Jump When Ready

By: David Pandolfe

Narrated by: Maxwell Glick

In the afterlife, Henry has remained with the same group of teenagers, and he keeps wondering why. After all, what could he possibly have in common with a Mohawk-sporting punker from the 80s, a roller skater from the 70s with a thing for kimonos, and an English "rocker" from the 60s? Henry can hear the other groups but he never sees them. Soon, Henry learns that his new friends all possess unique skills that allow them to be noticed by the living. Is Henry's group kept isolated because of their abilities? If so, are they considered gifted, or seen only as a potential bad influence?

Before Henry can reach any conclusions, he witnesses his sister being kidnapped. He knows who did it, where she's being held, and what will happen if the kidnappers don't get what they want. As the police chase false leads, Henry comes to realize that he's his sister's only hope. But for Henry to even have a chance he has to convince a group of teenagers that dead doesn't mean helpless.

©2014 David Pandolfe (P)2015 David Pandolfe

Critic reviews

"The combination of coming-of-age, philosophical and thriller story comes together to make a fascinating and engaging book." (The Real Bookshelves of Room 918)

"A fun read with endearing characters and a quick-moving plot. Jump When Ready is not a book to miss." (Portland Book Review)

" Jump When Ready had a great paranormal twist added to it. I appreciated the subtlety of it more than anything else, the idea of ghosts and haunting doesn't play as big a role as trust, self-realization, and essentially, coming-of-age, even if it is after death." (Bound by Words)

" Jump When Ready combines charm and suspense in a sweet way the leaves the reader completely believing in this imagined in-between world." (Indie Reader)

"An engaging, poignant book that stayed with me long after I read the last word." (Tracy E. Banghart, author of Rebel Wing)

Great Story!

This was such an imaginative concept for a story. I highly enjoyed listening to it!

So much more than young adult fiction

Any additional comments?

I absolutely loved this book, I didn't want to stop listening! I wished the main characters, as read by Maxwell Glick, were my friends (around whom I could wrap my arms and with whom I could spend my free afternoons), and the story is so beautifully written so real that I actually felt their struggle. It's a fresh and exciting one: a "who am I" story, inside a really cool spiritual ("bigger-than-us") perspective, and tied together by an exciting thriller. Jump When Ready stuck with me - what vivid vulnerability and strength, the core of coming of age. Young adults will relate to (and adults will remember) the feeling of 'in-between,' and any reader will be fully entertained by the have-you-on-edge, nail-biter of a plot.

Never disappointing

I was so excited to get "Jump when Ready" it was a well written and wonderfully narrated. A must read

Great book!

Not only is this a fun an poignant coming-of-age novel I think most people will enjoy, it also translates into an audiobook very nicely. The narration is great and the story moves at a great pace. Can't wait to listen to the rest of the series'

Great Adventure!

What did you love best about Jump When Ready?

Jump When Ready is such a great adventure! I love the characters. I got totally wrapped up in their story. I also love the otherworldly aspect of the story.

What other book might you compare Jump When Ready to and why?

Other David Pandolfe books, of course. Other than that, it's hard to compare. His style is a perfect mix of adventure and the metaphysical. Very fun!

Which character – as performed by Maxwell Glick – was your favorite?

I'm impressed with the reader and how he handled all the characters! He did a great job with the voices and his pace was good!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Just an extreme wanting to know what happens... an audio-version of a page-turner.

Any additional comments?

Read or listen to all the other David Pandolfe books too if you liked this one!