Tarell’s story is one that couldn’t have stayed hidden. He was both humbled in the sight of God through his innocence and abused in the blindness of many in their own ignorance. This story will evoke emotions ranging from sadness to joy, while making you laugh in between. In a world where movies and literature reign supreme, Blind Innocence offers a unique story that has yet to be portrayed, offering a refreshingly, new journey through the life of a troubled adolescent. Tarell is mentally challenged and has been through a lot in his young life, suffering abuse from both his biological mother and his adoptive mother, women in general, and society. Just when it appears as though things are finally starting to look up for Tarell, who after meeting his biological family, all hell breaks loose. What started out as a dream quickly becomes reality, and soon, it all turns out to be a nightmare.Then he meets Debbie, a young girl who, among all the other women he came across, has a heart filled with compassion and sorrow after hearing his story. Debbie talks her mother into taking in the homeless Tarell, but more drama erupts when Debbie’s mother, a conniving, Christian woman, uses his mental disability against him in order to pacify her insecurities, causing him to endure even more mental and emotional damage. But as they say, “What doesn’t break you will only make you strong.”Blind Innocence shares a poignant glimpse into one man’s life as he faces seemingly insurmountable odds and slowly tries to create a meaningful life. After everything Tarell has been through, will he be broken, or arise, victorious and strong?
Kirkus Review
Jones’ debut coming-of-age novel chronicles a neglected and abused young man’s quest to not only survive, but also thrive. Jones wrote the novel as a source of inspiration, not as entertainment. This volume, which will be followed by a sequel, ends with the author’s prayer, whose words reflect the philosophy of her novel: “Lord….Your words have always been said to me that you would work it out, and not to forget to practice patience and let your will play out.” Moving, if not always graceful, inspirational fiction.
US Review of Books
Spotlighting the plight of an educable mentally retarded child of a single, drug-addicted teenage mother, the author has provided a window into the world of mental disabilities and the concomitant poverty and abuse such a child can face. The theme of human depravity and aggression against the weak is made quite viscerally manifest. The characterizations and plot are gripping and realistic.
Foreword’s Clarion Review
A. Adams Jones’s heart-wrenching novel Blind Innocence offers insights into the often tragic trials of living with a mental disability. Blind Innocence is a harrowing and hopeful novel that raises awareness about living with disabilities through the dynamic characterizations of its leading cast. The story centers on Tarell, who is born with mental disabilities as a result of his mother Monique’s crack addiction. Though he has the mental capacity of a sixth grader, Tarell learns to live self-sufficiently, unshakable in his love for the joys of life, and with the help of his faith, forgiving those around him, no matter their past corruptions. A story of strength of faith, forgiveness, and love. It imparts a keen sense of melancholy and pain. Counteracted with the power of faith and love, such elements result in a fresh take on the genre.
Blueink Review
This story is well thought out, compelling, and the characters are generally believable. Blind Innocence will elicit reader sympathy, and the message of God’s saving grace will no doubt resonate with fans of the Christian genre.
