Life at the Death House

by Sean E.D. Kerr

The locals call it the Death House, but Carol and Marco designed the New Life House as a home for kids to live, safely removed from the stigmas and judgments of the outside world.

Seventeen-year-old Tyler arrives on the doorstep, hoping that he’s finally found a safe place to die. His arrival causes the other kids to question the futures they’ve been promised, and Carol and Marco must convince them there is life after diagnosis.

Even through struggles with addictions and questions of sexuality, the residents could come to believe in the possibility of living.

342 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2018

About the author

Sean holds a diploma in Professional Writing from Algonquin College (Ottawa, 2009). He found his love of writing at the age of ten when he released his first miniseries via Duo-Tang folder to his family and friends. Further to Life at the Death House, he has another four novels outlined and is working on draft one of a fifth. He specifically enjoys writing stories that deal with how people react to hardships, exploring how they come through it for better or for worse. Common themes include addiction, mental health, sexuality, grief and hope.

Sean is a public servant who lives in Aylmer, Quebec, with his German Shepherd, Walker.

Presently, Sean is also working (part time) toward a BA in Political Science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario.

Reviews

[Sean E.D. Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve lived, breathed and wept with this novel for years. These characters are a part of me. It would hard for me to see it as anything less than 5 stars.

I wanted to wait until I’d read it as a story in its published form before rating it. :)

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC via NetGalley and NineStar Press, LLC in exchange for an honest review.

I feel like once in a while you read a book that somehow alters your perception on life and your role in it. This is definitely one of those books. I couldn't put it down. It made me laugh and cry and want to hug my kids and donate to charities. For real. This book is definitely one that should be read by everyone. So many life lessons, pearls of wisdom and just endless love.

Tyler is an HIV positive teenager who's been living on the streets of Vancouver and sees an ad for a house for positive kids. Marco and Carol take him in and show him that his life isn't over and that you can create your own family. They teach how to never give up, to always treat others with respect and love and that there's always tomorrow.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a harsh book to read. If you're looking for fluff, this is NOT the book for you. If you want a book that packed with disappear, and the brutal reality of living with HIV, the judgment and everything that comes with it...look no further.

Would I read this story again? No. Why? Because I read to escape, not to become depressed.
Am I sad I read Life at the Death House? No. I'm sad because I read it. ;(

And while that sounds all very sad, and it was for me, the author achieved what many others failed to do. He made me feel. In fact, he ripped my fuckn heart out...and given I don't consider myself an emotional reader, that takes skill.

My high rating is for this story being so utterly compelling.

Content warning - Drug use, suicide (not the MC), prostitution, abandonment, death.

[Kivalina Mauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your going to need to have tissues for last few chapters of this book. I didn't have them handy and my pillow was wet. I was balling like a baby last night. WOW.
Tyler is a 17 year old who has been told he has Aids. He found out about this home that takes care of kids with HIV positive . thinking they will toss him out anyhow he takes his chance and goes there. He finds a wonderful Lady and Man who take him in names Carol and Marcus. There is other kids as well youngest came same night as Tyler and is 4, his room-mate little Theo . Theo does not talk at start to no one but Tyler but that changes later in book. The main thing they all in the house end up get close to Tyler and then Tyler gets very sick and dies. He has taught everyone of them something.
I would recommend this but grab a box of tissues as you will need them before this books over. Great read..

[Rhiemst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly impressive. The characters were compelling, the plot was captivating, and it will have you unable to tear yourself away. Kerr writes with such care and compassion for the characters, creating a beautiful story that draws you into the experiences of those at the life house. Truly a haunting debut that will resonate with readers and linger with them for quite some time.

[Lee Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and can't wait for the next book from this author!
A great read.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars


By about half way through,probably before,I knew this book wasn't for me.
I didn't think the kids style of talking seemed very realistic,and I never quite understood why the kids were kept in isolation... but then sent out into the big wide world to college.
I finished the book,It had the sort of ending you expect it to.
Just not for me I'm afraid.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's called the "New Life House," but the locals have their own name for it - they call it the Death House.

Why?

The answer is somewhat complex, but  also quite simple. In the late 90s (which is the era when this story takes place) HIV and AIDS were still relatively new diseases and the general populace were spectacularly uninformed.

Rumors were rampant and many people thought that you could catch HIV just by touching an infected person. It was known as the "gay disease" since many of the infected came from the lgbt community.

In 1997, at the age of seventeen, Tyler arrived at the New Life House.  "Strange name for a death house, he'd thought. The name just didn't make sense to him. There was no new life for people like him. There was only death and loneliness. And pain. That's all there was."

Imagine being only sixteen and  finding out you have a disease with no cure and a near 100% fatality rate. Now, add to this - your family kicking you out of the house and calling you terrible, hurtful names. As if those two things are not bad enough, now add another issue - the fact that you know nothing about this disease other than the fact it is going to take your life. You believe that anyone you touch (even just to give a simple hug) will also become infected, so you swear off physical contact completely. That is one heck of a burden to place on anyone, nevermind on a young teenager.

The longer Tyler and his housemates live at the New Life House, the more they learn - not only about their disease, but about each other, about themselves and about the selfless couple who made the house a reality.

I loved learning about each of the house's residents and their backstories, including what led to them living away from their families and coming to reside in the New Life House.

I love that there are so many themes examined in the pages of this book. I love the fact that author Sean Kerr does not shy away from topics that might make certain readers uncomfortable. He tackles the issue of homophobia with the depth of feeling that I believe only an LGBTQ author could achieve. I am proud to say that the author is Canadian and I cannot wait to read whatever he writes next.

The only rating that I could possibly give this book is a perfect 5 OUT OF 5 STARS. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With heart-wretching prose, authentic characters and a story ripped straight out of the headlines of the 1990s, this book should be at the top of everyone's MUST READ list.

*** I would like to say a special thank you to both NETGALLEY and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC (Advance Review Copy) of this book. ***

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life At The Death House is a gripping and haunting tale by Sean ED Kerr.

There is just so much to this story, which revolves around the "death house" where it's owners take in kids with HIV who don't have anywhere else to go.

When Tyler shows up at the death house, he arrives knowing he will die there. And thus begins the tale that shows the harsh reality of living with HIV, including having no where to go, having no support, facing so many judgements, and the absolute despair that will encompass you.

This book will keep you up late into the night. Will you ever want to re-read it? Probably not. But it is definitely worth a first read!

In Life at the Death House, Sean ED Kerr has written an accomplished and thought provoking book. It will haunt you, leave you crying, and rip your heart out piece by piece. And you will be grateful for having gone along for the journey.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️’s

Written by my partners coworker, his debut novel. Could have used a sharper editorial knife, I’d like to see what David Mamet would do with it. As with many first novels, the voice of the author is quite loud, sometimes overly so, and one can guess that aspects of this story are autobiographical in nature.

Good character developement, strong well written emotion. This isn’t an easy novel to read due to its content, but a worthy read. If you’re an easy cryer read it at home, rather on the bus. It’s funny, my emotional response didn’t really crash down on my until the book was complete.

I struggled with the ranking of this book, as I did enjoy it. It kept me engaged, I didn’t necessarily “guess” the ending, and I’m very glad the ending was “real,” rather than “happily ever-after.” I look forward to Sean’s next offering.

[Candi Trefero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story that got me laughing, crying and left me inspired. The characters were so well developed and I could relate to different parts of them. The author does an amazing job of using simple words to deplict complex situations. It was interesting to read a storyline that was back in the 90s; I had forgotten what the world was like before the internet. I liked that this story while fiction, had real life situations and real life endings. Sometimes people die. And it’s sad. I highly recommend this to people who are dealing with end of life issues. This book reminds us that life goes on, stories continue, and 100 year from now people won’t remember what you look like, but will remember what you did and the impact you had. I’m excited to read this author’s next book!

[Megan Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the book as an ARC. I haven’t read anything like it before. Hearing the back stories of the HIV positive cast of characters was heartbreaking. It was inspiring to learn how they were able to overcome prejudice and living with a life threatening disease. While this story was heartbreaking at times, there were several lessons that most of us can learn from. Overall, it was a worthwhile read.

[Hilary Veen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! It was obviously so lovingly written. The characters change and develop but remain true. Everyone of them goes through a transformation. Their is a central character but the others are strong too. The dialogue! The characters range from playful to profound but through the added description are so real. I am surprised that a writer who is still on the younger side can write with such understanding and wisdom. Can’t wait to see what this writer comes up with yet.

[Kelley Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many things to say about this book! It seemed to be set back in time for me but reading the Authors acknowledgments, I understand why now. This book kept me engaged and had a predictable ending. However this book also had characters that you fell in love with and was a story that was heartfelt. It will definitely stick with me. I rate it a 3.5!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I rarely have time to read these days, and finishing a book is rare for me.. but this one was worth setting aside some time for. Like the others have said, you’ll probably have a good cry at the end, but there is hope and comfort and stability in the ending that sets the reader back on their feet and feeling inspired.

[Tanya R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story that is so much like real life, it will make you sad.

I sometimes think about children that have no one in their corner and how we as a society don't spend enough time taking care of each other, much less the children that need people's love and attention the most.

This book will honestly make you want to foster children. Definitely read this book!

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that stays with you long after you are done reading. The author did a brilliant job of highlighting what life is like living with AIDS for a teenager. Have tissues handy when reading this one, you will need them!

[Tolk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this book. The premise is intriguing, the story itself strong. It raises a number of topics that need to be discussed. Even now that we know more about the disease. Or maybe we need to bring them back into the discussion because not talking about is dangerous. So yes, I loved how the book addressed these issues.
Why am I not happy?
I had the hardest time with the writing style. The dialogues came across as stilted and artificial. Also, the difference in speech between the individual characters (sometimes with a 20-year age difference) was partly absent. They all spoke the same. That and the redundant descriptions and considerations greatly reduced the pleasure I had in reading this book. That's a real shame because I can absolutely see the potential in this book. I do hope that these are subjective dislikes and that others will enjoy this book much more than I did.