Can a psychologist, still grieving the loss of her husband, save a traumatized war veteran who is planning his own death? Stories Untold explores the devastation of loss, the struggle to find meaning in life, and the enduring power of love that transcends boundaries between past and future.
They’re both strong and fearless, determined, relentless. He’s a decorated war veteran and he wants to die. She’s a prominent psychologist and she won’t let him.
When a suicidal client seeks her help, Dr. Angela Blackwell cannot turn him away, despite the fact that he isn’t seeking the kind of help she normally provides her clients. The man, who won’t fully identify himself, wants the distinguished psychologist to stand witness after his planned death in six months’ time, ensuring his wife will not be charged as an accessory or be hindered from collecting the death benefit he carefully provisioned for her. He calls himself DJ and won’t willingly share anything about his past.
As Dr. Blackwell is struggling to reconstruct her own life after the loss of her husband, she recognizes his unusual request as a subconscious cry for help and embarks on a relentless effort to guide the reluctant stranger in uncovering the trauma that has permanently altered the course of his existence. Playing a deck of cards stacked high against her and rushing against time, she has no other option but to intervene, pushing the ethical boundaries of the doctor-client relationship and refusing to give up.
An astonishing, vibrant story of human strength and frailty, of love lost and love found, the Stories Untold saga will captivate as few stories ever do, with unexpected twists and turns, leaving a lasting memory ingrained into the essence of the reader’s being.
Stories Untold: A Novel by Leslie Wolfe, narrated by Andrew Tell is a great listen. It informs, entertains, and draws awareness to issues that are sometimes overlooked or forgotten about in our world, today. It is the story of a man, a war veteran who served in the USMC, who, due to unfortunate events that occurred 16 years ago, is suffering from PTSD. He feels his only escape/release is suicide. As a result, he devises a plan and seeks the help of Dr. Angela Blackwell, a psychologist, to ensure that every step of his intended outcome, mainly pertaining to the safety and security of his wife after he is gone, follows through, without fail.
The main reason I was so drawn to this audiobook is because the of the characters Leslie Wolfe has created. I felt an emotional attachment to them, like I have known them my whole life. Their situations, relationships, and struggles are real, relatable, and completely relevant today. She has written a novel that parallels our own daily lives in so many ways that this could easily be a piece of non-fiction. These are not characters on a page...they are real people with real lives.
Andrew Tells narration was outstanding. The pace, volume, tone, and everything in between was right on. I don't have much to say about the performance because it was pretty much flawless, in my opinion. I felt he was perfect for this book, and I can't imagine listening to anyone else narrate it.
Stories Untold: A Novel by Leslie Wolfe, narrated by Andrew Tell deserves a 5/5 stars across the board. It is well-written and clearly well-researched. The content matter is necessary and timely. While it is not an edge-of-your-seat thriller, it is suspenseful and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I enjoyed listening to it, and would recommend it to those who enjoy psychological, suspenseful listens. It will keep you engaged through to the end, regardless if you know about PTSD or not. Also, even if you do not regularly interact with those who have served time in the military, you will still enjoy this audiobook because it is not a book about war. It's a book about us...a book about people, survival, love, and the eperiences that make us who we are today.
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)
Original in its approach and subject matter, I was rather interested how this book was going to end. Imagine a former marine, who's been struggling for more than a decade to live with the war he had to fight and the people he lost in Afghanistan, and then trying to re-enter society the best he could, to live with a loving, supportive wife, to find jobs that can provide a decent living - but not succeeding, at least not in his mind. That's why he decides to cleverly plan his suicide so his wife can benefit from his insurance without doubt. His plan includes the irrefutable testimony of a psycho-therapist who can testify his wife was not part of his plan. His therapist will do anything to stop the former marine from his plan to end his life, that also means breaking certain boundaries, and despite the appearances, she's quite clever at it too. Overall this was not an uplifting book, but it was truthful in the sense that you could feel the despair of the former marine, how he was unable to share what tormented him. That desperation and depression was palpable. It also depicts clearly how little the government has done for the veterans, and how corporate America cares so little for the little, struggling people.
I am so glad I didn't pay anything for this book (free download with Kindle Unlimited). I did not finish it; in fact, making it to 50% was a struggle, but I kept hoping it would improve. The author's style isn't terrible, but it's not great, either, due to lots of repetition (how many times do we need to be reminded that someone has curly, auburn hair), some blatant editorial errors (when speaking about a man and a female dog, something like "he held her head in her hands"), and the excessive use of adjectives that do absolutely nothing to further the story ("he rested his head against the wet, white tile"), although they do make this a longer book than it needs to be. Perhaps there was a minimum word count required for publication.
As for content, the plot is unrealistic. What kind of psychologist/psychiatrist (Angela) is actually going to do this for a patient/client (DJ/Dylan) she doesn't even know? Would it really stand up to scrutiny as both the key characters seem convinced it would? The patient/client's macho self-image that he must provide for his woman (Taylor) at all costs is very outdated, and making him a Marine does little to either contribute to that aspect of the story or to garner sympathy from this reader. The bits he reveals about his childhood are somewhat sad, but no worse than many people face, and none of it seems to be a contributing factor to his overall melancholy anyway. More filler. Meanwhile, as his private flashbacks reveal pieces of his military history that he refuses to discuss with anyone, including the wife he allegedly worships, it's quite obvious who is driving the Humvee when disaster strikes. No doubt that is another reason for his self-loathing, but the author milks it, again apparently to lengthen the book.
Having voiced these complaints, the main reason I didn't finish this book is that I genuinely disliked the characters. Angela is probably my "favorite" character, which isn't saying much, but I found her least offensive, despite her watching video of her husband dying to console herself when she longs for him, and the fact that she likes to drink wine with her legs tucked under her on the couch, which apparently is very important to the plot. I'll never know because I gave up. But the primary reason I could read no further was that DJ/Dylan is so whiny and self-deprecating. It's hard enough to be around people like that in real life; why would I want to spend my leisure time with one? Between his over-the-top masculine need to support his family, his reluctance to simply talk to anyone about his issues (let alone get actual help - ever heard of PTSD, Marine?), and the ridiculousness of his plan, it's very hard to feel sorry for him. Taylor does nothing but run in the bedroom to cry, complain that he's mentally absent, or try overly hard to be cheerful. She should be out volunteering with veterans or something - anything - that would make her more likable.
I could be wrong about where this book is headed, but I'll never know for sure. I'm absolutely fine with that! If all these things sound good to you, you'll probably enjoy this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the kind of novel that gets made into a movie. (I suspect that’s what Wolfe had in mind.) It is heart-warming and heart-wrenching. It’s about a Marine Corps sniper, Dylan Ballard, who served in Afghanistan in a combat role. He is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and wants to kill himself. Trying to prevent that is Dr. Angela Blackwell, certified shrink, who must rely on methods not certified by the rules of her profession to get the job done—if she can.
Wolfe bills this as a thriller, and eventually it becomes one about two thirds of the way through. The tension revolves around, will he kill himself or not? Can Angela save him? Is he worth saving? Well, the tenets of Angela’s profession make it imperative that she do everything she can to save his life even it means stalking him and even breaking her word to him.
There are a lot of nice and surprising juxtapositions and turns in the novel including the fact that Dylan must go to weekly sessions with Dr. Blackwell whether he likes it or not. And he decidedly doesn’t like it. There are also some predictable plays on our heart-strings.
If you love dogs and male-bonding and strong, intelligent female characters, I believe this novel will please you.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “California Dreaming, A Love Story”
This was a complete opposite of a page-turner, it promised to be a real dirge and it delivered. The author should have listened to and stopped at her own title and kept this story untold.
Spoiler alert;
The only reason I finished this book was to see if the psychologist failed in saving her patient? So, believe it or not, total shocker alert, she does with a Disney happy ending.
Unfortunately, this author provides no real understanding or empathy for her characters. Stock stereotypes down to a buzz haircut soldier saved by a dog.
Even with a dead simple plot, I couldn't believe my eyes when I read she had to get security tape from her building to identify her patient even though he explicitly asks that EVERY session is RECORDED!
She must have gone to sleep herself to leave this gaff in the book.
Apologies for being so negative, but I don't see that the author has any understanding of the military, psychology or even having a dog.
Although not as exciting as the Tess Winnett and the Holt & Baxter series by the same author, I still enjoyed Stories Untold. It was a gentle, touching read about a soldier suffering from PTSD and survivor guilt, but it definitely wasn't "a thriller" as stated on the front cover.
I am usually unimpressed with epilogues, but this one moved me, and I liked how the author finished the novel. An enjoyable read.
STORIES UNTOLD BY Leslie Wolfe MY REVIEW 5-STARS*****
I finished this standalone novel by Leslie Wolfe a few nights ago. I would consider myself a fan of this author's FBI Agent Tess Winnett series, having read and thoroughly enjoyed the sensational crime thriller THE WATSON GIRL (and also DAWN GIRL, GLIMPSE OF DEATH).
That said, I had downloaded STORIES UNTOLD quite some time ago but left it unopened and unread for ages. One day I just started reading it, I can't say why, especially because I had not liked the most recent installment of the Tess Winnett books. So---
I LOVED this book. I will posit right up front that in my opinion it isn't for everyone. The author tackled the sad and disheartening subject of PTSD, and the emotionally devastating effects of war and combat on the human psyche. Our men and women who voluntarily sign up to serve our country on foreign soil are in most cases young and proud patriotic Americans who are idealistic and yield to the siren song they feel calling out to them to protect our flag and our exceptional nation. Sadness and disillusionment are all too common.
Personally, I have a mental health background and worked in psych for some time. Psychology is one of my passions, and perhaps it was easier for me to be drawn into (STORIES UNTOLD) pretty much from the very first page. I am fairly knowledgeable about depression and suicidal ideation, and have seen first hand the failures of psychiatry to effectively alter the course of a depressed man's charted course. However, I don't believe for one second that readers from any walk of life could NOT become engrossed in this amazing tale of hopelessness, grief, and ultimate choice to choose the path to life and rebirth of hope and light.
This novel is at its heart a tale of two tormented souls. There is a lonely, grieving widow named Angela (a gifted doctor whose unimpeachable credentials include dual degrees in psychiatry and psychology), and D.J., an embittered veteran who has internalized his grief and has drafted a long-range plan to end his pain and provide for his widow. It is the back and forth discourse between these two people---the doctor driven to save D.J.'s life by breaking through his defenses and somehow supplying him with a reason to live---that makes this one of most memorable books that I am likely ever to read. The path back to the living is a trail that Angela also needs to travel, thus she fuses her own destiny to that of the unshakable belief and conviction to save B.J. In doing so, she will save herself.
This book is a compelling read, and a novel I would recommend to anyone who cares about our service men and women who return to this country in caskets, with missing limbs, and with tortured souls. The road to recovery was led by a canine veteran (in fact the unqualified love and companionship of a dog plays a pivotal role in both of our main character's lives).
I am reminded of a novel by Robert Crais (SUSPECT) that I read many years ago. It was a haunting journey involving human vulnerability, pain, and healing, similar in ways to this wonderful book. It too, shared the true role that canine companionship can play in our lives.
You can't make it through this book without feeling deeply and I had to keep the tissues handy.
READ THIS BOOK AND TAKE A JOURNEY WITH TWO CHARACTERS YOU WILL NEVER FORGET!!!
This review is for the Audible audio version of this book.
How do you save someone who doesn't want to be saved?
I just finished listening to Stories Untold written by Leslie Wolfe and narrated by Andrew Tell. I found it to be a very moving story and Andrew Tell has done a wonderful job of narrating it.
Dr. Angela Blackwell, a prominent psychologist, is approached by a potential suicidal patient wanting her help but only to protect his wife from any suspicion of having any involvement with his death. He won't tell her his name or any specifics about himself, just call him DJ if she had to have a name. He does not want to be treated, he does not want her "to fix him".
Having abruptly lost her husband due to him asking for help from someone who should have but did not have any training to recognize he was in crisis, she did not want to be party to leaving someone else a widow who would have to live with the anguish and guilt that would come with trying to come to tetms with his death. Because it went against everything she believes in to not try to save him, she took him on as a client not patient knowing she was very likely going to have to be breaking rules of her profession in order to save him. She is determined to save him whatever it takes.
I had previously only read Ms. Wolfe's Tess Winnett series so was unfamiliar with her other books. Stories Untold was a very different type of story but no less enthralling. I found the characters to be very well written, drawing you into the story, wanting Dr. Blackwell to find a way to reach DJ and convince him his life is worth more to his wife than his death. Mr. Tell narrates the story with a voice that is soothing to listen to yet he puts emotion into it without being overly dramatic.
I was gifted this audiobook by Ms. Wolfe but I had previously purchased the ebook. I can now revisit the story either by reading or listening whenever I want and I will want to because the story is just that good.
Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book by the author however I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
How do you save someone who doesn’t want it?
When Dr. Angela Blackwell receives a request to take on a new patient she is intrigued. “DJ” as he only wants to be known, is not seeking her out to help him, but rather to document his mental state and attest to his wife’s innocence when he commits suicide in six months’ time. Angela accepts DJ in a consultant capacity because she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man, but cannot ignore her calling and still attempts to crack DJ’s stoic veneer to get to the heart of the problems that would cause this man to want to end his life. With only 6 months to work with, Angela finds herself in an increasingly frantic race against the clock to save a life that doesn’t want to be saved. DJ’s presence opens old wounds for Angela as she finds herself resulting to more unorthodox methods to save DJ at all costs.
“Stories Untold” is a departure from what I am used to reading from Leslie Wolfe as she steps out of the “Police Procedural” genre and into more of a “Physiological Thriller”. Angela is a driven professional with a rock-solid mentor, but she is carrying around a burden of her own that serves to cloud her judgment in the case with DJ – but that may not be a bad thing. For DJ it seems that his two tours overseas saw more horror and trauma than one man can take – but what happened to cause him to give up on his loving wife and his future? It is up to Angela to try to coax these memories out of an unwilling and uncooperative subject with methods that may or may not exceed to limits of professional ethics. Stories Untold is the realization of the slow unearthing of memories buried deep to shelter a soul that has seen too much burden.
While this seems to be a new direction for Wolfe, I must say that this is a brilliantly thought-provoking story of life, loss and the ability to recover and move on. Stories Untold will make you laugh, cringe and cry and before you turn the final page on this thoroughly engrossing read.
( Format : Audiobook ) "Soometimes the words we use are windows..." An highly decorated veteran plans for his suicide. To ensure that his wife receives full benefit from his insurance policies after his death, he arranges to have recordings made of visits to a psychiatrist in the months leading up to his death. But she cannot accept that he doesn't want help so does her best to save him.
Dylan was obsessed with failure, with never making enough money to provide his wife with all that he believes she deserves. The payment from his policies will give her that which he couldn't give in life.
Angela, his psychiatrist, is recently widowed and still in pain. She agrees to the sessions with Dylan reluctantly, believing that his is really just a cry for help and she will be able to prevent his self administered death. But as time passes and he refuses to talk to her, she starts to become desperate and feels that her being able to continue life is in some way connected to his.
Beautifully read by Andrew Tell, his well modulated and pleasant sounding voice tells the story with clarity and understanding. Although there is little vocal differentiation for the very limited number of protagonists, the characters are clear and each separately emotionally embedded. A sensitive and responsive reading.
At the conclusion of the book, the author includes some horrifying statistics about returning soldiers and the difficulty many experience once home. My thanks to the rights holder for the complimentary copy of Stories Unfold which was gifted to me, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. The story is easy to read, intriguing at first, turning into a will he? Won't he? thriller as the book nears it's ending. As a way of highlighting the difficulties faced by so many, it deserves to be read by everyone
In the world of literature, there are books that entertain and books that transform. Leslie Wolfe's 'Stories Untold' belongs to the latter category. This remarkable psychological novel is not just a captivating story; it's a window into the human soul, a teachable moment in depression, therapy, and the struggle to find meaning in life.
Leslie Wolfe, known for her skill in crafting intricate plots and complex characters, takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the depths of the human psyche. What makes this novel truly exceptional is not only the enthralling storyline but also the author's unique writing style. Wolfe's prose is as mesmerizing as it is thought-provoking, making every page a literary masterpiece.
The central theme of 'Stories Untold' revolves around the battles we fight within ourselves. It's a story about depression, therapy, and the harrowing experience of losing the will to live. Wolfe's portrayal of these themes is both poignant and enlightening. She doesn't shy away from delving into the raw, unfiltered emotions that her characters go through. It's a stark reminder that we all have our struggles, and that it's okay to seek help when we need it.
The characters in this novel are not mere literary creations; they are living, breathing individuals who wrestle with their inner demons. Through their journeys, Leslie Wolfe sheds light on the importance of mental health and the healing power of therapy. This book is a reminder that there is hope, even in the darkest of times, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
'Stories Untold' will leave you deeply moved and reflective. It's a book that prompts you to ponder the human condition, the intricacies of our minds, and the profound significance of connection and understanding. It's a teachable moment in empathy and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Leslie Wolfe's 'Stories Untold' is a literary gem that not only showcases the author's exceptional writing style but also serves as a powerful narrative on the challenges of depression, therapy, and the struggle to find the will to live. If you're looking for a book that will not only captivate your imagination but also touch your heart and soul, this is a must-read. It's a poignant reminder that our stories, no matter how untold, deserve to be heard and understood.
Not your usual war story, this gripping tale of a veteran and his battles, those at war, at home, and within, captured my attention from word one. As I read, my imagination mirrored the life of Dr. Blackwell, waiting anxiously for the next encounter Dylan, struggling desperately to find the way to reach him (For me the reader, that was waiting anxiously for the next free moment in which to read, struggling to predict what would happen next!). Some key points in the story do seem obvious to the reader well before they are acknowledged in the text; nevertheless, the wait for such a point to be revealed is enticing. The plot seems to be rushing toward Dylan’s deadline; then the author details a character’s thoughts, not to the point of tedium, but enough for the reader to focus on time, rather like the two main characters. This is not a story to read just to while away a few hours; it is one that leaves its mark on its reader. It’s an absolute must-read and a thrilling experience.
DJ made sure his life insurance policies were up at the right time, marking the date on his calendar. He called the psychotherapist he’d researched online and left a message.
Dr. Angela Blackwell was the psychotherapist he’d called, she’d tragically lost her husband 5 years ago when the woman at the pharmacy refused to check his blood pressure when asked. Now, more than ever, Angela’s determined not to lose this one because no one noticed.
Is she really going to let him go through with his plan?! How could she morally live with herself?
“So, are you gonna take me on or not, Doc?” DJ asked Dr. Blackwell. “Gimme a couple of days, call me on Friday. I’ll give you my answer then.” And with that, he walked out of her office.
Untold Stories is great book by Leslie Wolfe. When DJ suffers from PTSD upon an honorable discharge from the USMC, he can’t see any other way out. So he hatches a plan. A way out of his pain.
Dr. Angela Blackwell receives a new patient with a strange request. Dylan, a former marine, wants to commit suicide and has already selected the date. He feels that he deserves to die, and that his wife would be better off without him especially when she receives his life insurance. He has to wait until the suicide exclusion on the policy is no longer applicable. He also wants to make sure that his wife is not blamed for his murder. His request is that Dr. Blackwell NOT try to treat him, but to bear witness after his death that he in fact was suicidal. Dr. Blackwell, having recently lost the love of her life, can't bare the thought of Dylan giving up, so sets out to find out why exactly he has decided to die. This is truly a psychological thriller that delves into the issue of PTSD of former fighting soldiers. Dylan's pain truly made me cry. A well written book!
A story that spoke to me in more than a few ways. I thought the author did a good job addressing some of the issues that some people who have served in a war do face. An extremely difficult subject and one that can cover extremes from one end of the spectrum through a 360° turn. My father suffered from PTSD (WWII) when I was born and every year following until his death when I was 46. The moments were definitely as extreme as the author covers. A few things in the book were a little questionable, but didn't make me quit reading. Once I started reading there was no putting it down until I had finished. The characters were WOW, extremely well portrayed and grabbed my heart as things escalated from one chapter to the next. A very intriguing book to read if this is a subject you want to tackle. IMO, A good book that was well written by Leslie Wolfe.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is not my first book by Leslie Wolfe, so I can say with confidence now that this author's books, whether they are full length novels or short stories, will never leave a reader untouched. The way this author writes sucks one in right from the start and never lets go.
"Stories Untold" is a gripping book that, like its main characters has so much hidden inside that one just can't wait to see how the plot will unfold. The general atmosphere of this book was so dense, it was almost palpable. I could not put the book down and towards the end I was crying, rooting for some glimpse of hope and gradual relief at least of some pain that the characters felt. Great read - very deep and emotional. This is not your average easy reading book.
When a suicidal man comes to a psychologist with a bizarre proposal that will legitimize his suicide in the eyes of the insurance company and ensure his wife receives the payout after his death, she accepts, hoping to save him. What follows is a painful journey through his past which forces her to make difficult, ethical choices. A brilliantly insightful look at post-traumatic stress disorder, despair and the suicides that so often result. Both the victim and the psychologist are sympathetic, compelling characters tug at your heartstrings. The story is well crafted, maintaining an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty until the very last chapter. I listened to an Audible version and I loved it. The reader is very good with excellent inflection and pacing and a voice that is soothing but not sleep inducing. I don't give many books 5 stars but this one deserved them.
Dr. Angela Blackwell was alone. Not completely because she had her daughter in college. But literally, in her home, without her husband. Dead because no one cared. Is what she always thought. All she had now were her patients. Her patients and her father and mentor. Also a psychiatrist.
Dylan was tired of moving every two to three years. Living paycheck to paycheck. It wasn’t fair to his wife, Taylor. She’s sacrificed so much because of him already. No children. No home. What does he have to offer her? He’s worth more dead than alive. Having purchased several life insurance policies, he knew it for a fact. But he had to be smart about it. All policies have a suicide clause. He needed to have his sanity recorded. He needed to be sure Tyler wasn’t held liable. After careful research, he found the perfect doctor to help. But would Angela be up to the task?
This author is proving to be a bit hit 'n' miss for me. I love her Tess Winnett series and the Baxter & Holt books were all 5* for me but I really couldn't get on with the Alex Hoffman series and don't like this one, either. I did give it a good go but I just can't be doing with war stuff, really, and we kept going back to Afghanistan and I glazed over each time and just couldn't be bothered to pick it up again. So I gave up at 59%. This one is a standalone book and not part of any of her series. There were only 2 mistakes. To give written and not giving and temped not tempted and that was it which is good going. I just got worn down by quite a lot of repetitive stuff, like the timing of DJ's meetings and, as I said, the war portions. So, I'll not be recommending this one but definitely recommend this author as she is usually very good indeed. Just pick the right series to try out.
Beautifully written, with characters that you care deeply about.
Dylan is a man of great will and strength who is so deeply mired in despair that he can only see himself as a millstone crushing the life out of the woman that he loves. To ‘free’ her, both of himself and the miserable circumstances they are stuck in, he has developed a long term plan to kill himself and provide her with the means to live, as he thinks, a good life.
As part of his plan, he begins seeing a psychiatrist who he intends should testify that his wife was totally unaware of his plans. As they meet you become as anxious as the psychiatrist to uncover the hidden trauma that has brought about Dylan’s determination to die.
UNTOLD STORIES. By Leslie Wolfe Having read and enjoyed her other books, was looking forward to reading this one. It is different, gripping concept from the first page. He is calming looking at a calendar and to mark off the date. He is empty, lifeless, and yet, still cares about his wife. The plot will grab you as this unfolds. He goes to a psychologist , to have a witness. Policies have a clause of two years, they will have to change that, if he succeed's. How did he come up with this plan, and what was behind it all. Leslie has written a tense thriller, that is different, and very well done. Readers will be glad to read this.
Leslie Wolfe takes on a very poignant theme in Stories Untold: that of PTSD amongst veterans and its impact on theirs and all the lives associated with them. While the author has crafted an excellent story, it is one that may leave you misty eyed or very contemplative at the least. Having read other stories by Leslie Wolfe, this is not what I was expecting, and to be honest I'm glad it wasn't anything like what I would normally read, it has taken me back to my personal experiences talking to sailors who returned after spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan with US Army units. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a glimpse into the mechanics of PTSD.
As a person who worked in emergency mental health for over 20 years, I can say that the author got the thought process of a suicidal person down very well,whether from exhaustive research or personal experience. Or a combination of both. The author has a very accurate description of the effects the suicide of a loved one has on those left behind, told with great empathy. Having spent part of my career dealing with military folks I know that the re-entry into civilian life is brought with difficulties. This book is high in my list for everyone who has a friend or family member "coming home". Well written page turner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this title for its original story and fully developed characters. Author Leslie Wolfe has created a factual portrait of the consequences of war, as endured by the veterans who have fought them. At the same time, it's a heartwarming tale of a psychiatrist who will go to great lengths to see her patient not only improve but thrive. Narration by Andrew Tell is simply fantastic. Overall, very well done. Don't miss this one!
I was provided a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my unbiased review. Many thanks for this opportunity.
An engrossing tale of the battle between a prominent psychologist Angela Blackwell, and a traumatized patient, DJ, who wants to kill himself. Still leading an empty existence and coming to terms with the tragic death of her husband, Angela is determined to save DJ, despite the fact that he wants her to do exactly the opposite so that his wife would get his insurance benefit and be able to start over! Can she save the man who does not want to be saved? The back and forth between Angela and DJ's points of view manages to hold interest very nicely and build up to the point where you wonder if DJ can actually be saved or not!
As well as reading the book, I listened to this story as an audiobook, narrated by the talented Andrew Tell, who really brought it to life. It's an excellent story and really highlights the issues surrounding mental health, suicide and PTSD, without being preachy - it's just a good story that also happens to have a message, not a lecture disguised as a story like some I've read. I enjoyed it very much, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different to read or listen to. NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
When I started reading this book I didn't realize just what it was about. Ultimately I discovered that it was about something I am intimately familiar with, wounded warriors. Unfortunately for me and my family, our wounded warrior became a statistic, not a suicide, but a death stateside after his service was ended. These neglected and often ignored veterans of foreign wars deserve better, much better. My nephew died four years ago and I still think about him often. This book and it's author have touched me deeply, into action for our forgotten and neglected heroes.
I read an excerpt from this book before I purchased it and wrote this to the author: Wow, just WOW! This excerpt made me feel sad, curious and it sent chills down my spin. To be so hopeless and still care so much for his wife must be soul wrenching. I know I am going to be thinking about this hopeless, honorable man for a long time.
This story could represent how unconditional love and the right professional can help heal a veteran suffering from PTSD while helping the professional heal as well