“Brilliantly simple and deceptively complex. This debut literary work is one of service, love, leadership, and hope.”—Publishers Weekly.
"A powerful act of love. . . . While we wait on reform and seek corrective actions, [Jackson] provides the road map for ensuring that anyone incarcerated understands that prison is where they are, not who they are, and for helping them sustain the courage to Keep Hope Alive!”—Triangle Tribune
"The letters in Loving You consist of some of everything—disappointment, wisdom, humor, strength, encouragement, correction, and a fierce love for her son that only another mother can understand. . . . no one who reads this book will be left untouched."—Marilyn K. Howard, PhD, Columbia Free Press
“Inspiring and moving.”—Spectacular Magazine
“There is power, life and healing in words sent or spoken to those who need them. I was touched by how the unconditional love and sweet forgiveness of this mother went on to bless her son and those around him.”—Jackie Davis, Lockport Journal
“In words that moved me to tears and made me laugh, Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson’s love for her son, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., comes through every page. . . . A mother’s love written from the heart inspires us to live each day with grace.”—Donna Brazile, Former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee
“The immeasurable love and grace that Mrs. Jackson exhibits through her letters to her eldest son Jesse is the same love and grace she has shown to young men and women around the country. . . . These letters of love, forgiveness, redemption, and second chances are a must-read. This book is a must-read.”—Minyon Moore, Former Director of White House Political Affairs for President Bill Clinton
“One of the crippling impacts of mass incarceration in this nation is the disconnect that families suffer. And in order for one to recover, whether they are justifiably incarcerated or not, they must keep that connection with their home and with their foundation that can restore them and connect them to their basic life and who they are. For Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson, such a prominent woman, to expose to the world her most intimate and painstaking letters to her son, is an example of how we must fight against our own pain and empower ourselves with an unbreakable connection until one gets home and understands that whether you are fairly or unfairly incarcerated, and whether you sleep behind strange walls or bars, that you always got a home and that connection cannot be broken.”—Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder of the National Action Network (NAN)
“A touching, insightful must-read that serves as an inspiration for many who have walked the path—'whether in a camp, behind the fence, or in the special housing unit’—and for their loved ones who experience the trauma and separation that comes with incarceration . . . This beautiful compilation of love letters filled with wisdom, humor, and insight warms the soul and reminds us of the healing power of the unbreakable bond between mother and son.”—Georgette “Gigi” Dixon, SVP, Director of Strategic Partnerships Wells Fargo & Company
“I have known the Jackson family for over fifty years, but after reading Jackie Jackson’s amazing letters to her incarcerated son I’m convinced I never really knew her. I see the unconditional love of a mother writing to her son virtually every day. . . . What a woman! What a read!”—Frank E. Watkins, National Political Director, Rainbow Coalition
“My mother, through her letters, sustained me through my darkest hour. She reminded me of the power of love, the power of mercy, and the power of forgiveness.
“She helped correct my path, and put me on the road to redemption.
“She saved me. By saving one person, she taught me that the nation could be saved as well.”—Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
