Jarot talks first book, future works

Audience members entered the large meeting room at the Plainfield Public Library, where they were greeted by Jeff Jarot, who debuted his first book, “Zuzu’s Petals,” on June 16.

Jarot is a local Plainfield South High School English teacher, as well as a 1989 Plainfield High School graduate. He said he had spent 8 years developing and bringing his book to publication. “From the time it was done to the time it was published was a two year process.”

The company, Lit Fest Press, published the book around May 2016. According to Jarot, he had been told that the book was one of “fastest selling” works under its price range for the company.

Much of the main story is about a man named Jules, who is in a failing marriage while also having an unhealthy obsession with the film “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Several inspirations from the story had been filled with many movies in mind, according to Jarot, and he feels he had always been very interested in pop culture and how it impacts the world.

He also said when writing the story, he found himself watching movies such as “Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris,” and “Warhorse.”

One of the main reasons Jarot had decided to write the story was to show the negative aspects of obsessions. “Too much of an obsession can be a bad thing, especially when it comes to personal relationships.”

Another reason in writing the story was to show what effects the past can have on individuals. “I think living in the past too much can be a very toxic thing, and so I wanted to write something that was nostalgic with the whole intent of looking forward into the future,” Jarot said. 

After doing a brief reading of his book, Jarot took the rest of the time to answer questions from the audience.

When asked about any possible future works, Jarot said how he had already planned three separate pieces of nonfiction for publication soon.

Jarot said he will also be attending this year’s David Foster Wallace Confernce in July at the Illinois State University to present a paper that will likely be published “before the conference.”

After questions, Jarot signed books while also selling them for $20 at the visit. His book is also available on Amazon and more information about Jarot can be found at festivalwriter.org