Book Review: A Questionable Life

By Sandy Amazeen Nov 23, 2009, 1:49 GMT

"Beneath the compelling story is a treasure chest of wisdom" Didiayer Snyder, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Hard-charging Philadelphia banker Jack Oliver has always made tough choices and sacrifices to achieve success, but when his mid-sized banking group is bought out by a mega-chain, Jack finds himself knocked from the top rung to the bottom of the ladder. When the stress of the merger lands him in the hospital, ...more

Philadelphia born and raised banking executive Jack Oliver knew exactly what he most wanted out of life, nothing less then president of Philadelphia Trust & Guaranty. Jack worked tirelessly toward that goal to the exclusion of all else including family. His carefully constructed future came crashing down with PT&G’s buyout by Merchants Bank. No longer second in command, Jack finds himself back at square one with little prospect within the new organization. Stress related illness lands Jack in the hospital where no one in his family has bothered to come visit, they simply don’t care.

Help comes from a friend who puts him in touch with Benjamin Price, president of Roanoke, Virginia’s small town Citizens Bank. Despite numerous misgivings, Jack accepts Benny’s job offer and begins a slow journey of discovery where he might have a chance at reconnecting with what is most important in life.

This charming if predictable tale of redemption seeks to show that it is never too late to make a change for the better. The smooth pacing, fine character development and questions of ethics and living a moral life combine in a very timely read.