Derek Jackson, A Man Inspired

A Man Inspired

Derek Jackson

Warner, Jan 2005, $12.95, 276 pp.

ISBN: 0446693529

Gifted orator Jermaine Hill has reached the pinnacle of American life. He is famous, wealthy, and has his choice of beautiful women desiring him. In spite of living what everyone assumes is the good life; Jermaine is depressed, having never recovered from the car accident that killed his best friends, even though the tragedy occurred nine years ago.

Freelance writer Candace Clark wants to do an article on Jermaine; he reluctantly agrees, perhaps because fame has left him lonely and she is a rarity as he is attracted to her. However, Candace is a pious soul and Jermaine's lifestyle leaves him undesirable even if she desires him. Meanwhile, Gossip columnist Chantal Dixon sees a story breaking with this couple; she hires a detective to trail the couple in hopes of capturing a romantic scoop, but instead captures something more valuable, Jermaine's suicide attempt.

A MAN INSPIRED is a strong, contemporary tale yet falls short due to a too easy resolution at the climax to complex issues. The storyline starts slow as the audience meets the interesting, despondent star while gaining insight into this suicidal soul, picks up when the inspirational Candace arrives in Hollywood, and goes stratospheric when the conniving Chantal takes aim at the couple. Well-written, Derek Jackson furbishes an intriguing story starring a multifaceted, tortured lead character, whose salvation comes too easily and abruptly.

Harriet Klausner