I’d like to think that Robert Whitlow has done his finest work to date. Not just because it’s a little off the beaten path of his other works. This is the best, and it is only the best because “Jimmy” has a heart of gold! Robert Whitlow shines with a new light!
Jimmy Mitchell knows he’s different from the other teenagers in the little town of Piney Grove, Georgia. He’s what people call “slow,” which means he doesn’t always understand what he sees and hears. But Jimmy sees and hears a lot, even the occasional “Watcher” (his mama calls them angels). And Jimmy remembers what he sees and hears with uncanny accuracy – which is why his lawyer father asks him to testify as a defense witness in a criminal trial.
Fans of Robert Whitlow’s best-selling legal thrillers praise his courtroom savvy, his rich Southern settings, his complex characters and spiritual sensitivity. To that legacy of expert storytelling, Jimmy adds a quieter, richer wisdom. Like Mark Twain and Harper Lee, he employs the limited viewpoint of an innocent child to illuminate complex human motives and often overlooked spiritual realities.
Peopled with a cast of Southern folk at once familiar and unexpected (an old man with a power pole in his backyard, a Sunday school teacher obsessed with his Studebaker, a bait-stealing fisherman), Jimmy provides an intimate, stirring reading experience–often funny, always compelling. From the first, riveting courtroom scene to the surprising, bittersweet finale, it’s a book that stretches the mind and steals the heart, leaving readers hungry for more.
- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 6, 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 9781595541598
- ISBN-13: 978-1595541598
- ASIN: 1595541594
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
Reader Quotes
ReaderIt is also like a 10 course meal–one that must be savored to be enjoyed. Be patient, enjoy the journey, and you will come away very satisfied, and longing to repeat the experience.
ReaderI truly enjoyed reading this book. The story was endearing and you are very quickly absorbed in it.A wonderful story of the life of a boy that has many challenges in his life, and as many accomplishments. At times I cheered and more than once had tears running down my cheeks.
33 Responses to Jimmy
I enjoyed this book very much. I wasn’t sure I liked the ending — I usualy like happy endings — but after reading the alternate ending, I agree that the published ending is the appropriate one. Wonderful character study of Jimmy and how he related his life the Godly principles.
I whole heartedly agree!!!!!!
I really enjoyed this novel. It gave so many inspirational moments on the character “Jimmy”. I have truly learned that a person with disabilies or “slow” can really teach adults a lot if they listen. Don’t judge a person based on the outward appearance, but from within. It reminded me to never forget my upbringing of respecting elders and the small things can truly make a Big difference in our lives,
I originally stumbled upon this book by accident, picking it up at a yard sale. It’s well worn binding and stained edges showed it to be a book that had been well read and much loved by it’s owner. I began reading it,unprepared for the emotional investment I was going to feel, and without the necessary box of tissues by my side.
This book is a work of art, an understanding into the simplicity of the human soul of a child the world tends to take for granted.
I eventually replaced my worn yard sale copy of this book with a new copy because it is a book I plan on having on my shelf for a long time to come.
Thank you for a wonderfully, inspirational novel that kept me reading until the very end. Jimmy is a character that is real and honest in such a sinful world. I was shocked and suprised by the ending, but was pleased with the reunion of Jimmy and his grandpa. You are a great author and I look forward to reading more of your novels!
Help! I finished Jimmy and would love to read a happier ending! It will not download. Can you tell me why, or send it to me by email? Thanks.
Looking forward to your new book in August!
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I like the alternate ending. Jimmy had so many other people to meet and change their way of thinking. He brought people to God by his simple words. What a messanger.
I loved the alternate ending. I just couldn’t believe that God was done with Jimmy! I thought the alternate ending was more realistic. This was my first Robert Whitlow book and I checked it out from my church library, where there is a whole row of his books. Needless to say, I’ll be checking out more! Awesome book. A must read… but be sure you have plenty of Kleenex!
I discovered Robert whitlow books by accident at the public library. Now I can’t get enough of them. The books are so realistic and such a blessing. Jimmy’s story relates strongly to a young boy I know. The alternate ending is my favorite. Now I am searching for my next Robert Whitlow book!
I didn’t mind that Jimmy died…even when I realized it was going that way and began insisting, “No, don’t let him die.” I read the alternate ending and feel Mr. Whitlow and the publisher went with the more effective ending. I did have a couple unanswered questions and thought maybe jumping ahead a year was too much of an attempt to tie it all neatly in a ribbon. However, Mr. Whitlow artistically wove a beautiful story of a very special boy. I like how he took his time telling the story, letting it slowly unfold into a quick-paced, heart pounding and emotionally shocking ending. I own several of Mr. Whitlow’s books. This one is completely out of the norm for him but extremely well-done. “The List” is still at the top of my list but this does take a close second.
That was a FAR better ending than the one in the book
I thought it really lent to God’s power to make us new.
I have never read a book that has touched my heart, soul and mind the way this one did. Both endings are a work of art and I appreciated them both. The original ending in the book, I feel, is the most realistic of what could happen, in a similar situation, in this world today. The alternate makes you feel good about Jimmy surviving and shows another perspective of how he touched lives. I can imagine how writing a book must be hard work and I would never criticize an author for his, or her, style of creativity. God has used Mr. Whitlow to help people see HIS goodness and may God always keep the Whitlow family in the palm of HIS hand.
finished reading jimmy and wanted to read the alternative ending because i wasn’t ready for the other one to end that way. Liked the alternative one much better.
I felt the alternate ending was much stronger. It continued Jimmy’s belief in “I can make all things new.” Also I didn’t care for the violence included in the published ending. The book overall is an incredibly strong piece of writing that will deeply touch every reader’s heart.
like both endings….
The bitter sweet ending was powerful. The short prayer of Jimmy’s father at the end said it all. Father make me more like my son and also like your Son. As tears came to my eyes, I too did some deep soul searching. Robert Whitlow is definitely one of my favorite authors.
I just finished the alternative ending. I love this book, but the published ending did not sit well with me. ending the story with all things made new in Jimmy’s life seemed so much more appropriate. I realize that the published ending was a page turner, but the alternate one by for closed the book. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS ENDING!
I was saddened by the book’s ending even though Jimmy’s reunion with his grandpa was joyous. I really liked the alternate ending with Jimmy overcoming his fear and being baptized.
This book has touched me in more ways than I can express. Jimmy’s innocence and wisdom surpasses that of any “normal” person. His relationship with everyone speaks of pure, selfless love. My heart broke when I read the ending and I couldn’t help breaking down.
How I wish we had more people with Jimmy’s heart and soul in this world.
As with every Robert Whitlow book I’ve read, I very much enjoyed the book, but I am torn as to which ending I prefer. The published ending was more fully developed, thus better in that regard, and I treasured the reunion with his grandfather. HOWEVER, the part of me that much prefers “happily ever after” obviously likes the alternate ending. There was just too much love, purity and faith inside Jimmy for me to reconcile myself to his death at the hands of such darkness…though it occurs to me as I write those words that Jesus was an example of exactly that scenario….
I have read all Robert Whitlows books and I realiized I had miss “Jimmy” I started reading and got into it quite quickly. I can somewhat relate to Jimmy because I drive Special Need kids to and from school in our district. I have met wonderful kids who mostly have autism or Downs Syndrome. This kids have such a beautiful minds and hearts in most cases. I love them all so much. Jimmy wound his life into my heart and I was heartbroken with the books ending . Many tissues! But the alternate ending made my day so much better If you are making a movie of Jmmy, please let him survive the ordeal and continue to change peoples lives
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“Jimmy” is the first Robert Whitlow book I have read and I loved it! However I didn’t care for the published ending. It didn’t seem right for both of the main characters to die. I felt that Jimmy had much more to accomplish in his earthly life and in the lives of those he loved. I much preferred the alternate ending and would love for that ending to be used in the movie version! I have gotten “The List” from the library and am looking forward to starting that next. I have a feeling I will work my way through all of Whitlow’s books!
Valuable information. Lucky me I discovered your web site by chance, and I’m stunned why this accident didn’t took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
I just returned from a vacation in the Dominica Republic. The villa where we were staying had a few of Robert Whitlow’s books in the library. My friend who was with us started to read one of the books and could not put it down, she really enjoyed the book. I was reading one of my favorite authors Harry Kraus M.D. books so I wanted to finish that first. On my return to Ontario I have ordered a series from our Christian Book Store. So looking forward to ready them.
This was last of all of the Whitlow Books that I read. Wow. The ending is better in the downloaded version of the Jimmy Book.
Mr. Whitlow – your books have been a blessing to my soul. Thank you.
I have a Jimmy myself did you research the story or live it The world does not understand neither does the family
I loved this book. It touched every emotion in me. I preferred the alternate ending. The ending in the book made cry too much.
I love all of Robert Whitlows books. I can’t wait til the new one comes out in August.
Thank you Mr Whitlow.
Beautiful book. Makes you think that maybe the world would be a better place if the “special” people were allowed to rule it.
It also reminds me of a simpler time, when I was in my youth, and children respected and loved their elders and parents without question.,
I picked this book up at Goodwill when I went to visit my 104 year old grandma. I needed reading material for my plane ride home. God definately guided me in my book selection because I just grabbed it, totally unaware of content. Loved it so much. I am a special Ed. Teacher and a little over a year ago became an Aunt to a blessing of a baby boy with Downs Syndrome. Beautiful portrayal of some of the most beautiful people on earth! I’m glad Jimmy realized the word special was a good thing!! Thanks and I’ll definately be reading more books by Robert Whitlow!
I volunteer in our church library and just
recently found your books. Jimmy was such
an inspiration to me, and I will recommend it
to everyone who is looking for a good book.
Thanks for the alternate ending. I wasn’t
ready for Jimmy to leave this world, although I know where we will all spend eternity if we
love Jesus.