Sanders' Starfish

by Tara C. Allred

Dr. John Sanders is about to begin his career as a clinical psychologist. Full of optimism, he believes he can make a difference and is eager to provide hope to a group the world has deemed hopeless. Yet in John's quest to offer those in his care a second chance, he embarks on his own journey of self-discovery. In his search, clear answers become scrambled confusion while the unimaginable truth is trapped in a complex web. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ "Sander’s Starfish is a powerful story regarding the worth of a soul and doing what is right in the face of any challenge which may arise. As tension builds, author Allred does a masterful job with intermingling the lives of the two main characters. The manuscript is accomplished with ardent insight into the life of the mentally ill as well as being completed with striking writing. The detailed and true to life scenes of life in a residential care treatment center are powerfully portrayed. Sanders’ Starfish is a riveting account drawing the reader into the storyline from the opening lines as we stand at the door confronting Clarissa with Dr Sanders. Our knees smart when the cart is thrust into his by the dogged patient. Reader attention is held fast from that initial contact with this anecdote’s main character and does not diminish until we find the conflict is properly decided. Writing is good quality, action is fast paced, a convincing well thought out plot is easy to follow, dialogue used effectively moves the story along. Sanders’ Starfish is not a light hearted little tale. Richly rendered surroundings, commanding stimulus, story line twists, snappy exchanges, hair raising excitement and satisfyingly puzzling uncertainty pack the pages of author Allred’s initial work with mesmerizing reader appeal. With a razor sharp, centered narrative; Allred gives a picture of life in a residential care unit few are aware exists. Flourishing with well rounded characters in this remarkably directed anecdote of deception, underhanded conniving and unexpected disputes, the book has something to please every reader." Reviewed Molly’s Reviews/Molly Martin

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Amazon, Mental Illness, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Adult Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

TARA C. ALLRED is an award-winning author, instructional designer, and educator. She has been recognized as a California Scholar of the Arts for Creative Writing and is a recipient of the Howey Awards for Best Adult Book and Best Adult Author. She lives in Utah with her husband.

Her published works include REMEMBER (The Existence Series), SANDERS' STARFISH and UNAUTHORED LETTERS (John Sanders Series), HELPING HELPER and THE OTHER SIDE OF QUIET, a 2015 Kindle Book Award Finalist and Whitney Award Winner.

To learn more about the author, visit www.taracallred.net.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beyond awful. Did not finish. I was going to rant about lazy editors and writers who don't do their due diligence about mental health, but then I realized the problem was much worse. Here are some great examples of this "clinical psychologist" treating his inpatient "schizophrenics":
"You need to trust me"
"Don't let this upset you"
"You need to understand"
*rolls eyes*

[Maureen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really dislike giving a book a bad review because I recognize and appreciate how much time and effort an author pours into it. The only reason I even finished this book is because I kept waiting to see if there was some redeeming feature, and it was short. There wasn't. While the premise of a private hospital for persons with mental illness doing something not on the up and up (trying to avoid a spoiler) was interesting, the fact that it only came to light as a result of a professional behaving in a completely unethical way with a patient is wrong. His inner thoughts, sometimes disguised as debates with his friend, were whiny and repetitive. The sudden transformation of Dr. L from disciple to paranoid whistle blower was insufficiently supported. I won't go on, but give this book a pass. My apologies to the author should she read this.

[Katie Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating

Though a work of fiction, Sanders' Starfish is an intriguing look inside private mental health facilities. Allred' s characters and narration remind readers that the lives of the severely mentally ill are not without hope.

[Paula]

I can't even give this book one star. This was a complete waste of my time. I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read this book because it was a free selection on BookBub. I had difficulty tolerating the main character's codependency and poor professional boundaries, so did not enjoy reading this.

[Bonnye Reed]

TheFussyLibrarian

[Liesbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was really looking forward to this, I liked the concept and I'm interested in mental health. Adding to that my own daughter had a long period in a psychiatric unit.
I was sadly disappointed. ( and very bored!!!)
John, the main character, is dull beyond belief. He needs padding out, he needs a side story, something to make him more interesting.
The whole mental health institution is unbelievable and far from reality.
The whole thing picks up a bit about 70% in the book, and then falls flat on its face again at the end, which is rushed and a bit messy.
Will not read the sequel.

[Donna Ehrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I thought...

I'm sorry to say that I found myself becoming more bored as I got deeper into this book. It became redundant & I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. I found the main character to be very whiney & irritating. Luckily, it wasn't such a long read & I was put out of my misery just when I was considering leaving it unfinished, which I never do.

[Colleen Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short book looks at the obsession of a clinical psychologist. Although it takes place in the present day, it has a definite old-fashioned feel to it. The plot had potential, but unfortunately it's incredibly predictable and not much really happens. The characters are poorly developed, and the whole thing was just a disappointment.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book-it's a fun clean quick read. It made me think a lot about what we as society deem as "normal", and that everyone has strange things about them that might not exactly be considered the normal way to be. Good book!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad but it seemed like the characters didn't 'wrap up'. The whys were not answered at the end. and I expected it to be something beachy from the title-it's about a mental institution.

[G.G. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book shows an appalling ignorance of mental illness.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely hate giving a book a bad review, but please don't waste your time on this story. The first 3/4 of the chapters are the same thing over and over, with almost no new information. The plot is extremely predictable, to the point where something would (finally) happen and I would just skim through because 1. I already knew it was coming, and 2. I just wanted to finish the book and be done. The characters fall very flat for me, and I found them all to be very annoying. It was very hard to even care what happened to any of them. When the end finally does come, it's very abrupt and had no finesse to it. It just ends very quickly and wrapped up in the last chapter or two. Again, I really hate to give a bad review, but this one is just not worth the time. I'm rather surprised it's even a series.

[J. A. Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starfish is the story of a young clinical psychiatrist who embarks on a career at a psychiatric/mental health hospital. He begins his career by wanting to make a difference with all his patients. Within time,however, he becomes obsessed with one woman who has not made many improvements in her years at the hospital. Determined to make a difference, he becomes overly obsessed with her. When he oversteps the boundaries, he is removed from her care, only to continue to treat her in secret. I was not aware that this was a two part series when I started it. It does end leaving you with unanswered questions so you are relegated to buy the 2nd book. Overall a good read, keeps your attention and has you rooting for at least one underdog.

[Nicole C · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an aspiring mental health practitioner, I was having trouble relating to the protagonist. His actions seemed questionable and it took awhile for me to recognize that this was not the story that it seems on the surface. When I realized that, then I saw it from another angle and it seemed slightly easier to empathize with the main character.
Just a warning: I would not recommend this as an educational read on mental illness.

[Liz Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the depths

Rebecca's fate - and many others - depends upon their ability to deal with reality. A clinical psychologist once told me people choose to be crazy ... and I learned years later that it's true...to be crazy is a matter of choice, when life seems the worst it is much easier to let go and give up. However, life is to be lived...good, bad, mixed up.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different but moving novel

Ireally enjoyed reading this story and It gave me an insight into the mentally ill people.It was easy to connect with the people involved. Very realistic and keeping the interest at all times. This story is full of love and compassion and courage in difficult circumstances.A really good read.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of the book, Allred explained that this was her first novel. It showed. The book was mostly dialogue with little grounding in setting. However, However, I enjoyed the book a lot because the characters were compelling and their story pulled me through the book rapidly. Sanders' story had depth and intrigue that kept me reading.

[Kathie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard NO. Always impressed when a writer finishes and publishes a book, but this one is not successful. Many editing errors (John had wrote down those opinion), one-dimensional characters, awkward and unnatural dialogue, story too obvious. Can’t believe there’s a John Sanders series and #2 is ready. Not for this reader.

[Sara Rothery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating to say the least.
I like the idea of the story but it doesn't go far nor deep enough. It has so much potential but it lacks in everything from characteristics to plot to knowledge.
Totally needs an overhaul. More warmth, depth and knowledge.
Ending was inevitable but so wishy washy in getting there.

[Colette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read 8 chapters and I really tried to like it, but I couldn't. The style of writing, the coldness of the characters and the factual inaccuracies on the subject (mental health) was just too much for me - sorry.

[Katie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fascinating look at psychotherapy and mental illness.

Not the best crafted story but considering it was one of Tara's early pieces of work it is still very readable. Her work is much improved nowadays.

[Tuhupiya Kar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a breathtaking story and the essence is just so beautiful. A story of triumph over failure, when one feels like there's nothing more left in life to be alive. All in all it's a beautiful book. The twists and turns in the stories would take you by surprise.

This book receives such a rating. I have never read such a kind of story or rather even considered entering this Genre. But this one was totally worth it.

[Vanda Bromwich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. John Sanders is about to begin his career as a clinical psychologist. Full of optimism, he believes he can make a difference, however why does everyone else at the facility disagree with his assessment of Rebecca?

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not my normal reading genre, but having read it I became totally absorbed in the story and literally couldn't put it down . Having read it I promptly bought book 2 in the series
. I would recommend it to every highly, read and enjoy

[Keith Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbingly all too possible

A very disturbing story that draws you in to the world of those who suffer mental illness. Disturbing mainly due to the way so e people are able to use power to corrupt lives which they they are supposedly looking after.

[James Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly this is the first book I read from Tara, although not the first one I got ahold of. Anyways, this book is sure to keep ahold of your attention the whole way through. It is easily my favorite one of Tara's novels. An artistic masterpiece.

[Barbara George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this

Not a thriller in the current sense but troubling and well done and scary in its own right. Must read.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 3 out of 5]

readable but quite predictable

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting insightful