What an emotional story that I had to cry at the bigotry of a mixed race and Jewish little girl who lived in a town of all white people. Her grandparents raised her after her mom's death and being sheltered in France, she had no clue what she would face in a village where there were only white faces. She was harassed in the school yard until the biggest kid defended and protected her. After graduating from high school she vowed to never return to a town that hated her so much. But, when she got a call that her grandmother needed her, she broke her vow. But she was too late as she was already dead. ( )

I was given “Jo Joe” from Pixel Hall Press for the purpose of participating in a book tour for this book. Excited, a little nervous and just curious about participating in my first book tour hosted by www.booksnifferreviewtours, I was more than happy to agree to the book.

*****

Author, Mrs. Sally Wiener Grotta, pens a fictional novel to resemble the memoirs of Judith Ormand. The story takes place in the small village of Black Bear, Pennsylvania. Judith if returning back to Black Bear after a seventeen year absence after her beloved grandmother passes away. Taken by surprise that her grandmother has passed, Judith knows that her return to Black Bear will bring back suppressed memories, deep-rooted emotions of herself as well as others and confrontations on a past that she has run away from.

Pulling into Dutch’s service station, an “enormous man, with his unkempt, thinning, dark blonde hair and that beer belly protruding over his low jeans” starts what becomes the avalanche of emotions for Judith. Joe Anderson is the new owner of Dutch’s. Shocked that the man who once was her best friend, the epitome of good looks and her crush; has just let himself go.

After arriving at the farm of her grandparents, Judith realizes that since she was last there seventeen years ago, not much has changed. The mezuzah is still on the door where grandpa placed it. Every bit of furniture is where it’s always been. The only thing different is that the sounds of her past are missing. It’s the quiet that sparks the flashback of memories that overwhelm Judith from the moment she walks through the door.

Setting herself on a strict one week deadline to get everything handled with the will, Judith walks in with a set mind of selling off everything. Her past in Black Bear was too traumatic to want to return. Plus, she had promised her grandmother that before she left for Paris, she wouldn’t return, ever. Confused, hurt and feeling betrayed by her grandmother, she agrees to never return. So, is she even making the right choice by returning?

The town folk response to learning of her return is mixed. With Judith being the only black citizen while she was growing up, she is subjected to the prejudice behaviors of many. If it wasn’t for Joe Anderson, she wouldn’t have had a friend her entire childhood. But it’s one pivotal moment in her past that changes everything between the two. The once friend now becomes distanced and uncaring. Confused and not knowing what she has done, Judith is left to deal with the horrific actions of people on her own.

Now that she has no ties other than property, Judith knows that she has no reason to stay. However, everything changes when she finds out that in her grandmothers will, property is left to the one person who betrayed her. Knowing that something’s wrong with the will, Judith is hell-bent on discovering why.

*****

In “Jo Joe” no topic is taboo. I’m 42 and grew up in Fort Worth, TX. I know how racial indifference can impact individuals. Never understanding how one can be judged by the color of their skin and religion just amazes me. It’s unfortunate that many people had to endure this kind of treatment. However, its part of our county’s past. This behavior still goes on despite the progress we’ve made in so many other areas.

The author does a great job at tackling everything from race, religion, and social economical standings. This book will make any reader stop and look at how they judge their fellow neighbors. It’s something that we all are guilty of at some point in our life. With a heavy message wrapped up in a wonderful but painful story, this book will be one that sparks many discussions amongst many people. Its stories like this that make us open our eyes to the world around us and realize that we all aren’t perfect. ( )

I was granted the opportunity to read this as an early review. This is such a great read. The book played out for me like I was watching a film. The emotions in this book are felt through the pages. Jo Joe is a book that should be used for discussion. Love, hate, bigotry, forgiveness, racism, and redemption are issues we should discuss. Young and old, rich and poor, black or white, Christian or Jew, we can all learn from each other. Sally Wiener Grotta's book is just a starting block. ( )

I won this as an early review and absolutely loved it! So well written, the story was moving and detailed....I could picture the farm, the town, the people....sad when it ended. ( )

I received this as an Early Reviewer's copy and it took me a bit to get into it. This was quite the story about Racism, Love, loss, forgiveness. It also had such great detail that I could actually picture the location and wished I was watching it as a movie.

Judith Ormand, a mixed race Jewish Girl, grew up in a variety of places, after her parents separation she was with her mother, then moved with her father for a short period after her mother was killed but was basically pushed out because her father had no room for her with his new life. So she ended up growing up in Black Bear Pennsylvania, with her granma and granmpa on their farm.

Judith (Jo) fell for Joe while growing up on the farm and Granma had her own agenda and didn't feel it was correct or in Jo's best interest to be with Joe and convinced Joe of this without Jo knowing. Joe liked Jo and protected her until such a time he was convinced that it was better for Jo to do what Granma said. Then Joe acted like most of the rest of the town and kids Jo was growing up with a racist.

Granma convinced Jo (Judith) to go far away and never come back to Black Bear and Judith never did until Granma passed away and there were things to handle.

Upon Judith's return her resentment toward Joe and of course his brother Wayne whom had done horrific things to her when she was younger held her back from wanting to stay very long and she wanted to get rid of the farm as quickly as possible. She came to find out that her Gram had done somethings with the farm and properties they owned that were very unexpected she had give care over to her enemy Joe Anderson. Judith was determined to find out what in the world her grandma was thinking and how Joe came to be so much a part of her grandma's life that he was even caring for her money in her last days of her life.

After a long awaited story from old friends and some explanation Do Jo and Joe become at least friends again or are the separated for ever. A must read to find out. ( )