September 3rd, 2024
12 hours can change a lifetime by Chantal Onyango
"If I were to summarize the novel in an intentionally reductive way to provide a small bite for potential readers, I’d tout this book as Oakland’s response to The Catcher in the Rye. You can feel the soul of the city in the writing, while empathizing with the growing pains of the protagonist as well.”
- Book Nerdection
July 16th, 2024
BOOKBELOW- Book Review
"J. R. Rice has concocted authentic and strong themes into the finest reading. Each sentence and even picture used has its own complex reflections of society, human life, illusions, and imagination...Rice's multi-layered storytelling speaks aloud about the unseen power of inner peace and mental health."
— Book Below
July 13th, 2024
Authors Reading - Book Review
"Broken Pencils is a modern-day take on the classic 'Rebel Without a Cause.' Jonah Tarver, much like James Dean's iconic character, grapples with a lack of moral courage in the face of overwhelming pressure and internal conflict. The story is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, offering a raw and unfiltered look
July 8th, 2024
Best Sellers World Book Review
"Though the focus is on the events that Jonah is a part of, J.R. Rice found time to weave in elements about class, race, and humanness in unexpected yet poignant ways...Jonah’s tragic adventure is an extremely thought-provoking one. His story is the ultimate unbottling of pain."
— Michaela Gordoni,
Best Sellers World
Review Views Kids 5-Star Book Review
"I highly recommend “Broken Pencils,” and not just for a young adult audience. I think that everyone who reads this book will put it down with a heavy heart and a deeper understanding of what many people go through when grappling with bipolar disorder."
— Richard Bist,
ReaderViewsKids.com
Literary Global's 2024 Featured Creator
Big thanks to the Literary Global team for honoring me as one of their "2024 Featured Creators." Thank you so much for the official spotlight and bringing awareness to my upcoming book, BROKEN PENCILS (6.11.24). I truly appreciate the support in helping my writing journey.
"Captivating and emotionally resonant…"
The Prairie Book Review - BROKEN PENCILS
"A poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, the enduring impact of family dynamics, and the redemptive power of friendship and self-discovery."
- Neena H. Brar, The Prairie Book Review
"I was never fully living, but rather just killing time."
The US Review of Books - BROKEN PENCILS
"Rice explores the profound impact of losing a loved one and how parents' constant fighting can disrupt their children's happiness...[Rice] underscores the vital importance of seeking help to heal mentally and find inner peace, as carrying pain for too long can impede progress."
- Amanda Hanson, The US Review of Books