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Medicate Me

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Seattle is gradually deteriorating. Most cities around the world are.After a mysterious reported virus spreads in the Los Angeles airport, an unprecedented global lockdown is put in place. People are forced to stay inside, or be ten feet socially distanced in public when shopping for essentials, and masked up.As six painful months pass by without getting answers about the cause of the virus or where it came from, many have reached their ultimate breaking point. Especially when a pharmaceutical shortage gets announced.Franelli, Eric, Garrett, A.J., and Shayla are all millennials who have little to nothing in common and are in completely different stages of their lives. The only thing they can relate to is severely struggling with their mental health during the new world orders, while also self reflecting their past.As the five unlikely friends intertwine, they start to see what’s becoming of Seattle and the direction of where the world is going. Outrageous and extreme obstacles start getting thrown their way as they try to figure out what their purpose is in life, and what’s yet to become of The Emerald City.Will anyone ever see the light again? Will anyone ever know the truth about this mysterious global virus? With a fast paced rollercoaster of a ride and surprising conclusion, Medicate Me will show you just how far people are willing to go to find out how to navigate the New Normal.

337 pages, Hardcover

Published April 3, 2024

9 people are currently reading
1406 people want to read

About the author

Emily Hodson

4 books106 followers
Emily Hodson is the author of 4 finished pieces: Pretty Unlikely and Pretty Gutsy of her Pretty Unlikely Trilogy project, written when she was an adolescent. Expected to be completed on the 15 year anniversary of this very early on work.

Her latest most successful work is the 2018 stand alone novel "The Whimsical Life Of Iris Shuester." A 5-year anniversary special remastered edition will be out soon.

She also published a poem book Completely Splattered with imagery to go along with each poem in 2016.

Currently she is working on finishing, editing, publishing, and co-narrating in her own audiobook with voice actor George Brandenburg, "Medicate Me," available in paperback 2/4/24, PDF, and audiobook the summer of 2024.

She also plans to finish her children's book Ollie's Adventures in Ballet School summer of 2024.

You can find her on Instagram mainly, promoting her page, listing giveaways, reviewing books and giving book recommendations at www.instagram.com/emilyhodson_author or find the handle @emilyhodson_author

Follow her new Twitter account: www.twitter.com/ehodson_author

Personal page www.facebook.com/emmykinsbabe

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
32 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2024
Medicate Me is a pandemic based novel with first person narratives told by five unique characters. Garrett, A.J., Eric, Franelli and Shayla.

Each are facing their own personal battles because of the new way of life and the need for prescription medications to manage their mental and health related issues.

As the lives of these very different individuals begin to slowly intertwine, they realize, their struggles with helplessness, fear, and anxiety are common. However, this collective fear for some turns to desperation for others.

The five MCs are all affected as rumors and conspiracy theories fuel violence and their overwhelming sense of hopelessness.

The author spins a narrative where Rx meds are even more valuable than street drugs and the elites are hoarding for their own nefarious purposes.

This is not a light read nor did the author sugar coat what millions felt during the pandemic that has changed all our lives.

The plot twist at the end really brought the story full circle and I will definitely be reading book two, Inject Me, as soon as it hits the shelves.
Profile Image for Phoebe.
60 reviews12 followers
March 31, 2024
Medicate Me
Beta/ARC review
By: Emily Hodson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book puts me back to 2020 when the pandemic hit. Not knowing what was going on and what was going to happen to everyone. We get to see 5 different perspectives of life during their pandemic and how they are handling it. They have laws in place now where you are not allowed to be in another persons home and can barely go out to get your own groceries. Prescription medicines aren’t being refilled anymore due to this pandemics and the “elites” getting to pick what they want first. How far are they willing to go to get what they need to function? What would you do in their shoes? That ending was not what I expected.. complete shock but it is 100% worth reading.
Profile Image for Ari Cross.
310 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2024
I had the honor of being a beta reader for this book and it has been such a fun experience chatting with Emily and really getting the inside scoop on Medicate Me and the characters within it. I really hope that my feedback was helpful to her, and that I was able to leave my mark in some way on this novel!

This book is such a blast. There is a lot of character development and context in the first half and tons of actions, twists, and turns in the second half. I never could foresee what was coming next and my jaw hit the floor more than once as this story unfolded. If you think you know what’s going on…you probably don’t. 😅

I cannot wait to see what comes of our five friends in the sequel, Inject Me, releasing this summer.
49 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2024
A Tense Journey Through a Sci-Fi Pandemic

Medicate Me masterfully blends mental health struggles with a dystopian thriller, set against a gripping lockdown in 2017 Seattle. Through shifting first-person perspectives, it explores survival, dependency, and human resilience in an unraveling world. Thrilling and thought-provoking.
467 reviews32 followers
October 4, 2024
**Book Review: Medicate Me by Emily Hodson**

“Medicate Me” by Emily Hodson presents a gripping and timely narrative set in a Seattle grappling with the impacts of a mysterious virus. The story unfolds as a global lockdown is initiated, drastically altering everyday life and plunging society into uncertainty. With stringent measures in place—mandatory masking, social distancing, and the constant fear of the unknown—Hodson vividly captures the psychological toll on individuals facing isolation and anxiety.

At the heart of the novel are five millennials: Franelli, Eric, Garrett, A.J., and Shayla. Though they come from diverse backgrounds and are at various points in their lives, they share a profound struggle with their mental health as the pandemic unfolds. This shared experience forms an unexpected bond among them, highlighting the power of connection in times of crisis.
As the characters navigate their new reality, they are forced to confront not only the external chaos of the world but also their inner demons. The narrative delves deeply into their pasts, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and resilience. Each character’s journey is marked by moments of self-discovery and reflection, prompting readers to empathize with their struggles.

Hodson’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, effectively building tension as the group encounters a series of extreme challenges. The story maintains a sense of urgency, as they grapple with a looming pharmaceutical shortage and the mysterious origins of the virus. These elements propel the plot forward and raise critical questions about trust, survival, and the lengths people will go to seek answers.
Ultimately, “Medicate Me” is more than just a thriller; it is a poignant examination of the human condition in the face of adversity. Through the experiences of Franelli, Eric, Garrett, A.J., and Shayla, the novel explores how individuals can find light amid darkness and uncertainty. As they come together to navigate the chaos of a rapidly changing world, readers are left pondering the importance of connection, understanding, and the quest for truth in an increasingly complex landscape.

In a time when many can relate to feelings of isolation and anxiety, “Medicate Me” resonates deeply, offering both a thrilling narrative and a thoughtful commentary on the impact of global events on our mental health. It’s a powerful read that challenges us to reflect on our own responses to crisis and the significance of human connection.
Profile Image for Kimberlyisaddicted2books .
189 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2024
This is one of my favorite reads this year and I was grateful to receive this book in a giveaway from none other than the author.

I read this book in about three to four days, though it spanned over a week of hecticness, when I wasn't reading I was wondering what the characters were up to or what they'd do next.

I love a book where you can take the characters and apply them to everyday situations, whether or not that's sane, I do it when I'm telling stories in my head throughout the day. To me, it's a sure mark that the characters are special enough to stick in my mind and have something to say.

I was disappointed when it ended, I had wished she just kept on writing and I could know the ending now, not later. Ah, reader selfishness. I can't wait for the sequel to see what happens!!!

I loved that I knew there was some sci Fi (but really, is it science fiction? Aliens are totally real, science fact!) and I loved how it came about as it would say, in any of our lives during a pandemic.

Just a little fun fact - I used to have an Adderall addiction for about seven years of my life. I had to go to a handful of crisis units and eventually end up in a halfway house. I would mix my Adderall with alcohol, and other substances, but found it to be my DOC. I could totally see the desperation that the characters felt when they were needing their medication. There were many days that I would only get out of bed if I had a handful of those pills. I love that they do the opposite in this story - instead of destroying , they have another purpose and I enjoyed that and the point of view that many recovering addicts do not have or seem to forget - that medication can and does save lives!

Thank you again for the copy of this book, it kept me engaged, entertained and made me have to know more.

💊 💊💊💊💊/5
Profile Image for Jeremy Clift.
Author 2 books16 followers
December 8, 2024
Medicate Me: A Gripping Tale of Pandemic Survival and Resilience

Although this may be about a period we’d all rather forget, Emily Hodson’s Medicate Me is a absorbing blend of thriller, sci-fi, and dystopian fiction clearly built around the Covid crisis. I enjoyed the immediacy of first person narrative, making this book well worth the journey.

The novel delves into the lives of five millennials — Franelli, Eric, Garrett, A.J., and Shayla — who are grappling with mental health challenges amid a global pandemic, lockdown and a devastating pharmaceutical shortage. Through alternating first-person perspectives, Hodson paints a haunting picture of a world unraveling, highlighting both the personal and societal struggles brought about by the mysterious virus.

The strongest element of Medicate Me is its visceral portrayal of mental health during an unprecedented crisis. Hodson doesn’t shy away from the raw emotions of loneliness, despair, and resilience, making the characters feel real and relatable. The setting of a deteriorating Seattle is vividly drawn, adding an atmospheric tension that perfectly complements the characters’ inner turmoil.

However, the novel's pacing occasionally falters. While the backstories provide essential context for the characters' actions and struggles, the heavy reliance on exposition can slow the narrative’s forward momentum. Additionally, some plot twists, while intriguing, might feel slightly over-the-top for readers seeking a more grounded thriller.

That said, Medicate Me excels in capturing the psychological toll of an uncertain world and the lengths people go to survive and find meaning amidst chaos. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page.
Profile Image for John Nassari.
Author 2 books17 followers
December 19, 2024
Emily Godson's Medicate Me is a gripping, emotionally charged story that resonates deeply in our post-pandemic world. Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Seattle, this dystopian narrative intricately intertwines issues such as isolation, mental health struggles, and the battle for survival.

The story is structured around five first-person POV characters – Franelli, Eric, Garrett, A.J., and Shayla – who are beautifully flawed, authentic, and relatable. As they face daunting obstacles, I found myself rooting for their growth and survival. Their journeys of self-discovery and the profound connections they forge are genuinely poignant.

The plot twists, particularly the revelations about how everyone ended up in this situation, are truly surprising – no easy feat in today’s storytelling landscape. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Godson shifts the course, leaving you questioning everything.

The pacing of the narrative is fast, blending moments of intense suspense with thoughtful reflection. Beneath it all lies a darkness that enhances its authenticity, as the story tackles heavy topics.

This is not a book for the faint-hearted, and there’s a warning about it before you start. So, readers who’ve complained afterward totally baffle me!

Medicate Me transcends being just a story – it’s an immersive experience that mirrors humanity's deepest fears and strengths.

I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for M. Shays.
Author 4 books19 followers
November 22, 2024
This book is rather interesting because in many ways it went completely off the tracks of what I expected the story to be & I absolutely loved where it went.

The story starts off feeling like a very depressing revisit to the covid pandemic observing the chaos & isolation of trying to cope with the loneliness of lockdown from the POV of multiple people all dealing with various substance use issues.

However as the story goes on you realize this is a much more complex & larger scale story. All the characters begin to be woven together brilliantly & we begin to pull back the curtain to a global scale conspiracy. I won't say much so I don't ruin the story, but it's such a bizarre wild ride.

I love how we navigate this story by getting to see the world from multiple very different characters & we learn more about who each one is as we're learning more about what is happening in this pandemic. This can be a hard read for those dealing with mental health conditions but for those who aren't too sensitive to those matters I think this book is highly insightful & an exciting page turner that will keep you wanting more as you head deeper into the unknown. I really look forward to Emily's next book!
Profile Image for Eric Woods.
Author 14 books63 followers
October 5, 2025
Pills and a Pandemic

A dystopian tale surrounding a group of young people navigating life while struggling to stay medicated during a pandemic. Each chapter is the POV of a different character. Of course, I am immediately drawn to the character of Eric, an introvert who loves dogs and is awkward around women. For some reason that character just speaks to me. The other featured characters (Garrett, A.J., Franelli, and Shayla) all have less than endearing qualities but are on the same journey of survival at any cost. The backstories and current living situations of the main five characters goes on for almost half of the book, so it was hard to figure out exactly where this story was going. We see the panic of the citizens as the pandemic takes its toll and wonder if some of what they experience is a mere hallucination. Those scenes frighteningly mirror what might really happen should a pandemic of those proportions break out. The twist as to what actually started the whole thing caught me off guard. But it did lead to an intense ending that should lead to the sequel, teased at the very end.
Profile Image for Becky.
86 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2025
This book is so relatable in so many way. Think worldwide pandemic but crossed with apocalyptic style madness.
Set in Seattle during the pandemic, the state is in lockdown, crime is rife and everyone is on the edge of mental oblivion.
You meet the all characters quickly in the first few chapters and I love how the story flows from each one so easily. Over time their stories start to interlink and they start crossing paths. They all have their demons and back story which adds to the mix.
With social distancing, medical supplies in critically low supply and everyone wanting to know when the world will be safe again this will keep you turning pages.
Things take a crazy turn when there’s a small secret social gathering, with unexpected new characters turning up and then everything seems to go to hell in a handbag!
Well written characters with great dialogue and internal monologues, their interactions with each other and the outside world is something a lot of people I think can relate to. With gruesome deaths, unstable mental states, the fear of the unknown and the will to survive it all.
With a nice steady build to a catastrophic ending that isn’t really the end- I can’t wait to get the next book now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this.
Profile Image for William C. O’Sullivan.
19 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2025
Medicate me is a book I really enjoyed. From the 1st page I was drawn to it. This unique novel written by Emily Hodson, not only did she individually described each character, but she describe them in a way that people to this day are suffering from. I love how each character in the book has their own strengths, weakness and personality. For me this is the 1st time I’ve ever read a book of this calibre and I must say it never disappointed me one bit. There were moments where I had to read slowly as I normally read very fast. I bought an ebook as well as a paperback, just so I can always read while I’m out at work, on public transport or at home. I’m never lost in translation with this book. I believe this is a book I can actually read again and again as it keeps you on the edge. I am really looking forward to reading Emily’s next book. 5 Stars is not enough, it deserves more than 5 stars. Excellent book, well thought through and it made sense throughout. 10/10
Profile Image for Sarah Rizk.
297 reviews13 followers
April 13, 2024
What happens when the world is falling apart during a pandemic? How will people survive when shortages start to affect medication supply? Medicate Me gives you a first-hand look at how five extremely different individuals cope with their lives in isolation for fear of being infected if they even so much as hug another person. Emily has spun a gruesome story showing the things people will do to survive, and the snarky comments from some of the characters are well placed to offer comedic relief. What seems like a straightforward story will have you questioning reality when you reach a twist that you most definitely will not see coming. This book is not for the faint of heart, as this author does not pull punches. I flew through this in a matter of days. I'm hoping I won't have to wait too long to get my hands on the second one, and I highly recommend you check this out.
Profile Image for Linda Bookworm.
32 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2024
Multi-POV (5-character perspective)
My Thoughts: This book was a real page turner that gripped me immediately. I was NOT expecting the SURPRISE ENDING!!! Highly recommend and I’m looking forward to book 2 in this duology, INJECT ME (Summer 2024).
Note: There are multiple trigger warnings for this book, please do your research prior to reading.

The pandemic has been raging for 6 months with no end in sight and even less information from authorities as Seattle disintegrates. In the presence of a pharmaceutical shortage, mental & physical health across the city deteriorates and instances of bizarre & violent behaviors begin to increase rapidly. How can a virus cause these behaviors and how will society respond? Is this really just a virus or is there something far more sinister happening here?
Profile Image for Jessie.
1 review
November 20, 2025
This kind of book is like a needle in a haystack. You get realistic elements of the pandemic, psychological drama from dark or troubled characters, thriller premises, multiple cringe twists, and government conspiracy theories.

To say this book really hit close to home would be an understatement. As someone who suffered from depression her whole life, especially when the pandemic had people pretty much locked up, I appreciated the author's raw thoughts about that whole subject, while also adding twists of her own that I did not see coming for this type of book. I wasn't exactly sure what the "big reveal" was with why there was a pharmaceutical shortage or where the virus came from, but when it was revealed, everything seemed to all tie together and make more sense. I cannot wait for the author's next book because this one was exciting to read.
Profile Image for Yomi Akinode.
Author 4 books12 followers
November 6, 2024
In Isolation -
This is a straight forward narrative that attempted to embrace mystery in a setting that called to question the multi variant impact of the COVID pandemic where individual experiences were articulated to display the impact of personal restrictions imposed by a well-meaning government upon the premise of safe guarding public health irrespective of the vast economic implications.
The book ably described the neurosis of isolation of people across age ranges with the unique style of merging together a panoply of characters and.
I was challenged with how to categorize the theme that felt more like a non-fiction rather than a fiction. The book is however, a good light read on a beach afternoon.
Profile Image for Andy LaPlante.
Author 2 books
December 19, 2024
Medicate Me is an intense, fast-paced look at a world unraveling under the weight of a mysterious virus and global lockdowns. The story follows five millennials in Seattle, each grappling with personal struggles while navigating a crumbling city. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways, and the twists that follow are impossible to predict.

The characters feel raw and genuine, their emotions striking a nerve as they fight for answers and purpose in a reality that’s anything but normal. The pacing is relentless, the stakes feel real, and the plot keeps you guessing all the way through.

This book left me hooked, and I’m already looking forward to a follow-up. The author has a sharp way of writing that’s both gripping and thought-provoking. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
2 reviews
November 6, 2024
I discovered this author on Instagram and the mental health premise of this book drew me in from the beginning.

With a global virus to instigate the story and a vibrant cast of characters to react, Emily Hodson weaves a complex and riveting story, performs a deep-dive into the human psyche, and creates stunningly real and unique perspectives of a pandemic we all experienced, but makes it her own.

Hodson reexamines this collective tragedy and injects new life into it, delves into each character's psyche and reveals a world unto each one. With the rich circumstance of Seattle and vibrant characters to people it, Medicate Me is an unmissable dystopian story.

Profile Image for Theenrichmentoffiction1 .
191 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2024
As the new virus is taking millions of lives, the ones who survive try their best to make life as simple as possible, but not being able to be close to anyone or out and about unless needed.
Prescribed medications are the new drug, but how they get the needed supplement will scare anyone who gets close to them and can even be deadly.
How far would one go to not hear voices in their head?

I guess you'll find out in-between the pages...
Profile Image for Dc Chase.
5 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this book. I’ve never read a novel with a multiple first person pov before, but was excited to read this one.
This book had a twilight zone feel to me at times, which gave me goosebumps. Being about a pandemic of sorts, this book also made me feel think about what is really going on behind the scenes with our government leaders. Would highly recommend for folks who like mysterious, sci fi, kind of creepy stories that will keep you wanting more!
1 review1 follower
August 2, 2024
This was a fun, exciting book to read. Medicate me is a sci/fi thriller set in Seattle during a pandemic.
It is told in the viewpoint of five different characters, each with their own…issues.
Personally, for me, this book picked up just before the second half. There are things in this book that could make you cry, curse, and definitely that will make you stop and think.
overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read…period!
Profile Image for Joe.
11 reviews
October 11, 2025
I follow this author on Tik Tok and was pleasantly surprised to read such a refreshing book.

Pandemic themed with a dystopian modern world, set in 2017 when technology started getting worse with addiction and ads. I love how the author had many foreshadowing scenes and overall “jabbed” many questionable authorities that many can relate to in the real world

With a multi POV and characters that are very interesting, I finished this book in a few days . I did not see that ending at all
Profile Image for Cat.
69 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
This book was intense but comedic at the same time. Emily does not hold back in this suspenseful sci-fi thriller. She brings up real life issues that we all faced during the pandemic. The characters are relatable with their mental health struggles and reaching their breaking points when trying to follow new world orders. There are plenty of surprise twists and turns! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Amanda Ho.
217 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2024
If I could I would give this book 4.5, but I couldn’t justify 5 stars. It was catchy from start to finish, I just think it was a little too predictable. I would definitely recommend this title to my friends though. Very well written and lots of times where you just feel as if you were there. Is definitely a “just one more chapter” book.
Profile Image for Lilly.
7 reviews
April 13, 2024
This book was really hard to put down because of the character development and not knowing what was going to happen. I have never read a book like this and though the ending was completely out of left field, the “why” of it made sense.
Profile Image for Mariah VanDam.
52 reviews
November 1, 2024
As a person who works in mental health, I really enjoyed this book. Having multiple different character POVs can be sometimes difficult to follow though. I like how they start off as strangers and their stories gradually intertwine.
Profile Image for ZebraDebra .
387 reviews6 followers
November 30, 2024
The story of five very different millennials in this science fiction novel is interesting and unusual. My favorite character is Shayla. I like the fact that she tries to make her life work. There is very good dialogue and description in this book by excellent author, Emily Hodson.
Profile Image for Siri Hutton.
Author 2 books7 followers
August 21, 2025
Emily Hodson is a mastermind of swirling fiction and reality into one. ✨

I don't typically go for a thriller/sci-fi, but Emily is genuinely so awesome and I was captivated by her novel's cover so I gave it a try! This book and its sprinkles of sci-fi . . . 😱🤩

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Kay Peterson.
Author 1 book6 followers
October 26, 2024
I real liked how the author developed the different character perspectives, and how their arcs were intertwined. I could see this being developed as a series for a streaming service.
368 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2025
2.5 ⭐️

Liked the concept, enjoyed the pandemic and the aliens. None of the characters (5 pov) were likable. I could see the end coming. it was ok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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