By:Jason Gerber
In Jeanne K. Johnson’s powerful novel, The Nearly Departed, readers are drawn into the life and afterlife of Julie Ann Wilson, a vibrant 15-year-old girl whose life ends abruptly and prematurely.
With aspirations of becoming a fearless investigative journalist, Julie’s story embodies the restless spirit of youth. The desire to make a difference, to love deeply, and to leave an impact.
However, her untimely death forces her into an in-between realm, where she becomes an observer, reflecting on the life she lost and the lives of those she left behind.
Through Julie’s eyes, readers witness the tragic consequences of taking life for granted. In death, Julie is given a unique perspective: she sees people rushing through life, buried in their routines, and too preoccupied to appreciate the fleeting beauty around them.
Her story is a reminder to all of us to stop and savor the small, precious moments. The warmth of a sunrise, a conversation with a loved one, or the joy of simply being alive.
Johnson writes Julie’s reflections with such thoughtfulness that readers are invited to question their approach to life. Are we too focused on the destination, missing out on the journey? What would we change if we knew our days were numbered?
Julie’s journey also touches on the regret that comes with unfulfilled dreams. In her “In-Between” world, she encounters others who share her sense of loss, souls burdened with “woulda, shoulda, coulda” regrets.
Through these encounters, Johnson emphasizes the importance of pursuing our passions, speaking our truth, and nurturing our relationships. It is in these moments that the book asks the readers to chase their dreams and mend relationships while they still can.
The theme of living life to the fullest resonates with readers of all ages, encouraging them to think deeply about the legacies they are creating. Julie’s reflections speak to the value of self-discovery, of finding purpose and joy in the everyday. She urges readers to embrace life as she wishes she had, with urgency and appreciation for each passing moment. Johnson’s novel gently yet powerfully suggests that our perspective shapes the quality of our lives and that by cherishing the present, we turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
For those caught in the hustle of modern life, The Nearly Departed serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence. It calls us to break free from the habits that drain our vitality, to reconnect with the dreams that once ignited us, and to treasure our relationships before it’s too late.
Julie’s story is an important lesson in mindfulness, a wake-up call to live more authentically and fully. This novel is more than a tale of a life cut short. It’s an invitation to live with intention, to love deeply, and to find joy in even the simplest moments.
In The Nearly Departed, Johnson offers an interesting narrative and a meaningful lesson: that life is fragile and precious, a gift not to be squandered. As Julie’s journey reminds us, we must live fully, love fiercely, and pursue our passions while we have the time because, ultimately, life’s greatest tragedy isn’t death but a life left unlived. Order your copy today!
Published by Iris S.