In this shocking, emotive narrative, Ella Jules, born with the cord wrapped around her neck, causing brain damage, is sent to live in an institution as a child. Her large family has varying opinions on the challenge her presence once created.

At age 39, the familiarity of home falls away for Ella as the institution she grew up in closes its doors for good. Although her aide, Lynette, would like Ella to live with her, Hillary Jules, Ella’s mother, has decided Ella should come back to the home she barely knows. The remaining Jules children join to confront their mother on what they view as an irresponsible decision.

Having finished this, I can easily say it is an unforgettable tale. Even a week after reaching the end, its dust remains on my skin. What started as a decent read quietly exploded into an intricately woven character study written through a compassionate and nuanced lens, overflowing with power and unexpected reveals. It pokes into areas of gray, demonstrating that behavior and intentions are rarely black and white.

My first impression of most of the Jules children wasn’t an especially bright one, but Shawn Nocher demonstrated great skill in creating flawed characters I did come to care for or, at the very least, understand, in the end. I remain in awe of how in tune she was with the complicated perspectives she developed, all wholly human in their beauty and ugliness.

The Precious Jules is, right now, an underrated gem that deserves far more hype! I do hope more people will consider it for their own reading lists and that they, too, will fall in love with Ella as they get to know the Jules family.

Also, could someone hand this book to Oprah, please? I feel confident it’s one she’ll want to put her seal of approval on.

I am immensely grateful to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for my audio review copy. All opinions are my own.

I took the Shawn Nocher’s THE PRECIOUS JULES with me on vacation, and I’m so glad I did. This wasn’t an easy read, per se, but it was the perfect book to sit and read while time wasn’t an issue. Stone and Hillary Jules are parents to six children, and the book begins in the past, where the reader learns about Hillary’s role in the family: produce the children, mother the children, be available at all times. Stone also has a role; he provides for the family financially (and then some, really, as the family wants for nothing). We also learn quite quickly who each child is, what their roles are, and the issue at hand, which, in the present ,is the decision to bring Ella Jules back to the family home. When she was eight years old, she’d been sent to Beechwood Institute, a home for people with mental disabilities) to live. But after 30 years, the home is set to close.
I’m not the sort to give spoilers for a book, but this novel is filled with hard truths about so much. Alternating between past and present, we eventually learn why Ella was sent away and how that decision and what actually happened affected all people involved. We also learn why the other five Jules children do not want Ella to come back, each of whom has a different reason. The book takes on the themes of a mother’s guilt, secrecy, shame, family, and so much more, and it weaves the themes effortlessly. A heartbreaking but thoughtful narrative that you’re sure to enjoy.

This is a gripping tale of family and secrets. It's a deeply emotional read that is difficult to read at times, but well worth it. The writing is emotive, compelling, and heartfelt.

It is the story of Jules trying to get custody of their child, Ella who they institutionalized at 8, when the institution that has been her home for 32 years closes. Lynetta, who has taken care of Ella for years, also wants custody. As the decisions are made, the other five Jules children arrive at the home to try to convince their parents that bringing Ella home is a bad idea.

A story about parents put in a very difficult position, the siblings affected by the choice, and the child left behind. I appreciated the different points of view, which allowed the reader to understand the emotional trauma of institutionalizing Ella at the tender age of 8 and the decision's effects on each member of the Jules family. Additionally, the inclusion of Lynetta's point of view allows readers to understand Ella as someone who truly loves and cares for her. It is clear that there were miscommunications, misunderstandings, and overwhelming occurrences and feelings that contributed to the decision to send Ella away; secrets long buried begin to come out, and soon each Jules family member is claiming personal responsibility for the decision.

This was unlike anything I've read recently. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to Wunderkind PR for my hardcopy and to Netgalley and Blackstone publishing for my audiobook.

The audiobook was so stunning. This is an emotional book and it's even more emotional on audio.