I was searching for a good book in diary/journal form and found an author named Beatrice Sparks. I kept coming across things that say that her “real life” diaries from “real life” teens were actually written by her, but was becoming highly interested all the same. But then I started looking into one called Jay’s Journal and decided that her books weren’t for me. Check this out.
This is just one of many articles I found stating that she ruined his name and made his family’s life hell. Actually, this is one of the “kinder” articles. The others were written by family members and friends who were outraged by the woman and wanted the story straight. Anywho, the actual reason for this post is that I can’t find his brothers book, A Place in the Sun: The Truth Behind Jay’s Journal, anywhere. I can find things that mention it, but I can’t find a place to look into or purchase it. If anyone knows anything, I would appreciate the information. In fact, I would just appreciate opinions. I’d be interested to know if I’m the only total stranger who is completely disgusted by this.
I have also been searching for a copy of A Place in the Sun: The Truth Behind Jay’s Journal. The most I’ve ever been able to find is some information such as the ISBN and publisher, but searches on those items tend to result in as little information as searching the title. If you ever find out more I’d very much like to know.
Will do. I’m about ready to go ebay the book.
Good luck. I did a lot of work on the creation, publication and distribution of this book [I did the cover art and scanned the actual journal when I was 15-16] and Scott Barrett [author and brother of Alden "Jay" Barrett] wasn’t exactly a well-thought-out businessman.
I’m not trying to smear him or his family, I actually quite enjoyed working on the project, reading the book and attending the “rock-opera” by ‘Grain’ back when I was working on all of this with Barrett. It’s just that I think Scott could have done well to retain some professional advice before he tried to get this book out onto shelves.
Justaf,
I am the son of one of Alden’s friends, John. I am finaly digging into his past and would like to know his full conection to all of this.
Ah, that would explain it’s elusiveness… But I’m sure he was just in a hurry to put his brother to rest once and for all. Of course, hasty work makes for less than adequate results. But as long as it’s out there somewhere then somebody knows the truth and that’s what matters.