Waiting for Zoe

Editorial Review

“A genre-bending novel… Stripped to its essentials, Waiting for Zoë describes the bittersweet collision of a bright young East Coast woman of prospects and a prosperous Southern California businessman . Strangers on page one, the unlikely confederates follow separate paths of loss, pain, and emotional desolation that [eventually] intersect… to find new paths leading out of the confusion and purposelessness that threaten to overwhelm them. The characters are sharply defined and appealing, and the dialogue flows smoothly and moves the narrative along at a comfortable pace. The settings and situations are neither contrived nor trite, and the conflicts are at once challenging and accessible. In short, there’s nothing within Waiting for Zoë that marks its author as a newcomer to the literary stage.” Stephen Knapp, Writer, The Canyon Courier (Reprinted with permission of Evergreen Newspapers)

“A sweeping novel of love and loss, city and country, growing old and staying young. Waiting for Zoë is a thoughtful look at the ability of grown men and young women to confront change and absorb life’s most challenging moments.” Mark Stevens, author of Antler Dust: An Allison Coil Mystery “In retired executive James R. Ament’s novel, Waiting for Zoë, a naïve young student and a grieving retiree make parallel journeys of self -discovery in the wake of great loves , deeper tragedies, and the shadow of violence… Waiting for Zoë is a thoughtful contemplation of courage in the face of despair.” Blue Ink Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for Zoe, December 13, 2012
By CJ
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

What a great story! A story of life- love and loss. Two totally different characters- both going through difficult things in their lives but also realizing their love of life with the people they surround themselves with.

I love that there is 2 different stories going on and somehow in the end it all comes together. A definate MUST READ!

4.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable read, July 11, 2012
By Brian Peters "To Wander the Labyrinth" (Salt Lake City)
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

James R. Ament's `Waiting for Zoe' is like a float down a river. The book is full of long stretches of pleasant, serene beauty. But like any river, there are rapids, some small and others large and unexpected that throw a new energy into the narrative. Much of the story centers on loss - loss of someone you love, loss of self - and the long, difficult journey back into the world of the living.

The book has two stories that slowly intertwine as the narrative progresses. On the one hand there is Russ, a prosperous California businessman, who moves to Colorado after the death of his wife and daughter. And on the other, there is Zoe, a student at Columbia University's school of journalism who goes to Wyoming to do a newspaper internship. Both, in their separate, unique ways, are on the move in the hopes of finding themselves.

Ament's writing has a strong, clear quality that makes this book an easy, enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for Zoe by James R. Ament, April 13, 2012
By Rebecca B.
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

In "Waiting for Zoe", life can turn on a dime for the two very different individuals in this novel, coming from opposite ends of the country. While reading about their journeys, and the interesting people along the way, you keep in mind of how their lives would cross, and the pieces of the puzzle would end up. There are surprises you don't see coming! I enjoyed this book, because I liked the rich personalities, believable characters, and who doesn't like surprises.

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking, April 1, 2012
By William Lester (Evergreen, co United States)
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

This is a fun read that hints at several themes. It examines the difference in cultures between the self sufficient West and the more worldly East when the main character takes a temporary job in Wyoming. It is a love story but also a glimpse into the world of ranching. The book is well written and has several interesting plot twists that are unexpected. A great first book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Love and Loss, March 16, 2012
By Mark Stevens (Denver)
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

Full disclosure up front that Jim Ament is a Denver-area friend of mine who I have met through fiction-writing circles in the city. Jim was kind enough to ask me to write a blurb for him and here is what I wrote: "Waiting for Zoe" is "a sweeping novel of love and loss, city and country, growing old and staying young. Waiting for Zoë is a thoughtful look at the ability of grown men and young women to confront change and absorb life's most challenging moments."

Sure, that sounds like a blurb and I stand behind every word. See all my reviews and you'll note I have reviewed a wide range of books, both fiction and non. I think fans of fiction will like Jim's style easy and the vivid nature of these characters. I would recommend "Waiting for Zoe" for anyone who likes thoughtful books about interesting characters and how they are shaped by their personal challenges.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent First Book, March 11, 2012
By Dave L
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

Waiting for Zoe is an excellent book and an easy read, especially since it is the author's first book. The key story lines are interwoven in the book extremely well; however, the reader is held in suspense until Part 2 before their connection is revealed. The ending is quite dramatic, surprising and full of suspense. I enjoyed the book very much.

4.0 out of 5 stars WAITING FOR ZOE, March 8, 2012
By ANDREW LLEWELLYN
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

This is a nuanced and balanced book that deals with family life, religion, politics, and the important things in life. It is very readable and moves at a comfortable pace. It is obvious that the author has reflected on life's meaning and has expressed his ideas in a thoughtful way through the characters in the story. I especially appreciated the balanced treatment of ideas and the absence of preaching a particular point of view. This is a good book for all adult ages, and particularly good for those beginning their careers and those near retirement.

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, February 16, 2012
By Roz B.
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

"Waiting for Zoe" is very well written in terms of bringing each character to life. It shows how people when put in different environments can use what is already instilled in them to gain a new and clearer insight of others. Zoe and Russ came from very different environments than where they found themselves ending up after some horrific experiences. The book's depiction of their endurance of tragedy is overwhelming and surprising. This is a great read for book clubs because it has a Reader's Guide with questions and topics for group discussion at the end.

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for Zoe, December 21, 2011
By Clare K "CK" (In my dream house)
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

Congratulations to James R. Ament on his debut novel. This is a wonderfully written book that has rich descriptions of characters that are believable. Great job, I really enjoyed the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for Zoe, November 10, 2011
By Fly high
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

This is a well written book. Not only is the story a good read but the characters are developed to the point that they seem real and not invented. You come away from this book thinking about how the characters handled situations that we encounter in our lives.

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for Zoe, November 9, 2011
By TomVondrack
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

I loved this book! It shows two very different people, Zoe and Russ, who each undergo great turmoil in their individual lives, and whose lives briefly cross. I felt that I knew Zoe as well as I know some of my friends in everyday life. I give this book five stars. Tom Vondrack

4.0 out of 5 stars Good read, November 7, 2011
By B.R. Ghan
This review is from: Waiting for Zoe (Paperback)

An entertaining book; the underlying theme makes one stop and question how you would respond to the circumstances faced by the main characters. Deeper than you originally think when you first start the book. A must read!