Book Review: Close Enough to Touch

By Annell Gerson

What if you were allergic to other humans? What if someones touch could send you into anaphylactic shock? What does such a life look like; what does it feel like? Close Enough to Touch, Atlanta author Colleen Oakleys newest book, takes readers inside Jubilee Jenkins heart, where we experience this lonely malady first hand.

Jubilee is a normal, healthy baby until she is three. Then, large, painful, itchy welts begin appearing all over her body. Three agonizing years later, doctors determine a genetic mutation in her DNA has caused the absence of one or more human proteins. Ultimately, this protein deficit means touch from another human could kill her, and as a result, Jubilee grows up a freak show. She sits apart from everyone at school and endures their cruel whispers and avoidance. She spends her life befriending fictional characters in her endless bounty of novels. No one holds her hand when she crosses the street; no one wipes away her tears; no one touches her forehead when she has a fever; no one kisses her goodnight.

Then, two weeks before graduation, she is kissed...by a boy...at school...in front of everyone...and almost dies. Jubilee is released from the hospital, goes home, and despite the fact that her mother leaves three months later to live with her new husband, she does not leave the house for nine years. When her mother dies, her step-father tells her there will be no more monthly checks coming in the mail. With past due notices mounting, Jubilee not only leaves the house, but lands a job at the local library. It is here that she meets Eric Keegan and his adopted son, Aja. Eric and Jubilee are drawn to each other, but how does one love someone without touching them? Close Enough to Touch is an elegant reminder that obstacles can be overcome; risks can have positive results, and forgiveness is always an option.

Bookmiser will host Colleen Oakley for an Afternoon Tea and discussion on March 12, 2-3:30pm.


Annell Gerson is co-owner of Bookmiser bookstore, with locations in Roswell and East Cobb. 770-993-1555. Bookmiser.net