The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson (Jessie Jefferson #1)

Ms. Toon is an amazing story teller. Whenever I read her books I know I won’t be bored. In fact, I was reading another book but stopped to read this one when an email alerted me that it was now available for purchase.

She did not disappoint. Don’t let the fact that it is a YA book deter you. It is still a wonderful story that kept me engaged. I read it in less than 24 hours.

I really enjoyed Jessie’s story and her coming to terms with her mother’s death and finding out her biological father is a rock star. I’ll never be in that exact situation but it was fun and full of drama but still realistic and down to earth if that makes sense. It was easy to relate to Jessie. It was also fun catching up with Meg and Johnny.

I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars because I do feel that some of situations in the book were a bit mature for younger audiences. There is drinking, and smoking. *spoiler alert* The characters don’t go further than kissing but I feel that some terms used were a bit mature. That’s probably just me though.

Overall, wonderful story I know I will probably reread.

Even though I was only introduced to her work about 18 months ago, one of my favourite authors of all time is the lovely Paige Toon. I have been waiting with baited breath for her latest book “The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson” to be released.

One thing that I love about Paiges writing is how the characters in her books are so often linked and, knowing that this story followed on from Johnny Be Good and Baby Be Mine, I was really surprised (and perhaps a little discouraged) by the cover. It was only then that I did some research and realised that Paige had coined this book young adult rather than the usual chick-lit which caused me to momentarily ponder at what point exactly we cease to be young adults hmmm!?

Not deterred by the ‘young adult’ thing, and having read both Johnny Be Good and Baby Be Mine (along with all of Paiges other books), I was so excited at the thought of being reunited with two characters that, to me, feel like old friends of mine.

Initially, I found the book a little tedious; Jessie had been acting out ever since her mothers sudden death and was not only treating those around her poorly, but was also becoming self destructive. It all felt very teen and was a little hard to get into, but I am glad that I stuck with it as it really picked up once Jessie had stepped into Meg & Johnnys world. Admittedly, it was a little unusual to be reading about Meg & Johnnys life from another persons perspective, I often found myself wondering what is Meg thinking right now? and oh Meg, what did you do that for? as the story developed.

Not wanting to ruin the story for those of you who are thinking about buying the book, I can promise you that once again Paige Toon has not disappointed us. This book is filled with characters who feel so very real and whose emotions you can relate to. You will fall in love with Jessie as she finds her place in the world, and your relationship with Meg & Johnny will develop as you see how they have settled into parenthood and how they handle this newest challenge.

Once again, I couldnt put this book down and I powered through it over the course of three nights – so it seems the saying is true, never judge a book by its cover! The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson is not a one off, Paige has announced that there will be a series of Young Adult (theres that term again! im still young right?) books about Jessie. To be honest, I was disappointed that the book ended where it did, so I am looking forward to catching up with Jessie again when the next book of this series is released in 2015.

So Johnny has another kid he didn’t know about. This is definitely more of a young adult book, but I enjoyed it still. I like reading about Met and Johnny’s going on…and Jessie is just another part of the story. It’s going to be interesting to see how this story plays out or hopefully continues to grow.

I loved this book. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series! Jessie is such a fun and strong character!

Jessica’s world changed very suddenly her mom died in a horrible accident 6 months ago.

Jessica is 15 years old, and feeling very alone. Even though she has her stepdad Stuart, (who she has known all of her life) she fear that he will get rid of her because she’s not his. She loses contact to her friend Libby, who very fast find herself a new best friend. It hurts. It hurts a lot.
A lot of things has changed for Jessica.

She doesn’t know how to react, and people that knew her before the accident reminds her of her mom, or ask her how she’s doing all the time they are only making her cry. She push people away, but even though she’s feeling that it make things worse, she can’t stop the bad circle. She find relief with her new friends, drinks and late nights.

Her mom never told Jessica who her dad was. Not because they didn’t argue about it when she was alive, because they did. Her mom had her own reasons, but for Jessica it’s difficult that she took that secret with her in the grave.
By accident she learns who her dad is. Her dad is famous really famous but for Jessica it’s not the fame that she sees. She hope that meeting her real dad will make everything alright again.

She travels to Los Angeles to meet him, But she’s not getting the immediate belonging feeling that she hoped for. Actually she feels she’s an intruder. Johnny doesn’t seem to be interested in her, and his wife hate her. Even though Jessica looks tough she’s still just a little girl who have lost her mom.
But in the end there was a reason for Jessica coming to Los Angeles to get the answers her mom can’t give her now, and her new surroundings, family and friends (and boys) might be the best thing ever happened to her.

I love this story. I REALLY love this story.

Jessica’s story is about guilt and all the what if’s.

Right from the first chapter you feel how Jessie has given up. How sad and angry she is at everything, and that she has no way of getting out of it.
Stuart her stepdad is a good guy, but he can’t handle the teenage girl. No matter how hard he tries.

I love the flashbacks with her mom it made her present all the time, and we get to know her mom too. I felt Jessica’s sorrow. She had a really good mom. I had a lump permanently locked in my throat. Although she shows anger and contempt when people try to help her, you know that she does it because it is her way to show grief. You want to hug her and take care of her. Especially when she is in Los Angeles and meets her “new family” for the first time.

Paige Toon is known for her chick lit novels, and this is her first YA novel.
I know for some young adult sounds like a big change, and really it’s not. Paige already proved in Pictures of Lily that she’s able to wing the voice of a teenager.
And the story is still told with Paige’s amazing story telling voice. As always she pull you into the pages with her characters, and place descriptions.

I really like Jessica. She’s feisty, and able to give the boys again. She has this personality that demands attention when she enter a room. A female version of Johnny to those that know Johnny already, and I’m sure that makes you smile haha

It’s a spin off series from one of my favorite series Johnny be Good.
It can (and is intended) to be read as a stand alone.
This is the first book in the series about Jessie.
Next book will be released Spring 2015

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member