the essay yokum

Robin Yocum

Jimmy Lee Hickam, with the help of some and to the consternation of others, fights to create a new destiny and future for himself. Jimmy Lee grew up in the poorest part of Appalachian Ohio with a family history of trouble. His family has been in the same Appalachian hills for generations, and they included moonshiners, drunkards, and thieves. Jimmy Lee is convinced that he will be the same until a coach and a teacher take a chance on him.

Jimmy Lee’s ability to play football, and a coach who believed in him, kept him in school his junior year. Jimmy Lee’s English teacher takes a chance on him and saves his eligibility for the upcoming football season. That faith results in a fabulous essay that few believe Jimmy Lee wrote.

This is a story of finding a door outside of one’s current situation and a way to transcend the times and judgments of others. It is a celebration of students who surprise themselves and the adults who believe in them.

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“A heart-rending tale . . . with deep insights. The writing is plain and unadorned, and completely in tune with the people and place. Highly recommended.”

— Midwest Book Review

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The essay : a novel

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The Essay: A Novel Kindle Edition

• Print length 257 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher Arcade
• Publication date Oct. 8 2012
• Reading age 16 years and up
• File size 931 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
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About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XQ7ZTBH
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Arcade; Reprint edition (Oct. 8 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 931 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 257 pages
• #346 in Coming of Age Fiction for Young Adults
• #665 in Sports Fiction (Kindle Store)
• #893 in Sports Fiction (Books)

About the author

Robin yocum.

Robin Yocum is the Edgar-nominated author known for his fiction set in the Ohio River Valley.

His next novel, The Sacrifice of Lester Yates, will be released in the spring of 2021 by Arcade CrimeWise, an imprint of Arcade Publishing.

He is the author of five additional works of fiction:

A Perfect Shot

A Welcome Murder

A Brilliant Death

Favorite Sons

Favorite Sons was named the 2011 Book of the Year for Mystery/Suspense by USA Book News. A Brilliant Death was a Barnes & Noble No. 1 bestseller and a finalist for both the 2017 Edgar Award and the Silver Falchion Award for best adult mystery.

Yocum joined the Columbus Dispatch in 1980. He worked at the paper for 11 years, including six years as the senior reporter on the investigative desk. He won more than 30 local, state and national journalism awards in categories ranging from investigative reporting to feature writing.

Prior to joining the Dispatch, Yocum was the associate sports editor of the Martins Ferry, Ohio, Times Leader, and a reporter for the Lancaster, Ohio, Eagle-Gazette.

He is the principle at Yocum Communications, a public relations and marketing consulting firm in Galena, Ohio, that he founded in 2001.

Yocum grew up in the Ohio River village of Brilliant, Ohio, and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University.

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The Essay: A Novel Hardcover – 9 Oct. 2012

• ISBN-10 1611457661
• ISBN-13 978-1611457667
• Publisher Arcade Publishing
• Publication date 9 Oct. 2012
• Language English
• Dimensions 15.24 x 16 x 22.86 cm
• Print length 256 pages
• See all details

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Customers find the themes inspiring, thoughtful, and well-written. They also describe the book as an excellent American novel.

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Customers find the themes in the book inspiring, descriptive, and believable. They also say it's one of the most beautiful stories they've read.

" Inspiring , thoughtful and simply written, this is the story of a boy from the wrong side of town who makes good...." Read more

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"This was just a lovely book. Full of hope and joy . Would definitely recommend to anybody looking for a good book. Not a great book but a good one...." Read more

"The Essay by Robin Yokum is one of the most beautyful stories I ever read.I hope to find a translation in Dutch for my bookclub...." Read more

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"An exceptionally well written American novel , in which the scene is set in a completely run down redundant mining community in Vista County, Ohio..." Read more

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The Essay: A Novel by Robin Yocum

Jimmy Lee Hickam grew up along Red Dog Road, a dead-end strip of gravel and mud buried deep in the bowels of Appalachian Ohio. It is the poorest road, in the poorest county, in the poorest region of the state. To make things worse, the name Hickam is synonymous with trouble. Jimmy Lee ...

Introduction

Jimmy Lee Hickam grew up along Red Dog Road, a dead-end strip of gravel and mud buried deep in the bowels of Appalachian Ohio. It is the poorest road, in the poorest county, in the poorest region of the state. To make things worse, the name Hickam is synonymous with trouble. Jimmy Lee hails from a heathen mix of thieves, moonshiners, drunkards, and general anti-socials that for decades have clung to both the hardscrabble hills and the iron bars of every jail cell in the region. This life, Jimmy Lee believes, is his destiny, someday working with his drunkard father at the sawmill, or sitting next to his arsonist brother in the penitentiary. There aren’t many options if your last name is Hickam.   

An inspiring coach and Jimmy Lee's ability to play football are the only things motivating him to return for his junior year of high school—until his visionary English teacher cuts him a break and preserves his eligibility for the coming football season. To thank her, Jimmy Lee writes a winning essay in the high school writing contest. When irate parents and the baffled administration claim he has cheated, his teacher is inspired to take his writing talent as far as it can go, showing him the path out of the hills of Appalachia.            

Terrific characterizations, surprising revelations, gut-wrenching past betrayals, and an unforgettable cast of characters born of the dusty, worn-out landscape of southeastern Ohio make The Essay a powerful, evocative, and incredibly moving novel.  

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A must read novel!

Excellent coming-of-age story about a young man growing up in one of the poorest areas of Ohio in the early 1970's. Yocum creates well developed characters that the reader cares about. I highly recommend... (read more)

I like a book with redemption. In this book the characters got what they deserved, by and large. It was a feel-good story where your underdog favorite comes out on top.

JImmy Lee Hickman was labeled as a nobody from the time he was born. He was poor, from a bad family and Jimmy himself did not feel like he had a shot at life. It is amazing what one or two positive people... (read more)

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• By Kelly - Write Well Academy on 04-16-12

Editorial reviews

Robin Yocum's novel The Essay is an inspiring and humorous story about Jimmy Lee Hickam, a kid who lives in rural Ohio. As Jimmy sees it, when he grows up, he'll either be locked up or boozing and working at the mill. A teacher shows Jimmy, though, that there just may be another way to get out of Appalachia. Listening to Fleet Cooper is a joy. He brings to life a variety of characters, from gruff drunkards to Jimmy's idealistic teacher. Cooper's performance can be anywhere from quiet and touching to loud and bellicose.

Publisher's summary

Jimmy Lee Hickam grew up along Red Dog Road, a dead-end strip of gravel and mud buried deep in the bowels of Appalachian Ohio. It is the poorest road, in the poorest county, in the poorest region of the state. To make things worse, the name Hickam is synonymous with trouble. Jimmy Lee hails from a heathen mix of thieves, moonshiners, drunkards, and general anti-socials that for decades have clung to both the hardscrabble hills and the iron bars of every jail cell in the region. This life, Jimmy Lee believes, is his destiny, someday working with his drunkard father at the sawmill, or sitting next to his arsonist brother in the penitentiary. There aren’t many options if your last name is Hickam.

An inspiring coach and Jimmy Lee's ability to play football are the only things motivating him to return for his junior year of high school - until his visionary English teacher cuts him a break and preserves his eligibility for the coming football season. To thank her, Jimmy Lee writes a winning essay in the high school writing contest. When irate parents and the baffled administration claim he has cheated, his teacher is inspired to take his writing talent as far as it can go, showing him the path out of the hills of Appalachia.

Terrific characterizations, surprising revelations, gut-wrenching past betrayals, and an unforgettable cast of characters born of the dusty, worn-out landscape of southeastern Ohio make The Essay a powerful, evocative, and incredibly moving novel.

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What listeners say about The Essay

• 5 out of 5 stars 4.9 out of 5.0
• 5 Stars 1,494
• 4 Stars 155
• 5 Stars 1,386
• 4 Stars 144
• 5 Stars 1,372
• 4 Stars 145

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews, amazon reviews.

• Overall 5 out of 5 stars
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars
• Story 5 out of 5 stars

• Selene Rackley

Absolute Wonder of a Story<br /><br /><br /><br />

I have been so moved by this book. I can't recommend it enough. This is a rare story that will stick with me quite a while. I will no doubt listen to it again and will buy the hard back copy just to own it. I love books, and read often, but this story touched me as few do this much.

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10 people found this helpful

Inspiring and a solid story!

I enjoyed this story a lot, it was full of perseverance and strength. If you ever think you are not good enough, read this. The narrator was very good, enjoyable to listen to. The story made me think about the importance that teachers and coaches play in the lives of young people.

2 people found this helpful

• Overall 4 out of 5 stars
• Story 4 out of 5 stars

• Amye Greene

Honest, Raw, Hopeful

I thought this was a great story about love, adversity and hope. The narrator adequately conveyed the author's tone and the idiosyncratic space and culture that hosts the characters. I listened in one sitting.

New favorite author for my list

I liked everything about this one. Great storytelling, uplifting, drama, the narrator was great. Looking for more from this author

• Performance 4 out of 5 stars

Surprisingly good

A really good story, uplifting but not overly sentimental. I was a bit skeptical of the many positive reviews, but they are deserved. This is an engaging story; very good narration.

A pure dose of happiness

If you are one of those people who believe a book isn't good unless everyone dies, everyone suffers, and the bad guys win, don't read this wonderful story about a young man who pulls himself up from poverty--with a little bit of help from truly well-meaning adults. I loved all the characters, even the nasty ones, which were drawn realistically. Sure, the father was a bit cartoonish in his rotteness, but I can forgive this because I know men out there exist who are exactly like him. One criticism is that the time period--1970s--wasn't as well drawn as it could have been.

heartfelt 💕

underdog over coming.. great story 👏 I recommend reading this book 😁 GOD BLESS

• Ralph Sherman

Great Story

Nice to be able to experience an uplifting positive story so well written and performed.

Wonderful and Heartwarming

Just love this author. Well written, narrated well. I hope you have many more for me.

• Anonymous User

Loved the real characters and the fact that the story seems so real and as hard as it is to believe this story is real life to many people in this world! Thank you

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9781628727173

Robin Yocum

Skyhorse Publishing

08 October 2012

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Sorry, there was a problem., the essay: a novel audible audiobook – unabridged.

Jimmy Lee Hickam grew up along Red Dog Road, a dead-end strip of gravel and mud buried deep in the bowels of Appalachian Ohio. It is the poorest road, in the poorest county, in the poorest region of the state. To make things worse, the name Hickam is synonymous with trouble. Jimmy Lee hails from a heathen mix of thieves, moonshiners, drunkards, and general anti-socials that for decades have clung to both the hardscrabble hills and the iron bars of every jail cell in the region. This life, Jimmy Lee believes, is his destiny, someday working with his drunkard father at the sawmill, or sitting next to his arsonist brother in the penitentiary. There aren’t many options if your last name is Hickam.

An inspiring coach and Jimmy Lee's ability to play football are the only things motivating him to return for his junior year of high school - until his visionary English teacher cuts him a break and preserves his eligibility for the coming football season. To thank her, Jimmy Lee writes a winning essay in the high school writing contest. When irate parents and the baffled administration claim he has cheated, his teacher is inspired to take his writing talent as far as it can go, showing him the path out of the hills of Appalachia.

Terrific characterizations, surprising revelations, gut-wrenching past betrayals, and an unforgettable cast of characters born of the dusty, worn-out landscape of southeastern Ohio make The Essay a powerful, evocative, and incredibly moving novel.

• Listening Length 7 hours and 56 minutes
• Author Robin Yocum
• Narrator Fleet Cooper
• Audible release date February 8, 2013
• Language English
• Publisher Audible Studios
• ASIN B00BD1RCME
• Version Unabridged
• Program Type Audiobook
• See all details

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 77% 17% 3% 1% 1% 77%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 77% 17% 3% 1% 1% 17%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 77% 17% 3% 1% 1% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 77% 17% 3% 1% 1% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 77% 17% 3% 1% 1% 1%

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Customers say

Customers find the storyline powerful, enjoyable, and fine. They also praise the writing quality as well-written, convincing, and well-developed. Readers describe the characters as well believable and well developed. They appreciate the meaningful messages and themes, such as good overcame evil. Opinions are mixed on the page-turning ability, with some finding it hard to put down and others saying it's a rollercoaster.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the storyline powerful, refreshing, and enjoyable. They also say the book makes their hearts full, with excellent coverage of setting, plot, and character development. Customers also mention the book is an amazing story of abject poverty and one person's fight to overcome it. They describe the twists as wonderful and the characters as loveable and hateable.

"The Essay is a wonderful story of redemption and the mystery of why people can accomplish so much more than the world gives them a chance to do...." Read more

"It was refreshing to read a well written novel with excellent coverage in terms of setting, plot, and characterization...." Read more

"...4 of the characters and the fact that there was an intense story that was really relatable ...." Read more

"...recommend this book to parents and educators and anyone who loves a great story that makes you cry, cheer, and with a few surprises to keep you..." Read more

Customers find the writing quality of the book well written, with great characterization. They also appreciate the word usage and creativity, and say the author is talented.

"Book club selection. Well written ." Read more

"...Beautifully written and very convincing ." Read more

"...The author has a great command of the English language, description , realistic fiction, and historical value in his writing...." Read more

" Easy interesting read ." Read more

Customers find the characters well developed and believable. They also appreciate the author's cool way of describing people and places.

"I thought both the story and the main character was inspiring . Also a good description of both the beauty and hardship of southern Appalachia" Read more

"...I read a lot of heavy stuff and loved the pace, 4 of the characters and the fact that there was an intense story that was really relatable...." Read more

"...I thought the character development was excellent . A few of the reviewers complained that the characters were over stereotyped and unrealistic...." Read more

"...These characters became real to me ." Read more

Customers find the themes in the book meaningful, with lessons to be shared. They also appreciate the understanding of human nature, and the touching view of relationships. Readers also say the author has a marvelous gift for telling a story. They mention that the book is about friendship, hope, redemption, and justice.

"...This book may be fictional, but it demonstrates the influence good teachers can and do have on their students...." Read more

"... Poignant cultural issues were candidly addressed . I highly recommend this novel to readers seeking a valid reading experience." Read more

"...I loved his character and loved the brother ...." Read more

"It was an easy read and one where good overcame evil !..." Read more

Customers find the pacing of the book great. They say the plot develops quickly and takes twists and turns. They also mention that everything moves along and comes together well.

"...A quick , funny and inspiring read." Read more

"...I read a lot of heavy stuff and loved the pace , 4 of the characters and the fact that there was an intense story that was really relatable...." Read more

"This is a superb novel. The characterization is great, and the plotting kept me on edge with my concerns about how the protagonist's hopes might..." Read more

"...as a feel good morale tale, but the prose is good and the story moves quickly . The positive reviews are accurate here." Read more

Customers find the story realistic, revealing, interesting, mysterious, and heartfelt. They also say the book contains painful truths for today's youth.

"...There is much painful truth in these pages for many of today's youth.The Essay held my interest from the first page to the last." Read more

"Tough, gripping, mysterious and heartfelt. So many lessons, relationships that are tough and others that are so good, great read!" Read more

"...He really had me rooting for the main characters. It was revealing and heartbreaking to learn how poverty affects people living in Ohio's..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book! Lots of surprises !" Read more

Customers find the book difficult to read, with lessons and tough relationships. They also mention that the book brings tears to their eyes.

"...The reader is moved to laughter, anger, indignation, and tears in this story ...." Read more

" Tough , gripping, mysterious and heartfelt. So many lessons, relationships that are tough and others that are so good, great read!" Read more

"...It was revealing and heartbreaking to learn how poverty affects people living in Ohio's Appalachians...." Read more

"Quick read, life isn’t easy, tenacity is required . I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Will recommend to my husband who rarely reads books." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the page-turning ability of the book. Some find it hard to put down, while others say it's a rollercoaster that makes it difficult to put the book down.

"Great read, hard to put down . Well told and puts the reader right in the story. I’ll read this author again" Read more

"...An emotional rollercoaster that makes it difficult to put the book down ." Read more

"I loved this book. Couldn’t put it down ...." Read more

" Couldn’t put it down ." Read more

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Category : Maps of Ulyanovsk city

Media in category "maps of ulyanovsk city".

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• Maps of Ulyanovsk Oblast
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