By: Lilia Fabry

Book Review: “Amy Lynn” by Jack July: a Character Study in True Virtue

I must admit, I felt trepidation over reading a book named after its main character, but you can’t judge a book by its name. However, combined with the cover of a little girl with an assault rifle, you can judge a book by its cover.

Blurb for “Amy Lynn:” Come fall in love with a little Southern Christian Girl as well as her eclectic family as she grows into a woman, a very special woman with very special skills. Life is a journey, Amy Lynn takes a wild one.
As suggested by the above, Amy Lynn is no ordinary girl, yet she somehow transcends into an every girl, in which anyone can relate to at least one of her experiences, but probably not all. During the first third or so, I would make the book mandatory reading for any grade to middle school girl, but the book takes dark turns not necessarily suitable for children. The book also carries a disclaimer warning readers less than 16 years of age.

Adults, however, will find that as the subject matter gets deeper, they are more pulled into the story and invested in the future of the Braxton family. Amy herself is part what we all are, and part what we all wish we could be. But what truly makes the story stand out is all the challenges Amy faces and how they take a toll on her while building her up. Her family is also a huge influence from the prostitute-turned-benefactor Carlo Jo to the uncle formerly known as “Hatchet Jack.”

Unlike other stories that paint small town Southerners to their respective extremes of inbred hicks OR most humble, polite people in the world, “Amy Lynn” features the best and worst of both, and remembers above all else that Southerners are people first, not clichés.

The last third of the book truly picks up the pace, and I found myself neglecting other things in order to finish, so don’t despair if you’re not hooked right away, you will be! At only $3.99 on Amazon, it is well worth the cost.

I also have it on good authority that a second book is in the works from Jack July. (Hooray!)

More on “Amy Lynn”:

Find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Lynn-Jack-July-ebook/dp/B00B8CKJI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408466862&sr=8-1&keywords=amy+lynn

Find it on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18298233-amy-lynn

Lilia Fabry is the author of “Ordinance 93,” (link to: http://www.amazon.com/Ordinance-93-L-Fabry-ebook/dp/B00H5BRD0W/ref=la_B00H5W51PA_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407964959&sr=1-1) a novel set in a world where having a baby without permission is against the law and follows the first four people to break it. She also writes about everything from reaction injection molding to low fat recipes while indulging her need for creative outlets including novels and screenplays. Find out more on her site (link to: http://www.lfabry.com) or her Twitter feed (link to: http://www.twitter.com/lfabry93)