Jay's Journal

Although i knew nothing about this "true account" when i picked it up, as i got deeper into the book I sensed something was missing. Jay's character didn't add up. He struck me as too sane and objective to be crazy, too moral and connected with himself to be so immoral, too mature in his thoughts and writing to be so immature, and FAR TOO HONEST AND EXPRESSIVE WITH HIMSELF to be so dishonest with everyone around him. The fact that he killed himself just didn't add up to me. I'm a psychotherapist who works with suicidal people (adults now but teens in the past) and i just didn't buy it. At first i wondered if Sparks simply changed too much of Jay's identifying information (which even Freud warns against in recounting case studies) to make the story hold, but later i found myself wondering if she had actually re-written the journal herself to fit HER needs (perhaps to sell books, get famous, whatever - or perhaps some more sinister psychological desire to disguise a worthy person's true story).

Although i still don't know what actually happened in "Jay's" case, ten minutes of internet research showed me claims that Jay (supposedly really Alden Barrett) was never even into the occult at all! Also, there were claims he was schizophrenic (of which this supposed "journal" gives no indication), and that "Dr." Beatrice Sparks (who should lose her license if this proves true) MADE UP whole sections of the book (more than 50%), weaving in "accounts" of other teenagers she supposedly knew.

One thing for which i am grateful about this book is that Sparks is only a mediocre writer. Had she produced a more believable account of "Jay's Journal", i probably never would have become suspicious and taken my suspicions beyond the state of contemplation.

I think what is called for here is the publication of "Jay's" actual journal so the reader sort the rest out for him or herself.


I'm Alden's Brother. I know the facts.   April 5, 2006
Aldensbro (Arizona)
46 out of 47 found this review helpful

To all of you people from Utah that claim "Jay's Journal" is a true story, well, lets just say that Beatrice Sparks has convinced you, once again, that her self righteous fantasy view of the world is fact, and teenagers can gain some sort of phenomenal "powers" by killing cats and drinking cow's blood, and only by obeying your parents and going to church will save you from the evils of the real world. Some of you claim to have known members of my family when you have no idea what we have gone through since the publication of this book. right now I have Alden Barrett's original journal in my possesion. I am here to tell all of you the facts. My brother, Alden Neil Barrett, died of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right temple on March 13, 1971. He was posthumously diagnosed with clinical depression after his psychiatrist, (NOT Beatrice Sparks) read his journal, which sporadically detailed the last six months of his life. Exactly 21 of 69 entries from Alden's journal were used by Beatrice Sparks in "Jay's Journal"; some of which include, "The Joys Of the Theater", and "The Joys of Debate." She has several different accounts as to where she recieved information that Alden was involved in occult activities, none of which I believed when I interviewed her for my book. She was vague and apologetic, and would not reveal her "sources." Side-by-side comparisons of "Jay's Journal" and "Go Ask Alice" reveal suspiciously similar writing styles. (Entries that repeat words three times for emphasis, for example.) No where in Alden's journal is there any mention of drinking cow's blood, or any of the other alleged occult or satanic activities mentioned in "Jay's Journal." The letter at the end of the book was actually written by my mother, Marcella. The part about "Jay's" two friends dying in car accidents is true, except the timeline was fictionalized. The first one died three months after Alden. The second friend died five years after Alden. The "note from Jay's mother's scratch pad" was not Marcella's, but does reveal the intent of the book, and apparently justifies all of the creative license employed in the book.
It is my opinion that, while "Jay's Journal" has frightened some teenagers away from occult-like activities, it has also made many more children curious with the promise of special powers, and influences impressionable youth to this day in many negative ways. "Jay's Journal" ranks up there with "Plan 9 From Outer Space" as a poorly planned, low budget special effects type of pulp book that has gathered a cult following based solely on the premise that it is a true account. This book is a prime example of the phrase, "Don't believe everything you read."



very scary "True Story"   November 25, 1999
Christopher Kennedy _kennedy13@excite.com (Hayannis Port, Massachusetts)
40 out of 48 found this review helpful

I read this book when I was 15 ( I'm now 31) and I have never forgot about it, I had nightmares for months and was afraid of the dark after I read it. This book is only for mature people, I would not recommend it to anyone under 17 or not mature. It is a journal of a boy that felt lost and got messed up with the wrong crowd, became a drug addict and a Satan worshipper. He tells details on everything he experienced, the powers he got, the demon named Roul that visited him many times (which is a real demon that was thrown out of heaven with Satan by God). I want to read this book again and I am still scared of it. Anyone that has ever thought about getting into the occult should read this and see for yourself what Satan will do for you, (NOTHING BUT EVIL, PAIN, HARDSHIP, DEATH AND HELL) it shows that he is greatly decieving, he loves no one and just want you to burn in hell as he is going to when things come to an end. This is really the scariest book ever, I don't know why there hasn't been a movie made out of it yet as it could help alot of lost people.


Shame on you Mrs. Sparks   June 9, 2004
29 out of 29 found this review helpful

This book is a LIE.

Do the smallest bit of research and you'll see that. Beatrice Sparks defamed the reputation of an entire family and one poor kid through her witchhunt. She didn't care about the truth; she cared about "scaring straight" teens and making a quick buck in the process.

The real person this "journal" is based on was never into the occult. He was a normal kid who was interested in Eastern religions and liberal politics. Maybe that's the same think in Sparks' mind.

I'm very ashamed to have picked up this book. I wish I could get my money back so that Mrs. Sparks doesn't get her royalty check.