What do you think?
Rate this book
Play
You will talk about 2016. You will talk about The Lighted City. You will be brave and truthful. You will get to the bottom of what happened. Paul (Paulina) Hayes loves her cousin Adrian. Inseparable from a young age, they play The Lighted City, an imaginary world where they pretend to live together and can escape a childhood that seems both too sad and too grown-up. But The Lighted City isn’ t without danger. Years later, Paul is struggling with PTSD after a season of turmoil— one in which Adrian is dead, and radio and television are filled with reports of missing children. Just as stability is settling into her life and relationships, Paul is dragged back into the fate that Adrian seems to have scripted for them. And so she finds herself journeying across the country, down into a ravine, and back to The Lighted City, where so much of her childhood played out. Only by doing so can she begin to come to terms with “ the day everything happened” — and what has unfolded since then. With a unique blend of contemporary storytelling and psychological fiction, Play is a haunting, riveting novel that reminds us of both the beauty and danger of imagination.
- GenresFiction
354 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2024
3 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Jess Taylor
3 books41 followersJess Taylor is a Toronto writer and poet. Her second collection, Just Pervs, will be released by Book*hug in Canada in Fall 2019. Recently, a short story from that collection, "Two Sex Addicts Fall in Love", was long-listed for The Journey Prize and included in The Journey Prize Anthology 30. The title story from her first collection, Pauls (BookThug, 2015), "Paul," received the 2013 Gold Fiction National Magazine Award. Jess believes that collaboration and helping other writers is an important part of her writing practice and continues to organize events in the community. She is currently working on a novel, Play, and a continuation of her life poem, Never Stop.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 6, 2024
“The grief has always been there. I thought it would go away, but instead it changed: sometimes it swells up and takes me over, and others, it’s quiet in the background, like a jazz record someone forgot to turn off.”
This book is about a woman named Paulina (Paul) who experienced heart wrenching trauma as a child, and repeated traumas as she continued to grow and navigate her life but despite it all, wants to heal. Paul is going to trauma informed therapy, trying to move her life in the right direction but the ghosts of her past are always looming in the shadows.
** Definitely read the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
The books is unique, in that it is not written in the typical chapter format. Instead, it alternates times throughout Paul’s life. We see her now, “when it happened” and her initial childhood trauma.
As someone with cPTSD, it truly felt like this book was looking into my soul. It devastated me but made my heart grow, seeing a character on the same healing journey as me. I think I highlighted this book more than any other book I’ve read before.
”Now that I was older, I felt that I’d come from a family of monsters. That I’d started out not being one, but had somehow become one over time, that it had slipped into me the way I’d always been afraid it would..”
Watching Paul try to make her way through life, punishing herself through her personal relationships and trying so so hard to gain control of her own future was so raw and real. Feeling as though because of the things you experienced throughout life, you are a beacon for bad things to happen to you.. those who understand, just understand.
——————————————————————————
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻
This book is about a woman named Paulina (Paul) who experienced heart wrenching trauma as a child, and repeated traumas as she continued to grow and navigate her life but despite it all, wants to heal. Paul is going to trauma informed therapy, trying to move her life in the right direction but the ghosts of her past are always looming in the shadows.
** Definitely read the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
The books is unique, in that it is not written in the typical chapter format. Instead, it alternates times throughout Paul’s life. We see her now, “when it happened” and her initial childhood trauma.
As someone with cPTSD, it truly felt like this book was looking into my soul. It devastated me but made my heart grow, seeing a character on the same healing journey as me. I think I highlighted this book more than any other book I’ve read before.
”Now that I was older, I felt that I’d come from a family of monsters. That I’d started out not being one, but had somehow become one over time, that it had slipped into me the way I’d always been afraid it would..”
Watching Paul try to make her way through life, punishing herself through her personal relationships and trying so so hard to gain control of her own future was so raw and real. Feeling as though because of the things you experienced throughout life, you are a beacon for bad things to happen to you.. those who understand, just understand.
——————————————————————————
Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🫶🏻
Read
March 29, 2024Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: DNF @ 67%
In "Play" by Jess Taylor, the author crafts a haunting narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and imagination. One of the standout aspects of the book is the portrayal of PTSD, which resonated deeply with me as a reader with cPTSD myself. Paul's journey through her healing process felt raw and authentic, offering a poignant exploration of the impact of childhood trauma. Taylor's prose has a haunting quality that draws readers into the narrative, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and eerie. Additionally, the concept of The Lighted City as an escape from the harsh realities of life adds an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the power of imagination as both a refuge and a source of danger.
However, despite its strengths, "Play" falls short in several key areas. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of character development, particularly regarding Paul. Despite being the protagonist, Paul's character never fully comes into focus, leaving her feeling underdeveloped and elusive. The exploration of Paul's gender fluidity is intriguing but ultimately feels underutilized, failing to add depth to her character. As a result, it becomes challenging for readers to fully invest in Paul's journey, hindering the emotional impact of the narrative.
Additionally, "Play" suffers from an abundance of timelines that contribute to a disjointed narrative structure. With three alternating timelines, the story becomes convoluted, making it challenging for readers to maintain a cohesive understanding of the plot. While the concept of multiple timelines can add complexity to a narrative, in this case, it overwhelms the storytelling, causing readers to lose the thread of the plot. The 2016 timeline felt especially out of place, and I was too interested in unlocking the secrets of the Lighted City to appreciate the scenes that took place in the present timeline. The constant shifting between timelines disrupts the flow of the story, detracting from the overall readability and coherence of the narrative.
Moreover, I did not feel that “Play” appropriately handled its triggering content. While an opening note warns of "childhood trauma," this fails to adequately prepare readers for the disturbing revelations that unfold within the narrative. Throughout the first half of the book, it is heavily implied that there was some kind of romantic relationship between Adrian and Paul, who are first cousins. In fact, Paul seems to still be struggling with some of those feelings for Adrian. I forced myself through my discomfort with these plot points because I didn’t know for sure if something inappropriate had ever happened between Paul and Adrian; I didn’t want to jump the gun. However, at 67%, it is finally revealed that Adrian was sexually assaulting Paul. As a mental health clinician, I realize there is something to be said about the way abused children often end up abusing other children. However, as a survivor myself, without an adequate trigger warning, I was not prepared when this disclosure occurred and had to choose, for my safety, to stop reading. For those who are triggered by it, incestual CSA is extremely difficult to interact with. In my opinion, that must be explicitly named in the trigger warnings to protect readers. “Childhood trauma” is not sufficient to warn readers about the content of this book.
In conclusion, "Play" offers a haunting exploration of trauma and imagination, but its flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the portrayal of PTSD is commendable, the lack of character development and the mishandling of triggering content detract from the overall impact of the narrative. Readers should approach this book with caution, especially those who may be sensitive to themes of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Ultimately, "Play" is a novel with promise, but its execution leaves much to be desired.
Content / Trigger Warnings: Self-harm (moderate), death by suicide (severe), murder (minor), death of a child (minor), emotional abuse (moderate), child neglect (moderate), kidnapping (moderate), death of a parent (minor), sexual content (severe), gun violence (severe), drug use (minor), pandemic (moderate)
Rating: DNF @ 67%
In "Play" by Jess Taylor, the author crafts a haunting narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and imagination. One of the standout aspects of the book is the portrayal of PTSD, which resonated deeply with me as a reader with cPTSD myself. Paul's journey through her healing process felt raw and authentic, offering a poignant exploration of the impact of childhood trauma. Taylor's prose has a haunting quality that draws readers into the narrative, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and eerie. Additionally, the concept of The Lighted City as an escape from the harsh realities of life adds an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the power of imagination as both a refuge and a source of danger.
However, despite its strengths, "Play" falls short in several key areas. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of character development, particularly regarding Paul. Despite being the protagonist, Paul's character never fully comes into focus, leaving her feeling underdeveloped and elusive. The exploration of Paul's gender fluidity is intriguing but ultimately feels underutilized, failing to add depth to her character. As a result, it becomes challenging for readers to fully invest in Paul's journey, hindering the emotional impact of the narrative.
Additionally, "Play" suffers from an abundance of timelines that contribute to a disjointed narrative structure. With three alternating timelines, the story becomes convoluted, making it challenging for readers to maintain a cohesive understanding of the plot. While the concept of multiple timelines can add complexity to a narrative, in this case, it overwhelms the storytelling, causing readers to lose the thread of the plot. The 2016 timeline felt especially out of place, and I was too interested in unlocking the secrets of the Lighted City to appreciate the scenes that took place in the present timeline. The constant shifting between timelines disrupts the flow of the story, detracting from the overall readability and coherence of the narrative.
Moreover, I did not feel that “Play” appropriately handled its triggering content. While an opening note warns of "childhood trauma," this fails to adequately prepare readers for the disturbing revelations that unfold within the narrative. Throughout the first half of the book, it is heavily implied that there was some kind of romantic relationship between Adrian and Paul, who are first cousins. In fact, Paul seems to still be struggling with some of those feelings for Adrian. I forced myself through my discomfort with these plot points because I didn’t know for sure if something inappropriate had ever happened between Paul and Adrian; I didn’t want to jump the gun. However, at 67%, it is finally revealed that Adrian was sexually assaulting Paul. As a mental health clinician, I realize there is something to be said about the way abused children often end up abusing other children. However, as a survivor myself, without an adequate trigger warning, I was not prepared when this disclosure occurred and had to choose, for my safety, to stop reading. For those who are triggered by it, incestual CSA is extremely difficult to interact with. In my opinion, that must be explicitly named in the trigger warnings to protect readers. “Childhood trauma” is not sufficient to warn readers about the content of this book.
In conclusion, "Play" offers a haunting exploration of trauma and imagination, but its flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the portrayal of PTSD is commendable, the lack of character development and the mishandling of triggering content detract from the overall impact of the narrative. Readers should approach this book with caution, especially those who may be sensitive to themes of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Ultimately, "Play" is a novel with promise, but its execution leaves much to be desired.
Content / Trigger Warnings: Self-harm (moderate), death by suicide (severe), murder (minor), death of a child (minor), emotional abuse (moderate), child neglect (moderate), kidnapping (moderate), death of a parent (minor), sexual content (severe), gun violence (severe), drug use (minor), pandemic (moderate)
August 29, 2024
I am absolutely floored by this stunning book. My cheeks are wet from the tears I’ve cried by being held in this story. Review to come when I find the right words.
“𝘛𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵.”
I really felt this one. Paulina, Paul to her friends is working through her trauma as an adult. This book explores two parts of her past, dissecting the events of her childhood and the trigger that set into motion her growth as an adult. On the others ide of the coin we are in the now with her as she goes through Cognitive Processing Therapy; using these three time lines we are immersed in a story about trauma and the ability to heal and find hope.
Taylors writing has a gravity to it, keeping me firmly rooted in each storyline while also allowing me to go through her emotional past and present. This kind of writing is raw, personal and honest. The structure gave just enough in terms of need to know, much like the type of therapy Paul is working through in this book, we are only privy to the root of it at the same pace our character is, it was deeply affective.
The story does not come without its trigger warnings, its important to know this going in, however, if your adult self has ever tried to reckon, overcome or heal from your past this is a moving book about what that looks and feels like, while I don’t have wounds as deep as our character I felt the message and hopefulness of living through life with the belief we can forge new paths for ourselves, new beliefs that are nurturing and not withholding and that the things that hurt us can be molded into something anew.
“𝘛𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵.”
I really felt this one. Paulina, Paul to her friends is working through her trauma as an adult. This book explores two parts of her past, dissecting the events of her childhood and the trigger that set into motion her growth as an adult. On the others ide of the coin we are in the now with her as she goes through Cognitive Processing Therapy; using these three time lines we are immersed in a story about trauma and the ability to heal and find hope.
Taylors writing has a gravity to it, keeping me firmly rooted in each storyline while also allowing me to go through her emotional past and present. This kind of writing is raw, personal and honest. The structure gave just enough in terms of need to know, much like the type of therapy Paul is working through in this book, we are only privy to the root of it at the same pace our character is, it was deeply affective.
The story does not come without its trigger warnings, its important to know this going in, however, if your adult self has ever tried to reckon, overcome or heal from your past this is a moving book about what that looks and feels like, while I don’t have wounds as deep as our character I felt the message and hopefulness of living through life with the belief we can forge new paths for ourselves, new beliefs that are nurturing and not withholding and that the things that hurt us can be molded into something anew.
April 27, 2024
Readers follow Paul (Paulina) as she confronts two extremely traumatic events that have shaped the course of her life and how they have impacted her in the present. Told in three timelines all from Paul’s perspective, readers will empathize with Paul and may see themselves in her even if they have not had similar experiences. All the characters in Play feel so real and raw; the reader is bound to identify a connection with at least one of them.
While Play deals with heavy topics (reach out for TW/CW) and has an ominous undertone throughout, I’d describe Play as hauntingly beautiful; the prose pulls the reader in, keeps their attention, and conjures up genuine emotion for this heart-wrenching story right until the end.
Taylor’s Play is a story about childhood, trauma, reclaiming one’s childhood, and mental illness. While these can be intense topics, Taylor has written about them with grace, understanding, and compassion. Readers may find this one hard to read at times but it is so worthwhile, Taylor has written a story that will stay with me.
“Part of me felt like I’d come into the world screaming and wounded, knowing all the heartache that would fall on me and those around me. That I knew the unseen heartaches, that everywhere in the world there were people going through pain, and that I hummed with a painful, invisible empathy for them that I was unable to turn off.”
Thank you @bookhugpress for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
While Play deals with heavy topics (reach out for TW/CW) and has an ominous undertone throughout, I’d describe Play as hauntingly beautiful; the prose pulls the reader in, keeps their attention, and conjures up genuine emotion for this heart-wrenching story right until the end.
Taylor’s Play is a story about childhood, trauma, reclaiming one’s childhood, and mental illness. While these can be intense topics, Taylor has written about them with grace, understanding, and compassion. Readers may find this one hard to read at times but it is so worthwhile, Taylor has written a story that will stay with me.
“Part of me felt like I’d come into the world screaming and wounded, knowing all the heartache that would fall on me and those around me. That I knew the unseen heartaches, that everywhere in the world there were people going through pain, and that I hummed with a painful, invisible empathy for them that I was unable to turn off.”
Thank you @bookhugpress for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2024
An engaging, layered portrayal of a young woman's struggle for connection and stability in her life, while coming to terms with past events that continue to haunt her. The details are revealed to the reader very slowly, in part through the main character's therapy sessions. I enjoyed the believable characters and great dialogue.
May 4, 2024
Compelling and evocative…
How did the book make me feel/think?
Jess Taylor’s “Play” seamlessly blends contemporary prose with a thought-provoking psychological narrative, engaging readers and delving into the nuanced aspects of human behaviour.
The story examines our persistent efforts to surmount daunting adversities with a narrative probing deeply into the human psyche, illuminating the fragile equilibrium between beauty and toxicity and the resilience required to overcome life’s hurdles. Its compelling and evocative storytelling provides a profound commentary on the human condition, encouraging readers to find comfort in anticipating a brighter future amidst the present’s gloom.
WRITTEN: 4 May 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
Jess Taylor’s “Play” seamlessly blends contemporary prose with a thought-provoking psychological narrative, engaging readers and delving into the nuanced aspects of human behaviour.
The story examines our persistent efforts to surmount daunting adversities with a narrative probing deeply into the human psyche, illuminating the fragile equilibrium between beauty and toxicity and the resilience required to overcome life’s hurdles. Its compelling and evocative storytelling provides a profound commentary on the human condition, encouraging readers to find comfort in anticipating a brighter future amidst the present’s gloom.
WRITTEN: 4 May 2024
June 4, 2024
Great, sensitive, and contemporary.
March 30, 2024
We have all suffered from trauma in our lives though to varying degrees. Some traumas may seem incredibly insignificant but can rear their ugly heads without warning, others are so profound that they can negatively impact the day-to-day life of an individual. I can honestly say that I have been untouched by significant trauma, and for that I am grateful. Play by Jess Taylor has been eye opening for me because I cannot always relate to the struggles of others. I can feel compassion and offer assistance, but I never completely understand what they are going through. If you are like me, this novel will surprise you, disturb you and even educate you.
Paul (Paulina) Hayes and her cousin Adrian were inseparable throughout childhood. Knowing that her parents could not give her the affection she needed, Paul turned to her older cousin Adrian for love and affection. Adrian held her close as she was the only person he ever truly loved, especially since his home life was troublesome and complicated. Together they built an imaginary world, The Lighted City, where they could escape their disappointing lives and be together forever as king and queen. Although The Lighted City was full of happiness and hope at one time, it became a place of shadows and secrets and after what happened that day, Paul was never the same again. As Paul struggles with PTSD years later, her world is rocked by the news of Adrian’s death. As she comes to terms with his passing, she must face what happened between her and Adrian all those years ago and revisit The Lighted City to move forward with her life.
Paul’s story alternates between different periods of her life – childhood, May 2016, and now. I enjoyed the way Taylor broke up the story like this because it turned it into more of a psychological thriller giving bits and pieces of information along the way to engage the reader. At times, the story was a bit confusing because of this style but I feel it was intentional since Paul was struggling with so much trauma that she could not think straight. The way the story came together in the end was heartbreaking but beautiful.
The characters in Play were incredibly real and raw. To be honest, I really hated a few of the characters, but I will assume that was the author’s intent. Paul was, of course, the standout character as it was her mind that the reader was plunged into. Her pain and her struggles left her tormented. To see this person try repeatedly to better themselves but to constantly feel like they were losing the battle is one of the hardest things to witness. She hated herself so much because of many things she could not control. Everything that happened to Paul in this novel could have been prevented. Every secret that little girl kept became a cancer that ate away at her slowly and then made her feel dirty as she grew into an adult. I cannot imagine the hurt and confusion Paul must have felt but after reading this novel, I just might understand her trauma a bit more.
Jess Taylor has created something beautiful with her novel Play. This haunting, disturbing story is one that will linger in your heart and your mind for a long time. This novel reveals the struggles of those who have suffered multiple traumas but also shows that there is always hope. Paul’s story is one of strength and determination and I highly recommend reading it. Play will show you the darkness but also the light.
Paul (Paulina) Hayes and her cousin Adrian were inseparable throughout childhood. Knowing that her parents could not give her the affection she needed, Paul turned to her older cousin Adrian for love and affection. Adrian held her close as she was the only person he ever truly loved, especially since his home life was troublesome and complicated. Together they built an imaginary world, The Lighted City, where they could escape their disappointing lives and be together forever as king and queen. Although The Lighted City was full of happiness and hope at one time, it became a place of shadows and secrets and after what happened that day, Paul was never the same again. As Paul struggles with PTSD years later, her world is rocked by the news of Adrian’s death. As she comes to terms with his passing, she must face what happened between her and Adrian all those years ago and revisit The Lighted City to move forward with her life.
Paul’s story alternates between different periods of her life – childhood, May 2016, and now. I enjoyed the way Taylor broke up the story like this because it turned it into more of a psychological thriller giving bits and pieces of information along the way to engage the reader. At times, the story was a bit confusing because of this style but I feel it was intentional since Paul was struggling with so much trauma that she could not think straight. The way the story came together in the end was heartbreaking but beautiful.
The characters in Play were incredibly real and raw. To be honest, I really hated a few of the characters, but I will assume that was the author’s intent. Paul was, of course, the standout character as it was her mind that the reader was plunged into. Her pain and her struggles left her tormented. To see this person try repeatedly to better themselves but to constantly feel like they were losing the battle is one of the hardest things to witness. She hated herself so much because of many things she could not control. Everything that happened to Paul in this novel could have been prevented. Every secret that little girl kept became a cancer that ate away at her slowly and then made her feel dirty as she grew into an adult. I cannot imagine the hurt and confusion Paul must have felt but after reading this novel, I just might understand her trauma a bit more.
Jess Taylor has created something beautiful with her novel Play. This haunting, disturbing story is one that will linger in your heart and your mind for a long time. This novel reveals the struggles of those who have suffered multiple traumas but also shows that there is always hope. Paul’s story is one of strength and determination and I highly recommend reading it. Play will show you the darkness but also the light.
July 7, 2024
A solid debut novel that takes a while to find its rhythm but when it goes it runs well, helped by Taylor’s lyrical writing and the full feeling of her protagonist Paul’s anxieties.
The time jumping, between childhood, 2016, and now is a bit awkward at first, but structured well through a therapy journal that hangs it all together. The sense of Paul’s relationships is wonderfully realized with her two best friends and her situationship feeling almost autobiographical in their plain realness.
By contrast, the childhood sections with Adrian and The Lighted City have that dreamlike surreality of childhood recollections, which is a strength and also a weakness as that leads to its inevitable shocking revelation which then feels almost disembodied.
Taylor keeps the plot humming with continual promises of that revelation as well as “What Happened” in 2016 and the discovery of “kids” that derailed Paul’s life again. Does it have something to do with Nik, the aggressive bro father that Jess connects with outside the art classes she teaches? Taylor keeps padding out the answer all the way to the end.
The book feels stretched with this continual tease, though the character work mostly makes up for it save for a few on-the-nose flashbacks and explanations. The sense of Toronto, its ravines and neighbourhoods and the lingering impact of COVID ground the contemporary sections along with that.
A novel with darkness and light and the circularity and difficulty of overcoming trauma, Taylor is a step above and I look forward to more of her work.
http://lawrencedebbs.home.blog/2024/0...
The time jumping, between childhood, 2016, and now is a bit awkward at first, but structured well through a therapy journal that hangs it all together. The sense of Paul’s relationships is wonderfully realized with her two best friends and her situationship feeling almost autobiographical in their plain realness.
By contrast, the childhood sections with Adrian and The Lighted City have that dreamlike surreality of childhood recollections, which is a strength and also a weakness as that leads to its inevitable shocking revelation which then feels almost disembodied.
Taylor keeps the plot humming with continual promises of that revelation as well as “What Happened” in 2016 and the discovery of “kids” that derailed Paul’s life again. Does it have something to do with Nik, the aggressive bro father that Jess connects with outside the art classes she teaches? Taylor keeps padding out the answer all the way to the end.
The book feels stretched with this continual tease, though the character work mostly makes up for it save for a few on-the-nose flashbacks and explanations. The sense of Toronto, its ravines and neighbourhoods and the lingering impact of COVID ground the contemporary sections along with that.
A novel with darkness and light and the circularity and difficulty of overcoming trauma, Taylor is a step above and I look forward to more of her work.
http://lawrencedebbs.home.blog/2024/0...
April 10, 2024
Starting this off with please, please read the content warnings and tread with caution. In my opinion there were definitely some trigger warning that were not adequately addressed prior to reading the book. Some of which kind of threw me off as I wasn’t expecting it and it could be very triggering for some people.
The narrative is raw and real and full of deep and intricate human emotions. It made me reflect on my relationship to healing from childhood trauma. The interweaving of timelines allowed for a more immersive feel. It is a book that doesn't just tell a story but also invites you to become a part of it.
I will, however, say that I didn’t feel as more character development from Paul as I originally thought I was going to. Though, I can understand if that was purposeful. I.e the entire journey of healing told throughout the book as well as the disjointed timelines could show that healing is not a linear journey but more of a lifelong endeavor.
Also, going into this thinking the trauma was only about losing her cousin and then it being exposed to be something much deeper and darker definitely made me view the book differently and almost caused me to not finish. I just wish I was a bit more prepared for the extent of trauma that was displayed in the book.
All in all there’s no denying that the writing in this book was devastatingly beautiful. The depiction of PTSD was one of the best I’ve read as it felt so genuinely authentic. It is a story that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
The narrative is raw and real and full of deep and intricate human emotions. It made me reflect on my relationship to healing from childhood trauma. The interweaving of timelines allowed for a more immersive feel. It is a book that doesn't just tell a story but also invites you to become a part of it.
I will, however, say that I didn’t feel as more character development from Paul as I originally thought I was going to. Though, I can understand if that was purposeful. I.e the entire journey of healing told throughout the book as well as the disjointed timelines could show that healing is not a linear journey but more of a lifelong endeavor.
Also, going into this thinking the trauma was only about losing her cousin and then it being exposed to be something much deeper and darker definitely made me view the book differently and almost caused me to not finish. I just wish I was a bit more prepared for the extent of trauma that was displayed in the book.
All in all there’s no denying that the writing in this book was devastatingly beautiful. The depiction of PTSD was one of the best I’ve read as it felt so genuinely authentic. It is a story that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
March 29, 2025
This story.
I picked it up yesterday and was immediately drawn in by the writing style, the seamless switches through time, the characters, the healing path that Paul is working through.
It is truly how its described - haunting. It is the story of Paul (Paulina) and her cousin Adrian. It begins with their childhood imagination, a way to escape the trauma being experienced. But the imagination turns dark and what follows is Paul's struggle to cope into adulthood. Her stumbles through therapy and loss. The messiness. It is upsetting and tragic, but it also highlights strength and resiliency - the will to keep going, even in the darkest days.
The topics discussed are difficult to read but this book was impossible to put down. I needed to see what happened to Paul. I was heavily invested in a positive outcome for her. In my opinion, the author covered these challenging topics with tact and thoughtfulness, with an encouragement in her acknowledgments that the hope is that stories like this allow people to be more open to sharing their own journies with trauma. This story will stay with me, there is so much power in writing stories such as this, especially when they are done this well.
Trigger warnings: childhood trauma, suicide, abuse, childhood sexual assault and suicidal ideation. Take care when picking this story up.
Thank you ZG Reads for my gifted copy.
I picked it up yesterday and was immediately drawn in by the writing style, the seamless switches through time, the characters, the healing path that Paul is working through.
It is truly how its described - haunting. It is the story of Paul (Paulina) and her cousin Adrian. It begins with their childhood imagination, a way to escape the trauma being experienced. But the imagination turns dark and what follows is Paul's struggle to cope into adulthood. Her stumbles through therapy and loss. The messiness. It is upsetting and tragic, but it also highlights strength and resiliency - the will to keep going, even in the darkest days.
The topics discussed are difficult to read but this book was impossible to put down. I needed to see what happened to Paul. I was heavily invested in a positive outcome for her. In my opinion, the author covered these challenging topics with tact and thoughtfulness, with an encouragement in her acknowledgments that the hope is that stories like this allow people to be more open to sharing their own journies with trauma. This story will stay with me, there is so much power in writing stories such as this, especially when they are done this well.
Trigger warnings: childhood trauma, suicide, abuse, childhood sexual assault and suicidal ideation. Take care when picking this story up.
Thank you ZG Reads for my gifted copy.
May 3, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for an eARC♥️
“Play” is a heart-wrenching exploration of childhood trauma, imagination, and the scars that linger long after the wounds have healed.
Paul's story is a painful reminder that our past is always a part of us, and that confronting our demons is the only way to truly move forward. The author's writing is hauntingly beautiful, transporting me to the imaginary world of The Lighted City, where Paul and her cousin Adrian found solace in their darkest moments.
But be prepared for a gut-wrenching journey, because this book will rip your heart out and stomp on it. The author doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of trauma and its aftermath, and the result is a story that's both devastating and thought-provoking.
If you're looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels and leave you thinking long after you finish reading, then 'Play' is a must-read. Just be sure to have some tissues handy, because trust me, you'll need them.
“Play” is a heart-wrenching exploration of childhood trauma, imagination, and the scars that linger long after the wounds have healed.
Paul's story is a painful reminder that our past is always a part of us, and that confronting our demons is the only way to truly move forward. The author's writing is hauntingly beautiful, transporting me to the imaginary world of The Lighted City, where Paul and her cousin Adrian found solace in their darkest moments.
But be prepared for a gut-wrenching journey, because this book will rip your heart out and stomp on it. The author doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of trauma and its aftermath, and the result is a story that's both devastating and thought-provoking.
If you're looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels and leave you thinking long after you finish reading, then 'Play' is a must-read. Just be sure to have some tissues handy, because trust me, you'll need them.
February 20, 2025
This book left me with so many feelings. It was one of the few literary fiction books that was actually hard to put down, thanks to its structure similar to a suspense novel and its character development. Those well-drawn characters with their constant struggles, worries about money, punching above their weight to make some art, their past ghosts and trauma, their unrequited love and so much heartbreak. The book really captures the pathos of this generation of young artists. I love the writing style too - nothing showy/pretentious but so very real and visceral that it feels like LIFE. That's just about the hardest thing to do in writing. Bravo!
June 3, 2025
Jess Taylor’s PLAY gives us the story of Paul – Paulina, Lina – an artist who struggles to live beyond what happened, how it happened and why it happened. It offers a glimpse into profound friendships and their healing powers; it shows that people can be terrible and complicated, but still beautiful, and the novel shares the power of art and creation to healing.
I can say a lot more about the narrative voice (it is drenched in pain), the structure (a choice that matches the unsteady bridge to memory), and the characters (we all make mistakes, Paul), but I think you’ll have to read it yourself because it's awesome!
I can say a lot more about the narrative voice (it is drenched in pain), the structure (a choice that matches the unsteady bridge to memory), and the characters (we all make mistakes, Paul), but I think you’ll have to read it yourself because it's awesome!
July 21, 2024
I barrelled through this book in a less than 24-hour period, thanks in no small part to Taylor's command of plot and pacing. I would describe this book as "like going to therapy, if going to therapy were fun."
October 17, 2024
Raw, relatable, haunting. I couldn’t put this book down, I think I finished it in less than a week. Paul’s journey between the present day, childhood and later years is stunningly put together by Jess.
May 15, 2024
Review coming soon!
September 4, 2024
3.5. The first half or more was haunting but I was disappointed in how it was all brought together in the end.
May 28, 2024
"Play" by Jess Taylor is a powerful story about childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects. The story takes us on a therapeutic voyage that explores real, raw territory. The multiple timelines, however, can make it difficult to distinguish between the past and the present, making navigating the story rather difficult.
Character development is one of the book's weak points, especially with Paul. It's hard to get attached to her completely because of the way she's portrayed—which feels inconsistent between timelines. It's unclear if this is a purposeful portrayal of her trauma or a flaw in the writing.
Paul's journey is full of harrowing encounters and trauma that seems to accumulate without end. In the midst of all, there's a need for her gender identification and general character development to be explored further.
The regular allusions to the pandemic in the "now" period, however, come across as a little forced and hinder the story's general flow. A weird level of shaming random strangers in the background for not wearing masks added nothing to the plot.
Ultimately, "Play" presents a nuanced and thought-provoking story, although its many facets and unanswered questions can leave readers confused.
Character development is one of the book's weak points, especially with Paul. It's hard to get attached to her completely because of the way she's portrayed—which feels inconsistent between timelines. It's unclear if this is a purposeful portrayal of her trauma or a flaw in the writing.
Paul's journey is full of harrowing encounters and trauma that seems to accumulate without end. In the midst of all, there's a need for her gender identification and general character development to be explored further.
The regular allusions to the pandemic in the "now" period, however, come across as a little forced and hinder the story's general flow. A weird level of shaming random strangers in the background for not wearing masks added nothing to the plot.
Ultimately, "Play" presents a nuanced and thought-provoking story, although its many facets and unanswered questions can leave readers confused.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews