Book Review: The Bigger Picture in Primal Calling by Barry Eisenberg

Primal Calling by Barry Eisenberg is the perfect story to get into. It’s all about the close relationships shared among friends and family, finding a purpose and valuing the little things in life.

While rummaging through the attic, high school senior, Jack Davies, is surprised to find his never-before-seen birth certificate, revealing a startling bit of information that changes his life. The story his mother told about his birth, he discovers, is revealed to be a lie, shattering long-held beliefs and the trust he had for her. Jack becomes obsessed with discovering the truth, leading him down a dangerous path. Faced with unanswered questions and confounding obstacles at every turn, Jack finds himself deeply enmeshed in an intricate world of national security and international intrigue. Relationships are tested as his every move is tracked by a group of mysterious people. Who are they? Whose side are they on? Who can he trust? And, most importantly, who will he ultimately become?

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Eisenberg’s debut is set to put Jack on a ride for his biological father, who he hadn’t known existed until he found his birth certificate. For the next year, it sets Jack on finding his father, no matter what. There will be trials along the way that emotionally tear Jack apart, but knowing his father is still out there motivates him to continue his search.

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There was pure symmetry and poetry in their transition from dinner to making love; they were swept along by a passion that transcended and unified their individual desires. - 75% into the ebook

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With Jack’s quick thinking, he’s able to surf the internet, bring up articles and make phone calls. Jack’s inquisitive thinking only gets him further from the truth when he hears how private his father’s life actually is with the help of a girl, Cathy. As their friendship develops, so does the search for Jack’s father.

The pace at which Eisenberg wrote, brought out each character with enough backstory to state their purpose. Eisenberg introduces readers to both the world of Jack and his father, Stewart Jacobson. Stewart has worked for the government for many years and, too, has built relationships along the way. We’re shown the sacrifices Stewart has to make every day in order to keep his identity a secret. The amount of people who have Stewart’s back, not only in the United States but Saudi Arabia as well.

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This relationship lacked a vocabulary that could be shaped only by experience and history. - 96% into the ebook

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These friendships are put to the test when Stewart’s identity is in danger and it shows readers how far everyone has gone to not only protect this man, but their country. In turn, we’re also shown how focusing on one person might distract them from worrying about another who might’ve needed help and support.

Eisenberg has crafted such likable characters throughout the story. Jack’s demeanor was mature, yet predicted for a young adult like himself. Stewart was responsible, intelligent and understanding as someone who has just found out they had a son. Cathy was so supportive of Jack and made him see both sides to the story whenever he was conflicted.

Overall, this is a beautiful story of family, love, grief and relationships. Readers become intrigued to find out what will happen next. A story that can take you to another place and watch the unravelling after the discovery of a birth certificate.

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