Jessica Z.

By Shawn Klomparens

Welcome to Jessica's world... When Jessica Zorich met a tall, charismatic artist at a San Francisco party, her life had been all about coping: with a baffling and dangerous world, with a mostly inane... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385342004
• ISBN13: 9780385342001
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Delta
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Engaging read

This is an engaging novel; the story really draws you along. I was particularly struck by two elements in this novel. The first was the relationship of the sisters. I was truly touched by their closeness. The second element was the story line regarding lithography. I thought this was an extremely creative depiction of an artistic process. It made me want to see the finished work in person. This book is certainly worth a read.

Art and eroticism against a taut background of fear and uncertainty. A smart, original, and compell

In a trenchant view of the near-future, Jessica's story unfolds easily against the charged backdrop of terrorist-besieged San Francisco. Adrift in an ambiguous relationship with sweet but safe Patrick, who lives upstairs, Jessica seems to want something more. Before long she meets Josh, a mysterious and seductive artist, who becomes a central and unsettling force in her life. Her erotic awakening begins when she finds herself drawn into his world. Caught between these two men, Jessica explores the boundaries of love and lust and opens up to a fuller knowledge of herself. In Jessica Z, Klomparens creates not a portrait of a woman, but a woman - fleshy and real. Through smart dialogue and beautifully rendered insecurities, we come to know Jessica intimately, and we see shades of ourselves reflected in her. Her story is well written and easily told. The narrative is taut with the heightened anxiety of terrorist threats, as well as the mystery and danger of Jessica's new relationship. Yet it skillfully layers this raw emotion with a counterpoint of clarity and tenderness. Jessica's moments of real insight, when they come, are arresting in their stillness and simplicity, and they stand in stark contrast to the overall tone of the book. And just like in real life, they are fleeting. Klomparens gives us a tightly-constructed plot full of great dialogue and incisive wit. It's smart, funny, and impossible to put down. Bravo!

really enjoyed this book

A remarkable book that captures the resiliance of the human condition. Having lived in W-DC during 9/11, and the subsequent anthrax mailings and sniper attacks, I am sad to say that I have experienced life as experienced by Jessica Z. To me, the writing rings true. Of course, life goes on even under conditions much worse than those depicted (without undue gore, thankfully) in this novel. I thought the author did a marvelous job of capturing the yin and yang of life...obviously all the characters are experiencing angst and stress but the novel does not dwell there, it is a backdrop against the rest of life that Jessica and Patrick are experiencing, from the simple pleasures like coffee in the morning to the joy of meeting a new friend.

Great book, highly recommended

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I highly recommend this book & can't wait for his next book. In our post 911 world, the story was realistic & interesting. I didn't want to put it down until I was finished.

Great Summer Read

Lots of surprises, twists and turns, along with romantic intrigue. Identifies with present real-life situations that are a part of our culture post 9-11. Great portrayal of family relationships, and fun to watch how Jessica grows and gains self-confidence. I find it interesting that this book was written by a man -- he captures the female point of view in a very realistic way.