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Jack & I
A psychological suspense novel about two teenage boys. The twist? They're both named Jack and both inhabit the same body. "Mostly I was relieved to put some distance between Jack and myself, although this wasn't possible because I am Jack, too. And sort of not Jack. I am I, or rather, I am me."
1994. Jack Kennett is 16 and suffers from undiagnosed Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). Abandoned at age two, Jack has been in the New Jersey care system all his foster homes and once placed for adoption with the Kennetts, a family he adored, especially their daughter, Cara. As the divisive war between the two personalities escalates, Jack (the host) is in despair and feeling powerless as he experiences amnesiac events and must deal with his alter's promiscuity, truancy, and illegal acts. How will the war between the personalities end?
“A compelling and intricate tale that masterfully unravels the complexities of identity.”
—Lilja Sigurðardóttir, author of Snare
"Egan fearlessly tackes the complex and mysterious malady and creates two unforgettable characters—the two Jacks—who struggles to own the same body. Jack & I is a psychological thriller and a nuanced portrayal of the torment experienced by those with this rare form of mental illness; a page-turner that both entertains and enlightens."
—Michael Alenyikov, author of Sorrow's Drive
"Brava! Jack & I takes us on a journey into Jack's world of having to coexist with an alter personality whose morals and actions are in direct conflict with Jack's own values. A masterful job of getting the reader to feel Jack's helplessness and hopelessness as he hosts this destructive personality."
—Judy Shepps Battle, pschotherapist
"An emotional rollercoaster, moving from heartbreaking and finally to hope as the reader witnesses the damage done to a child who sufers trauma at the hands of adults who are supposed to protect him."
—Corrine LeBaron, MSS, CEO of a foster-care non-profit
1994. Jack Kennett is 16 and suffers from undiagnosed Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). Abandoned at age two, Jack has been in the New Jersey care system all his foster homes and once placed for adoption with the Kennetts, a family he adored, especially their daughter, Cara. As the divisive war between the two personalities escalates, Jack (the host) is in despair and feeling powerless as he experiences amnesiac events and must deal with his alter's promiscuity, truancy, and illegal acts. How will the war between the personalities end?
“A compelling and intricate tale that masterfully unravels the complexities of identity.”
—Lilja Sigurðardóttir, author of Snare
"Egan fearlessly tackes the complex and mysterious malady and creates two unforgettable characters—the two Jacks—who struggles to own the same body. Jack & I is a psychological thriller and a nuanced portrayal of the torment experienced by those with this rare form of mental illness; a page-turner that both entertains and enlightens."
—Michael Alenyikov, author of Sorrow's Drive
"Brava! Jack & I takes us on a journey into Jack's world of having to coexist with an alter personality whose morals and actions are in direct conflict with Jack's own values. A masterful job of getting the reader to feel Jack's helplessness and hopelessness as he hosts this destructive personality."
—Judy Shepps Battle, pschotherapist
"An emotional rollercoaster, moving from heartbreaking and finally to hope as the reader witnesses the damage done to a child who sufers trauma at the hands of adults who are supposed to protect him."
—Corrine LeBaron, MSS, CEO of a foster-care non-profit
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2024
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About the author
Laury A. Egan
27 books51 followersLaury A. Egan is the author of fifteen novels: "Fair Haven," "Jack & I," "The Black Leopard's Kiss & The Writer Remembers," "The Psychologist's Shadow," "The Firefly," "Once, Upon an Island," "The Outcast Oracle," "The Swimmer," "Wave in D Minor," "Doublecrossed," "Turnabout," "A Bittersweet Tale," "The Ungodly Hour," "Jenny Kidd," "Fabulous! An Opera Buffa," and two collections, "Contrary: Stories and a Play" and "Fog and Other Stories." Four poetry books have been issued in limited edition: "Snow, Shadows, a Stranger;" "Beneath the Lion's Paw;" "The Sea & Beyond;" and "Presence & Absence." Her work has appeared in over 90 literary journals and anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 28, 2024
‘How I wished I wasn’t trapped with him, that we weren’t glued together in a nightmarish tandem!’
Sixteen-year-old foster child Jack Kennett desperately wants to be part of a loving family and live his best life. There’s just one thing stopping him – the other Jack Kennett; the one who’s sharing his body and who threatens to ruin Jack’s life when he takes control of his host’s mind and actions. Each time this “alter” identity asserts himself, Jack is unable to resist whatever his dangerous companion chooses to have him do. Even more perturbing is that Jack often cannot recall what has happened.
‘It was rare that I could see what Jack was doing or remember what he had done.’
School friends and his foster parents see only one teenager, they don’t understand Jack’s predicament and blame him when his “alter” behaves badly. Over time what began as inappropriate behaviour escalates to violent sadism and Jack realises that he, and those he cares about, are in jeopardy. On the brink of despair, he turns to the one person he feels he can trust, but is it too little too late?
The plot of this gripping thriller is tight, edgy and unpredictable as it explores Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, through the eyes of a child who is living with it. Whilst the subject is treated sensitively, there are some events that are both shocking and disturbing as the book outlines Jack’s defilement, mental and physical, by his “alter.”
The novel is told through two first person narratives. This allows both identities to describe their battle and highlights the contrast between the host Jack and his “alter.” Jack tries to subdue his “alter” whilst the “alter” is determined to dominate his host, even to the point of destruction. Particularly poignant is Jack’s perception that he is somehow to blame for his dilemma.
'Jack and I' is a well-researched, thought provoking, and inspiring story. Absorbing, unusual and highly recommended.
Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent
Sixteen-year-old foster child Jack Kennett desperately wants to be part of a loving family and live his best life. There’s just one thing stopping him – the other Jack Kennett; the one who’s sharing his body and who threatens to ruin Jack’s life when he takes control of his host’s mind and actions. Each time this “alter” identity asserts himself, Jack is unable to resist whatever his dangerous companion chooses to have him do. Even more perturbing is that Jack often cannot recall what has happened.
‘It was rare that I could see what Jack was doing or remember what he had done.’
School friends and his foster parents see only one teenager, they don’t understand Jack’s predicament and blame him when his “alter” behaves badly. Over time what began as inappropriate behaviour escalates to violent sadism and Jack realises that he, and those he cares about, are in jeopardy. On the brink of despair, he turns to the one person he feels he can trust, but is it too little too late?
The plot of this gripping thriller is tight, edgy and unpredictable as it explores Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder, through the eyes of a child who is living with it. Whilst the subject is treated sensitively, there are some events that are both shocking and disturbing as the book outlines Jack’s defilement, mental and physical, by his “alter.”
The novel is told through two first person narratives. This allows both identities to describe their battle and highlights the contrast between the host Jack and his “alter.” Jack tries to subdue his “alter” whilst the “alter” is determined to dominate his host, even to the point of destruction. Particularly poignant is Jack’s perception that he is somehow to blame for his dilemma.
'Jack and I' is a well-researched, thought provoking, and inspiring story. Absorbing, unusual and highly recommended.
Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent
May 21, 2024
Read more about this fascinating, gripping, heart-wrenching story on my website, Gina Rae Mitchell.
Jack & I is a gripping psychological suspense novel about two teenage boys, both named Jack, who share the same body. "Mostly, I was relieved to put some distance between Jack and myself, although this wasn't possible because I am Jack, too. And sort of not Jack. I am I, or rather, I am me."
In 1994, 16-year-old Jack Kennett suffers from undiagnosed Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder). Abandoned at age two, Jack has been shuffled through the New Jersey foster care system. After several foster homes, he is finally placed with the Kennetts, a family he adores, especially their daughter, Cara.
However, the internal battle between his two personalities escalates, causing danger to the Kennett's and jeopardizing his adoption. Jack, the host, despairs as he experiences amnesiac events and must contend with the alter Jack's promiscuity, truancy, and illegal activities. The central question remains: how will the conflict between these personalities end?
Egan delves into the complex subject of Dissociative Identity Disorder with a delicate touch. The author portrays Jack's struggles with compassion and understanding, offering a respectful depiction of this complex condition.
As is often the case, Jack's two personalities are polar opposites. The intense battle between good and evil reveals the horrifying abuse that young Jack endured. Could the alter personality be attempting to protect the vulnerable Jack? Did he develop as a protective device over the years of abuse?
While the story is, at times, difficult and heart-wrenching to read, it underscores the presence of good people willing to protect the innocent and the urgent need for reforms in the foster care system.
Author Laury A. Egan satisfactorily resolves the issues portrayed in Jack & I while leaving room for speculation, making it a thought-provoking and poignant read.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company. This review is my honest opinion.
Jack & I is a gripping psychological suspense novel about two teenage boys, both named Jack, who share the same body. "Mostly, I was relieved to put some distance between Jack and myself, although this wasn't possible because I am Jack, too. And sort of not Jack. I am I, or rather, I am me."
In 1994, 16-year-old Jack Kennett suffers from undiagnosed Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder). Abandoned at age two, Jack has been shuffled through the New Jersey foster care system. After several foster homes, he is finally placed with the Kennetts, a family he adores, especially their daughter, Cara.
However, the internal battle between his two personalities escalates, causing danger to the Kennett's and jeopardizing his adoption. Jack, the host, despairs as he experiences amnesiac events and must contend with the alter Jack's promiscuity, truancy, and illegal activities. The central question remains: how will the conflict between these personalities end?
Egan delves into the complex subject of Dissociative Identity Disorder with a delicate touch. The author portrays Jack's struggles with compassion and understanding, offering a respectful depiction of this complex condition.
As is often the case, Jack's two personalities are polar opposites. The intense battle between good and evil reveals the horrifying abuse that young Jack endured. Could the alter personality be attempting to protect the vulnerable Jack? Did he develop as a protective device over the years of abuse?
While the story is, at times, difficult and heart-wrenching to read, it underscores the presence of good people willing to protect the innocent and the urgent need for reforms in the foster care system.
Author Laury A. Egan satisfactorily resolves the issues portrayed in Jack & I while leaving room for speculation, making it a thought-provoking and poignant read.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company. This review is my honest opinion.
June 3, 2024
I was grateful to receive an ARC from the author herself in exchange for my review.
Firstly, the book is extremely well-written. The way it flips from first- to third-person perspective to show the two alters' perspectives is very cleverly done, and the ending was very satisfying, tying up the story very neatly.
Laury's approach to representing DID is very different to other books I have read. For example, my book The Summer We've Had focuses on demonstrating THAT a person can have a normal healthy life with DID, whereas this is a case of demonstrating HOW that can happen. Jack & I deals with the reality of DID diagnosis, discovery and treatment, with all the ups and downs and twists and turns that that entails. If you're looking for a drama-filled novel, this is for you!
To summarise - I really enjoyed it. Laury covers lots of big topics - childhood abuse, prostitution, stalking - in one big, cohesive parcel that doesn't feel overwhelming, and shows how DID can present, as well as how perceived criminals may have far more going on beneath the surface. Thank you for the opportunity to read this, Laury!
Firstly, the book is extremely well-written. The way it flips from first- to third-person perspective to show the two alters' perspectives is very cleverly done, and the ending was very satisfying, tying up the story very neatly.
Laury's approach to representing DID is very different to other books I have read. For example, my book The Summer We've Had focuses on demonstrating THAT a person can have a normal healthy life with DID, whereas this is a case of demonstrating HOW that can happen. Jack & I deals with the reality of DID diagnosis, discovery and treatment, with all the ups and downs and twists and turns that that entails. If you're looking for a drama-filled novel, this is for you!
To summarise - I really enjoyed it. Laury covers lots of big topics - childhood abuse, prostitution, stalking - in one big, cohesive parcel that doesn't feel overwhelming, and shows how DID can present, as well as how perceived criminals may have far more going on beneath the surface. Thank you for the opportunity to read this, Laury!
April 22, 2024
Jack & I is another fabulous book written by the talented Laury A Egan. It is one that makes a reader really think. It is full of mystery and suspense. It was interesting to learn more about different mental health disorders. I thought the author did a great job at writing a unique plot, fascinating characters, and one with unpredictable twists. There were a few scenes that had me wondering what was going on and leaving me a little perplexed until a few pages later. I loved reading it.
I am giving Jack & I five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspenseful novels. I would love to read more books from Laury A Egan in the future.
I received a digital copy of Laury A Egan's Jack & I but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Jack & I five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspenseful novels. I would love to read more books from Laury A Egan in the future.
I received a digital copy of Laury A Egan's Jack & I but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 17, 2024
A thought provoking novel about two teenage boys. They are both named Jack because they are the same person. It's a somewhat confusing read about a young boy with a condition called multiple personality disorder. For someone who struggles with this mental health disorder and has had far from a easy life I think Jack is doing extremely well. He is represented as a kind, strong young man facing challenges most of us can't even imagine. The plot is complex with a complex disorder but is weaved intricately by the author to make it easy to understand. It's a physcological suspense novel that I am still digesting long after I finished reading the last page.
June 7, 2024
My Thoughts: I’m not really sure how to review this one if I’m honest, I’ve sat on it for days.
It’s hard hitting dealing with a lot of tough subjects in a very real way whilst also being sympathetic to the people who suffer from DID.
The writing is shocking and yet had me totally enthralled!
2 people in one body, I thought it would be hard to keep track of who was who, but Laury was very clever.. one spoke in 1st person whilst the other spoke in 3rd person.
Parts of this book left me in utter shock, wanting to hide away from the book because it made me uncomfortable, but I knew how important it was & that amount of research put into this book was incredible.
I know my review isn’t doing it justice, but that’s because it’s such a powerful book that no matter what I say it just wouldn’t be enough & I am intrigued to see what Laury comes up with next.
🐧🩷
It’s hard hitting dealing with a lot of tough subjects in a very real way whilst also being sympathetic to the people who suffer from DID.
The writing is shocking and yet had me totally enthralled!
2 people in one body, I thought it would be hard to keep track of who was who, but Laury was very clever.. one spoke in 1st person whilst the other spoke in 3rd person.
Parts of this book left me in utter shock, wanting to hide away from the book because it made me uncomfortable, but I knew how important it was & that amount of research put into this book was incredible.
I know my review isn’t doing it justice, but that’s because it’s such a powerful book that no matter what I say it just wouldn’t be enough & I am intrigued to see what Laury comes up with next.
🐧🩷
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews