Jeff Hampton

I haven't yet had the chance to visit the Port Aransas area of Texas (yet), but from author Jeff Hampton's descriptions, it has the same sleepy feel of other touristy beach locations I am familiar with, rife with locals that my dad would describe as "characters". Aransas Morning is a wonderful character study with enough well-developed action to drive the plot forward and create some excellent tension.

The pace of the book is slow and easy, and I slipped into its rhythm like the ebb and flow of the water lapping against the shoreline. I was quickly drawn into the story of each of the characters; Hampton does a lovely job of bringing them to life and giving them a depth I wasn't expecting. Each is a bit flawed and real and likable. The men in the book are each running away from their past in one way or another. Sam was the most fascinating to me, having completely thrown aside his old life - and lifestyle - and seemingly taken himself in a completely different direction. I think at one point in time we've all been frustrated or devastated or heartbroken and wanted to chuck everything and run away, and the depiction of Sam's life when he's done just that is both honest and sad.However, as this group of five people come together, they slowly become like family, and each regains their purpose, their reason for being, and a few find self-forgiveness. Giving a little of themselves let them regain what they were missing, and that is a wonderful, quiet message in itself. I enjoyed watching each character rediscover themselves in some way, stepping well outside their comfort zones at times.

Aransas Morning is a lovely story about community, and how family isn't always the one you are born into. In fact, sometimes the least likely people end up being the ones who mean the most to us, in all their messy, infuriating, complicated selves.

I was sad to see this book end, as I wanted to know what happened next in the lives of these people I had become so invested in. While this book worked wonderfully as a stand alone, I was tickled to learn that a sequel will be following, so I don't quite have to let go of all these wonderful characters.

I was provided an review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.… (lisätietoja)

Jeff Hampton has written a wonderful allegory of the Old Testament story of Jonah and the whale. This modern interpretation of the parable puts Jonah in the belly of big business, in the form of a non-productive business that he, as a troubleshooter, is supposed to fix. What happens instead will make you think about the story in the Bible.
Jonah wants to show King Lord that he knows better, so he strikes out on his own. King Lord told him to go to the Ninevah Corporation, but Jonah does not want to.

“”…they’re a heartless, despicable business that deserves whatever trouble they’ve created for themselves.”

He wants a job that he thinks is more worthwhile. So he goes to Tarshish Manufacturing where everything he does is wrong, even though he knows it should be right. At this point, he finds out who is really in charge. What he does when he realizes this will make you understand the lesson taught in a modern context.

“…within forty-eight hours of King Lord’s call, Jonah was in the lobby of Ninevah Corp.”

His faith is tested as he learns that obedience is the way to peace.
Jeff Hampton has worked near corporate boardrooms in his capacity of news reporter. This is where he drew his thoughts of faith and doubt. He is a graduate of Baylor University and a long-time member of Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas. He and his wife, LeAnn, live in the old downtown district of Garland.… (lisätietoja)

What if happenstance catapulted you into the national spotlight as a “third party candidate” for president of the United States? That is exactly what happened to Jack Dodger in Grandpa Jack by Jeff Hampton. Jack is an almost 70 year-old, retired man who just wanted to play cards with his friends in the back of his “retirement” barbershop business and spend time with his granddaughter, Wendy, dubbed by Jack as his “Little Blossom” and his constant canine companion, Blackie. What ensues is a sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes passionate run for the presidency with a motley crew of people as advisors and the backing of the Golden Eagles, a national organization of senior citizens.

The campaign workers had to make decisions on a “platform”, make plans on how and where to campaign and most of all pick a running mate for Jack. When Wendy volunteered to be the VP candidate, media aide Billy Briar used that to answer questions about the search.

“Jack did not like playing verbal games and initially he was uneasy with the implied meaning of the statement – that they had talked to a “real” contender. But Billy reasoned that they had indeed spoken to a candidate – even though she was just in grade school – and in truth they had not heard from others yet, though they had no idea who those others were.”

With this accomplished, they began to campaign in earnest. The road to the White House was filled with surprises, meeting new people and winning them over to their way of thinking. How did Jack run his campaign? What promises did he make? What were the obstacles and rallying points? Will he make it all of the way to the White House and the Presidency? Read this stimulating and attention-grabbing take on the presidency to see what happens.
Grandpa Jack is a quick, enjoyable read. You will enjoy the premise put forth as well as the tale of this senior citizen hero. I know I did and I am looking forward to future books like this from Mr. Hampton.
Jeff Hampton has covered election campaigns and the civic and business leaders who have shaped the Greater Dallas region. His bylines have appeared in publications such as the Dallas Morning News and The New York Times. He is the author/editor of several regional and corporate history books. He is the co-creator of “The Last Cowboy” an award winning stage play. He now lives in old downtown Garland with his wife, LeAnn.… (lisätietoja)