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American Wolf: A Journey of an Avoidant Heart
Emotionally avoidant James Wolf has spent his life running—from his past, his pain, and most importantly, from himself. Now nearing 40 and feeling the weight of profound loneliness, James escapes his life in Chicago for the vibrant yet isolating Florida Keys. There, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges the walls he's spent a lifetime constructing.
When an unexpected reunion with Lily, a long-lost friend, disrupts his carefully controlled world, James must decide whether to continue living in isolation or take a chance on connection and healing. Along the way, memories of his best friend Neb and the scars of his past weave a poignant tapestry of friendship, identity, and longing.
Through tender, raw, and at times, heartbreaking moments, American Wolf delves into the quiet battles we face within ourselves and the courage it takes to break down the walls we build to feel safe. Perfect for readers who love literary fiction that lingers long after the last page, American Wolf is a thought-provoking exploration of masculinity, trauma, and the essential human need for connection and an invitation to embrace vulnerability as a bridge toward healing.
When an unexpected reunion with Lily, a long-lost friend, disrupts his carefully controlled world, James must decide whether to continue living in isolation or take a chance on connection and healing. Along the way, memories of his best friend Neb and the scars of his past weave a poignant tapestry of friendship, identity, and longing.
Through tender, raw, and at times, heartbreaking moments, American Wolf delves into the quiet battles we face within ourselves and the courage it takes to break down the walls we build to feel safe. Perfect for readers who love literary fiction that lingers long after the last page, American Wolf is a thought-provoking exploration of masculinity, trauma, and the essential human need for connection and an invitation to embrace vulnerability as a bridge toward healing.
130 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2025
5 people are currently reading
6026 people want to read
About the author
Kaylon Hunt
1 book41 followersKaylon Hunt is a writer, filmmaker, and storyteller passionate about exploring character studies through the lens of genre and the ways human pathology informs behavior. His debut novella, American Wolf, is a deeply introspective and character-driven work that delves into trauma, masculinity, and self-discovery. With a background in film, television, and interactive development, Kaylon brings a cinematic approach to storytelling, crafting narratives that linger long after the final page. When not writing, he can be found acting, producing, or diving into the latest video game.
Follow @kaylon_hunt and @americanwolfjourney on Instagram
Follow @kaylon_hunt and @americanwolfjourney on Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 3, 2025
Kaylon Hunt’s debut novella, American Wolf, is a quietly devastating exploration of trauma, masculinity, and the human need for connection. At just 130 pages, Hunt has crafted an intimate character study that punches far above its weight, delivering emotional depth that lingers long after the final page.
The Story
James Wolf—born Jamie—is approaching 40 and running from himself. Fleeing Chicago for the Florida Keys after abruptly leaving his best friend Neb’s engagement party, James seeks isolation as both refuge and prison. His escape is interrupted when Lily Hodson, a childhood friend he hasn’t seen in nearly twenty years, unexpectedly appears, forcing him to confront the walls he’s spent decades constructing.
What Works
Hunt excels at quiet, introspective storytelling. The novella’s greatest strength lies in its unflinching examination of how childhood trauma shapes adult relationships. James’s journey from “Jamie,” the people-pleasing teenager desperate for acceptance, to “James,” the emotionally isolated logistics executive, feels painfully authentic.
The Florida Keys setting serves as more than backdrop; it’s a character itself. Hunt uses locations like Fort Zachary Taylor. The island becomes both sanctuary and mirror, reflecting James’s self-imposed isolation.
The supporting cast adds dimension without overcrowding the narrative. Neb, the outgoing friend whose own trauma creates understanding between them. Lily’s reappearance challenges James not with dramatic confrontation but with the simple, terrifying possibility of being truly seen.
The Deeper Themes
Hunt tackles: queer identity, religious family rejection, sibling abuse, and what it means to be “black enough” or “man enough,” James’s struggle with his sexuality and his “existential loneliness” are handled with nuance—this isn’t a coming-out story but something more subtle: a coming-to-terms story, and redemption is possible, even if reconciliation remains complicated.
Minor Weaknesses
The pacing occasionally feels rushed. A few more pages exploring James’s reckoning with his family especially a confrontation with Curtis or Evette would have strengthened the emotional payoff.
The Writing
Hunt’s prose is effective, emotional moments of vulnerability hit harder. Hunt’s “personal journey and countless heartfelt conversations” shows feels lived-in rather than observed from a distance.
Final Thoughts
American Wolf is an impressive debut that tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and intelligence. It’s a book about learning that the walls we build to protect ourselves can become the very prisons that isolate us. For readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction that prioritizes emotional truth over plot fireworks, this novella delivers.
Hunt has created something tender and necessary: a story that validates the quiet battles many face while suggesting that vulnerability, terrifying as it may be, remains our best hope for genuine connection. James Wolf’s journey won’t appeal to everyone—this is slow, introspective work—but for those willing to sit with discomfort and meet a flawed character where he is, American Wolf offers rewards that resonate deeply, or anyone seeking literary fiction that explores masculinity, trauma, and queer identity with nuance and heart.
#AmericanWollf #Donna'sBookAddiction #KaylonHunt
The Story
James Wolf—born Jamie—is approaching 40 and running from himself. Fleeing Chicago for the Florida Keys after abruptly leaving his best friend Neb’s engagement party, James seeks isolation as both refuge and prison. His escape is interrupted when Lily Hodson, a childhood friend he hasn’t seen in nearly twenty years, unexpectedly appears, forcing him to confront the walls he’s spent decades constructing.
What Works
Hunt excels at quiet, introspective storytelling. The novella’s greatest strength lies in its unflinching examination of how childhood trauma shapes adult relationships. James’s journey from “Jamie,” the people-pleasing teenager desperate for acceptance, to “James,” the emotionally isolated logistics executive, feels painfully authentic.
The Florida Keys setting serves as more than backdrop; it’s a character itself. Hunt uses locations like Fort Zachary Taylor. The island becomes both sanctuary and mirror, reflecting James’s self-imposed isolation.
The supporting cast adds dimension without overcrowding the narrative. Neb, the outgoing friend whose own trauma creates understanding between them. Lily’s reappearance challenges James not with dramatic confrontation but with the simple, terrifying possibility of being truly seen.
The Deeper Themes
Hunt tackles: queer identity, religious family rejection, sibling abuse, and what it means to be “black enough” or “man enough,” James’s struggle with his sexuality and his “existential loneliness” are handled with nuance—this isn’t a coming-out story but something more subtle: a coming-to-terms story, and redemption is possible, even if reconciliation remains complicated.
Minor Weaknesses
The pacing occasionally feels rushed. A few more pages exploring James’s reckoning with his family especially a confrontation with Curtis or Evette would have strengthened the emotional payoff.
The Writing
Hunt’s prose is effective, emotional moments of vulnerability hit harder. Hunt’s “personal journey and countless heartfelt conversations” shows feels lived-in rather than observed from a distance.
Final Thoughts
American Wolf is an impressive debut that tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and intelligence. It’s a book about learning that the walls we build to protect ourselves can become the very prisons that isolate us. For readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction that prioritizes emotional truth over plot fireworks, this novella delivers.
Hunt has created something tender and necessary: a story that validates the quiet battles many face while suggesting that vulnerability, terrifying as it may be, remains our best hope for genuine connection. James Wolf’s journey won’t appeal to everyone—this is slow, introspective work—but for those willing to sit with discomfort and meet a flawed character where he is, American Wolf offers rewards that resonate deeply, or anyone seeking literary fiction that explores masculinity, trauma, and queer identity with nuance and heart.
#AmericanWollf #Donna'sBookAddiction #KaylonHunt
March 3, 2025
Fantastic read. A moving modern story very much for the confusing, dynamic moment we live in where relationships are fluid, love is complicated and our past constantly haunts our present and future. Engaging writing, interesting characters and a deeply moving emotional journey. A story meant for the big screen. Could easily be expanded into a Netflix series or made into a feature film.
March 3, 2025
I pre-read this book. Been a fan of Kaylon's writing as a screenwriter for a while now, so I got the opportunity to read this before it was published and I loved it. He tackles some really interesting themes here of avoidance, how you want to be loved, how you love, what trama in your past has crept into and influenced your behavior in the present. It totally works because Kaylon is incredibly thoughtful and must be semi-autobiographical in nature given the specificity and detail and organic truth that's in it. Big fan. Can't wait to read more literature by Kaylon, let alone see his films.
March 19, 2025
I was given an ARC of the book and was so grateful for it. With any luck it will be at all the major book retailers and you'll be able to grab and cherish you own copy as I did.
It's an excellent story with wonderful prose that took me an internal journey I didn't want to end. It was unlike anything else I've read recently but reminded me of Hemingway in many ways. (I could easily see American Wolf being on an English curriculum.) Highly recommend!
It's an excellent story with wonderful prose that took me an internal journey I didn't want to end. It was unlike anything else I've read recently but reminded me of Hemingway in many ways. (I could easily see American Wolf being on an English curriculum.) Highly recommend!
April 17, 2025
This was such a beautiful little book. I love the gentle tone and poetic imagery. But where it shines most is in its insightful depictions of the nuanced dynamics between people. Characters hurt their friends, family, strangers, and this book neither excuses nor condemns it. The storytelling always comes from a place empathy. That’s the kind of entertainment we need!
April 25, 2025
What a relatable story to tell! This book shines a light on our inner thoughts and desires and self doubts. It shows how are thoughts can hold us back from experiencing a full and enriching life whether in solitude or in the company of those we love. I'm thankful share in the journey in reading American Wolf. The author Kaylon Hunt is one of my favorite people. He is a writer and its great to see this literary work published and shared with the world. I expect more great works showcasing nuanced but gentle unending talent.
March 7, 2025
I read a pre-release copy of this book and was really impressed with the author's ability to bring us into the inner life of the main character and weave a startlingly relatable story in the anxieties he faces, the fraught search for belonging, and the heart breaking discovery of love. In particular, he narrates so well the courage it takes to face past hurt and be open to the love and friendship that's right in front of him. It's a personal and universal story and really carries you along in the narrative. There are scenes in the book, too, that are cinematic and so clear it's like you're watching it on the big screen somehow. So well done!
May 13, 2025
Kaylon Hunt’s American Wolf feels like a mirror—tender, unflinching, and deeply human. I had the privilege of reading an early copy, and I’m still carrying it with me.
It’s a bold meditation on attachment and avoidance, told through the interior life of James Wolf—a man who longs for connection but hides behind the walls he’s built.
What moved me most is that this story exists at all. There’s something redemptive about a novel that dares to explore the inner world of someone who would rather stay hidden. It’s a brave act—both for the character, and for the author who wrote him with such honesty.
The book reads like a quiet reckoning. It doesn’t shout, but it doesn’t flinch. Through James’ reflections, relationships, and loneliness, the story gently asks: Why do we love the way we do? What are we protecting ourselves from? In that way, it’s not just a novel—it’s a companion for anyone in the middle of healing. It affirms what’s complicated and human in us. Isn't that what fiction is for?
There’s so much here about friendship, masculinity, and memory—written with vivid detail and emotional clarity. Some scenes feel almost like vividly cinematic; others are soft, internal, like a whispered confession.
I hope this book finds its way into many hands. I think readers will see themselves in James—in his fear, in his desire for connection—and feel, maybe for the first time, that they’re not alone.
It’s a bold meditation on attachment and avoidance, told through the interior life of James Wolf—a man who longs for connection but hides behind the walls he’s built.
What moved me most is that this story exists at all. There’s something redemptive about a novel that dares to explore the inner world of someone who would rather stay hidden. It’s a brave act—both for the character, and for the author who wrote him with such honesty.
The book reads like a quiet reckoning. It doesn’t shout, but it doesn’t flinch. Through James’ reflections, relationships, and loneliness, the story gently asks: Why do we love the way we do? What are we protecting ourselves from? In that way, it’s not just a novel—it’s a companion for anyone in the middle of healing. It affirms what’s complicated and human in us. Isn't that what fiction is for?
There’s so much here about friendship, masculinity, and memory—written with vivid detail and emotional clarity. Some scenes feel almost like vividly cinematic; others are soft, internal, like a whispered confession.
I hope this book finds its way into many hands. I think readers will see themselves in James—in his fear, in his desire for connection—and feel, maybe for the first time, that they’re not alone.
February 21, 2025
This story is entertaining and engaging. Going into it, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect—but by the end, I found myself deeply moved, reflecting on how we tend to minimize the need for friendship at its core. Especially among men. It also speaks to how childhood trauma plays into that. The bond between James and Neb is one of the most poignant representations of male friendships I’ve encountered in fiction… it had me tearing up more than once, not just because of their story, but because it mirrored parts of my own life in ways I never anticipated.
James’ journey—his doubts, struggles with intimacy, and growth—felt eerily familiar, as if the writer had somehow woven fragments of my own experiences into the pages. And it honestly left me with newfound insight into my own relationships and challenges.
I highly recommend.
James’ journey—his doubts, struggles with intimacy, and growth—felt eerily familiar, as if the writer had somehow woven fragments of my own experiences into the pages. And it honestly left me with newfound insight into my own relationships and challenges.
I highly recommend.
June 29, 2025
American Wolf by Kaylon Hunt
I recieved this book through Early Reviewers from librarything.com :star: :star: :star:
It was interesting and as a mom of a daughter that came out when she was twelve it really reminded me that what we say and do and react to our children's feelings, identity really affect them as they get older. My heart went out to James that he only had the one friend that made him feel safe but I was happy for him to come full circle and finally put his foot down. Overall I enjoyed his journey and I'd recommend.
I recieved this book through Early Reviewers from librarything.com :star: :star: :star:
It was interesting and as a mom of a daughter that came out when she was twelve it really reminded me that what we say and do and react to our children's feelings, identity really affect them as they get older. My heart went out to James that he only had the one friend that made him feel safe but I was happy for him to come full circle and finally put his foot down. Overall I enjoyed his journey and I'd recommend.
July 4, 2025
The protagonist of American Wolf exemplifies the expression "still waters run deep", and if you enjoy a good character study, you'll enjoy this book. The author clearly poured his own life experience into the character, and thus it essentially gives a tour behind the curtain of a person with an "avoidant" attachment style. Personally, I found this quite eye-opening, as a close friend of mine is highly avoidant, and I have often struggled to understand her perspective. Reading this book has helped me to better empathize and relate to her.
June 17, 2025
Beautifully written and captivating story. A story relatable to many if not all. The story is a melting pot that exhibits the effects of holding onto the past. The traumas that many drag along. This story is a mini rollercoaster ride that you'd wish didn't end.
Thank you LibraryThing for the ARC. This opinion is that of my own.
Thank you LibraryThing for the ARC. This opinion is that of my own.
October 2, 2025
Truly an exceptional story that delves into the vulnerability and sensitivity, through a lens we rarely see. I enjoyed so much author Kaylon Hunts care and style and made me feel less alone. We cannot change the past but our present can change at any time for a better future if we choose to want it. Brilliant read. Highly recommend 🩵🩷
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews