• The Last Jump

  • A Novel of World War II
  • By: John E. Nevola
  • Narrated by: Mike Ortego
  • Length: 23 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (174 ratings)

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The Last Jump  By  cover art

The Last Jump

By: John E. Nevola
Narrated by: Mike Ortego
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Publisher's summary

The Last Jump is a war story, a mystery, a love tale, and a tribute to the people who won World War II. Fact and fiction intermix seamlessly to unravel a secret passionately guarded by four aging soldiers. The reader is transported back in time to an imperfect America, with all is incredible virtues and vexing shortcomings struggling with racial and gender issues while fighting for its very survival. It was time when Americans stood shoulder to shoulder to free the world from tyranny. It celebrates the spirit and courage of ordinary citizens pitted against the militaristic regimes of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It was a time when the sons of presidents and senators served, fought, suffered and died alongside average Americans and famous celebrities.

J.P. Kilroy, a middle-aged divorced journalist, regrets ignoring his mother's deathbed request. Even her last letter, which told of the existence of a mysterious family secret, did not motivate him to reconcile with the father who left them 30 years ago. When he receives an invitation from the White House to attend a Medal of Honor awards ceremony for African-Americans, he also discovers his estranged father recently passed away. Was the secret now lost forever?

Kilroy also discovers that four aging veterans, the only links to the past, not only know the secret but swore an oath never to reveal it. They are the free-spirited Sky Johnson, a rough and tumble paratrooper, Frank West, the studious company commander, Harley Tidrick, Omaha Beach veteran and cousin of his father's best wartime buddy, and Lincoln Abraham, the only living black honoree at the ceremony.

With the aid of Cynthia Powers, an alluring Army press liaison, Kilroy accepts the challenge to cajole the veterans into revealing the mystery. Their conversations take him back in time to a country in grave danger but a country as united as never before or since. But the old warriors stubbornly resist until the last one passes on and Kilroy's hopes are dashed. But one reaches from beyond the grave to identify the only other person who has the answer and Kilroy races death to reach her. And a shocking conclusion awaits him, if only he can get there in time!

©2010 John E. Nevola (P)2013 John E. Nevola
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about The Last Jump

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good Story, Too Preachy

The story is well written and interesting, even if a bit far-fetched. As with many good works of historical fiction, the book puts the reader into the middle of historical events and helps to make that time period come alive. My primary complaint with the book is the several instances in which one character or another gives a long-winded lecture in defense of right-wing ideology. Ken Follett tends to do the same thing in his novels set in the 20th century, though Follett's harangues are from a decidedly left-leaning perspective. Regardless of the political point of view, I find such rants to be tedious and misplaced in historical fiction.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible!!!

Best story I have read in such a very long time. By far one of the best to convey the feelings and emotions of a soldier. Such vivid words of the actual events from WW II even if these characters were fictional. Every person who now enjoys the benefits of the freedom that these men and women fought for must read this book. You will be changed forever and your head will raise a little higher to know they did it for each and every one of us that came after them!!!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

best book I ever listen to

so wonderful multi story book. the mystery which most people can solve within the first few chapters at least the majority of it but how would unfolded over a course of 60 + years is incredible the lives that intertwined and one of the biggest historic events of any of our lifetimes is masterfully told. I'm surprised there was never a movie made from this book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well worth the listening

Very beautiful and historical novel! One I will always remember! Every American should read or listen to this book. I appreciated the meaningful quotes at the beginning of the chapters. Thanks so much! Narration was awesome! 👍

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Excellent read

My uncle was in the all Americans in the European campaign and I felt a little bit closer to him reading this novel. They were some brave people. It makes me wonder what we would do now days if forced into the same situation. Great book and highly recommended from a long time audible listener that HATES to waste a credit.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Classic!!! I cried through the last chapters!!!

I’m a tough guy and a veteran. This book takes the reader through important battles of WWII in a very personal way giving the unpatriotic a reason for patriotism, and the patriotic a reason pride and tears. That so many gave so much for our freedom is deftly brought to light here. I wept with pride for the book’s characters and situations!! I’m so glad to have read this wonderful book!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

THANK YOU

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

After this book I finally realize what my father experienced and why he said the things he did .

What other book might you compare The Last Jump to and why?

My Dad was one of 5 brothers from Canada that lived in Maine who served . All but one returned . So wish I had this book as a young snot not understanding what they share as a brotherhood on the farm after the war in the early 50's .

What about Mike Ortego’s performance did you like?

What's not to like !!!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All 83 chapters >> its that simple .

Any additional comments?

Only regrets >> not talking to my Dad more . He passed at 94 yrs young in 2002 and served in the Army Air Corp in the Philippines as a cargo mover ! . He said " there were just too > too > too many body bags " ! Love you Dad >> just didn't know what you experienced !!!

Thank you John E. Nevola for a great story and to Mike Ortego for an awesome journey

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Must read for anyone who's Dad was in WWII

A diverse and detailed account of the heroism, honor and dedication of the American fighting man.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good Story Stretched Too Far

Would you try another book from John E. Nevola and/or Mike Ortego?

Yes, the writing and characters are fine. My only issue is how the secret is handled. The story of life during WW2 is compelling. The secret that appears in the second half of the book went on too long. It took away from the intensity of the story being told. How could this secret be more than the story of heroism and tragedy unfolding before us?

I never stayed to find that secret.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Last Jump Review

What made the experience of listening to The Last Jump the most enjoyable?

The narrator had a pleasing voice and I was able to listen without getting bored or without wanting to turn it off. The book was very long; however, it held my interest from beginning to end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Jump?

The end of the story; after the secret was revealed. I enjoy reading about the Greatest Generation. They are the true heroes of all time.

What does Mike Ortego bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I felt like I was there being told the story by the characters. His use of different voices had a great impact on how the story was told.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no - it is long eighty something chapters and I listen to and from work

Any additional comments?

I loved it!

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