The 9 - by Mark H Parsons (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A thoughtful exploration about finding oneself, learning to hope after loss, and recognizing the role that family, friends, and even strangers can play in the healing process if you are open and willing to share your experience with others.

It has been two years since his mom's death, and Jamison, his dad, and his younger sister seem to be coping, but they've been dealing with their loss separately and in different ways. When Jamison almost forgets the date of his mother's birthday, he worries that his memory of her is slipping away. To help make sense of the passing of time, he picks up his camera--the Nikon his mother gave to him.

Jamison begins to take photos of ordinary people on the street, at the same time and place each night. As he focuses his lens on the random people who cross his path, Jamison begins to see the world in a deeper way. His endeavor turns into a school project, and then into something more. Along with his new outlook, Jamison forges new and unexpected friendships at school. But more importantly, he's able to revive the memory of his mother, and to connect with his father and younger sister once again.

Review Quotes

★ "A wryly funny, extremely intelligent, and sweetly romantic contemporary novel full of biting sarcasm and... tender yet powerful emotions." --Kirkus Review, starred review

★ "An engaging, thought-provoking title that is easy to read, hard to put down, and will have readers wondering about the characters long after they've finished it. . . . highly recommended." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A character-driven work that celebrates the healing power of connection and creativity, encouraging readers to take a closer look at the world around them." --Publishers Weekly

"The novel's greatest strength is its characterization. The relatable characters come alive on the page, their portrayal being, yes, picture perfect." --Booklist

"A strikingly honest depiction of loss, grief and healing." --BookPage

A Kirkus Reviews Best of 2022 Selection

A Broadart Books Staff Teen Selection

A Bank Street College of Education's Children's Book Committee's The Best Children's Books of the Year 2023 Selection

About the Author

Mark H. Parsons is a writer and musician living on the Central Coast of California with his wife (also a writer and musician). They have two sons with whom they occasionally make loud music under the name Risky Whippet. Mark enjoys the three "R's"--reading, running, and rock 'n' roll.