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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Meat My Uncle by James Jones and Tom Foster follows nine-year-old James, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, as he embarks on a road trip with his parent, Jake, Jane, Titus, Din, Dan, his uncle, and the family dog, Misfit. James' point of view alternates between real-world experiences—observing family interactions, practicing skills with Jane and Titus, and dealing with parental guidance—and elaborate fantasies featuring spacefaring adventures, alien species, and planetary exploration. Central to the story is James’ quest to understand his father, Jarrod Jonas Gimble, who left due to rejecting Jake’s gender identity. The road trip leads the group to Eastlawn Cemetery, where James confronts physical reminders of his father’s absence and tangled family history. Along the way, James’ dreams, imaginative play, and social observations intersect with the tension and relationships among his companions.
Meat My Uncle by James Jones and Tom Foster is a moving and thoughtfully written book that offers a rare and honest perspective. James’ observations and imaginative sequences reveal his way of understanding the world while coping with absence, and the writing gives space to both his curiosity and his feelings. The story balances moments of quiet attention, social awareness, and imaginative play, showing how James interprets interactions, responsibilities, and the behaviors of those around him. The characters all feel authentic, with their quirks, care, and occasional friction, and the prose handles sensitive topics, especially as they apply to a child, with sympathy and honesty. Readers gain a sense of James’ inner life, his resilience in a swirl of misunderstood emotions, and the care with which the authors present a young mind learning to process absence, connection, and the unexpected moments of daily life. Very highly recommended.
