James J. Hill Ordre des livres

Michael Kelley, a tough South Philly man shaped by tragedy and a challenging upbringing, finds himself facing a judge who presents him with two choices: serve time in jail or complete community service. Opting for the latter, he is thrust into the Mudflaps Tent Community for the Homeless along the Schuylkill River, a place he initially despises due to his bitter views on homelessness. As he grapples with his disdain, he meets two men who challenge his perceptions: Von, a resident of the community who seems out of place, and Marcus, a nonprofit worker who appears more suited to the environment. Through these encounters, Michael begins to question his judgments and confronts deeper issues of forgiveness—both for others and himself. This novel offers a compelling exploration of hope and the transformative power of understanding. It is suitable for middle school readers and young adults, providing an engaging narrative that encourages reflection on compassion and personal growth. The author, James, hails from Norristown, PA, and is a devoted single father to five daughters. His first novel, "When the Dandelions Sing," was published in March 2021.

When the Dandelions Sing"When The Dandelions Sing," is a warm, heartfelt story about a young boy named Ronnie Jefferson McFarland Jr., who is trying to understand the meaning of the word "purpose", and what his purpose is in life.His grammy, who nicknames him Jasper for some reason known only to her, and his grandad, give him valuable lessons through their own eyes, and a window to the past that sometimes gets overshadowed by bigger things in life, but never truly forgotten.While Ronnie's momma struggles with her life, he leans on others around him to gain perspective and a sense of understanding. He learns that even after people leave his world, their impact remains and he never stops learning from them. As it turns out, some of the best lessons in life come from those who seemingly have nothing left to give.Ronnie learns that a family is not always conventional, but oftentimes made up of the people you choose for yourself, and who choose you in return. He discovers that joy can be found in the smallest of things and the simplest of moments...for even among a field of perfect flowers, the simple dandelion can sing."Everything has purpose, and everything, a meaning beyond what we are even meant to understand. That's just the way it is. Purpose is not what we want it to be. It's simply what is meant to be."