would be helpful for teenage girls and young women who may be going through the same kind of struggles the author did? This memoir is intriguing as the author lets the reader get inside her mind. People rarely give up so much of their privacy. Thank you for reviewing this book.

[Diana Lowery]

Thank you for your comment. You are right about the author sharing so much about her personal life.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I like these kinds of memoirs, and adding the therapy session notes is a unique touch. What isn't unique, however, is the rushed ending to set up book 2. I'm encountering this more often than I'd like at the moment. The thing is that it doesn't always endear me to want to read the sequel.

[Diana Lowery]

I like these kinds of memoirs, and adding the therapy session notes is a unique touch. What isn't unique, however, is the rushed ending to set up book 2. I'm encountering this more often than I'd like at the moment. The thing is that it doesn't always endear me to want to read the sequel.

Thanks, Stephen, I feel the same way.

[Lawrence Stein]

I think this book will have some fist-hand experience in the search for love for those that might find themselves in the same situation. Thanks for this thorough review.

[Nneka Bridget]

Kessler's approach in "Hunt the Beloved" sounds intriguing, especially with the blend of personal anecdotes and therapy notes. The exploration of her teenage emotions likely resonates with many readers. It's interesting to hear that the excitement fluctuates throughout the chapters and that the ending leaves something to be desired. It's also good to know that the book is well-edited, which can enhance the reading experience. The themes of seeking a partner and the insights into her past seem compelling, although readers should be mindful of the sensitive topics mentioned.

[Diana Lowery]

Thank you for commenting. I see that you are a very prolific poster.

[Diana Lowery]

I think this book will have some fist-hand experience in the search for love for those that might find themselves in the same situation. Thanks for this thorough review.

Thanks for reading my review and leaving a comment.

[Mary John 10]

Hunt the Beloved by JessieMay Kessler chronicles her journey to find a lifetime partner, blending personal anecdotes with reflections from her therapy sessions with Rev. Eaton. As a therapist herself, Kessler offers insight into how the events of her past shaped her present, weaving a narrative that explores love, self-discovery, and the emotional depth behind her quest for a meaningful relationship.

[Nati Jiniya]

Thank you for this beautiful review! The book sounds interesting and unique, I'd love to give it a try. I don't have much experince with this genre, so it would be adventurous.