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Head Games
Aspiring actor Jordan Patrick is rapidly realizing the world has no use for another theatre student. Desperate to prove his talents have value, he agrees to work for Dr. Foster, a psychologist who secretly hires performers to infiltrate the everyday lives of his patients, and then stage situations which advance their therapy. This part-time job becomes Jordan's toughest role yet as he's assigned to follow an eccentric patient named Julie, lie his way into her life, and help Foster rebuild her trust in men. White Oleander author Janet Fitch raved, “Kevin Alex Baker is a rare find, and Head Games is a sweet discovery, a ripping page-turner.”
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 16, 2015
Absolutely fantastic book! I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller so much. So well written, thought-through, and the characters are soooo well done! Can't wait for Kevin Alex Baker's next book!
January 11, 2012
Jordan Patrick is an aspiring actor who is struggling to fund his way through University. When another drama student sows the seeds of doubt about his future career he decides he has to get a part time job. The perfect role for him falls into his lap when a psychology professor hires him to take part in an experiment. He is inserted into the life of the psychologist's patients with the aim of staging situations and modelling behaviours that will advance their therapy and help resolve their issues. The role becomes a complicated one when he starts to develop a relationship with patient Julie who has issues with men.
I thought the concept behind the book was brilliant, if rather sinister. Jordan seems to fall for the reasoning behind Foster's interventions without questioning his motives too closely. After all as an actor the work is hardly a stretch for him. However he gradually realises there is far more behind what he is involved in and uncovers all sorts of potentially criminal and ethically dubious behaviour. As events accelerate Jordan is unsure who he can trust. The story was built up gradually and carefully, to then pull the reader along to a rapid conclusion. I found the latter part of the book rattled through and I got a little confused as new characters were introduced, some of them going by real and assumed names. However a little re-reading clarified things and in a way it served to mirror Jordan's confusion as he tried to unpick what was real and what was a product of Foster's illusions.
I did enjoy the ideas behind this book but found myself a little indifferent as to the fate of the characters. Maybe the fact the chapters are dated by how many days they occured before Jordan got shot or references that seemed to indicate the outcome of said shooting removed the element of suspense and concern that I might have built otherwise. Foster, as a control freak from the start, was never likely to be a character I could empathise with and along with Jordan I was unsure about what sort of person Julie was until the end.
This was good read, I didn't spot any typos which is always a plus but it was missing a certain something.
I thought the concept behind the book was brilliant, if rather sinister. Jordan seems to fall for the reasoning behind Foster's interventions without questioning his motives too closely. After all as an actor the work is hardly a stretch for him. However he gradually realises there is far more behind what he is involved in and uncovers all sorts of potentially criminal and ethically dubious behaviour. As events accelerate Jordan is unsure who he can trust. The story was built up gradually and carefully, to then pull the reader along to a rapid conclusion. I found the latter part of the book rattled through and I got a little confused as new characters were introduced, some of them going by real and assumed names. However a little re-reading clarified things and in a way it served to mirror Jordan's confusion as he tried to unpick what was real and what was a product of Foster's illusions.
I did enjoy the ideas behind this book but found myself a little indifferent as to the fate of the characters. Maybe the fact the chapters are dated by how many days they occured before Jordan got shot or references that seemed to indicate the outcome of said shooting removed the element of suspense and concern that I might have built otherwise. Foster, as a control freak from the start, was never likely to be a character I could empathise with and along with Jordan I was unsure about what sort of person Julie was until the end.
This was good read, I didn't spot any typos which is always a plus but it was missing a certain something.
October 5, 2012
Some people, no matter how big their problems are, are afraid to see a psychologist. On Wilder Campus, they should be. On the surface, Dr. Foster’s theories are sound. Why spend years trying to get resistant patients to change when there’s a faster way to get them to help themselves; and get off the therapist’s couch in weeks or months instead of years. All it takes is a few well planned interventions to help them face their problem and move forward. They have no idea these actors have infiltrated their lives simply to facilitate change, so no one gets hurt. When the patients have made significant enough improvements, the actors simply fade into the night. No harm done. Right?
But what happens when someone makes it too personal? When the lines between acting and feeling become blurred. What happens when no one knows who to trust anymore?
In Head Games, Kevin Alex Baker weaves a web of intricate lies, plot twists, and humor so well, the reader gets caught up and doesn’t want the book to end. But it has to so you can find out what’s really going on. You’ll read every page eagerly as a professor’s head games turn a college campus into a nest of deceit, love and murder. Not necessarily in that order. This review asks a lot of questions and so will you as you turn the pages, looking for that key clue that will make everything make sense.
I thank the author for a review copy and I give the book five stars.
But what happens when someone makes it too personal? When the lines between acting and feeling become blurred. What happens when no one knows who to trust anymore?
In Head Games, Kevin Alex Baker weaves a web of intricate lies, plot twists, and humor so well, the reader gets caught up and doesn’t want the book to end. But it has to so you can find out what’s really going on. You’ll read every page eagerly as a professor’s head games turn a college campus into a nest of deceit, love and murder. Not necessarily in that order. This review asks a lot of questions and so will you as you turn the pages, looking for that key clue that will make everything make sense.
I thank the author for a review copy and I give the book five stars.
October 17, 2012
Loved this book. Great premise, interesting characters, some unexpected twists and turns, and good writing - except for one thing that drives me crazy. I like books written in the first person, and I like books written in the third person, but I hate when there's a mix of the two. Unless the first person sections are written in a diary or letter or something, it just doesn't make sense to have them combined with third person (omniscient) sections. How can the narrator know exactly what 14 different people are thinking at any given time? He can assume, sure, but at least a third of this book is told in the 3rd person, complete with these characters' every thought and desire. It just doesn't make sense combined with the first person telling the rest of the story. But like I said, other than that, this is a great book - I highly recommend it.
September 18, 2012
Head Games was a book that I started at a time I really shouldn’t have been reading anything else but school books. But once I started, I couldn’t put it down. It was so funny, so relatable. It had been a very long time since I had a read a book that I couldn’t put down. I ended up canceling a date to read this book and I am happy to inform that it was truly worth it. The author’s down to earth narration as Jordan Patrick is very gripping. It is laugh out loud funny when you least expect it. I could identify myself with Julie and her insecurities. At one point, I really wanted to pry myself from the book, just so I could make it last longer. I cannot wait to read more from this author. Truly a masterpiece!
October 20, 2012
I usually only have time for non fictions but indulge every once in a while with psychological thriller- I was NOT disappointed with this one! It had an easy flow that kept you turning (or clicking) the pages with anticipation of the next turn. A lot of thrillers can have out of scope outcomes but every one was intelligently related and felt nostalgic to college life. You are seeing the world through the eyes of a young guy who identifies himself with theater and has the ability to stand out against the "norma.l" He is sucked into this plot of psychological events that are so cleverly written that you can't even foresee the conclusion. I've recommended this book to a few who have been happy to read. You will think of your therapist differently after reading this!
April 12, 2012
I absolutely love the unique voice of the novel. You're not just reading a story, Jordan is telling his story directly to you. The humor is a perfect balance to the suspense, and at times literally made me laugh out loud. The entire concept was unique and the novel was well-written, I had a hard time putting it down!
August 5, 2012
A fast paced contemporary thriller, a truly unique view on psychology, well written with a good sense of humor. The end left me wanting more.
June 25, 2018
Head Games is exactly what the title says it is. A complete thriller from start to finish, that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Baker has an incredible voice and talent. A five star read through and through. I can't start talking about it because I'll give the whole thing away lol But, trust me, you want to read this book.
May 24, 2013
School is out and you are headed to the beach or family vacation. You are going to need a book, and I can't think of one better than "Head Games". This was recommended to me by a friend who rarely reads, so I knew I needed to try it out. It set on my kindle for a few weeks before I was able to start it and I can't believe I waiting that long!
I am going to keep this spoiler-free as possible.. because there is nothing worse that someone spoiling a book.
It is a psychological who-done-it so you get to play detective. But don't worry if you suck at playing detective because this is truly a head game. The book has different points of views from the main characters and will switch back and forth through the story.. it isn't just in Jordan's point of view. Jordan becomes a great protagonist straight off with the first chapter and it's title. The author keeps the characters witty with just the right amount of crazy.
The chapters are set as sort of a countdown, so you may find yourself becoming nervous as the chapters get closer to 0. I found myself convinced of one thing and then in the next chapter wondering why I didn't think of that connection.
I identified easily with the main female character, Julie. The author seemed to have a good grasp on her psychologically and as a woman.
Some may or may not consider the ending as a cliffhanger. Either way, I just hope it means we get another book from this guy.
SEMI-SPOILER:
My favorite part of the book was the back-and forth exchange of purple roses. It become less about the roses and more of who could best the other.
I also think that the type of therapy would have a promising future with the right rules and regulations (not sure about an ethnic code). We are more likely to listen to strangers than those we should be getting advice from.
I am going to keep this spoiler-free as possible.. because there is nothing worse that someone spoiling a book.
It is a psychological who-done-it so you get to play detective. But don't worry if you suck at playing detective because this is truly a head game. The book has different points of views from the main characters and will switch back and forth through the story.. it isn't just in Jordan's point of view. Jordan becomes a great protagonist straight off with the first chapter and it's title. The author keeps the characters witty with just the right amount of crazy.
The chapters are set as sort of a countdown, so you may find yourself becoming nervous as the chapters get closer to 0. I found myself convinced of one thing and then in the next chapter wondering why I didn't think of that connection.
I identified easily with the main female character, Julie. The author seemed to have a good grasp on her psychologically and as a woman.
Some may or may not consider the ending as a cliffhanger. Either way, I just hope it means we get another book from this guy.
SEMI-SPOILER:
My favorite part of the book was the back-and forth exchange of purple roses. It become less about the roses and more of who could best the other.
I also think that the type of therapy would have a promising future with the right rules and regulations (not sure about an ethnic code). We are more likely to listen to strangers than those we should be getting advice from.
May 22, 2013
The good:
The Story: This is a slow revealed plot with exceptional pacing. It’s also somewhat scary because it’s a scenario that is absolutely realistic. There is some scary stuff in this book if you really think about it.
The Fool: One of the fun aspects of a Shakespeare play is the side character of The Fool, inserted to lighten the mood and garner some laughter. (The gravediggers in Hamlet, Feste in Twelfth Night). In this books, there are some well meaning, bumbling cops to fill this role...it's a little bit meta.
The maybe not so good:
The Improv: This is a bit nit-picky and I don't claim to be a professional improvisor, but the improv scenes felt a bit unrealistic.
Final thoughts: I really liked this book. The story is great, the characters are well fleshed out (though the villain is a bit too evil-villainy at times), there’s interesting side-stories. It’s a very well put together book. It was never boring and, though it wasn’t short, it felt like I was drinking a good Vodka and it slipped right down like water.
Or maybe it was like drinking water.
The Story: This is a slow revealed plot with exceptional pacing. It’s also somewhat scary because it’s a scenario that is absolutely realistic. There is some scary stuff in this book if you really think about it.
The Fool: One of the fun aspects of a Shakespeare play is the side character of The Fool, inserted to lighten the mood and garner some laughter. (The gravediggers in Hamlet, Feste in Twelfth Night). In this books, there are some well meaning, bumbling cops to fill this role...it's a little bit meta.
The maybe not so good:
The Improv: This is a bit nit-picky and I don't claim to be a professional improvisor, but the improv scenes felt a bit unrealistic.
Final thoughts: I really liked this book. The story is great, the characters are well fleshed out (though the villain is a bit too evil-villainy at times), there’s interesting side-stories. It’s a very well put together book. It was never boring and, though it wasn’t short, it felt like I was drinking a good Vodka and it slipped right down like water.
Or maybe it was like drinking water.
October 20, 2012
I really enjoyed the tone of this book. It was definitely different than other books I've read. However, I found several factual errors in the plotline and some parts were just impossible to believe as reality. I realize that some readers can stretch their imagination for a book... I'm not one of those people.
February 10, 2012
Baker's initial concept was intriguing, but that was as far as it went. Unlikable characters, monotony, and extremely amateurish writing provide for an incredibly boring and predictable book. Don't waste your time.
July 14, 2014
I thought this book was pretty great! I wonder how the Dr.'s approach might work in the real world...
August 15, 2014
A fun book. Not too intelligent, I must say, but not enough so to ruin the experience.
November 14, 2015
Too many head games in this book. Got bored and gave up after chapter 2.
April 8, 2020
I read this book a few years ago, and I remembered thinking how cool of a concept it was. I'm planning on re reading it again soon!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews