A prisoner in her own home; afraid to leave, but too terrified to stay… Driven to a reclusive lifestyle by her many phobias, Dana’s only sanctuary is her home. When the objects of her fears begin to invade her safe haven, the only place to escape is outside, where unspeakable horrors lie in wait. Through the Internet – her only link to the outside world – Dana meets Colin. She finds herself attracted to her online friend, whose soothing presence helps her cling to sanity. She dreams of meeting him in person, but must first find the courage to venture beyond her front door.
Mandy White lives on Vancouver Island. She may often be found lurking in the forest, daydreaming dark thoughts that inevitably come to life in print.
Her work often features Canadian characters and locations; she delights in twisting her everyday surroundings into weird and disturbing tales. Caution: if you happen to cross her path, you may find yourself in an upcoming story.
I'm so on the fence with this book? Is it labeled horror? Because I can't really classify it that. It's different and unique, but not scary. I figured out the ending when I was about 15 or20 percent in. Parts of this book seemed to drag on forever. Dana being trapped in her own home by herself by her own phobias was actually quite boring. The little communication she has with the outside world is sparce. I would think of this book as that Tom Hanks movie where he talks to a ball. Just because this story wasn't my thing doesn't mean others wouldn't enjoy it. The twist does put a nice spin on the end. If you're looking for some thing laid back and relaxing to read,this book is for you. 3.5 stars rounded up
What a crazy adventure into the mind and life of Dana, a woman with many phobias that felt very real to me. If you have a phobia, some of the parts in the book might freak you out, they are described so realistically, and even if you don't have one, you'll squirm. I did.
A well-written novel (which I've come to expect from all the author's work) and a story that is unlike any other White has published. I loved it! The relationship between Colin and Dana, from the perspective of not having met, is one I think lots of people can relate to. The importance of the relationship, and relationships in general, was the heart of the book for me. How some people understand you, and help you, even without knowing what an impact they've made.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good scary story with heart.
Adequate read for a freebie, nothing more. The psychological insights about phobias in the main story were actually pretty good, but the entire thing was cheapened by a clichéd predictable ending and a cheesy romance. The bonus short story was actually cleverer and definitely more entertaining. Writing wise serviceable. Certainly a quick read, just an hour and a half.
An intriguing and disturbing journey into the mind of a paranoid woman with crippling social anxiety. Her dreams seem to dominate her life as she struggles to overcome her many phobias. The author leaves subtle clues for the reader and I managed to pick up on them. I won't spoil the twist for others.
I found this book puzzling in a compelling way. I kept trying to classify it. For awhile I thought it might be a non-fiction memoir as the first person narrative was that well done. All the while, there was this suspicion about what might be behind the events the main character was experiencing. Is this a horror novel? A psychological thriller? A dark comedy? Whatever it is, the conclusion remained unsuspected by me till the final pages. I found it a page turner in the truest sense with the final stretch a riveting experience.
This book was so amazing. Dana reminded me of myself. I have a FOBPOTS. It was so great that I was able to connect with the main character. Everything about this book was amazing, especially the ending! ♥ It was so romantic.
WTH did I just read. This little book was something even Stephen King would shake his head with. It was so far out there that it made it somewhat relatable.