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The Diary of Dakota Hammell
Dakota Hammell was an ordinary teenager until he ran away from home at the age of sixteen, but after being brutally beaten, raped and left for dead, there seems to be little hope in his life—that is, until a man claiming to be a psychologist walks into the alleyway he’s lying near-dead in and offers him a second chance at life. John tells Dakota he can stay with him as long as he wants, but there’s a For each day he stays, he has to write a journal entry about his life, his problems, and his potential future. With little choice, Dakota agrees, but is wary of the situation, as past experience with strangers has shown to have negative effects. But when things with John begin to work out and life becomes nothing out of the ordinary, his heart finally begins to open and his journey can finally be told. A story of hope, of healing, and ultimately, of friendship, The Diary of Dakota Hammell offers a brief glimpse into a life of fractured teenager who has lost everything but his ability to write.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Kody Boye
127 books273 followersKody Boye has always been drawn to escape into other worlds. Now primarily a young adult fiction author, he made his debut in the Yellow Mama webzine at the age of fourteen with the publication of "[A] Prom Queen's Revenge," and sold his debut novel, Sunrise, to Library of the Living Dead Press at eighteen.
Since then, he has authored several young adult novels across multiple speculative fiction genres. His works include The Beautiful Ones, The Red Wolf Saga, and the When They Came trilogy.
When not writing, Kody enjoys reading YA novels, playing video games, and relaxing with his three cats. He currently lives and writes in Southeastern Idaho.
Since then, he has authored several young adult novels across multiple speculative fiction genres. His works include The Beautiful Ones, The Red Wolf Saga, and the When They Came trilogy.
When not writing, Kody enjoys reading YA novels, playing video games, and relaxing with his three cats. He currently lives and writes in Southeastern Idaho.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 19, 2011
I want to make an important point before I go further with this review. Kody Boye is a name to watch. This author is talented! This project is an amazing concept which I feel could be honed to something far greater than it is at this moment.
I took a few hours after I finished reading this book before sitting down to review it. This is a subject which hits close to home and so I have strong opinions about. I wanted to be sure that I didn't simply judge the work on how I would have handled the story and I feel that I am not.
~possible spoilers~
Besides a few plot holes and a continuity issue, I had some conflict with how innocent and trusting the MC was. Now, he said he didn't trust anyone but his actions, not just with John, proved otherwise. Being on the street for a short time, myself, I know that it doesn't take long to learn that those who offer the most kindness are usually the ones you need to fear the most. Trust, like allowing a wallet with a good deal of money in it to sit out where people could take it. A homeless person also learns how to be invisible, to mesh with the environment and not stand out. But he stood out in the neighborhood he walked through just before he was raped.
Also, having your self-worth minimized to a sexual object as Dakota's was on the street as a prostitute, leaves a boy with a need to offer sex, but also a need to be wanted sexually. I feel this would have shown up in his time with John. His worshipfulness of John would have translated to sex love and he would have felt a need to offer John the one commodity he had in exchange for the help.
I feel that the psychological damage of a gang rape was marginalized by making it sound as if just being able to recount the event would somehow put the event behind him. I know that this diary is merely Dakota's feelings and perhaps he only thought he was fixed, but it appeared that bad dreams and all the other problems faded also.
I do like how Dakota left at the end. It stays true to his character. A person who has dealt with past problems by running (from his home, from Josh) will continue to do so. It's his coping mechanism. It made the story happier to have Dakota keep the phone. I was glad that he did.
I took a few hours after I finished reading this book before sitting down to review it. This is a subject which hits close to home and so I have strong opinions about. I wanted to be sure that I didn't simply judge the work on how I would have handled the story and I feel that I am not.
~possible spoilers~
Besides a few plot holes and a continuity issue, I had some conflict with how innocent and trusting the MC was. Now, he said he didn't trust anyone but his actions, not just with John, proved otherwise. Being on the street for a short time, myself, I know that it doesn't take long to learn that those who offer the most kindness are usually the ones you need to fear the most. Trust, like allowing a wallet with a good deal of money in it to sit out where people could take it. A homeless person also learns how to be invisible, to mesh with the environment and not stand out. But he stood out in the neighborhood he walked through just before he was raped.
Also, having your self-worth minimized to a sexual object as Dakota's was on the street as a prostitute, leaves a boy with a need to offer sex, but also a need to be wanted sexually. I feel this would have shown up in his time with John. His worshipfulness of John would have translated to sex love and he would have felt a need to offer John the one commodity he had in exchange for the help.
I feel that the psychological damage of a gang rape was marginalized by making it sound as if just being able to recount the event would somehow put the event behind him. I know that this diary is merely Dakota's feelings and perhaps he only thought he was fixed, but it appeared that bad dreams and all the other problems faded also.
I do like how Dakota left at the end. It stays true to his character. A person who has dealt with past problems by running (from his home, from Josh) will continue to do so. It's his coping mechanism. It made the story happier to have Dakota keep the phone. I was glad that he did.
April 19, 2011
The Diary of Dakota Hammell by Kody Boye introduces readers to the intimately personal journal entries of teen runaway Dakota Hammell. After running away from home, Dakota is forced to do whatever it takes to survive, even if that means selling himself to make some extra cash. After a tragic event that left Dakota raped and beaten, the friendly John takes Dakota under his wing. John is a psychologist and tells Dakota that he can stay in the spare room at his house but he must earn his keep by writing a journal. The more he writes, the longer he can stay. Thankful and having nowhere else to go, Dakota accepts the offer and so The Diary of Dakota Hammell is created. John takes care of Dakota, not only by getting him proper medical care and a safe place to stay, but by being a friendly shoulder to lean on.
Being written in a journal format, it was very easy for me to experience the emotions that Dakota struggled with on his path to self discovery. At times I felt as though I was invading Dakota's privacy by reading the intimate details of not only his tragic rape but his every day living. Dakota doesn't have any labels for himself or know where his future is headed, but lives in the now while trying to make peace with the past.
The Diary of Dakota Hammell didn't end the way that I thought it would which was both intriguing and frustrating at the same time. I can't really say why I felt this way without giving away the ending so I will just say that the ending felt a little rushed.
Mr. Boye did a wonderful job in telling such a dark and tragic story while shining light on the fact that goodness and friendship does still exist in the world today.
The Diary of Dakota does contain adult language as well as M/M scenes so should only be read by mature adult audiences.
Being written in a journal format, it was very easy for me to experience the emotions that Dakota struggled with on his path to self discovery. At times I felt as though I was invading Dakota's privacy by reading the intimate details of not only his tragic rape but his every day living. Dakota doesn't have any labels for himself or know where his future is headed, but lives in the now while trying to make peace with the past.
The Diary of Dakota Hammell didn't end the way that I thought it would which was both intriguing and frustrating at the same time. I can't really say why I felt this way without giving away the ending so I will just say that the ending felt a little rushed.
Mr. Boye did a wonderful job in telling such a dark and tragic story while shining light on the fact that goodness and friendship does still exist in the world today.
The Diary of Dakota does contain adult language as well as M/M scenes so should only be read by mature adult audiences.
August 15, 2016
Well, I don't have much to say about this one. It was short, free and oh so very touching. The story of the boy is very sad, but you read what he writes while he's recovering, so it still has that tone of hope and happiness that so many of us need to read about. I just wish there was more to it, I wish it was made into a book that wasn't in "diary entry" format so I could know more, read more, the whole"show don't tell" thing applies here. It was still pretty good.
July 25, 2021
Left me wanting more
This book held my interest to the very end but left me wanting more. First thing I’m going to do is look Up this author and see if he wrote a follow up. Dakota’s story deserves to be continued.
This book held my interest to the very end but left me wanting more. First thing I’m going to do is look Up this author and see if he wrote a follow up. Dakota’s story deserves to be continued.
August 17, 2018
To be honest, I was expecting something more, I mean some parts of Hammell's writing seem a bit too sugarcoated and soft, but I can't deny his story is heartbreaking and makes you feel sad but hopeful in quite a good way.
January 9, 2024
Each part of his life up to the end point felt rushed to me. It wasn't bad in the slightest but felt perhaps the entries could have been a bit longer.
April 27, 2013
This short story was what I was hoping it would be; a glimpse into the mind of a troubled young man on the journey of self-discovery. Though the ending was not quite what I expected, it was still fulfilling . Honestly, it was just the perfect length - even if a prologue would have been fun to read up on. It's where the diary ended so it was just right. There was a few repeated phrases that could have been cleaned up in the editing... but the voice of the main character and the nature of the story made that forgivable. You really feel for him and what he has been through. Wish we learned a bit more about the other characters . Even so, I'm glad to have stumbled on this book.
December 24, 2018
I liked the way this book was set up as a diary. It's not the first book to use this format, but it uses it well and allows an intimacy with the characters you don't normally get with other formats. I liked the slow reveal of Dakota's past and the imagery used was rather poignant in many instances. I was confused at several points about Dakota's age, after first thinking he was a minor, then later it was revealed he was closer to 19/20, then later it's stated that he's 18. The ending felt rushed, like the author needed to wrap this up and ran out of ideas. I thought a couple of pretty major plot points were not handled well, such as why Overall, I liked it okay but the ending and the plot holes didn't make much sense. 2.5 stars.
October 3, 2013
“People aren’t good by nature. They’re good by nurture.” He explained that it wasn’t in our nature to be good to one another, that if that had been the case, the human race wouldn’t have survived for as long as it had. He said that had we always been nice, and had we always chose to accept one another, we would have never gotten anywhere.”
Dakota Hammell, a young man, who after a tragic incident longs for self-discovery and is being helped with it by a psychologist who makes him to write this diary. And when he actually does he finds himself in love.
Reading something written in a diary form always, or at least mostly (when it’s good), feels more personal. It’s like this someone is telling me personally, it deepens the overall feelings at the end. Also it’s a real page turner; I couldn’t stop reading, which of course didn’t take long because it’s quite short, which again is quite a pity, I really wanted more at the end. More of his life, more of the other characters, but it still was very enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a nice romance with a good end than The Diary of Dakota Hammell is the right choice. And I certainly will keep an eye on Mr. Boyd’s work.
Dakota Hammell, a young man, who after a tragic incident longs for self-discovery and is being helped with it by a psychologist who makes him to write this diary. And when he actually does he finds himself in love.
Reading something written in a diary form always, or at least mostly (when it’s good), feels more personal. It’s like this someone is telling me personally, it deepens the overall feelings at the end. Also it’s a real page turner; I couldn’t stop reading, which of course didn’t take long because it’s quite short, which again is quite a pity, I really wanted more at the end. More of his life, more of the other characters, but it still was very enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a nice romance with a good end than The Diary of Dakota Hammell is the right choice. And I certainly will keep an eye on Mr. Boyd’s work.
February 26, 2015
Dakota Hammell's story is told in a diary format. Dakota was a run away who found himself living life on the road and prostituting to get what he needed until one night he is left in an alley way beaten, raped, and left for dead. Dakota is found by a man named John who takes him into his home to care for him. John is a psychologist who sees that Dakota is in need of someone actually caring for him. To help him in his healing process he asks Dakota to write in a journal each day. Than begins the journey of self discovery and Dakota finally comes to terms with what has happened in his life and how he must deal with the aftermath.
I loved the diary format that the book took on. Dakota is a character that you root for right from the beginning. It made it seem like you were right there with him on his journey of self exploration. The only problem with the book is that the ending was a bit unsatisfying. I was surprised at the turn of events, but to me it felt like it needed to go a little longer and not end so abruptly. This is a story I would love to see more of in the future. Maybe a second book in the future?
I loved the diary format that the book took on. Dakota is a character that you root for right from the beginning. It made it seem like you were right there with him on his journey of self exploration. The only problem with the book is that the ending was a bit unsatisfying. I was surprised at the turn of events, but to me it felt like it needed to go a little longer and not end so abruptly. This is a story I would love to see more of in the future. Maybe a second book in the future?
February 9, 2015
When Dakota Hammell, a teenage runaway who is attacked in an alley and left to die, is found by a psychologist who invites him to live at his house while he recuperates, he's not quite sure what to think. Even more curious is the deal he makes: Dakota can live there as long as he needs on the condition that he write in a journal every day. This novel is the journal that Dakota keeps and documents not only what happens as he works toward physical, emotional, and mental recovery but also his past as he slowly opens up about what happened to him.
This was some really great storytelling. I really could have believed that Dakota was a real young man who wrote this diary himself. The story progresses naturally and it's easy to see the way Dakota develops throughout the book. The only think that I didn't really care for was the way the book ended, though that's largely because I want so much to know what happens next...
This was some really great storytelling. I really could have believed that Dakota was a real young man who wrote this diary himself. The story progresses naturally and it's easy to see the way Dakota develops throughout the book. The only think that I didn't really care for was the way the book ended, though that's largely because I want so much to know what happens next...
April 6, 2015
I'm doing a reading challenge for 2015 and one of the suggestions was to read a book by an author with the same initials as you. Wasn't easy to find but then I came across this book and Kody Boye. This is a very short book and not very interesting. I found the writing to be rather pedestrian. Yes, I understand this is a diary format and is supposed to be the writing of a 19yr old, but it just wasn't very good. Especially since, in the diary entries, the writer is always telling us what a good writer he is. There were a lot of times I was confused by the sentence structure and wondered who edited this. Other than the poor writing, the story was just kind of lackluster. There were no suprises, the end is abrupt and the characters are never fully fleshed out. I read the kindle edition which is listed at 102 pages so the best thing I can say is that at least this was short. It kept my attention, but I wouldn't want to read this book again nor would I recommend it to any of my friends.
July 14, 2014
This book causes you to think not only about all the things that Dakota went through, but to look inside yourself and reflect on ways you treat others. I wish I could say I'd be as compassionate as John, but I know I don't have the skills, knowledge or fortitude to do what he did. Hopefully, on a daily basis, I can make some small, impact on someones life.
There are beautifully written passages from Dakota's journal that make your heart sing, with the potential in this young man. I like to think that we'll hear more from him in the future.
As to why he made the choice he did in the end, we can only hope that it is the right one, for him. Perhaps the abrupt end to his journal entries was the only way he could bring himself to leave John, and discover what direction his future really lies in.
There are beautifully written passages from Dakota's journal that make your heart sing, with the potential in this young man. I like to think that we'll hear more from him in the future.
As to why he made the choice he did in the end, we can only hope that it is the right one, for him. Perhaps the abrupt end to his journal entries was the only way he could bring himself to leave John, and discover what direction his future really lies in.
January 2, 2014
I'm in two minds whether I liked this book or not. That's why it is only getting three stars. In some aspects it was a good read. But in other aspects it was just a really simple quick read and kinda ended too suddenly for my liking. It sends a good message to people who may be struggling and helps them to understand that they are better and stronger than people treat them. For me personally I would have liked more!
October 6, 2013
A well-written, concise book, that doesn't ramble on endlessly and pointlessly as some books (particularly diaries) can do.
I liked the fact that Dakota knew John would be reading the diary, and still wrote whatever he was thinking and feeling about him; it allowed John to be introduced more fully into the story.
Would recommend this.
I liked the fact that Dakota knew John would be reading the diary, and still wrote whatever he was thinking and feeling about him; it allowed John to be introduced more fully into the story.
Would recommend this.
September 27, 2020
This book left me with many questions. Why did John trust Dakota enough to leave him in the house for three days? Why did Dakota just move in with John? How did Dakota get the $1000 in Florida? How did Dakota end up with $2000 after staying with John? Why didn't the gang rapists steal Dakota's wallet? Why was John always so tired? Has John rescued others in the way he rescues Dakota?
December 10, 2014
Okay so not only is the cover amazing, the book is actually really good too! A free read on amazon, an actually believable ending, pretty good writing style, I do not see anything wrong with this book.
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January 4, 2014Inspiring
I really enjoyed reading this book. the only thing I would change is its length. I would have enjoyed reading it for more than a couple hours. very inspirational story though.:)
I really enjoyed reading this book. the only thing I would change is its length. I would have enjoyed reading it for more than a couple hours. very inspirational story though.:)
April 25, 2014
Not really a romance. It is a story about a man found beat up and taken in by a Dr. His story of how he came to be in that situation is vague. The ending seems abrupt and I didn't feel like I understood why the character made the decision he made.
April 18, 2011
Touching story, made me cry which is hard to do. WTG Kody!
May 13, 2011
Great story told in diary form. Review to come.
July 27, 2012
Very compelling. I would love to know what happened to Dakota after this!
December 28, 2012
Such a tremendous, heatbreaking and authentic story. I've walked in Dakota's shoes and this captures it in perfect eloquence. A definite must read and an author to remember. Brilliant
tbr-maybe
September 29, 2017Kindle freebie 4-13-14
January 29, 2015
i couldn't really get through this one, i skimmed through it a bit, but overall it didn't interest me. i'll try again another time.
April 14, 2015
A great quick read, that certainly packs a very big punch, whilst at the same time, leaving many questions unanswered.
July 7, 2015
It was hard to put down!
A very touching tale! Dakota seemed so real for me. And I had tears in my eyes at the end of the book.
A very touching tale! Dakota seemed so real for me. And I had tears in my eyes at the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews