Clayton Stonemason idolized his father, a hometown hero in their small Missouri town. But when his father’s life unravels, Clayton loses his way, too. He tries to escape his father’s legacy but discovers he can’t run from his destiny.
AMERICAN JUKEBOX, a story of small-town America in the last decades of the twentieth century, explores the many ways our relationships, hopes, and dreams can alter the course of our lives.
"Intriguing and thought-provoking…an interesting commentary on the social community of small-town America and a fascinating look into the psyche of a young man struggling to find his place in the world. Highly recommended!" — Grant Leishman – Readers’ Favorite
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"A searing exploration of the complexities of love, family dynamics, and personal identity…
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Joy’s thought-provoking latest novel follows one man's quest to discover his place in the world. For Clayton Stonemason, his father has always been a hero—a man who could do nothing wrong. However, when an unforeseen event disrupts their lives, Clayton's unwavering faith in his father is profoundly shaken. The dissolution of his parents' marriage creates a rift between father and son, leading them to drift apart. As Clayton grapples with this newfound distance, he vows never to emulate the man who once seemed infallible. Whether Clayton's resolve will lead him to a fundamentally different path from his father or whether the echoes of his father's choices will shape his own journey remains to be seen.
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Joy’s characterization is spot-on. Clayton, sensitive and introspective, struggles with deep self-doubt, while Dancer, tough and assertive, faces the pressures of being a provider. Both characters undergo significant evolution throughout the novel, their growth making it easy for readers to relate to their vulnerabilities and the choices they make. Despite their differences, they both share a profound yearning for connection and a quest for their place in the world. Dede and Jimmy each stand out individually, but it is Trudy’s innate kindness and warmth that add a vibrant dimension to the narrative. Joy’s prose remains sharp and crisp, offering profound reflections on family, love, identity, and personal dreams. The book’s appeal lies in its rare blend of eloquent writing, deep human insights, and gripping storytelling. A stunner." Prairies Review
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"As long as we’re still breathing, we have a chance to make things right. But we can’t if we’re spending all our energy blaming ourselves. So, when you stumble, give yourself a break."
What begins as a coming-of-age story in the 1950s develops into a beautiful, nostalgic testimony to one man’s journey of finding his place in this world. This novel is told through the eyes of Clayton, the son of a former baseball player whose rise to stardom was unexpectedly cut short. The reader follows Clayton through the early days of childhood when he still views his father as a larger-than-life idol and then sees him process scandal and disappointment.
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The protagonist learns a few tough lessons as he progresses through high school, seeing firsthand the effects of racism and political upheaval in a small town during this era. He and his friends get swept up in the draft. As he enters the camp and is shipped out to Vietnam, his story continues through letters exchanged between Clayton and his new girlfriend, Trudy. He returns a “war hero,” although he is quick to discount the title. When he returns home, he pursues new interests, ultimately finding his passion as a restorer and salesman of jukeboxes. Along the way, he suffers loss and finds new loves. The very end poses a dramatic twist that creates a hauntingly beautiful symmetry to Clayton’s family story.
With engaging scenes and snappy dialogue, this is a nostalgic masterpiece. The author brings each character to a vivid, unforgettable life, creating a beautiful portrait of a microcosm of America spanning five decades. Each chapter begins with a song title, allowing the reader to weave music through the author’s lyrical prose. These small details combine to create a story full of warmth and heart. Joy's book is a pleasure to read and will have readers hooked all the way to its surprising end. - Haley Koth US Review of Books
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