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Altered Perceptions: A Psychological Thriller
These are indeed troubling times. Studies over the past few years clearly illustrate the deep-seated divides and increasingly stark disagreements between us – this includes the economy, racial justice/injustices, law enforcement, climate change, international engagement, core “American” values, and a long list of other issues which we fear may lead to lasting harm to our democracy. “Altered Perceptions” delves into these issues contemporaneously.
Although American exceptionalism preceded the coronavirus outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed just how pervasive the divide in American society is at this time, with most of the country believing that we are more ideologically divided now than before the outbreak. Disagreements relating to scientific trust, COVID vaccinations, mask-wearing, contract tracing, fake news, truth vs. opinion, and public and policy response to the crisis has surely changed our lives in many important ways.
But the United States is hardly the only country wrestling with deepening social fissures, which include not just politics and policies, but also cultural conflicts/adaptations, economic anxieties, and the rise in populist parties – creating intensified and common strains in our global economy and interconnectedness of world values and opportunities. The polarizing pressures of race/religion ideologies, the rhetoric of moral outrage, partisan media, societal tensions, power inequities/imbalances, long-standing cultural/historical divides, and social media alienation and a breakdown of trust appear to be worsening across the globe – and the solutions have eluded us.
Altered Perceptions is ultimately a love story, with an LGBTQ+ bent, but it is also a reflection of our universal and familial divisions. It is a story of the love between a father, Dr. Joseph Ferretti, and his son, Alex, who struggles with his own demons and longs to find acceptance from his father – both of whom are affectively and politically divided. The issues that divide this father and son are likely the same issues that divide our own families, our country and our worldview – and it is clear that Dr. Ferretti and his son live in “separate worlds.”
Although American exceptionalism preceded the coronavirus outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed just how pervasive the divide in American society is at this time, with most of the country believing that we are more ideologically divided now than before the outbreak. Disagreements relating to scientific trust, COVID vaccinations, mask-wearing, contract tracing, fake news, truth vs. opinion, and public and policy response to the crisis has surely changed our lives in many important ways.
But the United States is hardly the only country wrestling with deepening social fissures, which include not just politics and policies, but also cultural conflicts/adaptations, economic anxieties, and the rise in populist parties – creating intensified and common strains in our global economy and interconnectedness of world values and opportunities. The polarizing pressures of race/religion ideologies, the rhetoric of moral outrage, partisan media, societal tensions, power inequities/imbalances, long-standing cultural/historical divides, and social media alienation and a breakdown of trust appear to be worsening across the globe – and the solutions have eluded us.
Altered Perceptions is ultimately a love story, with an LGBTQ+ bent, but it is also a reflection of our universal and familial divisions. It is a story of the love between a father, Dr. Joseph Ferretti, and his son, Alex, who struggles with his own demons and longs to find acceptance from his father – both of whom are affectively and politically divided. The issues that divide this father and son are likely the same issues that divide our own families, our country and our worldview – and it is clear that Dr. Ferretti and his son live in “separate worlds.”
230 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 24, 2026
What stayed with me most about Altered Perceptions is that beneath all the politics, social conflict, and competing ideas about truth, the heart of the story is really the relationship between Joseph and Alex.
The father-son divide makes the larger issues feel personal. Alex’s struggle for acceptance, especially from someone whose worldview seems so far removed from his own, gives the story an emotional tension that goes beyond the usual political thriller. You can see how easily disagreements about politics, identity, science, and values can become deeply personal when they enter a family.
I also liked that the book doesn't treat these divisions as something that only exists “out there” in society. It brings them into the home and asks what happens when people who love each other can no longer seem to understand each other.
The LGBTQ+ element, the questions around trust and perception, and the wider social tensions give the story plenty to think about after finishing it. More than anything, it left me thinking about how much of what separates people comes from what they believe, what they fear, and what they are willing to accept as truth.
A thoughtful psychological thriller with a very human conflict at its center.
The father-son divide makes the larger issues feel personal. Alex’s struggle for acceptance, especially from someone whose worldview seems so far removed from his own, gives the story an emotional tension that goes beyond the usual political thriller. You can see how easily disagreements about politics, identity, science, and values can become deeply personal when they enter a family.
I also liked that the book doesn't treat these divisions as something that only exists “out there” in society. It brings them into the home and asks what happens when people who love each other can no longer seem to understand each other.
The LGBTQ+ element, the questions around trust and perception, and the wider social tensions give the story plenty to think about after finishing it. More than anything, it left me thinking about how much of what separates people comes from what they believe, what they fear, and what they are willing to accept as truth.
A thoughtful psychological thriller with a very human conflict at its center.
October 24, 2026
Altered Perceptions is the kind of story that makes you realize the real conflict isn't always between strangers. Sometimes it's between people who love each other and simply cannot see the world the same way.
The relationship between Dr. Joseph Ferretti and Alex was what pulled me in most. Their differences in politics, values, identity, and worldview could easily have made the story feel overly ideological, but the father-and-son dynamic gives those issues an emotional weight. Alex's desire to be understood and accepted makes the conflict feel much more personal.
I especially appreciated the way the story explores the idea of perception itself. What one person considers truth, another may see completely differently, and once trust starts breaking down, even a family relationship can become difficult to navigate.
There is a lot here to think about beyond the thriller aspect. It touches on division, acceptance, family, social pressure, and the uncomfortable question of whether people can still find common ground when their worlds seem completely different.
A thought-provoking read that definitely gives you something to sit with after the final page.
The relationship between Dr. Joseph Ferretti and Alex was what pulled me in most. Their differences in politics, values, identity, and worldview could easily have made the story feel overly ideological, but the father-and-son dynamic gives those issues an emotional weight. Alex's desire to be understood and accepted makes the conflict feel much more personal.
I especially appreciated the way the story explores the idea of perception itself. What one person considers truth, another may see completely differently, and once trust starts breaking down, even a family relationship can become difficult to navigate.
There is a lot here to think about beyond the thriller aspect. It touches on division, acceptance, family, social pressure, and the uncomfortable question of whether people can still find common ground when their worlds seem completely different.
A thought-provoking read that definitely gives you something to sit with after the final page.
October 24, 2026
What makes Altered Perceptions interesting is that the biggest tension isn't just political or social. It's deeply personal.
The relationship between Joseph and Alex gives all those larger issues a human face. Their differences in beliefs, identity, politics, and ideas about what is true create a distance between father and son that feels painfully believable. Alex's need for acceptance makes some of their conflicts especially difficult to read because underneath the arguments is still a son wanting to be understood by his father.
I also liked how the book plays with the idea that two people can experience the same world and come away with completely different versions of reality. That theme fits the title remarkably well.
There are plenty of serious subjects here, but the family relationship is what gave them weight for me. It made the story feel less like a discussion about division and more like a look at what division actually does to people.
A compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller, especially if you enjoy stories that leave you questioning where perception ends and truth begins.
The relationship between Joseph and Alex gives all those larger issues a human face. Their differences in beliefs, identity, politics, and ideas about what is true create a distance between father and son that feels painfully believable. Alex's need for acceptance makes some of their conflicts especially difficult to read because underneath the arguments is still a son wanting to be understood by his father.
I also liked how the book plays with the idea that two people can experience the same world and come away with completely different versions of reality. That theme fits the title remarkably well.
There are plenty of serious subjects here, but the family relationship is what gave them weight for me. It made the story feel less like a discussion about division and more like a look at what division actually does to people.
A compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller, especially if you enjoy stories that leave you questioning where perception ends and truth begins.
April 27, 2026
A Unique Thriller With Real Emotional Depth
Many thrillers focus only on action or twists, but this book offers something deeper. Dr. Wayne C. Dees gives readers suspense while also exploring love, identity, and family conflict. The emotional struggle between Joseph and Alex adds a layer of realism that makes the story memorable. I appreciated how the characters felt human, flawed, and believable. Their disagreements reflect the kinds of divisions many families experience today. That emotional truth makes the thriller elements even stronger. This is the kind of book that stays with you after you finish because it combines tension with heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction.
Many thrillers focus only on action or twists, but this book offers something deeper. Dr. Wayne C. Dees gives readers suspense while also exploring love, identity, and family conflict. The emotional struggle between Joseph and Alex adds a layer of realism that makes the story memorable. I appreciated how the characters felt human, flawed, and believable. Their disagreements reflect the kinds of divisions many families experience today. That emotional truth makes the thriller elements even stronger. This is the kind of book that stays with you after you finish because it combines tension with heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction.
April 28, 2026
A Powerful Exploration of Family, Conflict, and Love
What struck me most about this book is the emotional core between the father and son. Their relationship feels incredibly real, especially in how they struggle to connect despite deep differences. The author captures the pain of misunderstanding within families in a way that resonates strongly. It’s not just about conflict—it’s about longing, acceptance, and love. This emotional depth elevates the story beyond a typical thriller. Readers who appreciate character-driven stories will find this particularly compelling and relatable.
What struck me most about this book is the emotional core between the father and son. Their relationship feels incredibly real, especially in how they struggle to connect despite deep differences. The author captures the pain of misunderstanding within families in a way that resonates strongly. It’s not just about conflict—it’s about longing, acceptance, and love. This emotional depth elevates the story beyond a typical thriller. Readers who appreciate character-driven stories will find this particularly compelling and relatable.
April 28, 2026
Timely Themes That Feel Authentic and Relevant
The themes explored in this novel are incredibly timely, touching on issues like public trust, misinformation, and societal division. What I liked most is how naturally these elements are integrated into the story without feeling preachy. Instead, they enhance the tension and realism of the narrative. It made me reflect on how these issues play out in real life, which added another layer of engagement. This is a book that not only entertains but also encourages thoughtful reflection long after finishing.
The themes explored in this novel are incredibly timely, touching on issues like public trust, misinformation, and societal division. What I liked most is how naturally these elements are integrated into the story without feeling preachy. Instead, they enhance the tension and realism of the narrative. It made me reflect on how these issues play out in real life, which added another layer of engagement. This is a book that not only entertains but also encourages thoughtful reflection long after finishing.
April 28, 2026
An Engaging Blend of Suspense and Social Commentary
This book does an excellent job of blending suspense with meaningful social insight. The pacing keeps you turning pages, but it’s the underlying themes that truly leave an impact. I found myself equally invested in the unfolding drama and the broader message about human connection and division. It’s a smart, well-written story that doesn’t underestimate its readers. If you’re looking for a thriller with substance, this is definitely worth picking up.
This book does an excellent job of blending suspense with meaningful social insight. The pacing keeps you turning pages, but it’s the underlying themes that truly leave an impact. I found myself equally invested in the unfolding drama and the broader message about human connection and division. It’s a smart, well-written story that doesn’t underestimate its readers. If you’re looking for a thriller with substance, this is definitely worth picking up.
April 28, 2026
Complex Characters That Feel Real and Relatable
The characters in this story are layered and believable, especially the central relationship between Dr. Ferretti and Alex. Their emotional struggles and differences are portrayed with nuance, making them feel like real people rather than fictional constructs. I appreciated how the author avoided simple answers, instead presenting complex human experiences. This added depth made the story much more engaging and memorable. It’s a great example of character-driven storytelling done right.
The characters in this story are layered and believable, especially the central relationship between Dr. Ferretti and Alex. Their emotional struggles and differences are portrayed with nuance, making them feel like real people rather than fictional constructs. I appreciated how the author avoided simple answers, instead presenting complex human experiences. This added depth made the story much more engaging and memorable. It’s a great example of character-driven storytelling done right.
April 26, 2026
Thoughtful LGBTQ+ Representation
I appreciated that this book includes LGBTQ+ themes as part of a larger emotional and family-centered story. It feels integrated rather than forced, and it adds depth to the themes of identity and acceptance. The author approaches these topics with seriousness and humanity. Representation matters, and it is encouraging to see it included within a suspenseful and intelligent thriller. Readers seeking meaningful, character-driven fiction will find much to admire here.
I appreciated that this book includes LGBTQ+ themes as part of a larger emotional and family-centered story. It feels integrated rather than forced, and it adds depth to the themes of identity and acceptance. The author approaches these topics with seriousness and humanity. Representation matters, and it is encouraging to see it included within a suspenseful and intelligent thriller. Readers seeking meaningful, character-driven fiction will find much to admire here.
April 28, 2026
A Unique Take on the Psychological Thriller Genre
This isn’t your typical psychological thriller filled with predictable twists. Instead, it takes a more introspective approach, focusing on emotional and societal tensions. That uniqueness is what makes it stand out. The story builds tension through relationships and ideas, rather than just action, which I found refreshing. It’s a thoughtful and original contribution to the genre that will appeal to readers looking for something different.
This isn’t your typical psychological thriller filled with predictable twists. Instead, it takes a more introspective approach, focusing on emotional and societal tensions. That uniqueness is what makes it stand out. The story builds tension through relationships and ideas, rather than just action, which I found refreshing. It’s a thoughtful and original contribution to the genre that will appeal to readers looking for something different.
April 28, 2026
Emotionally Resonant and Deeply Human Storytelling
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its emotional resonance. The struggles faced by the characters feel genuine and relatable, especially in today’s divided world. The author does an excellent job of showing how large societal issues can impact personal relationships. This connection between the personal and the global makes the story feel both intimate and expansive. It’s a deeply human narrative that stays with you.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its emotional resonance. The struggles faced by the characters feel genuine and relatable, especially in today’s divided world. The author does an excellent job of showing how large societal issues can impact personal relationships. This connection between the personal and the global makes the story feel both intimate and expansive. It’s a deeply human narrative that stays with you.
April 28, 2026
A Story That Challenges Perspectives Without Preaching
I appreciated how the book presents complex issues without trying to force a single viewpoint. Instead, it allows readers to engage with the material and draw their own conclusions. This balanced approach makes the story more impactful and respectful of different perspectives. It’s a rare quality that adds to the book’s appeal and credibility. Readers who value thoughtful storytelling will find this especially rewarding.
I appreciated how the book presents complex issues without trying to force a single viewpoint. Instead, it allows readers to engage with the material and draw their own conclusions. This balanced approach makes the story more impactful and respectful of different perspectives. It’s a rare quality that adds to the book’s appeal and credibility. Readers who value thoughtful storytelling will find this especially rewarding.
April 28, 2026
Strong Writing That Keeps You Engaged Throughout
The writing style is clear, engaging, and thoughtful, making it easy to stay immersed in the story. The author balances descriptive passages with dialogue and introspection effectively, creating a smooth reading experience. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, even when dealing with complex themes. This accessibility makes the book appealing to a wide range of readers. It’s well-crafted and consistently engaging from start to finish.
The writing style is clear, engaging, and thoughtful, making it easy to stay immersed in the story. The author balances descriptive passages with dialogue and introspection effectively, creating a smooth reading experience. I never felt lost or overwhelmed, even when dealing with complex themes. This accessibility makes the book appealing to a wide range of readers. It’s well-crafted and consistently engaging from start to finish.
April 28, 2026
A Meaningful LGBTQ+ Love Story Within a Broader Narrative
I really appreciated how the book incorporates an LGBTQ+ element into the story in a natural and meaningful way. It’s not treated as a side note but as an integral part of the emotional journey. This adds depth and representation without overshadowing the broader themes. The balance is handled with care and authenticity, making the story more inclusive and impactful. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall narrative.
I really appreciated how the book incorporates an LGBTQ+ element into the story in a natural and meaningful way. It’s not treated as a side note but as an integral part of the emotional journey. This adds depth and representation without overshadowing the broader themes. The balance is handled with care and authenticity, making the story more inclusive and impactful. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall narrative.
April 28, 2026
A Story That Stays With You After the Final Page
This is one of those books that lingers in your mind even after you’ve finished reading. The themes, characters, and emotional moments continue to resonate, prompting reflection long after the story ends. I found myself thinking about the relationships and ideas presented, which is always a sign of a meaningful read. It’s not just entertaining—it’s memorable in a lasting way.
This is one of those books that lingers in your mind even after you’ve finished reading. The themes, characters, and emotional moments continue to resonate, prompting reflection long after the story ends. I found myself thinking about the relationships and ideas presented, which is always a sign of a meaningful read. It’s not just entertaining—it’s memorable in a lasting way.
April 28, 2026
Insightful Exploration of Truth and Perception
The title truly reflects the core of the story, as it explores how perception shapes reality. The book delves into the blurred lines between truth, opinion, and belief in a way that feels very relevant today. I found this aspect particularly engaging, as it added intellectual depth to the narrative. It’s a thought-provoking exploration that complements the emotional and suspenseful elements of the story.
The title truly reflects the core of the story, as it explores how perception shapes reality. The book delves into the blurred lines between truth, opinion, and belief in a way that feels very relevant today. I found this aspect particularly engaging, as it added intellectual depth to the narrative. It’s a thought-provoking exploration that complements the emotional and suspenseful elements of the story.
April 28, 2026
Balanced Storytelling With Depth and Accessibility
What impressed me most is how the author manages to tackle complex issues while keeping the story accessible. It doesn’t feel overly heavy or difficult to follow, yet it still offers depth and substance. This balance makes it suitable for a wide audience, from casual readers to those looking for something more meaningful. It’s a well-rounded book that delivers on multiple levels.
What impressed me most is how the author manages to tackle complex issues while keeping the story accessible. It doesn’t feel overly heavy or difficult to follow, yet it still offers depth and substance. This balance makes it suitable for a wide audience, from casual readers to those looking for something more meaningful. It’s a well-rounded book that delivers on multiple levels.
April 29, 2026
A Highly Recommended Read for Thoughtful Thriller Fans
Overall, this is a strong and impactful read that I would highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers who want something more than just suspense. It offers emotional depth, relevant themes, and engaging storytelling in equal measure. The combination of personal and societal exploration makes it stand out in a crowded genre. If you’re looking for a book that entertains while also making you think, this is definitely worth your time.
Overall, this is a strong and impactful read that I would highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers who want something more than just suspense. It offers emotional depth, relevant themes, and engaging storytelling in equal measure. The combination of personal and societal exploration makes it stand out in a crowded genre. If you’re looking for a book that entertains while also making you think, this is definitely worth your time.
April 26, 2026
More Than Entertainment
Some books entertain for a few hours and are quickly forgotten. Altered Perceptions aims higher. It uses suspense to explore how people drift apart and how hard it can be to reconnect. Those ideas gave the story weight and relevance. I enjoyed the thriller side, but I valued the reflection it inspired even more. This is a book with something to say.
Some books entertain for a few hours and are quickly forgotten. Altered Perceptions aims higher. It uses suspense to explore how people drift apart and how hard it can be to reconnect. Those ideas gave the story weight and relevance. I enjoyed the thriller side, but I valued the reflection it inspired even more. This is a book with something to say.
February 6, 2026
Altered Perceptions is a meaningful and impactful exploration of modern division and human connection.
February 6, 2026
This novel stands as a powerful reflection of our divided times, told through an intimate and emotionally resonant family story
February 6, 2026
Altered perceptions captures the emotional cost of polarization while offering hope through human connection.
Want to Read
February 6, 2026This book masterfully blends psychological tension with emotional depth. The father-son relationship at its core is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
February 6, 2026
A powerful and timely novel that confronts division while honoring love, family, and human connection.
February 6, 2026
Altered Perceptions blends psychological insight with heartfelt storytelling, creating a novel that is both gripping and reflective.
February 6, 2026
This novel offers a compassionate and nuanced look at how beliefs shape relationships and identity.
February 6, 2026
Wayne C. does craft a powerful narrative that examines belief, identity, and belonging with sensitivity
February 6, 2026
This book offers a compassionate and nuanced portrayal of modern division, anchored by a deeply moving father-son relationship.
Currently Reading
February 6, 2026Altered Perceptions captures the emotional cost of division with sensitivity and insight. The characters feel real and deeply human.
February 6, 2026
A deeply moving novel that explores love, belief, and acceptance with honesty and compassion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews