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I'm Fine
A true story of trust, betrayal and exploitation
In 1996, at the age of fourteen, Richard Hall met a man who changed his life. Two and half decades later, he called the police. As a result, the man was jailed for twenty-two years.
This is the story of what came before the police: how a teenage boy who had been hounded at school because he was gay walked into a world where he thought he would be safe, but which he was too inexperienced to navigate. In his naïvety, he thought what happened next was normal, or somehow his fault.
In a vivid, compellingly readable account, Hall recreates with unnerving frankness – and with surprising bursts of humour – the year in his childhood when the attention of older admirers went to his head, with lasting consequences for the rest of his life.
I’m Fine is not just the intensely moving story of one mixed-up boy’s private hell. It also stands as a powerful warning about predators operating with the impunity conferred on them by ‘community’ status.
In 1996, at the age of fourteen, Richard Hall met a man who changed his life. Two and half decades later, he called the police. As a result, the man was jailed for twenty-two years.
This is the story of what came before the police: how a teenage boy who had been hounded at school because he was gay walked into a world where he thought he would be safe, but which he was too inexperienced to navigate. In his naïvety, he thought what happened next was normal, or somehow his fault.
In a vivid, compellingly readable account, Hall recreates with unnerving frankness – and with surprising bursts of humour – the year in his childhood when the attention of older admirers went to his head, with lasting consequences for the rest of his life.
I’m Fine is not just the intensely moving story of one mixed-up boy’s private hell. It also stands as a powerful warning about predators operating with the impunity conferred on them by ‘community’ status.
321 pages, Hardcover
Published August 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2026
This was an incredibly tough read!
I would like to first of thank @richardhwrote for sharing his story with us and then I want to congratulate him for doing so! I am so eternally happy that he could find it in himself to stop a predator like that, even years after the fact! It gives hope to other survivors that there is justice and it is never to late.
What I really could connect to is "I'm fine" as a person who understands these situations , I agree, it becomes too easy to just box things and pack it away and pretend that everything is fine. What stood out was the fact that once you realise it is not in fact fine, you also realise how much you have been lying to yourself and others.
What I loved about this is that Richard took action and worked through his past and made positive changes and helped others in the process as well.
No person should ever have to go through any of this and books like this make it easier for people in similar situations to take the first step to get help and for that I am very grateful!
This is an extraordinary look into his life and the people who made an impact on him, good and bad.
I would like to first of thank @richardhwrote for sharing his story with us and then I want to congratulate him for doing so! I am so eternally happy that he could find it in himself to stop a predator like that, even years after the fact! It gives hope to other survivors that there is justice and it is never to late.
What I really could connect to is "I'm fine" as a person who understands these situations , I agree, it becomes too easy to just box things and pack it away and pretend that everything is fine. What stood out was the fact that once you realise it is not in fact fine, you also realise how much you have been lying to yourself and others.
What I loved about this is that Richard took action and worked through his past and made positive changes and helped others in the process as well.
No person should ever have to go through any of this and books like this make it easier for people in similar situations to take the first step to get help and for that I am very grateful!
This is an extraordinary look into his life and the people who made an impact on him, good and bad.
August 1, 2026
I'm fine is an emotional and a honestly raw read that explores real life struggles and dealing with different and new feelings.
This was such an engaging story that had me gripped from the get-go. The author's writing was easy to follow and was also told in a sensitive manner when it comes to reading about the much darker themes within the book.
Overall, this was a powerful and meaningful read that will stay with me long after Ive finished it. A highly recommend read.
This was such an engaging story that had me gripped from the get-go. The author's writing was easy to follow and was also told in a sensitive manner when it comes to reading about the much darker themes within the book.
Overall, this was a powerful and meaningful read that will stay with me long after Ive finished it. A highly recommend read.
July 30, 2026
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'I'm Fine' by Richard Hall
'I'm Fine' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Richard discusses/includes explicit content and S abuse intended for mature audiences only (18+), Please read with care.
I will start by saying that with this being a memoir it is not my typical choice of genre but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books. I must say that if you are the same as me and don't normally read non fiction or memoirs then don't let that put you off and pick up your copy of this book today. Although it is extremely difficult to read at times if Richard is brave enough to tell his story then others can be brave enough to read it. It could also lead you to realise that something was or is not right in yours or a loved ones live/s and get the support needed. This is a dark, harrowing, troubling and difficult to read but I truly do believe that it should be read by anyone and everyone, especially those with children in their lives in order to see what Richard went through and potentially spot the signs early. I would like to take a moment to truly thank Richard for writing this book. It is such a brave thing to do, write a memoir that exploits what you went through, opens up old wounds and brings the past back to life. It would not have been easy and I would like to thank him for writing this memoir openly, honestly and with so much courage. He not only shares his story but does so in an eye opening way that will hopefully reach those that need it the most. It goes to show that it is never too late to open up, tell your experiences and hopefully prevent future victims from going through the same. I was shocked to discover that Richard has not written any books prior to this one as he has done an absolutely incredible job writing his emotions and experiences down in a way that seems like he has been writing for years! This is not a book I can really go in to details with and the publisher has done a brilliant job of telling you what you need to know in the synopsis. I will say that it is filled with emotions, friendship, heartache, family, some humour, bravery, vulnerability, LGBTQ, violence, honesty, trauma, recovery, hope, trust, shame,betrayal, survival and so much more! As I previously stated this is a book that you need to take care reading due to the content. I read it as part of a Readalong and read it over a month which I needed to do in order to take breaks from the heart aching subjects, content and experience. I ensured I read light-hearted books in between and would recommend you do the same. If the book was not so harrowing it is one that I could have easily read in a day but it is better to spread it out. Not only did Richard struggle with coming clean with his identity but he was also then bullied at school by other children and teachers, abused by strangers and even worse by people who should have been looking after him. It truly does go to show what an evil world we live in and why it is so important for topics and subjects discussed in this book to be made aware of and explained to children in an age appropriate way while ensuring you highlight the importance of being able to talk to somebody and that No means No! There is an absolutely incredible video on social media showing a teacher teaching children about their private areas. If you wish to find it you just need to search the name Gelda Waterboer. It is a brilliant way to teach children in a memorable way while showing the importance. What Richard goes through is at an older age than this song is aimed at but teachings such as this song and Richard's books, along with those written by other survivors, are absolutely vital in spreading the word and playing a part in keeping children safe. This truly is an eye opening book that will live in my head rent free for a very long time and that is if it ever leaves at all! I am so pleased that Richard has taken action from his experiences, helping to get justice, spreading his experiences with the World to help others and has made some fantastic and positive changes and experiences in his life. Yes this book is harrowing, emotional and difficult to read but it is also inspiring, at times light hearted with some humour and a truly beautiful and inspirational read from a man who has bravely told his story without embarrassment or shame and that should be read across the world. This book should be made available to read in all educational settings, each library, all doctors surgeries and absolutely everywhere where each and every person can read it. That is really all I can say about it as it HAS to be read, experienced and shared!! I truly felt like I was next to Richard from the very first page to the very last! He has managed to share his experiences into a fascinating, eye opening, engaging, honest, raw, emotional, harrowing, unique and vivid memoir. Thank you so much again Richard for the bravery and courage it took to write this compelling and brave memoir.
Overall an absolutely harrowing, honest, brave, emotional memoir that everyone should read.
#ImFine #RichardHall #EyeLightningBooks #lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #Bookstagram
@RichardHWrote
@EyeLightningBooks
@LoveBooksTours
@LBT.Crew #Ad
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
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Review for 'I'm Fine' by Richard Hall
'I'm Fine' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Richard discusses/includes explicit content and S abuse intended for mature audiences only (18+), Please read with care.
I will start by saying that with this being a memoir it is not my typical choice of genre but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books. I must say that if you are the same as me and don't normally read non fiction or memoirs then don't let that put you off and pick up your copy of this book today. Although it is extremely difficult to read at times if Richard is brave enough to tell his story then others can be brave enough to read it. It could also lead you to realise that something was or is not right in yours or a loved ones live/s and get the support needed. This is a dark, harrowing, troubling and difficult to read but I truly do believe that it should be read by anyone and everyone, especially those with children in their lives in order to see what Richard went through and potentially spot the signs early. I would like to take a moment to truly thank Richard for writing this book. It is such a brave thing to do, write a memoir that exploits what you went through, opens up old wounds and brings the past back to life. It would not have been easy and I would like to thank him for writing this memoir openly, honestly and with so much courage. He not only shares his story but does so in an eye opening way that will hopefully reach those that need it the most. It goes to show that it is never too late to open up, tell your experiences and hopefully prevent future victims from going through the same. I was shocked to discover that Richard has not written any books prior to this one as he has done an absolutely incredible job writing his emotions and experiences down in a way that seems like he has been writing for years! This is not a book I can really go in to details with and the publisher has done a brilliant job of telling you what you need to know in the synopsis. I will say that it is filled with emotions, friendship, heartache, family, some humour, bravery, vulnerability, LGBTQ, violence, honesty, trauma, recovery, hope, trust, shame,betrayal, survival and so much more! As I previously stated this is a book that you need to take care reading due to the content. I read it as part of a Readalong and read it over a month which I needed to do in order to take breaks from the heart aching subjects, content and experience. I ensured I read light-hearted books in between and would recommend you do the same. If the book was not so harrowing it is one that I could have easily read in a day but it is better to spread it out. Not only did Richard struggle with coming clean with his identity but he was also then bullied at school by other children and teachers, abused by strangers and even worse by people who should have been looking after him. It truly does go to show what an evil world we live in and why it is so important for topics and subjects discussed in this book to be made aware of and explained to children in an age appropriate way while ensuring you highlight the importance of being able to talk to somebody and that No means No! There is an absolutely incredible video on social media showing a teacher teaching children about their private areas. If you wish to find it you just need to search the name Gelda Waterboer. It is a brilliant way to teach children in a memorable way while showing the importance. What Richard goes through is at an older age than this song is aimed at but teachings such as this song and Richard's books, along with those written by other survivors, are absolutely vital in spreading the word and playing a part in keeping children safe. This truly is an eye opening book that will live in my head rent free for a very long time and that is if it ever leaves at all! I am so pleased that Richard has taken action from his experiences, helping to get justice, spreading his experiences with the World to help others and has made some fantastic and positive changes and experiences in his life. Yes this book is harrowing, emotional and difficult to read but it is also inspiring, at times light hearted with some humour and a truly beautiful and inspirational read from a man who has bravely told his story without embarrassment or shame and that should be read across the world. This book should be made available to read in all educational settings, each library, all doctors surgeries and absolutely everywhere where each and every person can read it. That is really all I can say about it as it HAS to be read, experienced and shared!! I truly felt like I was next to Richard from the very first page to the very last! He has managed to share his experiences into a fascinating, eye opening, engaging, honest, raw, emotional, harrowing, unique and vivid memoir. Thank you so much again Richard for the bravery and courage it took to write this compelling and brave memoir.
Overall an absolutely harrowing, honest, brave, emotional memoir that everyone should read.
#ImFine #RichardHall #EyeLightningBooks #lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #Bookstagram
@RichardHWrote
@EyeLightningBooks
@LoveBooksTours
@LBT.Crew #Ad
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
August 20, 2025
It’s very hard to believe that “I’m Fine” is Richard Hall’s first book.
This powerful, harrowing but ultimately uplifting account of one traumatic year in the life of a gay teen will make you cry, make you laugh and leave you reflecting on how trauma can and does have a life-long impact. It’s not in any way a “misery memoir”, it’s so much deeper than that.
Young Richard is fourteen years old, just outed, bullied and beaten up at school and needing safe spaces and safe guides to his new world of being a gay teen. His mother is very much lead parent in trying to help Richard find a safe path, but is deceived by a predatory gay health charity worker into thinking that he would be a safe adult for Richard to be around. That deception had life changing consequences for that man – now in prison for his crimes – he normalized Richard to sexualised behaviours, groomed him and ultimately raped him.
Richard Hall’s account of what happened and what the lifelong consequences of that abuse have been is a truly illuminating, uplifting and inspiring memoir.
It helps that he has a direct and disarming writing style that can take the reader from sadness and concern to laughing out loud in a few short paragraphs. He channels the sharpness, cynicism and sometimes offensive humour of his younger self honestly, bravely and without embarrassment.
“I’m Fine” is without any doubt the best and most powerful book I will read in 2025. It should be read by anyone considering what safeguarding and safe spaces should be, and especially about what can happen when safeguarding controls are undermined, ignored or broken. I hope that the messages in it are received well by parents, guardians and other responsible adults, and that the author’s hope to prevent even one other young person from being groomed and abused in the way he was is fulfilled.
This powerful, harrowing but ultimately uplifting account of one traumatic year in the life of a gay teen will make you cry, make you laugh and leave you reflecting on how trauma can and does have a life-long impact. It’s not in any way a “misery memoir”, it’s so much deeper than that.
Young Richard is fourteen years old, just outed, bullied and beaten up at school and needing safe spaces and safe guides to his new world of being a gay teen. His mother is very much lead parent in trying to help Richard find a safe path, but is deceived by a predatory gay health charity worker into thinking that he would be a safe adult for Richard to be around. That deception had life changing consequences for that man – now in prison for his crimes – he normalized Richard to sexualised behaviours, groomed him and ultimately raped him.
Richard Hall’s account of what happened and what the lifelong consequences of that abuse have been is a truly illuminating, uplifting and inspiring memoir.
It helps that he has a direct and disarming writing style that can take the reader from sadness and concern to laughing out loud in a few short paragraphs. He channels the sharpness, cynicism and sometimes offensive humour of his younger self honestly, bravely and without embarrassment.
“I’m Fine” is without any doubt the best and most powerful book I will read in 2025. It should be read by anyone considering what safeguarding and safe spaces should be, and especially about what can happen when safeguarding controls are undermined, ignored or broken. I hope that the messages in it are received well by parents, guardians and other responsible adults, and that the author’s hope to prevent even one other young person from being groomed and abused in the way he was is fulfilled.
July 31, 2026
Thank you LBT for having me on this read along tour and for my gifted copy of this epub!!
It’s really hard to believe that this is the authors first book. The way it’s written and portrayed is something I feel like seasoned writers have.
This book is about a terrible year for a teenage gay kid. This is the type of book that will make you feel every emotion and then some. I laughed cried I did it all I just couldn’t get over how amazing this book was. Especially as a parent myself I think that’s what made this more real and raw for me. Because I have 2 boys. One who is 12 and it’s a scary world. I worry about him everyday.
Young Richard is a 14yrs old and he was just outed and he’s bullied and beaten up and he really needs a safe person to turn to In order to help him navigate his mom gosh I related to this so much. She was trying to help Richard and just be there for him and gosh I hope and pray my kids are able to come to me with problems they have especially big ones !!
Richard unfortunately meets someone who he thinks is on his side and is gonna help but ultimately is not and he is a bad man. Gosh this was hard to read about so so hard. The guy essentially just was sick he groomed Richard and raped him.
Thankfully he went to jail but still it has lasting effects on Richard. I mean I relate so much to that. Something bad happened to me when I was in my 20s and it was it always stays with you. Doesn’t leave.
This is a powerful book so good so well done and well written and just wow. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time. A book I will buy and probably read again.
Definitely recommend this book.
It’s really hard to believe that this is the authors first book. The way it’s written and portrayed is something I feel like seasoned writers have.
This book is about a terrible year for a teenage gay kid. This is the type of book that will make you feel every emotion and then some. I laughed cried I did it all I just couldn’t get over how amazing this book was. Especially as a parent myself I think that’s what made this more real and raw for me. Because I have 2 boys. One who is 12 and it’s a scary world. I worry about him everyday.
Young Richard is a 14yrs old and he was just outed and he’s bullied and beaten up and he really needs a safe person to turn to In order to help him navigate his mom gosh I related to this so much. She was trying to help Richard and just be there for him and gosh I hope and pray my kids are able to come to me with problems they have especially big ones !!
Richard unfortunately meets someone who he thinks is on his side and is gonna help but ultimately is not and he is a bad man. Gosh this was hard to read about so so hard. The guy essentially just was sick he groomed Richard and raped him.
Thankfully he went to jail but still it has lasting effects on Richard. I mean I relate so much to that. Something bad happened to me when I was in my 20s and it was it always stays with you. Doesn’t leave.
This is a powerful book so good so well done and well written and just wow. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time. A book I will buy and probably read again.
Definitely recommend this book.
June 17, 2026
Wow, what a life Richard has had. He experienced more by age 15 than many will experience in a lifetime. It is so important for topics like this to be discussed and opened up, because as he mentions, many of these things will happen to many people, but how many of them will speak out?
It's very easy to read about Richards teenage years and think he is a nightmare, or why didn’t someone do something, or how did people not realise what was going on, or judge his parents for some of their decision making, but as you continue and see his story evolving, you cant help but sympathise at what he went through and be warmed by how amazing it is that he was able to come through it and see wrongdoings be brought to justice.
There are others I wondered if Richard had ever sought out to see what came of them - primarily the two households he resided in between his times at his family home as a teenager. I enjoyed seeing that he reconnected with others though.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and seeing that his mum had it and what she then faced as a result of covid broke my heart a little, his mum sounded lovely, despite me wanting to scream at her at times during Richards youth.
I found this a really quick read, I was expecting to struggle a little with the subject matter, but the writing is so compelling that I didn't want to put the book down.
I think the topic is so important to discuss, and I am so glad Richard has been able to make sense of his younger years and I hope he continues to do well.
This is raw, its real, and its something I would encourage others to read for sure.
It's very easy to read about Richards teenage years and think he is a nightmare, or why didn’t someone do something, or how did people not realise what was going on, or judge his parents for some of their decision making, but as you continue and see his story evolving, you cant help but sympathise at what he went through and be warmed by how amazing it is that he was able to come through it and see wrongdoings be brought to justice.
There are others I wondered if Richard had ever sought out to see what came of them - primarily the two households he resided in between his times at his family home as a teenager. I enjoyed seeing that he reconnected with others though.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and seeing that his mum had it and what she then faced as a result of covid broke my heart a little, his mum sounded lovely, despite me wanting to scream at her at times during Richards youth.
I found this a really quick read, I was expecting to struggle a little with the subject matter, but the writing is so compelling that I didn't want to put the book down.
I think the topic is so important to discuss, and I am so glad Richard has been able to make sense of his younger years and I hope he continues to do well.
This is raw, its real, and its something I would encourage others to read for sure.
July 30, 2026
My Rating: 4.5⭐️
This was a hard hitting, eye opening book that I couldn’t put down.
I enjoyed reading the author’s coming of age story, as he navigated coming out as a gay man, in a time when it was still incredibly dangerous to do so. I really liked reading about his relationship with his mam, who seemed like such a genuinely lovely woman who did all she could to protect him and let him have space to be his authentic self and I loved meeting his new friends (Phil sound like an awesome guy) and learning about the gay scene in the 90s. It’s funny, relatable and really interesting.
The author also shares the violent and traumatic experiences that happened during this time. Please check the trigger warnings before reading. It’s heartbreaking the amount of abuse that he experienced but this book will hopefully reach out to a lot of people who have experienced similar situations to let them know that they aren’t alone and you can still reach out for help no matter how long it has been.
The author is raw, honest and relatable and shows that healing is not linear. My only wish is that we had more information in the final quarter of the book as those chapters were brief and I would’ve liked to have learnt more about his adult life and his recovery process. I’m probably just being too nosey.
Overall, this was 4.5⭐️ for me. Thank you for sharing your story and giving hope to others.
This was a hard hitting, eye opening book that I couldn’t put down.
I enjoyed reading the author’s coming of age story, as he navigated coming out as a gay man, in a time when it was still incredibly dangerous to do so. I really liked reading about his relationship with his mam, who seemed like such a genuinely lovely woman who did all she could to protect him and let him have space to be his authentic self and I loved meeting his new friends (Phil sound like an awesome guy) and learning about the gay scene in the 90s. It’s funny, relatable and really interesting.
The author also shares the violent and traumatic experiences that happened during this time. Please check the trigger warnings before reading. It’s heartbreaking the amount of abuse that he experienced but this book will hopefully reach out to a lot of people who have experienced similar situations to let them know that they aren’t alone and you can still reach out for help no matter how long it has been.
The author is raw, honest and relatable and shows that healing is not linear. My only wish is that we had more information in the final quarter of the book as those chapters were brief and I would’ve liked to have learnt more about his adult life and his recovery process. I’m probably just being too nosey.
Overall, this was 4.5⭐️ for me. Thank you for sharing your story and giving hope to others.
July 19, 2026
An interesting title for a book that shows how the author was really not fine throughout his adolescence. Maybe a mantra for the time he was surviving and now a reassurance as he's come out the other side!!
Not an easy read as it details significant harm to a young person. If you've experienced trauma as a child or young person then take care. I think it's a good account that Richard shares with us and an important one. As a society we are probably all too familiar with young girls and the exploitation that occurs with them but there's less talk about boys. It's not that it doesn't happen, it just seems like it's less likely...unless you work in children's services and suddenly you realise it occurs far more than the media portrays and within the gay community where our young people are already more vulnerable and at risk of being targeted for their sexuality.
Richards account is raw and honest. It reminds me of the naivety that so many of us had as young people going out into adult environments and misreading or misunderstanding the grown ups around us. I'm glad Richard has gone on to support young people in his youth work. You don't just relate to you g people better when you can understand the life they're living but you can spot signs where they may be at risk. You can't always train that instinct into a person.
Not an easy read as it details significant harm to a young person. If you've experienced trauma as a child or young person then take care. I think it's a good account that Richard shares with us and an important one. As a society we are probably all too familiar with young girls and the exploitation that occurs with them but there's less talk about boys. It's not that it doesn't happen, it just seems like it's less likely...unless you work in children's services and suddenly you realise it occurs far more than the media portrays and within the gay community where our young people are already more vulnerable and at risk of being targeted for their sexuality.
Richards account is raw and honest. It reminds me of the naivety that so many of us had as young people going out into adult environments and misreading or misunderstanding the grown ups around us. I'm glad Richard has gone on to support young people in his youth work. You don't just relate to you g people better when you can understand the life they're living but you can spot signs where they may be at risk. You can't always train that instinct into a person.
July 30, 2026
A huge thank you to the incredible Richard Hall and Love Book Tours for the chance to read I'm Fine
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emotions felt: 💗💗💗💗💗
Authentic, Powerful and Poignant
I’m always wary of reviewing someone else’s lived experiences because I know how differently each reader can feel and process what they’ve read. For me, reading Richards’ journey invoked so many emotions, to the point that I felt them almost viscerally. Richard endured far more than any child or adult ever should and it’s a testament to who is that he was able to seek justice for the suffering that was forced upon him. It is even more courageous that he felt able to share his experiences with us, I hope the process of seeking justice and putting it onto paper has bought you some level of healing.
Richard your story is authentic, powerful and extremely powerful and it has been an absolute privilege to be part of this read-along journey.
My final thoughts for those of us with children/young adults, the world is not always the place we wished it was. A reminder to continue to check in and stay engaged with them because “I’m Fine” isn’t always as it seems.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emotions felt: 💗💗💗💗💗
Authentic, Powerful and Poignant
I’m always wary of reviewing someone else’s lived experiences because I know how differently each reader can feel and process what they’ve read. For me, reading Richards’ journey invoked so many emotions, to the point that I felt them almost viscerally. Richard endured far more than any child or adult ever should and it’s a testament to who is that he was able to seek justice for the suffering that was forced upon him. It is even more courageous that he felt able to share his experiences with us, I hope the process of seeking justice and putting it onto paper has bought you some level of healing.
Richard your story is authentic, powerful and extremely powerful and it has been an absolute privilege to be part of this read-along journey.
My final thoughts for those of us with children/young adults, the world is not always the place we wished it was. A reminder to continue to check in and stay engaged with them because “I’m Fine” isn’t always as it seems.
July 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
This book took me on a real emotional journey. It made me laugh, cry, reflect, and gain a much deeper understanding of the lasting impact of trust, betrayal and criminal exploitation.
Richard, I have nothing but admiration for the courage it must have taken to write this memoir and share such deeply personal experiences. Opening your heart in this way can’t have been easy, but if your story helps even one person recognise the signs or feel less alone, then it will have made a difference.
One of the things that stood out most to me was the love and unwavering support of your mum. It was heartwarming to see she remained such a constant source of strength throughout your life, and I was so glad you had her by your side.
This is an honest, powerful and thought-provoking memoir that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of this book tour. 💜
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
This book took me on a real emotional journey. It made me laugh, cry, reflect, and gain a much deeper understanding of the lasting impact of trust, betrayal and criminal exploitation.
Richard, I have nothing but admiration for the courage it must have taken to write this memoir and share such deeply personal experiences. Opening your heart in this way can’t have been easy, but if your story helps even one person recognise the signs or feel less alone, then it will have made a difference.
One of the things that stood out most to me was the love and unwavering support of your mum. It was heartwarming to see she remained such a constant source of strength throughout your life, and I was so glad you had her by your side.
This is an honest, powerful and thought-provoking memoir that will stay with me for a long time.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of this book tour. 💜
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
July 26, 2026
I was so lucky to have received a physical copy of this book from the author and LoveBookTours, and books like this make you appreciate life! I would recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in. It is non-fiction and the author has been through so much it is hard to digest.
The writing is superb, it is mind blowing and made me super emotional more than once, especially as a boy mum who wants to protect her son from everything bad in this world. Thank you so much for sharing your life with the world and I feel that people will relate from parts of your life and no longer feel alone, stunningly articulated, you are an inspiration!
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
The writing is superb, it is mind blowing and made me super emotional more than once, especially as a boy mum who wants to protect her son from everything bad in this world. Thank you so much for sharing your life with the world and I feel that people will relate from parts of your life and no longer feel alone, stunningly articulated, you are an inspiration!
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
July 30, 2026
Even though this was a difficult subject I enjoyed reading this memoir. Richard had a tough time growing up, finding himself and realising who he was and wanted to be.
This is written with warmth, humour in parts and brutal honesty and I applaud Richard for being able to go back to that time and relive it, so that others can see how difficult his life was at a crucial moment of time in his teens.
By bringing his memories to everyone he can further help others who may be struggling with their identity and also others who may have been through harrowing times.
Having finished the book I now feel that I know Richard, and he is a friend who has opened up to me, someone I’d like to help protect at all costs.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your book
This is written with warmth, humour in parts and brutal honesty and I applaud Richard for being able to go back to that time and relive it, so that others can see how difficult his life was at a crucial moment of time in his teens.
By bringing his memories to everyone he can further help others who may be struggling with their identity and also others who may have been through harrowing times.
Having finished the book I now feel that I know Richard, and he is a friend who has opened up to me, someone I’d like to help protect at all costs.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your book
July 30, 2026
Richard, thank you so much for sharing your story. It cannot have been easy for you but you have written it very well.
I hope that in writing this book, it has helped you heal in some way. Although it was a tough read, I also felt like you were passionate in getting your story onto paper.
The trauma will always be there, but just know that you were not to blame and I am so pleased you got justice in the end. Albeit not for all of your encounters. There are some extremely cruel people in this world.
I am really pleased to hear you have found happiness, you sure do deserve it. And just know, you’ve helped more people by sharing your story.
A heartfelt thank you, and I wish you all the best in your future.
I hope that in writing this book, it has helped you heal in some way. Although it was a tough read, I also felt like you were passionate in getting your story onto paper.
The trauma will always be there, but just know that you were not to blame and I am so pleased you got justice in the end. Albeit not for all of your encounters. There are some extremely cruel people in this world.
I am really pleased to hear you have found happiness, you sure do deserve it. And just know, you’ve helped more people by sharing your story.
A heartfelt thank you, and I wish you all the best in your future.
August 1, 2026
This book was such a hard read. Hard because of the emotional impact it had on me with every page. But it was worth it! Because what a story. And the most impactful thing about it - knowing this was based on events that happened to the author in his life. And that was the hardest part - knowing that the pain and the emotion and the confusion was all real.
Richard writes so beautifully that it sometimes feels like this is a work of fiction. But my head always came back to the hard hitting fact that this was true. These were his life experiences. These were the real life struggles he faced. And knowing that the people in this book all exist and chose to act the way that they did was even harder for me to come to terms with.
The whole premise of acting “fine” is something I hugely relate to. And the bravery shown within the pages of this book speaks volumes. The situations were not done but Richard may be one of the bravest people especially to stand up and hold the people accountable later in life.
Harrowing, beautifully written and one that will stay with me for so long.
Richard writes so beautifully that it sometimes feels like this is a work of fiction. But my head always came back to the hard hitting fact that this was true. These were his life experiences. These were the real life struggles he faced. And knowing that the people in this book all exist and chose to act the way that they did was even harder for me to come to terms with.
The whole premise of acting “fine” is something I hugely relate to. And the bravery shown within the pages of this book speaks volumes. The situations were not done but Richard may be one of the bravest people especially to stand up and hold the people accountable later in life.
Harrowing, beautifully written and one that will stay with me for so long.
July 30, 2026
So first of all, I must say, this was quite a tough read on an incredibly difficult subject and I commend the author for putting his awful experiences into words.
No one should ever have to go through these things but it's important that people come forward, especially men as not enough men talk about these issues. So books such as this are important as they help others who have gone through the same to take that crucial first step in seeking help.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
No one should ever have to go through these things but it's important that people come forward, especially men as not enough men talk about these issues. So books such as this are important as they help others who have gone through the same to take that crucial first step in seeking help.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
July 20, 2025
A vivid and heart wrenching account of a young gay person. Authentic and poignant. A must read.
July 30, 2026
Just wow. It’s hard to express into words how I feel about this book. I want to start by saying that I think Richard is absolutely incredible to be sharing his story. It can’t be easy to open yourself up as much as he has, revealing so much.
I began reading and then I paused when I realised Richard had only been 15. He had already been through so much. Experienced so much. More than most will in their lifetime. But others will experience what Richard did. Many men and women in some way or other but few are as brave as Richard to open himself up to the world.
Despite it being a heavy topic, I read the memoir rather quickly. It was compelling writing. I felt a lot of emotions whilst reading. I was angry and frustrated, I was heartbroken and sad. But, I also felt some uplifting warmth and happiness. Richard clearly gets across how the abuse he suffered has had a lifelong impact. But he’s now doing well. He’s kept his humour and he’s really inspiring.
I began reading and then I paused when I realised Richard had only been 15. He had already been through so much. Experienced so much. More than most will in their lifetime. But others will experience what Richard did. Many men and women in some way or other but few are as brave as Richard to open himself up to the world.
Despite it being a heavy topic, I read the memoir rather quickly. It was compelling writing. I felt a lot of emotions whilst reading. I was angry and frustrated, I was heartbroken and sad. But, I also felt some uplifting warmth and happiness. Richard clearly gets across how the abuse he suffered has had a lifelong impact. But he’s now doing well. He’s kept his humour and he’s really inspiring.
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