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Who We Wish We Weren't
Are you afraid of what lies in the shadows...
Who We Wish We Weren't introduces us to Cameron Stacks, a family man living a seemingly idyllic life in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, until an unexpected life-altering event thrusts him into an unfamiliar world. The aftermath leads to a loss of employment, and a profound struggle to accept and understand his new reality.
Cameron finds himself self-medicating and his refusal to seek help strains his relationship with Lena, his perfectionist wife. The story takes a darker twist when events reveal themselves during a manic episode, leading to an irreparable rift in his relationships, causing catastrophic consequences of denial.
or are you the one casting them?
Her first novel, Who We Wish We Weren't, is a hard-hitting examination of mental health, love, loss, and the destructive repercussions of denial. A heart-wrenching tale, it compels readers to reconsider their attitudes towards mental health and the significance of seeking timely help.
Who We Wish We Weren't introduces us to Cameron Stacks, a family man living a seemingly idyllic life in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, until an unexpected life-altering event thrusts him into an unfamiliar world. The aftermath leads to a loss of employment, and a profound struggle to accept and understand his new reality.
Cameron finds himself self-medicating and his refusal to seek help strains his relationship with Lena, his perfectionist wife. The story takes a darker twist when events reveal themselves during a manic episode, leading to an irreparable rift in his relationships, causing catastrophic consequences of denial.
or are you the one casting them?
Her first novel, Who We Wish We Weren't, is a hard-hitting examination of mental health, love, loss, and the destructive repercussions of denial. A heart-wrenching tale, it compels readers to reconsider their attitudes towards mental health and the significance of seeking timely help.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2024
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 4, 2025
This debut book is truly impressive—an excellent start for C.L. Lahman!
***KINDLE READ***
Let’s start with Cam. He serves as a compelling main character, grappling with his own demons and internal struggles. The author does a commendable job of portraying the intricacies of living with mental health issues. At times, the narrative was challenging to engage with, not due to any shortcomings in the writing or characters, but because it offered a raw glimpse into the feelings and behaviors associated with mental health challenges.
Moving on to Lena, I found her character quite complex. Initially, I struggled to connect with her because she came across as self-centered and distant, particularly in her marriage to Cam. However, when the perspective shifted to her, I appreciated the transition and was able to see that she, too, was grappling with her own mental health issues, albeit without fully recognizing them.
The ending of the book was particularly surprising. The last 25% took an unexpected turn that I didn’t foresee, which is a testament to the author’s skill in crafting an engaging narrative. I often like to predict plot twists, but in this case, I was delighted to simply enjoy the unfolding story.
If this ends up being C.L. Lahman’s only book, I feel fortunate to have read it. However, I genuinely hope she continues her writing journey, as it takes great courage to share such personal and insightful stories. I'm grateful she chose to do so.
***KINDLE READ***
Let’s start with Cam. He serves as a compelling main character, grappling with his own demons and internal struggles. The author does a commendable job of portraying the intricacies of living with mental health issues. At times, the narrative was challenging to engage with, not due to any shortcomings in the writing or characters, but because it offered a raw glimpse into the feelings and behaviors associated with mental health challenges.
Moving on to Lena, I found her character quite complex. Initially, I struggled to connect with her because she came across as self-centered and distant, particularly in her marriage to Cam. However, when the perspective shifted to her, I appreciated the transition and was able to see that she, too, was grappling with her own mental health issues, albeit without fully recognizing them.
The ending of the book was particularly surprising. The last 25% took an unexpected turn that I didn’t foresee, which is a testament to the author’s skill in crafting an engaging narrative. I often like to predict plot twists, but in this case, I was delighted to simply enjoy the unfolding story.
If this ends up being C.L. Lahman’s only book, I feel fortunate to have read it. However, I genuinely hope she continues her writing journey, as it takes great courage to share such personal and insightful stories. I'm grateful she chose to do so.
May 31, 2025
3.5⭐️ - This wasn’t an easy read. At times it felt like reading my own journal and other times it felt like reading what I imagine my partner would be writing in his journal.
I think it was really well done and well written in general but especially as a first book. Just know it is sad… all the way through and especially at the end.
I think it was really well done and well written in general but especially as a first book. Just know it is sad… all the way through and especially at the end.
January 20, 2025
Wow! So good on so many levels! I laughed, I cried, and I learned. This book is soo raw and authentic and it really opens your eyes to addiction and mental health and how it can effect someone's life and the people they love. This book had such a good story to it but it also educated me with things I didn't understand fully before and I appreciate that from an author.
Cam is this genuine dude who really wants to make his family proud but he's struggling, like a lot of us do. I felt I had a lot in common with him and his want/need to always fix things and that can take a toll on someone.
I loved C.L Lahmans voice on everything and I do mean everything. She has a way with her words that captivates you and makes you feel so much emotionally while reading. Not every author can do that and that's truly special. I hope she comes out with another honestly because I reallyyy enjoyed this read! 🙌
Highly recommend.
Cam is this genuine dude who really wants to make his family proud but he's struggling, like a lot of us do. I felt I had a lot in common with him and his want/need to always fix things and that can take a toll on someone.
I loved C.L Lahmans voice on everything and I do mean everything. She has a way with her words that captivates you and makes you feel so much emotionally while reading. Not every author can do that and that's truly special. I hope she comes out with another honestly because I reallyyy enjoyed this read! 🙌
Highly recommend.
December 3, 2024
As someone who supports mental health awareness, this book was beautifully written. The ending had me heartbroken for Cam and also Grayson. This is one that will challenge your perspective and leave a lasting emotional impact.
I highly recommend!
I highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This book def takes a deep dive on men’s mental health and the difficulties they go through. The story is relatable and was sad. Talks of bipolar disorder and suicide and death of a parent. Not what I was expecting, I didn’t see the twist at the end coming.
November 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This takes a deep dive into mental health and the consequences that come with denial. It was dark and sad at times. I found myself frustrated with Cam in the beginning. But as I learned more about him and his past and the challenges he’d face everyday, I began to empathize with him. This book was not what I was expecting it to be but a good debut that many can relate to.
December 11, 2024
Great story!
This book was a truly thoughtful story of a man’s journey while navigating the challenges of his mental health. This story will touch the lives and hearts of many and the author did a great job of making us feel like we were in Cameron’s shoes. Be ready for giggles, tears, and heartwarming words from CL Lahman! Highly recommend this book!
This book was a truly thoughtful story of a man’s journey while navigating the challenges of his mental health. This story will touch the lives and hearts of many and the author did a great job of making us feel like we were in Cameron’s shoes. Be ready for giggles, tears, and heartwarming words from CL Lahman! Highly recommend this book!
December 6, 2025
A Roller Coaster of Feels!
Who We Wish We Weren't revolves around Cameron "Cam" Stacks and his mental health journey. C. L. Lahman does an amazing job getting the reader invested in Cam and his life from the get-go and never lets her foot off the gas. I was excited to see Cam at his highs and crushed to see him at his lows. While Cam has support from his wife, Lena, we progressively see the demons she is dealing with as well, giving even more depth and intrigue to the story. The last quarter of the book comes at you hard and packs a serious punch, with so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
C. L. Lahman does an excellent job of writing her characters and painting a picture of what someone in Cam's position's day-to-day experience and thought process would be like. She has crafted an amazing and captivating story in less than 200 pages. I'm left wanting more. Wanting to know where everyone goes from here. Wanting to know more about Lena and Grayson (Cam and Lena's son). This book feels incredibly genuine, beautiful, and devastating all at the same time.
Who We Wish We Weren't revolves around Cameron "Cam" Stacks and his mental health journey. C. L. Lahman does an amazing job getting the reader invested in Cam and his life from the get-go and never lets her foot off the gas. I was excited to see Cam at his highs and crushed to see him at his lows. While Cam has support from his wife, Lena, we progressively see the demons she is dealing with as well, giving even more depth and intrigue to the story. The last quarter of the book comes at you hard and packs a serious punch, with so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
C. L. Lahman does an excellent job of writing her characters and painting a picture of what someone in Cam's position's day-to-day experience and thought process would be like. She has crafted an amazing and captivating story in less than 200 pages. I'm left wanting more. Wanting to know where everyone goes from here. Wanting to know more about Lena and Grayson (Cam and Lena's son). This book feels incredibly genuine, beautiful, and devastating all at the same time.
July 22, 2025
A very hard book to read. I have no experience with mental health issues and was impatient with Cam for his strange, selfish behavior, the inability to take responsibility, and that he seemed to have the ability to solve these issues but doesn’t. By the end of the book I understood more about the demons that plagued Čam and basically sabotaged his life. The ending was out of the blue from where my mind was going. I loved the end of the book coming from Grayson and the secrets he shared. And maybe a bit of vindictiveness like Cam?
March 5, 2025
A brilliant debut novel by an up and coming author. Ms. Lahman's writing is crisp, fresh, and spot on. The tale she weaves is one of psychological desperation, brought on by mental illness, denial, shame, and circumstance. Her words, both poetic and picturesque, vividly draw the reader in and bring the scenes to life. A slow burn thriller worth your time. I hope Ms.Lahman bestows another novel upon us soon. I'll be the first person in line.
August 3, 2025
This book was a great quick read. It’s has a deep meaning throughout the story and I feel a lot of people could resonate with at least some of the story as a lot of people struggle with mental health issues or know someone that does. I would 100% recommend buying and reading this book. Can’t wait for more from this author.
November 13, 2025
Where to begin with this beautifully complex piece of art? The author did an impeccable job of making Cam a likable character, even through his rollercoaster of emotions and events throughout the story. You just kept rooting for him to succeed. This book tackles very RAW, REAL, and UNFILTERED depictions of what neglecting your mental health really looks like. An important read, especially in today's world. The last few chapters will stun you and leave you craving more. FANTASTIC work by C.L Lahman.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews