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Patchwork of Me
2012 International Book Awards Winner in Women's Lit 2012 New York Book Festival Award Winner in General Fiction 2012 Readers Favorite Awards in Intrigue A product of the foster care system, Sara Butler spends her early thirties hiding from her past while striving for a normal life with her small group of quirky friends in Arizona. Seeking treatment for an invisible rash and abnormal dreams, her therapist helps her unlock a heinous past that she is unsure she wants to open. To patch her life back together, she realizes she must travel across country to Maine to confront that past in order to plan for a future.
- GenresFiction
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2012
14 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Gregory G. Allen
9 books45 followersGregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker and actor: a storyteller. He has been in the entertainment industry for 35 years having acted in plays, musicals, TV, film, children's theatre, and national tours. He is the award-winning author of four children's books, four adult novels, one nonfiction memoir, and two short stories. As a filmmaker, two of his short films were chosen to screen at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival. He has been the recipient of several writing awards, Best Director and Best Screenplay for his short films, and was inducted into the prestigious 125th Anniversary Year (2023) Marquis Who's Who for his dedication to the fields of arts, entertainment, and advocacy. Gregory has received writing grants from BMI, ASCAP, the Watershed Foundation and is a member of The Dramatist Guild and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. He has spent over 15 years in arts management and currently is the manager of a theater in Westchester County, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 2, 2012
Wow. Just Wow.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I for one am profoundly grateful to have just met a new favorite author. Time to go out and put on my To Read list everything else Gregory G. Allen has written.
Wow.
Such an intense book. I got into Sara's head so deeply that the rest of the world faded away and I couldn't even remember who I was anymore. I was Sara, needing to discover my past and the secrets of who I was.
I loved the relationships best. The friendships, this family she has. I love the new relationships she forged in the course of the book, and the way she grew and changed and developed.
I can't say enough good things about this book, and honestly my only complaint is I wanted to keep going. To see where Sara wound up and what happened next. And that's the mark of the best kind of book - the ones that are so real and so amazing that you never want to see them end. You just want to go on forever and ever and ever.
Thank you Gregory. I'm honored to have had this opportunity to spend time with your characters. I will be back.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I for one am profoundly grateful to have just met a new favorite author. Time to go out and put on my To Read list everything else Gregory G. Allen has written.
Wow.
Such an intense book. I got into Sara's head so deeply that the rest of the world faded away and I couldn't even remember who I was anymore. I was Sara, needing to discover my past and the secrets of who I was.
I loved the relationships best. The friendships, this family she has. I love the new relationships she forged in the course of the book, and the way she grew and changed and developed.
I can't say enough good things about this book, and honestly my only complaint is I wanted to keep going. To see where Sara wound up and what happened next. And that's the mark of the best kind of book - the ones that are so real and so amazing that you never want to see them end. You just want to go on forever and ever and ever.
Thank you Gregory. I'm honored to have had this opportunity to spend time with your characters. I will be back.
June 26, 2012
Being bounced between foster homes would’ve been traumatic for anyone, but for Sara Butler, the experience has enshrouded her youth in a haze, with the lingering question of “where did I come from?” hovering above. Visions come to her, but what they reveal is hard to determine. Are they remnants from her past? Are they dreams? Is she going crazy? As painful as revisiting her past may be, Sara realizes that doing so is essential if she is ever to reclaim her sense of self and put the ghosts finally to rest. In PATCHWORK OF ME, Gregory G. Allen has deftly created a multilayered lead character, and Sara's search for self and family makes for a compelling journey.
October 29, 2012
Engaging story of remembrance and enlightenment.
A touching saga of a young woman who grew up in foster care homes. As the story opens, Sara Butler is seeing a psychiatrist for a mysterious rash, but lies to him about her foster care upbringing. On her road to learning why she is experiencing strange symptoms, dreams, and visions, Sara undergoes hypnosis and uncovers memories of a troubling past. Sara's friends--dubbed the Gay Mafia--are devoted and wonderful, a quirky bunch that enliven the story and support Sara in her quest for truth and healing.
Her journey takes her from her home in Arizona on a cross country trip with her friends to Maine, where she begins to patch together the truth about her past and the heinous events that marked her young life. Sara is faced with a dilemma: If your childhood was filled with evil events, would you want to remember it? How would you cope with the truth?
Patchwork of Me is an honest, heartfelt story of remembrance and enlightenment, coupled with the promise of love overcoming the past. An excellent book from an accomplished, talented writer.
A touching saga of a young woman who grew up in foster care homes. As the story opens, Sara Butler is seeing a psychiatrist for a mysterious rash, but lies to him about her foster care upbringing. On her road to learning why she is experiencing strange symptoms, dreams, and visions, Sara undergoes hypnosis and uncovers memories of a troubling past. Sara's friends--dubbed the Gay Mafia--are devoted and wonderful, a quirky bunch that enliven the story and support Sara in her quest for truth and healing.
Her journey takes her from her home in Arizona on a cross country trip with her friends to Maine, where she begins to patch together the truth about her past and the heinous events that marked her young life. Sara is faced with a dilemma: If your childhood was filled with evil events, would you want to remember it? How would you cope with the truth?
Patchwork of Me is an honest, heartfelt story of remembrance and enlightenment, coupled with the promise of love overcoming the past. An excellent book from an accomplished, talented writer.
April 6, 2012
A Patchwork Of Me
Author: Gregory Allen
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Just who is Sara Butler? Where does she come from? What is her past and why does she live in a fabricated and fantasy she made up for the present. Stemming from the first lies she invented about her past and a self created plane crash killing her parents, shifted and shoved around from to different foster care homes, Sara Butler has no real identity of her own. Realizing she might need help she seeks out a therapist only to hide the truth from him no matter how hard he tries to break through her wall or the methods he employs. Sara’s wall is up and it is unbreakable with no cracks or openings to let anyone in or the truth out. Questions asked in each session should bring her closer to finding the answers or solutions to her disjointed feelings about herself and her need to be liked, wanted, and really learn who her parents were and where she came from. But, the answers never came and Sara buries herself in her own made up truths to feel accepted, normal, wanted and hoping to be just plain Sara. Her anxieties and fears manifested themselves in a phantom rash on her left arm that no one saw and no one, including Sara could find. Devoid of spots, red rashes or any discoloration she lived with a gnawing itch that was ever so present. But, there is more. Sara’s nights are not filled with beautiful dreams or happy thoughts that filled her day or from her past instead she had flashes or weird and unsettling experiences that resulted in her waking in a cold sweat and wondering what the dreams mean and their significance.
Sara wants to be accepted and in doing so she managed to meet three amazing friends that would stick by her through this entire journey to her self -realization. Erick, Matty and Hahn would be there to support her and help her find herself but first Sara had to realize that it was time to look back before moving ahead. Erick, Matty and Hahn were her family. Each friend filling a specific void of spot in her life each always there for each other no matter what and without question. A unique circle of friends that never questioned her past, her motives and accepted her for who she appeared to be and who understood, as they did needed someone in their lives who would accept them for them. Before Sara could deal with the present she had to deal with her dreams and the realities that she has been hiding from for so long. Could these dreams stem from something with her parent that has been buried so long it is surfacing in her inner most thoughts an uncontrolled. Told in the first person in Sara’s own voice you hear her words, her thoughts, fears and frustrations as author Gregory Allen brings her to life for the reader.
Sara is a product of the New Mexico Foster Child Protection Service System. Foster Care is rough and children often get shuffled around from home to home and never really have any real roots unless they are adopted. As an educator I have seen many children that have had a difficult time dealing with so many different parents and homes and only wanted to be loved and have two parents to care for them. Working in a metal shop in a meaningless job in Phoenix and struggling to find herself, Sara often finds herself in relationships that are wrong, one with a man for a physical fling only and dealing with her disturbing dreams that plague her nights.
Relationships appear to be one main issue for each character but in different ways. As Sara struggles to find her own niche her and come to grips with her different fears and unresolved past, Erick has to come to terms with the changes in his relationship with Ron after 10 years. But, Sara’s inner voice comes forward gut her dark secret remained hidden, as Sara often feels isolated even in a group. Even if she disappeared entirely she feels no one would know or even dare. The tight relationship with this group did not allay her fears of loneliness or dependency. Pity is not what she should feel for herself but is often comes through as one of her major problems. Each time she speaks aloud her inner voice tries to focus her in the right direction but Sara does not always want to hear the truth or listen. Sara was trying to be more than just a superficial friend when she finally reaches out to Erick and their relationship just might move to a higher and different level. As Erick enlightens Sara into what is really behind the changes in Ron the reader learns more about Erick’s insecurities and fears too. Both just might have taken the first time to learning who and what they are but there is much more for both to learn and to tell.
As bike ride for charity leads Sara on a new path when she is stopped by a psychic whose words echo in her brain. Reliving her dream with Gracie still haunts her and when meeting up with Hahn she meets Samara another psychic and voice that will be heard.
When Sara reflects on her session with Samara and learns more about her past and her early childhood she goes back to her therapist and admits the truths about the lies told and her journey is finally going to take her where she hopes to find out who she really is and where she came from. Fear can really destroy a person and what Sara reveals about her childhood is frightening a much of what happened before going into Foster Care was abusive and hard for any three year old to handle. These and other visions came back to her during the session.
A road trip to Maine would hopefully find the answers she needs as she goes back in time once more and what she learns will definitely give her and the reader chills as the truth about her parents comes front and center in true techno color during a session with her therapist. What she witnessed and was made to see no child or even adult should have to endure. Who were her parents you will have to learn for yourself? What is next for Sara you will learn when she comes front and center with her past and Child Protective Services hopefully will fill in the rest.
What she finds out will definitely endear you to the people she meets in Maine. As one woman named Ida finds the courage to tell Sara the truth and all the pieces of her life finally fit together. Sometimes in order to move ahead you need to go back and face the past. What really happened and what crimes did her parents commit you won’t believe? What happens between Erick and Matty stays in Maine and goes no further? What happens when she meets Brent and sees the home where he lives? What memories flood back and what will the end result be? Author Gregory G. Allen has woven his own patchwork quilt of events in each specific square depicting Sara’s life from start to definitely not finish since he left some empty for her to fill in on her own. Friendships, loyalties, trust and a whole new beginning are right there if she wants it. Would you want to know your past if it meant learning some horrible truths? Just what she learns and how she deals with it you will have to read for yourself. Like a mosaic picture with each tile perfectly placed and glued until some fall apart and others disappear as Sara’s life unfolded in front of her eyes but then she reglued the pieces back and the picture she sees is entirely different. Just what this means you will have to learn as one young woman needs to decide if the wall of fear wins out or the love of others. One thought provoking novel. One great author and definitely characters he can bring back in another novel. A definite must read.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Author: Gregory Allen
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
Just who is Sara Butler? Where does she come from? What is her past and why does she live in a fabricated and fantasy she made up for the present. Stemming from the first lies she invented about her past and a self created plane crash killing her parents, shifted and shoved around from to different foster care homes, Sara Butler has no real identity of her own. Realizing she might need help she seeks out a therapist only to hide the truth from him no matter how hard he tries to break through her wall or the methods he employs. Sara’s wall is up and it is unbreakable with no cracks or openings to let anyone in or the truth out. Questions asked in each session should bring her closer to finding the answers or solutions to her disjointed feelings about herself and her need to be liked, wanted, and really learn who her parents were and where she came from. But, the answers never came and Sara buries herself in her own made up truths to feel accepted, normal, wanted and hoping to be just plain Sara. Her anxieties and fears manifested themselves in a phantom rash on her left arm that no one saw and no one, including Sara could find. Devoid of spots, red rashes or any discoloration she lived with a gnawing itch that was ever so present. But, there is more. Sara’s nights are not filled with beautiful dreams or happy thoughts that filled her day or from her past instead she had flashes or weird and unsettling experiences that resulted in her waking in a cold sweat and wondering what the dreams mean and their significance.
Sara wants to be accepted and in doing so she managed to meet three amazing friends that would stick by her through this entire journey to her self -realization. Erick, Matty and Hahn would be there to support her and help her find herself but first Sara had to realize that it was time to look back before moving ahead. Erick, Matty and Hahn were her family. Each friend filling a specific void of spot in her life each always there for each other no matter what and without question. A unique circle of friends that never questioned her past, her motives and accepted her for who she appeared to be and who understood, as they did needed someone in their lives who would accept them for them. Before Sara could deal with the present she had to deal with her dreams and the realities that she has been hiding from for so long. Could these dreams stem from something with her parent that has been buried so long it is surfacing in her inner most thoughts an uncontrolled. Told in the first person in Sara’s own voice you hear her words, her thoughts, fears and frustrations as author Gregory Allen brings her to life for the reader.
Sara is a product of the New Mexico Foster Child Protection Service System. Foster Care is rough and children often get shuffled around from home to home and never really have any real roots unless they are adopted. As an educator I have seen many children that have had a difficult time dealing with so many different parents and homes and only wanted to be loved and have two parents to care for them. Working in a metal shop in a meaningless job in Phoenix and struggling to find herself, Sara often finds herself in relationships that are wrong, one with a man for a physical fling only and dealing with her disturbing dreams that plague her nights.
Relationships appear to be one main issue for each character but in different ways. As Sara struggles to find her own niche her and come to grips with her different fears and unresolved past, Erick has to come to terms with the changes in his relationship with Ron after 10 years. But, Sara’s inner voice comes forward gut her dark secret remained hidden, as Sara often feels isolated even in a group. Even if she disappeared entirely she feels no one would know or even dare. The tight relationship with this group did not allay her fears of loneliness or dependency. Pity is not what she should feel for herself but is often comes through as one of her major problems. Each time she speaks aloud her inner voice tries to focus her in the right direction but Sara does not always want to hear the truth or listen. Sara was trying to be more than just a superficial friend when she finally reaches out to Erick and their relationship just might move to a higher and different level. As Erick enlightens Sara into what is really behind the changes in Ron the reader learns more about Erick’s insecurities and fears too. Both just might have taken the first time to learning who and what they are but there is much more for both to learn and to tell.
As bike ride for charity leads Sara on a new path when she is stopped by a psychic whose words echo in her brain. Reliving her dream with Gracie still haunts her and when meeting up with Hahn she meets Samara another psychic and voice that will be heard.
When Sara reflects on her session with Samara and learns more about her past and her early childhood she goes back to her therapist and admits the truths about the lies told and her journey is finally going to take her where she hopes to find out who she really is and where she came from. Fear can really destroy a person and what Sara reveals about her childhood is frightening a much of what happened before going into Foster Care was abusive and hard for any three year old to handle. These and other visions came back to her during the session.
A road trip to Maine would hopefully find the answers she needs as she goes back in time once more and what she learns will definitely give her and the reader chills as the truth about her parents comes front and center in true techno color during a session with her therapist. What she witnessed and was made to see no child or even adult should have to endure. Who were her parents you will have to learn for yourself? What is next for Sara you will learn when she comes front and center with her past and Child Protective Services hopefully will fill in the rest.
What she finds out will definitely endear you to the people she meets in Maine. As one woman named Ida finds the courage to tell Sara the truth and all the pieces of her life finally fit together. Sometimes in order to move ahead you need to go back and face the past. What really happened and what crimes did her parents commit you won’t believe? What happens between Erick and Matty stays in Maine and goes no further? What happens when she meets Brent and sees the home where he lives? What memories flood back and what will the end result be? Author Gregory G. Allen has woven his own patchwork quilt of events in each specific square depicting Sara’s life from start to definitely not finish since he left some empty for her to fill in on her own. Friendships, loyalties, trust and a whole new beginning are right there if she wants it. Would you want to know your past if it meant learning some horrible truths? Just what she learns and how she deals with it you will have to read for yourself. Like a mosaic picture with each tile perfectly placed and glued until some fall apart and others disappear as Sara’s life unfolded in front of her eyes but then she reglued the pieces back and the picture she sees is entirely different. Just what this means you will have to learn as one young woman needs to decide if the wall of fear wins out or the love of others. One thought provoking novel. One great author and definitely characters he can bring back in another novel. A definite must read.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
March 17, 2020
This book had some strange characters which I couldn't connect with. The beginning of the book wasn't that great, but it got better in the second half with their road trip. Wonder if Sara/Prissy will ever return to Maine because there is a hope of a happy ending there for her. On the other hand, she probably doesn't want to leave her crazy friends in Arizona.
April 23, 2020
Love it
This was a great book, and a
I would highly recommend it!!!... I loved this book and hope there is a sequel!!!!!
This was a great book, and a
I would highly recommend it!!!... I loved this book and hope there is a sequel!!!!!
July 14, 2012
Gregory Allen’s ‘Patchwork of Me’ (Winner of the 2012 International Book Awards in Women's Lit and 2012 New York Book Festival in General Fiction), is one of those novels that will change you. Allen successfully draws you into the lives of four friends who are each damaged in their own way, and dealing with personal demons.
The story centres on Sara Butler; a child shuffled through foster care until her late teens. Sara has had haunting dreams and an invisible rash that have found her on the couch of a psychiatrist; process that she isn’t fully engaged with due to her inner dialogue and the need to keep her past safely hidden. Once she opens herself to the journey she pieces together glimpses of a past and sets out on a cross country road trip to once and for all find out who the real Sara Butler is.
I felt myself identifying with the hopelessness of Sara’s feeling disengaged from her past. Her character is so well written with glimpses into the deepest recesses of her troubled mind that I lived her darkest memories and her smallest triumphs. Crying with her, giggling with her humorous attempts to keep the pain at bay and finding love in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Gregory G. Allen is the award-winning author of PATCHWORK OF ME, WELL WITH MY SOUL, PROUD PANTS: AN UNCONVENTIONAL MEMOIR, and CHICKEN BOY: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF A SUPER HERO WITH AUTISM. He has had short stories and poetry published in: New Town Writers' anthology Off The Rocks 14, Loch Raven Review, Muscadine Lines: A Southern Journal, The Oddville Press, Word Catalyst Magazine, Rancor'd Type, Home & Holidays and is a contributor of articles and blogs to several online sites. Allen has been in the entertainment business for over twenty years as an actor, director, writer, and producer and is an award-winning musical theater writer with over ten original musicals produced. Allen currently manages an arts center on the campus of a college in northern New Jersey.
To quote Allen in his own words, ‘I love to tell stories and believe it should allow characters into different places and genres. I've always said my platform was sharing stories of adversity & diversity that cause a reader to stop and think about their own lives. Hopefully Sara Butler's journey can help to point out something from your own 'road trip' in life.’
I read this novel in a span of eight hours, unable to put it down. When you pick up this book make sure you've scheduled the afternoon off, because you won't want to let it leave your hands. The story will leave you touched in so many ways you've never imagined.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
Thanks Gregory.
The story centres on Sara Butler; a child shuffled through foster care until her late teens. Sara has had haunting dreams and an invisible rash that have found her on the couch of a psychiatrist; process that she isn’t fully engaged with due to her inner dialogue and the need to keep her past safely hidden. Once she opens herself to the journey she pieces together glimpses of a past and sets out on a cross country road trip to once and for all find out who the real Sara Butler is.
I felt myself identifying with the hopelessness of Sara’s feeling disengaged from her past. Her character is so well written with glimpses into the deepest recesses of her troubled mind that I lived her darkest memories and her smallest triumphs. Crying with her, giggling with her humorous attempts to keep the pain at bay and finding love in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Gregory G. Allen is the award-winning author of PATCHWORK OF ME, WELL WITH MY SOUL, PROUD PANTS: AN UNCONVENTIONAL MEMOIR, and CHICKEN BOY: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF A SUPER HERO WITH AUTISM. He has had short stories and poetry published in: New Town Writers' anthology Off The Rocks 14, Loch Raven Review, Muscadine Lines: A Southern Journal, The Oddville Press, Word Catalyst Magazine, Rancor'd Type, Home & Holidays and is a contributor of articles and blogs to several online sites. Allen has been in the entertainment business for over twenty years as an actor, director, writer, and producer and is an award-winning musical theater writer with over ten original musicals produced. Allen currently manages an arts center on the campus of a college in northern New Jersey.
To quote Allen in his own words, ‘I love to tell stories and believe it should allow characters into different places and genres. I've always said my platform was sharing stories of adversity & diversity that cause a reader to stop and think about their own lives. Hopefully Sara Butler's journey can help to point out something from your own 'road trip' in life.’
I read this novel in a span of eight hours, unable to put it down. When you pick up this book make sure you've scheduled the afternoon off, because you won't want to let it leave your hands. The story will leave you touched in so many ways you've never imagined.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author for an honest review.
Thanks Gregory.
October 15, 2012
I am so thrilled I chose this book to read. It had everything -- suspense, mystery, craziness, dreams, visions, tenderness and a marvelous revealing journey. Sara Butler is a 33-year old woman who has not found the right man to fulfill her life. She denies herself from even looking anymore and is very withdrawn from people. Except for three doting, compassionate, loving -- oddball friends! Sara was raised by several foster families in New Mexico. None of the homes provided love as she moved through several of them. When she turned 18, she quickly packs her meager possessions and moves to Arizona to build a life. She has one dream that frequents her mind and makes her wonder what the dream means. She starts having daytime visions, not knowing how to interpret them. She goes regularly for six months to a psychologist, but feeds him only lies and wonders why. She comes to the edge of the cliff where she thinks she is approaching insanity. But at a Halloween party, a woman from San Francisco who is visiting one of her friends, and is a psychic, approaches her and offers her a reading. Thus Sara starts to open the closed door of her childhood that she cannot recall. She begins to open up to her doctor who hypnotizes her several times and helps her make a decision to seek out answers. Sara decides to journey from Arizona to Maine, by car, in December, with her friends to find those answers. Will she find them? Will knowing her history impact her life? Will she find further grief or will she repair her tattered life? This is the third book I've read by extremely talented Greg Allen. I could not put this book down, even carrying my Kindle to Einstein's coffee shop this morning to finished the last ten percent. Warning: Do not finish reading this book in a public place. I was sobbing, tears rolling down my cheeks...I was so moved with joy for Sara. You have to know I want to hug this author for the feelings he so well instilled in all the characters in this moving story. I highly recommend this book as a 'must-read.'
January 17, 2016
Author: Gregory G Allen
Published By: ASD Publishing
Age Recommend: Adult(Language)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Reviewed For: GMTA
Review:
I really did enjoy reading "Patchwork of Me" by Gregory G. Allen. It was the story of Sara Butler who was a product of the New Mexico Foster Child Protection Service System. Sara grown up in New Mexico and other places but she never was adopted and now she was having abnormal childhood dreams and a invisible mysterious rash. Now living in Arizona, Sara now 33 years old had tried to receive some help from a therapist, Dr. Pingleton but with her not being honest and open with the doctor it was to no avail. It was after Sara decided to speak with Samara, (palm reader) that she decided to be truthful with Dr. Pingleton and tell him about her dreams that haunted her. As it turn out Sara had to travel from Arizona to Maine for her much needed answers. So, with her friends Matty and Erick they traveled by car to Maine and it was there that Sara must confront her past and hopefully see a much brighter future for herself. The characters in this novel were simply the best: Erick, Matty, Hahn, Ron, Samara, Steve, Ida, and Brent. Each one really made this novel very interesting. This Christmas spent in Maine... would Sara get the answers she was seeking and how would this affect her life in the future? You must read this novel to find out!
I found "Patchwork of Me" as a very good and solid read. It was definitely a page tuner for me. I would recommend this book as a good read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Published By: ASD Publishing
Age Recommend: Adult(Language)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Reviewed For: GMTA
Review:
I really did enjoy reading "Patchwork of Me" by Gregory G. Allen. It was the story of Sara Butler who was a product of the New Mexico Foster Child Protection Service System. Sara grown up in New Mexico and other places but she never was adopted and now she was having abnormal childhood dreams and a invisible mysterious rash. Now living in Arizona, Sara now 33 years old had tried to receive some help from a therapist, Dr. Pingleton but with her not being honest and open with the doctor it was to no avail. It was after Sara decided to speak with Samara, (palm reader) that she decided to be truthful with Dr. Pingleton and tell him about her dreams that haunted her. As it turn out Sara had to travel from Arizona to Maine for her much needed answers. So, with her friends Matty and Erick they traveled by car to Maine and it was there that Sara must confront her past and hopefully see a much brighter future for herself. The characters in this novel were simply the best: Erick, Matty, Hahn, Ron, Samara, Steve, Ida, and Brent. Each one really made this novel very interesting. This Christmas spent in Maine... would Sara get the answers she was seeking and how would this affect her life in the future? You must read this novel to find out!
I found "Patchwork of Me" as a very good and solid read. It was definitely a page tuner for me. I would recommend this book as a good read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
March 20, 2012
Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
What if you had a secret past? Would you seek out answers or hide in your room? Sara, now in her early thirties, has decided it is time to find out about her roots. She has a spot on her forearm that drives her crazy, continually demanding to be scratched, but there is nothing there. She has a recurring dream, where she is a man and a father whose child has drowned. She is unable to maintain a romantic relationship and she lies to her therapist.
Patchwork of Me is Gregory G. Allen’s newest release. The story is a drama told in a first person narrative by the main protagonist, Sara Butler. The story follows Sara while she goes on a journey of self discovery.
I loved how this book began. We are introduced to the main character, who at first glance appears to be male, but soon we discover, was a dream character and we are hooked, why is Sara dreaming she is a man? Before long, we are introduced to Sara and her circle of friends. Sara lives in Arizona and although she has no family of her own, she has a small group of friends that have become her family. It was interesting to read a story that centres on a woman, told from her point of view but written by a man.
This is a good read and the characters are interesting, I enjoyed the banter amongst the friends. This standalone story grabs our attention from the first page and keeps us engaged right up to the ending. The story unfolded in a smooth manner, and although it wasn’t thrilling or exciting, it was captivating. I recommend this story as a light and entertaining read.
What if you had a secret past? Would you seek out answers or hide in your room? Sara, now in her early thirties, has decided it is time to find out about her roots. She has a spot on her forearm that drives her crazy, continually demanding to be scratched, but there is nothing there. She has a recurring dream, where she is a man and a father whose child has drowned. She is unable to maintain a romantic relationship and she lies to her therapist.
Patchwork of Me is Gregory G. Allen’s newest release. The story is a drama told in a first person narrative by the main protagonist, Sara Butler. The story follows Sara while she goes on a journey of self discovery.
I loved how this book began. We are introduced to the main character, who at first glance appears to be male, but soon we discover, was a dream character and we are hooked, why is Sara dreaming she is a man? Before long, we are introduced to Sara and her circle of friends. Sara lives in Arizona and although she has no family of her own, she has a small group of friends that have become her family. It was interesting to read a story that centres on a woman, told from her point of view but written by a man.
This is a good read and the characters are interesting, I enjoyed the banter amongst the friends. This standalone story grabs our attention from the first page and keeps us engaged right up to the ending. The story unfolded in a smooth manner, and although it wasn’t thrilling or exciting, it was captivating. I recommend this story as a light and entertaining read.
March 10, 2012
Gregory G. Allen is an author of many talents. In his new novel, Patchwork of Me, he uses his storytelling talent to flawlessly patch together, for our entertainment, a diverse range of characters whose journeys of self-discovery invite us, the audience, to tag along. In return, we get a lifetime opportunity to peer into our own journeys through life and the patchwork defining it. As a result, we earn the chance to come to terms with our own truths and accept who we are, as individuals.
Patchwork of Me is a daring story not only of self-discovery, but also of survival, a tale of love and trust, of friendship, mystery, and also hope. As we've learned to expect from this author, we also anticipate a hint of darkness, of unconventionality. And Allen does not disappoint. He's once again fearless in choosing his characters and their stories in order to tackle unsafe topics and territories. In that sense Patchwork of Me tells the entangled and controversial story of Sara Butler as she tries to patch together the complex, multilayered structure defining her life, with a little help from her devoted friends, straight and gay.
Allen's new novel offers yet another outstanding read from a favorite author. Patchwork of Me is a personal, intimate story, capturing a reflection of its characters' reality and, with it, a possible peek into our own.
Patchwork of Me is a daring story not only of self-discovery, but also of survival, a tale of love and trust, of friendship, mystery, and also hope. As we've learned to expect from this author, we also anticipate a hint of darkness, of unconventionality. And Allen does not disappoint. He's once again fearless in choosing his characters and their stories in order to tackle unsafe topics and territories. In that sense Patchwork of Me tells the entangled and controversial story of Sara Butler as she tries to patch together the complex, multilayered structure defining her life, with a little help from her devoted friends, straight and gay.
Allen's new novel offers yet another outstanding read from a favorite author. Patchwork of Me is a personal, intimate story, capturing a reflection of its characters' reality and, with it, a possible peek into our own.
April 9, 2012
An interesting trip into a main character's past that was unexpected. Sara Butler knew only of her past beyond 3 years old where she was shipped from one foster home to another, she resents the childhood that she had and is unhappy with the lack of family that she has in her life. The reader takes a road trip with her and her friends that are her family to see what all lies in her past.
A book that I read in one setting because the author makes it an easy read both with the words he chose and characters that were quick to get to know and get invested in. I loved her "gay mafia" that she learns to love as family members as she realizes that families can come in every shape and size.
When she spoke about her distaste about the foster care system, it intrigued me as to how truthful her problems with changing homes as often as she did was in reality. I did enjoy that at the end she found a little bit of joy about escaping the childhood that she could have had for the one she ended up in.
I am intrigued as to where Sara goes beyond the discoveries she makes and the people she meets. I wouldn't mind a sequel or addition to the current book to see where Sara goes with all the information that she takes in at the end.
A book that I read in one setting because the author makes it an easy read both with the words he chose and characters that were quick to get to know and get invested in. I loved her "gay mafia" that she learns to love as family members as she realizes that families can come in every shape and size.
When she spoke about her distaste about the foster care system, it intrigued me as to how truthful her problems with changing homes as often as she did was in reality. I did enjoy that at the end she found a little bit of joy about escaping the childhood that she could have had for the one she ended up in.
I am intrigued as to where Sara goes beyond the discoveries she makes and the people she meets. I wouldn't mind a sequel or addition to the current book to see where Sara goes with all the information that she takes in at the end.
January 20, 2013
I would give this book a *3.5*. I would give it a better rating but it took a long time for me to get into the story. the last half is the best part. Sara grew up in the foster care system. she is now in her 30s. she has been having disturbing nightmares. and has been seeing a psychologist trying to piece together her childhood. after trying to do some research she finds out she was originally from Maine.{she grew up in New Mexico foster care system.]and now lives in Arizona. the book picks up when Sara decides to go cross country with two male friends to Maine to find out what happened in her earlier years.
She finds out something very bad happened when she was Three, involving her parents. something she witnessed that was horrific. I really liked the second half better that the first. for me it just took too long to find out anything about her past.I also wished the story had talked more of her experiences in the foster homes she was in. I am glad I stuck with the book. the last chapters in this book were especially good and touching. If i had to give a "movie style" rating It would be PG13, for the sex scenes. for the most part a pretty good read.
She finds out something very bad happened when she was Three, involving her parents. something she witnessed that was horrific. I really liked the second half better that the first. for me it just took too long to find out anything about her past.I also wished the story had talked more of her experiences in the foster homes she was in. I am glad I stuck with the book. the last chapters in this book were especially good and touching. If i had to give a "movie style" rating It would be PG13, for the sex scenes. for the most part a pretty good read.
April 8, 2012
At some point in our lives, we all confront the need to find ourselves and the journey we take will define us from that point forward. Novelist Gregory G. Allen, author of the acclaimed “Well With My Soul” and “Proud Pants,” has returned with a new story that is just as heart wrenching, touching, and ultimately timeless as his previous works.
“Patchwork of Me” is the tale of Sara Butler. Raised by child services, she faces adulthood with no solid foundation in her past. Working with a therapist, Sara tries to rid herself of maladies thrust upon her by the tortured life she lived in foster care. Finding herself among the devastation of her youth, Sara will travel cross country to Maine to confront the components of the existence she left behind; but she discovers that her departure was only physical. Deep inside she is still a prisoner of her own memories, hurts, and unhealed wounds.
“Patchwork of Me” gives the reader a story which he can lose himself within as Sara’s journey wends its way toward an emotional conclusion. Powerfully human, told with a deftly skilled hand, this is a book that will resonate with readers for years to come.
“Patchwork of Me” is the tale of Sara Butler. Raised by child services, she faces adulthood with no solid foundation in her past. Working with a therapist, Sara tries to rid herself of maladies thrust upon her by the tortured life she lived in foster care. Finding herself among the devastation of her youth, Sara will travel cross country to Maine to confront the components of the existence she left behind; but she discovers that her departure was only physical. Deep inside she is still a prisoner of her own memories, hurts, and unhealed wounds.
“Patchwork of Me” gives the reader a story which he can lose himself within as Sara’s journey wends its way toward an emotional conclusion. Powerfully human, told with a deftly skilled hand, this is a book that will resonate with readers for years to come.
June 22, 2014
Sara Butler is 33 and lives in Phoenix. She has an invisible rash that she can't stop herself from scratching and a repeating dream in which she's a married man whose three-year-old daughter either dies or disappears. She's also in psychotherapy and can't get herself to tell her therapist the truth about herself, that she's unloveable and doesn't deserve good things. She finally just stops going to him.
She has friends -- Hahn, an Asian woman of indeterminate age, and Erick and Matty, gay men who aren't in a relationship with one another. Her life changes when Hahn has a friend visit, a woman who reads palms, and her reading of Sara's palms sets Sara off on a path to finding the truth about herself.
What does the dream mean? Why does she have an invisible rash? Why was she in foster care all her life, and what happened to her parents?
To find out, she must take a road trip from Phoenix to Main (at Christmastime!), and her friends come with her.
A well-written novel that kept me turning the pages! All the characters, even the lesser characters, were well defined and I could picture them quite easily.
Very interesting story.
She has friends -- Hahn, an Asian woman of indeterminate age, and Erick and Matty, gay men who aren't in a relationship with one another. Her life changes when Hahn has a friend visit, a woman who reads palms, and her reading of Sara's palms sets Sara off on a path to finding the truth about herself.
What does the dream mean? Why does she have an invisible rash? Why was she in foster care all her life, and what happened to her parents?
To find out, she must take a road trip from Phoenix to Main (at Christmastime!), and her friends come with her.
A well-written novel that kept me turning the pages! All the characters, even the lesser characters, were well defined and I could picture them quite easily.
Very interesting story.
May 12, 2013
Sara Butler is 30 something and suffering from psychosomatic symptoms. A severe itch/rash on her arm that doesn't appear to others, accompanied by dreams where she is a man with a family and a little girl who starts appearing to her whilst she is awake. Sara was in the foster care system since she was 3 years old, until she faces this life event she is unable to move forward and discover what lies behind her dreams and hallucinations.
I loved the premise of this book and looked forward to reading it. I found it repetitive and difficult to get into. I felt it was missing something on a psychological level. It was well written and the banter between Sara's friends was amusing to a point, but I felt the main issues in the story were somewhat neglected. I enjoyed reading bout Sara and being an observer to her issues of self esteem and anxiety over her past, but it lacked something for me.
I loved the premise of this book and looked forward to reading it. I found it repetitive and difficult to get into. I felt it was missing something on a psychological level. It was well written and the banter between Sara's friends was amusing to a point, but I felt the main issues in the story were somewhat neglected. I enjoyed reading bout Sara and being an observer to her issues of self esteem and anxiety over her past, but it lacked something for me.
June 24, 2013
30 something Sara Butler has built a wall around her heart. Her closest friends, Erick & Matt (both gay men who are an absolute scream) and Hahn (a diva who is never without a snappy comment) have no idea Sara is plagued by dreams that are somehow connected to a troubled past.
I was fully on board as Sara drove cross country with “her boys” and summoned the courage to confront her horrific roots. I found myself breathless as the details of Sara’s heartbreaking past were revealed. And the dialogue had me alternating between laughter and tears. I loved, loved every scene with Erick and Matt and the way Hahn rounded out this funky family of friends. I was particularly drawn to Ida who radiated such warmth and offered a real sense safety and belonging that Sara had never known as a child.
Patchwork of Me is compelling story of a damaged young woman who confronts her demons from long ago and discovers a future where there’s room for friendship, family and love.
I was fully on board as Sara drove cross country with “her boys” and summoned the courage to confront her horrific roots. I found myself breathless as the details of Sara’s heartbreaking past were revealed. And the dialogue had me alternating between laughter and tears. I loved, loved every scene with Erick and Matt and the way Hahn rounded out this funky family of friends. I was particularly drawn to Ida who radiated such warmth and offered a real sense safety and belonging that Sara had never known as a child.
Patchwork of Me is compelling story of a damaged young woman who confronts her demons from long ago and discovers a future where there’s room for friendship, family and love.
August 3, 2013
Thirty years ago I turned in a portfolio to my high school creative writing class and called the collection of short stories and poetry, "Patchwork Me." That is the main reason this book caught my attention. I had no idea what it was about or who Gregory G. Allen was. There were things about this book other than the title that made me feel like it was somehow connected to me, my husband is a Gregory, my Mom is a Priscilla, I've done foster care, I have a mysteriously itchy elbow. I love show tunes and have been hypnotized and some of my best friends are gay men and road trips always lead me home and I passionately believe in creating your own family.
I don't know what genre this dang story is and it wouldn't let me put it down and kept surprising me along the way. Don't know what to tell you of the plot without giving away the surprises. Just read it. I am glad I did.
I don't know what genre this dang story is and it wouldn't let me put it down and kept surprising me along the way. Don't know what to tell you of the plot without giving away the surprises. Just read it. I am glad I did.
May 8, 2012
Actual rating: 3.5
Thank you to the author for this book!
This is a new genre for me and it had me on the edge of my seat wanting to follow Sara through her whole journey.
Sara is a likable character and doesn't actually come acrossed as crazy, but as a girl who is struggling with inner turmoil.
I felt like the book took such a huge turn when Sara decided to accept that she wanted help and needed it and that was nothing to be embarrassed about.
Her relationship with her friends was refreshing!
I enjoyed the book and was happy with the happy, satisfying, but realistic ending.
Thank you to the author for this book!
This is a new genre for me and it had me on the edge of my seat wanting to follow Sara through her whole journey.
Sara is a likable character and doesn't actually come acrossed as crazy, but as a girl who is struggling with inner turmoil.
I felt like the book took such a huge turn when Sara decided to accept that she wanted help and needed it and that was nothing to be embarrassed about.
Her relationship with her friends was refreshing!
I enjoyed the book and was happy with the happy, satisfying, but realistic ending.
May 20, 2012
A wonderful journey of self discovery.
July 25, 2012
I liked this book. It was really different and it ended in a good way. Would like to read next book to see what happened to everyone.
July 1, 2012
Interesting characters and plot line that propelled me right along to the end. A very enjoyable read.
August 14, 2012
Totally loved the story! For me it was a total page turner could not stop reading it!
August 2, 2013
Almost quit reading several times, but something propelled me to keep on. Certainly not one of my most memorable reads.
March 12, 2014
It was a pretty good read. It took me a minute to get into it, but I enjoyed the characters. The resolution showed some personal growth for the lead character.
March 30, 2013
Disappointing - don't bother.
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