Amazon Reviews:
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023
The visceral power of the author’s survival story in its harrowing details is not the only thing that makes this book remarkable. The author manages to preserve a raw, aching immediacy in his account of early traumas with refined psychological insights into his childhood. His words are themselves acts of “intentional grace” that enfold the reader in a space of love and compassion that is big enough not just for his story, but for yours.
I had the great honor of being Jim Haas’s colleague during his legendary teaching career in which he made a profound difference in the lives of countless young people. I am so moved to discover his talent as a writer; this book has a vision of hope and healing that we can all, young and old, learn from and embrace, but not without a willingness to examine the dark side of life.
If you can hold the affirming gaze of someone whose eyes reveal a knowledge of grief and trauma alongside grace, without looking away, you will learn the secret of love. Read this book.
Touching, heartfelt, honest, forgiving
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023
I take lots of pride in reading and applying many lessons learned in books. Your book was the first that I finished this year outside of my schoolwork. I treasure your book, I clutch it tightly because it touches my soul. I have always been emotionally tough and this book showed me that it was okay to feel human. To feel pain, to struggle, to burn with rage and find light and meaning. To show grace and kindness to those who need it the most. I told my wife “Honey I’ve read so many books and this here… this is special”
Insightful, raw, powerful book
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
Dang - finished this book in just 2 days - couldn’t put it down! It’s compelling, motivating, and has an anticipatory quality that makes it impossible to put down. Well done Jim - thank you for being vulnerable and giving us a glimpse into a life that seemed nothing but tragic but turned out to be beautiful and uplifting. You proved that we all possess “power” in our lives to be better versions of ourselves and to be grateful for any kindness extended to us by strangers or acquaintances. This was a great read and a great lesson - always choose kindness over judgement, you may just save a life - well done!
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2023
Received this book yesterday and finished it last night after midnight. I cried a lot. I was shocked and my heart hurt for the child in this book who grew up to be an amazing teacher and man. My heart also hurt for this mother. And I could say a lot but it made me revisit some of the ways of mothering, it also reinforced that I need to continue maintaining my own mental health. I don’t think I’ll ever look at Mother’s Cookies the same way without thinking of my high school history teacher Jim Haas. So many hurtful things were soothed over in that class. I don’t think I could ever truly say thank you because I would probably mess it up. Mr Haas was the only reason I could get myself together enough to graduate and finish high school. Thank you for this gift of your life. We can repay you by being the kind of people who are intentionally graceful to others like you were to us.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
This memoir immediately captivated me from the very beginning. My enthusiasm for this book stemmed from the privilege of having Jim Haas as my senior year high school teacher. The impact of his class played a pivotal role in inspiring my journey towards becoming a teacher myself. More than just a memoir, this book delves into themes of self-growth, true love, acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, heartache, and the profound importance of extending kindness to strangers, given the unpredictable ripple effects it may have. To know Mr. Haas, is to love him. It's truly extraordinary how a man who endured such a horrific childhood transformed into such an admirable man – a devoted husband, father, and teacher.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. I can promise you that once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
Sunny
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2023
I recently read this book and found it deeply insightful, thought provoking, emotionally honest and beautifully self reflective. As a former student of Mr. Haas’s, I appreciated another reviewer who mentioned what a legendary teacher he is, he is one of the best of the best. As a memoir dealing with his childhood and growing up years and the difficulties and trauma he faced, it brought up a lot of memories of trauma I had faced but especially childhood trauma I suspect my father has gone through. It is not as if the trauma is limited to childhood, its effects reverberate as we live life. As I write this review, Matthew Perry has recently passed away and I appreciated a remark that Hank Azaria made while reading Matthew’s memoir which was that he had to put it down multiple times and pick it up and read it in parts because it brought up a lot. This memoir had a similar effect on me because having known the author, it took me some time to read in certain parts because it is about someone I care about. If you have known the author, it is ok to take your time to read it at your own pace, because it may take time to digest. The author has written this with heart and as they say - what comes from the heart, goes into the heart. I think this book has a lot to offer to anyone who wants to delve deeply into the human experience and how our early years affect (and also don’t affect) who we ultimately become and evolve into. It is a beautiful and thoughtful read and I highly recommend it!
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2023
Well written and I couldn't put it down. The author takes us through his rough childhood memories with brutal honesty. His words express in a clear and accurate way what he was feeling and how he was coping over those trying times. Ultimately he is able to find the light at the end of the tunnel helped by the kindness of strangers and many good people who saw worth in him. A must-read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
I have to admit I am not much of a reader but I couldn't put this book down!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023
We have all been recipients of intentional grace, it’s a matter of recognizing when those times were present. A matter of noticing how those kind interactions transform your very being. I thoroughly enjoyed Jim’s journey. It was a reminder of life’s twists and turns that make it worth living. This is a must read.
Couldn't put the book down - Inspiring!
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023
In "Just Enough Light", author James Haas weaves the story of his adolescent journey in an environment that involves a parent with mental illness while living in a low-socioeconomic community surrounded by drugs and violence. James goes through various crossroads that don't go as planned but ultimately finds a way to overcome some of the most difficult challenges. He goes through many family struggles and setbacks in school that were relatable and the book left me wanting to know more after each page. His perseverance and willingness to reflect on his own actions serve as an inspiration on how young people can overcome obstacles. This book offers a valuable message for anyone facing challenges in their lives. A Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
This is a powerful story of a young man facing life's struggles and the power of resilience. James has been through difficult times and has experienced enough pain and heartache that he almost gives up. He is pushed to the brink of depression and is tempted to quit, but has a newfound love and inner strength that pushes him forward. The book is full of complex situations that show how a person can make it past life's hardships. He creates a vivid setting showing the importance of members in the community who provide opportunities in times of dire need. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.
Overall, I found this book to be a strong and honest story with a powerful message about resilience and perseverance. It provides a unique insight into how important it is to stay true to yourself and never give up hope. Highly recommended read!
Comments From Readers:
The kindness and grace of those who have reached out to me are the living examples of the grace and kindness referenced in my book. I consider the stories of those who have shared their own personal journey to be sacred! My hope has always been that the book inspires the reader to see the value in their story and to be willing to examine their own life experiences, both favorable and unfavorable. Socrates argued that the unexamined life isn't worth living, emphasizing that such exploration makes it possible for one to develop and grow as a person. And, just as importantly, it is my hope that the reader is encouraged to practice intentional acts of grace and kindness to others in need.
A few recent messages that I have received:
“I just finished the book … and I needed to let you know how inspiring, engaging, eye opening, and encouraging it has been to read.”
“Vulnerability is really the ultimate strength, and that is why this book you have written and the vulnerability you have decided to engage in is really, really powerful to me.”
"I just finished your beautifully written book. It hit me powerfully, given my own abusive family.”
“I will tell you, your story, like so many others, creates absolute certainty that at some point we have to sit in the ‘grace of life’.”
“I would be lying if I said that my eyes didn’t well up more than one time.”
"Your book is a pass-along book, shared with others who could apply the lessons found in the story, to better their own lives … thank you.”