What do you think?
Rate this book
At Daddy's Hands: Courage Knows No Age
In public, Jim Handler is a well-respected, small-town hero, and homicide detective who solved the case of the Will’s Creek Massacre. But at home, in the shadows, Jim’s childhood demons come alive to feast upon his family in the form of sexual, physical, and mental abuse.
But his three teenage children have had enough. They have devised a plan for redemption.
Empowered by the legal system’s lack of accountability, a judge who offers a quiet and meager plea deal to save face, Jim feels enabled to do whatever he wants to his family. With no one to keep Jim in check, this cycle of sexual and physical abuse is rampant. It is up Nikki, Tyler, and Ally to end the evil that is devouring the Handler family.
But his three teenage children have had enough. They have devised a plan for redemption.
Empowered by the legal system’s lack of accountability, a judge who offers a quiet and meager plea deal to save face, Jim feels enabled to do whatever he wants to his family. With no one to keep Jim in check, this cycle of sexual and physical abuse is rampant. It is up Nikki, Tyler, and Ally to end the evil that is devouring the Handler family.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2019
181 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Jacob Paul Patchen
10 books73 followersJacob Paul Patchen is a multi-award-winning author and poet of various genres and age groups. He writes children's, teen, young adult, and adult fiction. His books often reflect on real-life experiences, examine what makes us who we are, and instill goodness. For Jacob, every book has a purpose. Patchen earns his inspiration through experience, where he writes about the things that built him: Love, Family, War, and Learning things the hard way.
A former Marine and combat veteran, Jacob graduated from Muskingum University, where he studied Creative Writing. Jacob is a member of IPBA, MWSA, and has books published by TouchPoint Press, Black Rose Writing, and Adelaide Books. Currently, he continues to sharpen his craft while working at Muskingum University. Jacob’s most recent books include: Sheltered: When a Boy Becomes a Legend (TouchPoint Press, 2021), Words That Matter: Family Book 1 of 10 (TouchPoint Press, 2021), At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age (4x award-winner, Black Rose Writing, 2019), Of Love and War (Adelaide Books, 2018).
Jacob considers his time as a United States Marine as a major turning point in his life. Deployed to Iraq as a Rifleman in 2005, Jacob learned quickly to appreciate and love the little things that life has to offer. With a deep understanding and admiration for having a purpose in life, Jacob decided to live his life in honor of those that never made it back home by following his dreams, getting the most out of life, and encouraging good intentions.
Patchen took his pen name from his grandfather, who was blessed with four amazing daughters but no son Jacob wanted to carry on the family name and honor his grandparents who were such a prominent pillar of love, support, and knowledge. Readers will see that the importance of this foundation is at the heart of Patchen’s writing. Jacob’s roots are buried is rural poetry, where he started writing, at the age of 12, about nature, love, and his own experiences using a confessional tone.
Jacob believes that his writing career began on the day that he decided to quit an oil and gas job in order to finish his first book, Life Lessons from Grandpa and His Chicken Coop. Jacob has worked in several job fields, including: excavating for his father’s company, evening manager at a bowling alley, bartender, youth case manager at a behavioral health facility, marketing, and has even started his own handyman business. But none has given him purpose and satisfaction quite like writing has.
He has been published in several literary journals, including New Millennium Writings, Into the Void Magazine, The Deadly Writers Patrol, and Lost Lake Folk Opera Magazine. He has also been selected as a finalist in many poetry competitions.
Books by Jacob Paul Patchen:
Poetry
Of Love and War (Adelaide Books, 2018)
We Fight. We Love. We Devour. (2021)
Fiction
4x Award-Winner: At Daddy’s Hands (YA Thriller/Suspense – Black Rose Writing, September 2019)
1st Place Award-Winner: Sheltered: When a Boy Becomes a Legend (Middle Grade Action/Adventure, 2021)
1st Place Award-Winner: No Pistol Tastes the Same (Adult Fiction, 2022)
Children’s
Words That Matter (10 book series, TouchPoint Press, 2021)
Creative Nonfiction
Life Lessons from Grandpa and His Chicken Coop (CreateSpace, 2015)
Talking S. H. I. T. (Social, Humorous and Inspirational Thoughts) (CreateSpace, 2017)
You can see more of Jacob at Jacobpaulpatchen.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
A former Marine and combat veteran, Jacob graduated from Muskingum University, where he studied Creative Writing. Jacob is a member of IPBA, MWSA, and has books published by TouchPoint Press, Black Rose Writing, and Adelaide Books. Currently, he continues to sharpen his craft while working at Muskingum University. Jacob’s most recent books include: Sheltered: When a Boy Becomes a Legend (TouchPoint Press, 2021), Words That Matter: Family Book 1 of 10 (TouchPoint Press, 2021), At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age (4x award-winner, Black Rose Writing, 2019), Of Love and War (Adelaide Books, 2018).
Jacob considers his time as a United States Marine as a major turning point in his life. Deployed to Iraq as a Rifleman in 2005, Jacob learned quickly to appreciate and love the little things that life has to offer. With a deep understanding and admiration for having a purpose in life, Jacob decided to live his life in honor of those that never made it back home by following his dreams, getting the most out of life, and encouraging good intentions.
Patchen took his pen name from his grandfather, who was blessed with four amazing daughters but no son Jacob wanted to carry on the family name and honor his grandparents who were such a prominent pillar of love, support, and knowledge. Readers will see that the importance of this foundation is at the heart of Patchen’s writing. Jacob’s roots are buried is rural poetry, where he started writing, at the age of 12, about nature, love, and his own experiences using a confessional tone.
Jacob believes that his writing career began on the day that he decided to quit an oil and gas job in order to finish his first book, Life Lessons from Grandpa and His Chicken Coop. Jacob has worked in several job fields, including: excavating for his father’s company, evening manager at a bowling alley, bartender, youth case manager at a behavioral health facility, marketing, and has even started his own handyman business. But none has given him purpose and satisfaction quite like writing has.
He has been published in several literary journals, including New Millennium Writings, Into the Void Magazine, The Deadly Writers Patrol, and Lost Lake Folk Opera Magazine. He has also been selected as a finalist in many poetry competitions.
Books by Jacob Paul Patchen:
Poetry
Of Love and War (Adelaide Books, 2018)
We Fight. We Love. We Devour. (2021)
Fiction
4x Award-Winner: At Daddy’s Hands (YA Thriller/Suspense – Black Rose Writing, September 2019)
1st Place Award-Winner: Sheltered: When a Boy Becomes a Legend (Middle Grade Action/Adventure, 2021)
1st Place Award-Winner: No Pistol Tastes the Same (Adult Fiction, 2022)
Children’s
Words That Matter (10 book series, TouchPoint Press, 2021)
Creative Nonfiction
Life Lessons from Grandpa and His Chicken Coop (CreateSpace, 2015)
Talking S. H. I. T. (Social, Humorous and Inspirational Thoughts) (CreateSpace, 2017)
You can see more of Jacob at Jacobpaulpatchen.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
Jim Handler is a man with a gun ...and a badge. He's a homicide detective... and a small town hero.
Jim Handler is married with 2 daughters and a son. He is also abusive ..physically, mentally, sexually. And it's getting more severe day by day. His wife is drinking to deal with her husband, leaving her children at his mercy.
The older daughter reported the abuse to a teacher, who reported to the school psychologist, who reported it to the police. The police notified Handler and of course, he denied all allegations. The court system failed them as well. Basically, nothing has changed, except for his growing anger.
The kids have had enough. They have devised a plan that will stop the violence one and for all.
This was really hard to read due to the disturbing subject matter. It's a hard topic to tackle, especially as we all know these things still exist in our society.
The story is told from everyone's perspective ... mom, each of the kids, and dad. It's gut-wrenching to read the parents's backgrounds and instead of stopping the cycle of abuse, they continued it. It's a fairly short read ... thank goodness ... and guaranteed I will probably have nightmares when the lights go out tonight.
Many thanks to the author / Black Rose Writing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Jim Handler is a man with a gun ...and a badge. He's a homicide detective... and a small town hero.
Jim Handler is married with 2 daughters and a son. He is also abusive ..physically, mentally, sexually. And it's getting more severe day by day. His wife is drinking to deal with her husband, leaving her children at his mercy.
The older daughter reported the abuse to a teacher, who reported to the school psychologist, who reported it to the police. The police notified Handler and of course, he denied all allegations. The court system failed them as well. Basically, nothing has changed, except for his growing anger.
The kids have had enough. They have devised a plan that will stop the violence one and for all.
This was really hard to read due to the disturbing subject matter. It's a hard topic to tackle, especially as we all know these things still exist in our society.
The story is told from everyone's perspective ... mom, each of the kids, and dad. It's gut-wrenching to read the parents's backgrounds and instead of stopping the cycle of abuse, they continued it. It's a fairly short read ... thank goodness ... and guaranteed I will probably have nightmares when the lights go out tonight.
Many thanks to the author / Black Rose Writing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 20, 2019
At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age by Jacob Paul Patchen may be classified as teen/young adult, but it certainly has enough appeal for adult readers of all ages. I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a psychological thriller, but it could be called psychological suspense.
Jim Handler is a homicide detective who solved a major murder case and turned himself into a hero in his small hometown. Jim has a wife, Ashley, and three children, Ally, Tyler and Nikki. The Handlers should be a shining example of the All-Amerįcan family and appear to be on the outside, but the Handlers have a terrible secret. Jim is an abuser. He subjects his wife and children to physical, mental and sexual abuse on a nearly daily basis.
Ashley, the abused wife, has given up so much of herself that she is unable to save her children from their father’s abuse.
Tyler, the middle child, has reached his breaking point and comes up with plan to free himself and his siblings from their father.
Ally is the eldest child at sixteen. She’s an artist, but has resorted to cutting herself and attempted suicide to have some control over her life.
Nikki is the youngest child at eleven. She loves journaling and writing poetry to document and escape the cruel reality of her home life. Nikki becomes the word she uses in an essay that leads her teacher to realize the situation Nikki is in : courage.
The secret is out, but no one wants to believe it. Jim is a decorated police officer. His fellow officers and the local judge all refuse to see what’s right in front of their eyes. He receives a slap on the wrist for the horrors he’s inflicted upon his family, and it emboldens him. He will never stop. He is omnipotent. Where children should feel the safest Jim Handler’s children felt only fear and pain: At Daddy’s Hands.
The children realize that they must implement Tyler’s plan if they are to ever get out from under their father’s hands. They want to live without fear and hate. They want to be free.
At Daddy’s Hands is very well-written. The story is mainly revealed through the varying viewpoints of each family member and through multiple timeframes. This could have been awkward but the author handles it competently so there is no confusion. Patchen has done a fantastic job of making a very uncomfortable subject into a story you want to read. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
My thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Jim Handler is a homicide detective who solved a major murder case and turned himself into a hero in his small hometown. Jim has a wife, Ashley, and three children, Ally, Tyler and Nikki. The Handlers should be a shining example of the All-Amerįcan family and appear to be on the outside, but the Handlers have a terrible secret. Jim is an abuser. He subjects his wife and children to physical, mental and sexual abuse on a nearly daily basis.
Ashley, the abused wife, has given up so much of herself that she is unable to save her children from their father’s abuse.
Tyler, the middle child, has reached his breaking point and comes up with plan to free himself and his siblings from their father.
Ally is the eldest child at sixteen. She’s an artist, but has resorted to cutting herself and attempted suicide to have some control over her life.
Nikki is the youngest child at eleven. She loves journaling and writing poetry to document and escape the cruel reality of her home life. Nikki becomes the word she uses in an essay that leads her teacher to realize the situation Nikki is in : courage.
The secret is out, but no one wants to believe it. Jim is a decorated police officer. His fellow officers and the local judge all refuse to see what’s right in front of their eyes. He receives a slap on the wrist for the horrors he’s inflicted upon his family, and it emboldens him. He will never stop. He is omnipotent. Where children should feel the safest Jim Handler’s children felt only fear and pain: At Daddy’s Hands.
The children realize that they must implement Tyler’s plan if they are to ever get out from under their father’s hands. They want to live without fear and hate. They want to be free.
At Daddy’s Hands is very well-written. The story is mainly revealed through the varying viewpoints of each family member and through multiple timeframes. This could have been awkward but the author handles it competently so there is no confusion. Patchen has done a fantastic job of making a very uncomfortable subject into a story you want to read. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
My thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
August 3, 2019
Books like this (child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse) are hard to read due to the disturbing subject matter. However, it is essential to hear what occurs as these are real things that happen to children and families.
The story is told from the perspective of each person involved and done well. The author discusses how the system can sometimes abuse the victim even more. It also shines a light on the hero’s that step forward.
I was able to read this in one night as the author developed the story and the emotions involved well. At Daddy's Hands is written with passion and disturbing details.
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen is a very good book about a difficult subject, but one that needs to be told.
The story is told from the perspective of each person involved and done well. The author discusses how the system can sometimes abuse the victim even more. It also shines a light on the hero’s that step forward.
I was able to read this in one night as the author developed the story and the emotions involved well. At Daddy's Hands is written with passion and disturbing details.
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen is a very good book about a difficult subject, but one that needs to be told.
August 19, 2019
After years of abuse, and being failed by the system, one family takes matters into their own hands.
I want to say this book was unbelievable, but sadly, living in a time when just a month ago, a judge admonished lawyers for not telling a rape victim she might ruin her rapists life by pressing charges and suggesting that since the rapist comes from a "good family" he should not have to face consequences makes this story feel all too real. Jim Handler, husband, father, hero, pedophile can do no wrong. The town loves him, his fellow cops love him, even his victims love him and hope that one day he will change.
Although a work of fiction I have no doubt that somewhere this story happens every day.
I received an advance copy for review.
I want to say this book was unbelievable, but sadly, living in a time when just a month ago, a judge admonished lawyers for not telling a rape victim she might ruin her rapists life by pressing charges and suggesting that since the rapist comes from a "good family" he should not have to face consequences makes this story feel all too real. Jim Handler, husband, father, hero, pedophile can do no wrong. The town loves him, his fellow cops love him, even his victims love him and hope that one day he will change.
Although a work of fiction I have no doubt that somewhere this story happens every day.
I received an advance copy for review.
August 26, 2019
*I got this review free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I... huh.
This might be the hardest book I have ever had to review. While the story itself is fiction, it deals with very heavy, serious subjects. As the TW states, there is abuse, sexual assault, childhood rape, and familial rape as the basis of this story. If you continue to read this review and find any of those subjects triggering, please proceed with caution.
Honestly, I have no idea what to rate this book. I have battled with numerous different ratings and reasonings, but I guess I just have to... go with my gut on this one. Try to bear with me as I attempt to explain why.
As I said, the subject matter is very serious and reading the book was almost gut-wrenching. This is coming from a reviewer who reads extremely dark subjects on a daily basis. As if the fact that the abuser/child rapist in this book is their father isn’t bad enough, he also happens to be a cop. And, as one might expect, that makes any legal proceedings near impossible, as nobody chooses to believe the victims... and, as a reader, it was very aggravating.
The story was told in alternating POVs. You read from the perspective of the three children, as well as their parents. And... yes... that does include the child-raping scumbag. While I understand that the author wanted to get all of the different perspectives, I’m not quite sure how I feel about that decision. In fact, reading from Jim’s POV almost made me DNF. Almost. As someone who, thankfully, has never been sexually assaulted in her almost-21 years of life, if I considered DNFing then I can’t even begin to imagine what some victims of sexual assault might think if they read the same thing. I think I understand... maybe... what the author was trying to go for, but I just... don’t think it was very smart. Maybe others will disagree with me. I dunno.
That said, I also didn’t much care for Ashley, the mother. She was just... so fucking aggravating. She KNEW what was going on right under her own roof and did NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, in an attempt to stop it. While I whole-heartedly understand that women in abusive relationships might be afraid to speak up or get help, this woman just... literally sat there and watched her children be taken to the bedroom to be raped. In all honesty, she pissed me off almost as much as the actual child-raping scumbag did.
However.
While I have extremely mixed feelings about the story itself, at the end of the book the author has included accounts from real sexual assault victims from Ohio — where the story is set. That, to me, was better than the story itself, and I would almost consider purchasing this book just for that. Hearing these stories, giving these victims a platform, was incredible on the author’s part, in my opinion. It’s one thing to read about fictional sexual assault, but to actually read from real people... well, that causes feelings that I can’t even begin to describe.
Overall... well, I think it’s up to the individual person whether they can stomach a story like this. As I said above, I almost think it’s worth the read just to hear from real people, but the subject matter is, obviously, very grim and very real. Whether you’d want to read this particular story or not is completely up to you — but I definitely have newfound respect for the featured people who chose to speak up.
Speak up and speak out.
I... huh.
This might be the hardest book I have ever had to review. While the story itself is fiction, it deals with very heavy, serious subjects. As the TW states, there is abuse, sexual assault, childhood rape, and familial rape as the basis of this story. If you continue to read this review and find any of those subjects triggering, please proceed with caution.
Honestly, I have no idea what to rate this book. I have battled with numerous different ratings and reasonings, but I guess I just have to... go with my gut on this one. Try to bear with me as I attempt to explain why.
As I said, the subject matter is very serious and reading the book was almost gut-wrenching. This is coming from a reviewer who reads extremely dark subjects on a daily basis. As if the fact that the abuser/child rapist in this book is their father isn’t bad enough, he also happens to be a cop. And, as one might expect, that makes any legal proceedings near impossible, as nobody chooses to believe the victims... and, as a reader, it was very aggravating.
The story was told in alternating POVs. You read from the perspective of the three children, as well as their parents. And... yes... that does include the child-raping scumbag. While I understand that the author wanted to get all of the different perspectives, I’m not quite sure how I feel about that decision. In fact, reading from Jim’s POV almost made me DNF. Almost. As someone who, thankfully, has never been sexually assaulted in her almost-21 years of life, if I considered DNFing then I can’t even begin to imagine what some victims of sexual assault might think if they read the same thing. I think I understand... maybe... what the author was trying to go for, but I just... don’t think it was very smart. Maybe others will disagree with me. I dunno.
That said, I also didn’t much care for Ashley, the mother. She was just... so fucking aggravating. She KNEW what was going on right under her own roof and did NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, in an attempt to stop it. While I whole-heartedly understand that women in abusive relationships might be afraid to speak up or get help, this woman just... literally sat there and watched her children be taken to the bedroom to be raped. In all honesty, she pissed me off almost as much as the actual child-raping scumbag did.
However.
While I have extremely mixed feelings about the story itself, at the end of the book the author has included accounts from real sexual assault victims from Ohio — where the story is set. That, to me, was better than the story itself, and I would almost consider purchasing this book just for that. Hearing these stories, giving these victims a platform, was incredible on the author’s part, in my opinion. It’s one thing to read about fictional sexual assault, but to actually read from real people... well, that causes feelings that I can’t even begin to describe.
Overall... well, I think it’s up to the individual person whether they can stomach a story like this. As I said above, I almost think it’s worth the read just to hear from real people, but the subject matter is, obviously, very grim and very real. Whether you’d want to read this particular story or not is completely up to you — but I definitely have newfound respect for the featured people who chose to speak up.
Speak up and speak out.
November 3, 2019
In public, Jim Handler is a well-respected, small-town hero, and homicide detective who solved the case of the Will’s Creek Massacre. But at home, in the shadows, Jim’s childhood demons come alive to feast upon his family in the form of sexual, physical, and mental abuse.
But his three teenage children have had enough. They have devised a plan for redemption.
Empowered by the legal system’s lack of accountability, a judge who offers a quiet and meager plea deal to save face, Jim feels enabled to do whatever he wants to his family. With no one to keep Jim in check, this cycle of sexual and physical abuse is rampant. It is up to Nikki, Tyler, and Ally to end the evil that is devouring the Handler family.
This is a very powerful tale of a very disturbing subject matter.
The story deals with child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse so there are those triggers for some.
The plot and story line have been well written and done with sensitivity as well.
The characters have been fleshed out well and are very emotionally written.
Very very emotional read and the author has done this one with great justice.
Will be looking for further reads from this author.
Many Thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for my eARC. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
But his three teenage children have had enough. They have devised a plan for redemption.
Empowered by the legal system’s lack of accountability, a judge who offers a quiet and meager plea deal to save face, Jim feels enabled to do whatever he wants to his family. With no one to keep Jim in check, this cycle of sexual and physical abuse is rampant. It is up to Nikki, Tyler, and Ally to end the evil that is devouring the Handler family.
This is a very powerful tale of a very disturbing subject matter.
The story deals with child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse so there are those triggers for some.
The plot and story line have been well written and done with sensitivity as well.
The characters have been fleshed out well and are very emotionally written.
Very very emotional read and the author has done this one with great justice.
Will be looking for further reads from this author.
Many Thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for my eARC. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 12, 2019
This book was totally gripping! It starts off with 3 kids coming up with a plan to get themselves out of an abusive situation At Daddy's Hands. This chapter ends on a cliff hanger. Then it sends you right into the back stories of each of the 3 kids and the wife/mother. It sends you on quite the roller coaster of emotions giving you a peek at what someone in a situation like this would be going through mentally and physically. For me it gave insight to the question of "why don't they speak up and tell someone? Why do they stay in this situation?" The book hits the climax, but it gives you another chapter after that to read about the conclusion. I think this could be a great read for everyone. @brwpublisher #atdaddyshands #NetGalley
September 13, 2019
This was a not the easiest subject matter to read. Sexual and physical abuse from anyone is HORRIBLE! But when its from a parent its exponentially more horrendous is my opinion. This was very well written and sad to read. I LOVED the victim stories that were included in the end.
Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and to Jacob Paul Patchen for allowing me to read and honestly review this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and to Jacob Paul Patchen for allowing me to read and honestly review this ARC.
January 12, 2020
Painful, but excellent!
Before I talk about the book, let me just say I saw a review with someone criticizing whether a nine-year-old can spell the words that were used in this book and I thought that was tacky. She did say she gets a 98 in ELA so maybe if you can she is in the six grade. In any event I want to say I thought reading this book since it was fictitious would be easier than reading a true account of incest and abuse I was wrong.All I kept thinking was OMG this happens in real life. I think if you like family drama books and the drama of abuse you would like this book not to say you like hearing about abuse but you know what I mean. I think the author did a wonderful job and obviously did his research to get the real emotions that a young girl who is a victim of incest would have. I found this book to be excellent and told from the child’s point of you were such a great idea. That is why I gave it five stars!
Before I talk about the book, let me just say I saw a review with someone criticizing whether a nine-year-old can spell the words that were used in this book and I thought that was tacky. She did say she gets a 98 in ELA so maybe if you can she is in the six grade. In any event I want to say I thought reading this book since it was fictitious would be easier than reading a true account of incest and abuse I was wrong.All I kept thinking was OMG this happens in real life. I think if you like family drama books and the drama of abuse you would like this book not to say you like hearing about abuse but you know what I mean. I think the author did a wonderful job and obviously did his research to get the real emotions that a young girl who is a victim of incest would have. I found this book to be excellent and told from the child’s point of you were such a great idea. That is why I gave it five stars!
October 14, 2019
Jacob Graham is former Marine who is writing by the name #JacobPaulPatchen. I knew what I was to expect when I agreed to read and review his book #AtDaddysHands but even knowing what this story is about, you're not actually PREPARED to read a story like this.
Mr. Graham uses extremely sensitive and taboo topics in our society/media regarding sexual abuse, rape, incest, and Domestic Violence against women and children and puts them in such words that they are guaranteed to rip your heart out and make you feel feel sick to your stomach, but at the same time want to run to your children and make sure they're safe, because if this could happen in a family such as the one portrayed in this story, how do you know it's not actually happening in YOUR OWN family?
The father/perpetrator in this story is a decorated Homicide Detective, and a "Hero" to the town. When his oldest daughter gets to old to molest in his opinion, he starts on his 11yr old daughter at the time (though she could have been younger, as the book never actually says how old each girl was when the molestation started for them). In the reading of the book though, the youngest girl is 12yrs old and in 6th grade. The girl opens up to her teacher and a Counselor at school and their Father is arrested, but it's not without a lot of disbelief and questions, but he never actually goes to Trial because the Judge doesn't want to embarrass himself, the father, or the Town. The father is given counseling for three months as punishment instead of jail time, then he's allowed back home where the abuse starts back up. The children make a plan to rid themselves of their torturer but things don't go as they plan, which causes the climatic showdown.
There's a scene in the book where the boy, the middle child, performs an act against a fellow football player, and a year later he's trying to help another team member when he realizes the act he performed was something his father would do to him or his sisters, and he runs to the bathroom where he gets violently sick. He didn't want to have anything of his father in him and for him to act like the monster who sired him shook him to his core. He realizes he has to get help or he will continue to become just like his father.
#AtDaddysHands will make you cry, make you angry, make you question what you think you know to be accurate, but most of all it will make you rage against the injustice of women and children (and yes, some men) just like those in this story.
I think Mr. Graham/Patchen did a remarkable job with the description in this book, making it as realistic as it is. He brings the readers into the book and won't let them go, no matter how much they want to put it down (some parts more than others, and yes there are parts you WILL want to put it down), but there's just something there that keeps making you read on because you just have to find out how this book is going to end.
While I admit I WON'T be reading #AtDaddysHands again (no matter how WELL WRITTEN it is), I WILL be searching out more books by #JacobPaulPatchen reading them to see if they are just as good as this is, and if they are just as well written.
Mr. Graham uses extremely sensitive and taboo topics in our society/media regarding sexual abuse, rape, incest, and Domestic Violence against women and children and puts them in such words that they are guaranteed to rip your heart out and make you feel feel sick to your stomach, but at the same time want to run to your children and make sure they're safe, because if this could happen in a family such as the one portrayed in this story, how do you know it's not actually happening in YOUR OWN family?
The father/perpetrator in this story is a decorated Homicide Detective, and a "Hero" to the town. When his oldest daughter gets to old to molest in his opinion, he starts on his 11yr old daughter at the time (though she could have been younger, as the book never actually says how old each girl was when the molestation started for them). In the reading of the book though, the youngest girl is 12yrs old and in 6th grade. The girl opens up to her teacher and a Counselor at school and their Father is arrested, but it's not without a lot of disbelief and questions, but he never actually goes to Trial because the Judge doesn't want to embarrass himself, the father, or the Town. The father is given counseling for three months as punishment instead of jail time, then he's allowed back home where the abuse starts back up. The children make a plan to rid themselves of their torturer but things don't go as they plan, which causes the climatic showdown.
There's a scene in the book where the boy, the middle child, performs an act against a fellow football player, and a year later he's trying to help another team member when he realizes the act he performed was something his father would do to him or his sisters, and he runs to the bathroom where he gets violently sick. He didn't want to have anything of his father in him and for him to act like the monster who sired him shook him to his core. He realizes he has to get help or he will continue to become just like his father.
#AtDaddysHands will make you cry, make you angry, make you question what you think you know to be accurate, but most of all it will make you rage against the injustice of women and children (and yes, some men) just like those in this story.
I think Mr. Graham/Patchen did a remarkable job with the description in this book, making it as realistic as it is. He brings the readers into the book and won't let them go, no matter how much they want to put it down (some parts more than others, and yes there are parts you WILL want to put it down), but there's just something there that keeps making you read on because you just have to find out how this book is going to end.
While I admit I WON'T be reading #AtDaddysHands again (no matter how WELL WRITTEN it is), I WILL be searching out more books by #JacobPaulPatchen reading them to see if they are just as good as this is, and if they are just as well written.
September 19, 2019
What if your father was not only abusing you but abusing your whole family? Would you tell someone? Now what if that abuser was a respected Homicide Detective in a small town? Would you still tell someone, and what if you told and it was disregarded because such a well respected man would "never do such a thing"?
This is the reality for one family in this book that delves deep into matters that are seldom discussed in real life, we are on a journey with not one but 3 children and a mother who are victims and when the youngest finally speaks outs her story is minimized and swept under the rug. Than what do you do to protect yourself and your family? This was a great read that both horrified me and warmed my heart. A families survival and how they beat the odds. Great characters, great plot, a very easy read if you can handle the subject matter. The author is brutally honest in his story but it is done with class and respect.
This is the reality for one family in this book that delves deep into matters that are seldom discussed in real life, we are on a journey with not one but 3 children and a mother who are victims and when the youngest finally speaks outs her story is minimized and swept under the rug. Than what do you do to protect yourself and your family? This was a great read that both horrified me and warmed my heart. A families survival and how they beat the odds. Great characters, great plot, a very easy read if you can handle the subject matter. The author is brutally honest in his story but it is done with class and respect.
September 14, 2019
This book was hard to read not because it was written well but because of the subject matter. It has triggers( abuse physical/ sexual).
It was a good book. It was written from a neat perspective, it started from in the middle then flashed back and then you caught you back up. I enjoyed how it ended.
I appreciate how the author spoke to survivors. In fact, one of the survivors stories actually came from the town I live in. I know abuse is all around. My mother is a retired social worker- one of her previous jobs was a CPS worker. This just reminds you that may not know what is happening in someone else’s home/life and you might be the one they reach out to- don’t be scared to help them.
It was a good book. It was written from a neat perspective, it started from in the middle then flashed back and then you caught you back up. I enjoyed how it ended.
I appreciate how the author spoke to survivors. In fact, one of the survivors stories actually came from the town I live in. I know abuse is all around. My mother is a retired social worker- one of her previous jobs was a CPS worker. This just reminds you that may not know what is happening in someone else’s home/life and you might be the one they reach out to- don’t be scared to help them.
October 3, 2019
A much needed truthful book
If you have been abused it strikes a cord inside you. If you haven't been abused then you need to read this book so you realize how prevalent it is and how it can be your best buddy or a respectable person in the community. It's horrible and disgusting and it happens so often.
If you have been abused it strikes a cord inside you. If you haven't been abused then you need to read this book so you realize how prevalent it is and how it can be your best buddy or a respectable person in the community. It's horrible and disgusting and it happens so often.
September 1, 2019
At Daddy’s Hands by author Jacob Paul Patchen is a tough to read yet remarkable thriller of a book. It probably won’t be for everyone, but it’s good!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2019
A very, very difficult story to read about abuse from a father and a system that failed the family. I was angry while reading this when I saw how the whole system failed this family. A very good read, but very emotional. I recommend this book, but know going in that it is very disturbing.
October 5, 2019
What happens behind closed doors.
This so called, perfect family, was a facade. Dad was a cop, town hero. Abused his family, in every way possible. Karma bus came.
This so called, perfect family, was a facade. Dad was a cop, town hero. Abused his family, in every way possible. Karma bus came.
February 9, 2020
Disturbing
October 4, 2019
# At Daddy’s Hands # Netgalley
A extremely powerful message well written book. Of incest, sexual physical, emotional, mental abuse. Of a farther on his three children. It probably the closest books on this subject I have ever ever read. Even when his children conspire to try and get something done to stop it. It often fails. Just like it did in the 70s and 80s. When sexual abuse was rampant. Yet no one would of could do much about it. Due to the. High ranking police, court judges, Queens councils. Politicians where involved in the abuse. The children where a comodotiy. Not worth much in the eyes of such powerful men. Where blind eyes where tuned and a child was made to suffer more. For taking and bringing attention to the sexual assault, abuse. Oh how the mighty felt untouchable. Because they where. Children where sent back home. Children where sent back to children’s homes. It often been said when reports started to come into the police. No one really knew what to do. Because these children, where naming big stars names. Who where being protected. This book is so life like back to that era. A absolutely brilliant written book on the horrors of sexual abuse where no one seemed to want to do anything about it. I can honestly say although it’s such a extremely in-depth story line. I certainly would advise a cautionary paragraph for anyone who has been through the horrors of incest or any type of sexual abuse. I say this with such a well meaning reasons. Someone who just happens to pick this book up, yet knowing it’s on a dark horrific subject. Of someone having been through this kind of think. Often read books like this. I have found it’s like the read them looking or hoping a fictional or true book will help them find answers to why. Yet I feel this particular book. Is such a exceptional eerie almost real life book. The author has dared to cross a line between fact and fiction, in such a way, that I really believe some sexual abused people could read this book and it quite easily be read in the wrong way. It’s actually so well written and storyline so absolutely phenomenal real although it’s fictional. Because the author has actually put so much research it could quite easily be mistaken for a factual book. Hence bringing such strong and powerful messages that if someone where to read this I would hate in to be confused with reality for some. Provoking horrific memories from the past back I would be exceptionally concerned. For a person who has not dealt with their own experiences properly. I can not express how extremely powerful and emotionally charged this book is. After of 50yrs of reading I can honestly say. The author has gone to the edge of fictional to the boundaries of reality. As I stated at the beginning it’s the closest read to the actual real thing. It’s not just the closest it’s the fear written in the book is actually so much on the edge of reality I found myself thinking this is a factual book. Then I had to keep telling myself no it’s a fictional story not reality. However there’s such a fine line between the two. I have such a immense., respect to the author for bringing this subject so close to life. That crossing the line from fact to fictional storyline. Is such a touch of brilliance. He has surpassed any other author by far. By being as close to the actual truth I think without him realising how much brilliance and such a a piece of genius writing. What a great fantastic read above and beyond anything I have read in years. Probably more for the realism, he’s caught the true essence of a survivor and of a abuser like no one else ever has done both so well ever before. A pure pure brilliant thriller. This is really really one book no one can pass by. You really would be missing out on a brilliant almost realistic storyline ever.
A extremely powerful message well written book. Of incest, sexual physical, emotional, mental abuse. Of a farther on his three children. It probably the closest books on this subject I have ever ever read. Even when his children conspire to try and get something done to stop it. It often fails. Just like it did in the 70s and 80s. When sexual abuse was rampant. Yet no one would of could do much about it. Due to the. High ranking police, court judges, Queens councils. Politicians where involved in the abuse. The children where a comodotiy. Not worth much in the eyes of such powerful men. Where blind eyes where tuned and a child was made to suffer more. For taking and bringing attention to the sexual assault, abuse. Oh how the mighty felt untouchable. Because they where. Children where sent back home. Children where sent back to children’s homes. It often been said when reports started to come into the police. No one really knew what to do. Because these children, where naming big stars names. Who where being protected. This book is so life like back to that era. A absolutely brilliant written book on the horrors of sexual abuse where no one seemed to want to do anything about it. I can honestly say although it’s such a extremely in-depth story line. I certainly would advise a cautionary paragraph for anyone who has been through the horrors of incest or any type of sexual abuse. I say this with such a well meaning reasons. Someone who just happens to pick this book up, yet knowing it’s on a dark horrific subject. Of someone having been through this kind of think. Often read books like this. I have found it’s like the read them looking or hoping a fictional or true book will help them find answers to why. Yet I feel this particular book. Is such a exceptional eerie almost real life book. The author has dared to cross a line between fact and fiction, in such a way, that I really believe some sexual abused people could read this book and it quite easily be read in the wrong way. It’s actually so well written and storyline so absolutely phenomenal real although it’s fictional. Because the author has actually put so much research it could quite easily be mistaken for a factual book. Hence bringing such strong and powerful messages that if someone where to read this I would hate in to be confused with reality for some. Provoking horrific memories from the past back I would be exceptionally concerned. For a person who has not dealt with their own experiences properly. I can not express how extremely powerful and emotionally charged this book is. After of 50yrs of reading I can honestly say. The author has gone to the edge of fictional to the boundaries of reality. As I stated at the beginning it’s the closest read to the actual real thing. It’s not just the closest it’s the fear written in the book is actually so much on the edge of reality I found myself thinking this is a factual book. Then I had to keep telling myself no it’s a fictional story not reality. However there’s such a fine line between the two. I have such a immense., respect to the author for bringing this subject so close to life. That crossing the line from fact to fictional storyline. Is such a touch of brilliance. He has surpassed any other author by far. By being as close to the actual truth I think without him realising how much brilliance and such a a piece of genius writing. What a great fantastic read above and beyond anything I have read in years. Probably more for the realism, he’s caught the true essence of a survivor and of a abuser like no one else ever has done both so well ever before. A pure pure brilliant thriller. This is really really one book no one can pass by. You really would be missing out on a brilliant almost realistic storyline ever.
October 2, 2019
A truly heart wrenching must-read!
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen
Let me just start by saying the author is a new one for me. This book is his first work I've read. I had recently read the book description in some random email. The plot both intrigued and disgusted me at the same time.
Jim Handled is a hero of a small Ohio town. His entire profession is based on protecting innocent people. How twisted that there's no one protecting his own children from him. Once Him discovers that he can get away with anything...There is no stopping him. The system that should've protected his family completely let them all down.
This is a story filled with deprivation, anger, sadness, fear, and struggles. It is also full of hope, love, strength, and perseverance. It is a story of 3 siblings and their mother's fight of coming to terms with their own mental, physical, and sexual abuse. It is a story of them taking a stand, fighting back, and overcoming.
Jacob Paul Patch has some talent with the written word! He had me crying just by reading his Author's Note at the beginning of the book. But that's not the same as being able to move me with his book, so I dive in. Characters that come to life as you slip into the story. A plot that holds a morbid fascination for so many for different reasons. I was moved. I felt. Part of the #MeToo movement, I am no stranger to abuse. This reached me on a far deeper level than I was prepared for despite knowing it's topic.
Far more than just telling a story, this book opens eyes. Raises awareness. Sure it could go deeper and be "real-er" but there has to be a line. Not everyone deals with abuse the same way. So Mr. Patches took a sort of middle ground with this book. My reactions to my abuse are different than your reactions. My coping is different than yours. My reality is not yours. So maybe this book won't affect you the same as it affected me. There is no way the author could've written a book that reflected what each person experienced themselves.
This is not some kind of self help book for abuse survivors. But it IS a book that raises awareness. It shows how easy it is to abuse power. To take advantage of the innocent, those with less power. It also shows how a system that is supposed to help those in this situation is so terribly inadequate. Sweeping it under the rug to benefit the abuser, causing further damage to the victim(s).
This book is the type that will create strong feelings in the reader. Especially if you were abused. It does contain triggers. That can't be helped due to the topic. It does a good job of giving the reader a glimpse inside an abusive home. If someone has never been exposed to abuse - this will provide some insight.
There were some minor editing issues. The story was strong enough that the average reader will probably not even notice. My proofreading background causes me to gravitate towards them. So I did notice. But again, they were minor and don't affect the readability of the book.
I admire what Mr. Patches set out to do with this book. Trying to write about abuse can't be easy for anyone. There are so many directions the writer can take the story. This book is but a brief glance at the surface. I can envision trying to get deeper into the subject would take a minimum 3 book series. Considering this is one book the author did a great job. I definitely recommend this book. The pro's far outweigh the con's.
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen
Let me just start by saying the author is a new one for me. This book is his first work I've read. I had recently read the book description in some random email. The plot both intrigued and disgusted me at the same time.
Jim Handled is a hero of a small Ohio town. His entire profession is based on protecting innocent people. How twisted that there's no one protecting his own children from him. Once Him discovers that he can get away with anything...There is no stopping him. The system that should've protected his family completely let them all down.
This is a story filled with deprivation, anger, sadness, fear, and struggles. It is also full of hope, love, strength, and perseverance. It is a story of 3 siblings and their mother's fight of coming to terms with their own mental, physical, and sexual abuse. It is a story of them taking a stand, fighting back, and overcoming.
Jacob Paul Patch has some talent with the written word! He had me crying just by reading his Author's Note at the beginning of the book. But that's not the same as being able to move me with his book, so I dive in. Characters that come to life as you slip into the story. A plot that holds a morbid fascination for so many for different reasons. I was moved. I felt. Part of the #MeToo movement, I am no stranger to abuse. This reached me on a far deeper level than I was prepared for despite knowing it's topic.
Far more than just telling a story, this book opens eyes. Raises awareness. Sure it could go deeper and be "real-er" but there has to be a line. Not everyone deals with abuse the same way. So Mr. Patches took a sort of middle ground with this book. My reactions to my abuse are different than your reactions. My coping is different than yours. My reality is not yours. So maybe this book won't affect you the same as it affected me. There is no way the author could've written a book that reflected what each person experienced themselves.
This is not some kind of self help book for abuse survivors. But it IS a book that raises awareness. It shows how easy it is to abuse power. To take advantage of the innocent, those with less power. It also shows how a system that is supposed to help those in this situation is so terribly inadequate. Sweeping it under the rug to benefit the abuser, causing further damage to the victim(s).
This book is the type that will create strong feelings in the reader. Especially if you were abused. It does contain triggers. That can't be helped due to the topic. It does a good job of giving the reader a glimpse inside an abusive home. If someone has never been exposed to abuse - this will provide some insight.
There were some minor editing issues. The story was strong enough that the average reader will probably not even notice. My proofreading background causes me to gravitate towards them. So I did notice. But again, they were minor and don't affect the readability of the book.
I admire what Mr. Patches set out to do with this book. Trying to write about abuse can't be easy for anyone. There are so many directions the writer can take the story. This book is but a brief glance at the surface. I can envision trying to get deeper into the subject would take a minimum 3 book series. Considering this is one book the author did a great job. I definitely recommend this book. The pro's far outweigh the con's.
December 5, 2019
*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
To be honest, I can't even remember why I requested this book. I didn't enjoy reading it for multiple reasons. My favorite part of the book was Abuse Help Information page at the end.
First of all, the book was disturbing. Granted, I knew going into it that it was about a family being abused (in many ways) by the father. That itself, while awful, is not the reason I didn't like the book. (Though I did hate Jim Handler.) I don't feel like the content was treated quite like it should have been. I can't even really put my finger on what exactly went wrong. But perhaps it's related to my other big complaint.
This book suffered from serious lack of editing. The author had either no editor or an awful one. It felt like something he typed up and self published without re-reading it or having anyone else look over it. Near the beginning, I started keeping mental notes of examples, but I stopped because the whole book is just one big, unedited mess. Commas--so many commas in weird places. Strangely constructed sentences. Unnecessary "and"s all over the place. Timelines that don't line up (Mrs. V watches the busses drive away at the end of the day and then thinks about lunch and her class schedule as she walks Nikki to the office). Long descriptions of really unimportant things. Awkward flowery descriptions. Dialogue that is almost comical even though it shouldn't be.
This book was some of the longest 152 pages I've ever read. And a lot of the penultimate chapter is an exact replica of the first chapter, FYI.
Let's talk about that ending for a moment, too. There's a five-year gap between the last two chapters, and somehow we go from . . . THAT . . . to what uncomfortably feels like a unicorns-and-rainbows type of ending. I didn't care to read paragraphs of what each character believes "freedom" is. I wanted to know the consequences and repercussions of the previous chapter. Heck, I wanted to see some serious reprimands because of how the police, judge, and attorneys handled the allegations Nikki brought against her father. But no, apparently the author found that lacked importance compared to a family barbecue and a ticklefest.
The book felt like one big, long-winded cautionary tale with a chicken-soup-for-the-soul (or maybe Hallmark movie) ending.
How it ends:
Note: Language, including 1 f word (I believe). Horrible, horrible abuse by a father--mental, physical, and sexual. Scenes of abuse aren't graphic, as it's written in a more peripheral way (if that makes sense). But it still made me want to vomit. One sex scene (consensual, two teens) that, while not explicit, was still somewhat disturbing and made me uncomfortable.
To be honest, I can't even remember why I requested this book. I didn't enjoy reading it for multiple reasons. My favorite part of the book was Abuse Help Information page at the end.
First of all, the book was disturbing. Granted, I knew going into it that it was about a family being abused (in many ways) by the father. That itself, while awful, is not the reason I didn't like the book. (Though I did hate Jim Handler.) I don't feel like the content was treated quite like it should have been. I can't even really put my finger on what exactly went wrong. But perhaps it's related to my other big complaint.
This book suffered from serious lack of editing. The author had either no editor or an awful one. It felt like something he typed up and self published without re-reading it or having anyone else look over it. Near the beginning, I started keeping mental notes of examples, but I stopped because the whole book is just one big, unedited mess. Commas--so many commas in weird places. Strangely constructed sentences. Unnecessary "and"s all over the place. Timelines that don't line up (Mrs. V watches the busses drive away at the end of the day and then thinks about lunch and her class schedule as she walks Nikki to the office). Long descriptions of really unimportant things. Awkward flowery descriptions. Dialogue that is almost comical even though it shouldn't be.
This book was some of the longest 152 pages I've ever read. And a lot of the penultimate chapter is an exact replica of the first chapter, FYI.
Let's talk about that ending for a moment, too. There's a five-year gap between the last two chapters, and somehow we go from . . . THAT . . . to what uncomfortably feels like a unicorns-and-rainbows type of ending. I didn't care to read paragraphs of what each character believes "freedom" is. I wanted to know the consequences and repercussions of the previous chapter. Heck, I wanted to see some serious reprimands because of how the police, judge, and attorneys handled the allegations Nikki brought against her father. But no, apparently the author found that lacked importance compared to a family barbecue and a ticklefest.
The book felt like one big, long-winded cautionary tale with a chicken-soup-for-the-soul (or maybe Hallmark movie) ending.
How it ends:
Note: Language, including 1 f word (I believe). Horrible, horrible abuse by a father--mental, physical, and sexual. Scenes of abuse aren't graphic, as it's written in a more peripheral way (if that makes sense). But it still made me want to vomit. One sex scene (consensual, two teens) that, while not explicit, was still somewhat disturbing and made me uncomfortable.
January 4, 2020
A heartbreaking story.
At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age by Jacob Paul Patchen Is about 3 children and their mother who are being physically, sexually, and mentally abused by their father, homicide detective, Jim Handler, who is considered a local hero in their town.
This was a difficult story to read. The author writes very well, and you had an immediate connection to the mother and her children. You could feel all their pain and shame in regards to the abuse. I admit to shedding many tears while reading this story. I truly hope that anyone who has been abused will find the strength to come forward after reading this book. Even though the book was sad and hard to read at times, there was always a bit of hope around the corner for you to cling to. The author has included a section with websites and phone numbers for getting help if you have been abused, Thank you for that.
Thank you to Library Thing, Jacob Paul Patchen, and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and review this 4 star novel.
At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age by Jacob Paul Patchen Is about 3 children and their mother who are being physically, sexually, and mentally abused by their father, homicide detective, Jim Handler, who is considered a local hero in their town.
This was a difficult story to read. The author writes very well, and you had an immediate connection to the mother and her children. You could feel all their pain and shame in regards to the abuse. I admit to shedding many tears while reading this story. I truly hope that anyone who has been abused will find the strength to come forward after reading this book. Even though the book was sad and hard to read at times, there was always a bit of hope around the corner for you to cling to. The author has included a section with websites and phone numbers for getting help if you have been abused, Thank you for that.
Thank you to Library Thing, Jacob Paul Patchen, and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and review this 4 star novel.
October 9, 2019
A Powerful Tale of Abuse
Early in Jacob Paul Patchen’s powerful novel, At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age, the abusive father Jim is described: “His voice was soft and pitched … gentle, even. A tone they had all come dangerously to know meant quite the opposite.” What follows is a tale that is simultaneously disturbing and inspiring.
Patchen deftly shifts first person narrator to offer varied perspectives from family victims who describe the rhythms of their daily lives, fraught with guilt, awkwardness, and rationales. Those victims become witnesses to a cycle of mistreatment that goes back a generation and threatens harm for future ones. As the abused wife Ashley says, “We are our own abusers.”
So central to the novel is the rage inside of the abuser Jim, one that manifests itself in spurts, borne of his own past abuse. At Daddy’s Hands is filled with telling moments like Ashley repeating as a reassuring mantra, “I was a good mom. I was a good mom.” The effects of the familial abuse – physical, sexual, and emotional – manifest themselves in ways that are as broad as they are deep. The son Tyler begins to mimic the macho bullying of his father, the elder daughter Ally wears her sexuality like a badge, and the younger daughter Nikki clings to whatever actions are necessary to be loved.
Patchen gives such dimension to these characters that their reactions are inevitable. Even the monstrous Jim garners the reader’s sympathy for his past abuse: he tells a story about a goat and his five-year-old self that sears in the memory. Eventually, a courageous act leads to a noble effort to break of this cycle of abuse, yet Jim’s heroic position in the town (as a legendary crime fighter), coupled with the wishful thinking of Ashley, prevents that effort from fully providing protection. When subsequent attempts are made for reconciliation, just too much anger and past actions overwhelm such a possibility. Ultimately, the novel builds to a powerful and appropriately harrowing crescendo. Without giving too much away, Patchen in the concluding section hints of paths forward, both envisioning a future and acknowledging the past – he ends the novel with “Real Stories from Survivors.” That dénouement provides At Daddy’s Hands with yet another layer of gravity and more opportunities to discover ways forward.
Early in Jacob Paul Patchen’s powerful novel, At Daddy’s Hands: Courage Knows No Age, the abusive father Jim is described: “His voice was soft and pitched … gentle, even. A tone they had all come dangerously to know meant quite the opposite.” What follows is a tale that is simultaneously disturbing and inspiring.
Patchen deftly shifts first person narrator to offer varied perspectives from family victims who describe the rhythms of their daily lives, fraught with guilt, awkwardness, and rationales. Those victims become witnesses to a cycle of mistreatment that goes back a generation and threatens harm for future ones. As the abused wife Ashley says, “We are our own abusers.”
So central to the novel is the rage inside of the abuser Jim, one that manifests itself in spurts, borne of his own past abuse. At Daddy’s Hands is filled with telling moments like Ashley repeating as a reassuring mantra, “I was a good mom. I was a good mom.” The effects of the familial abuse – physical, sexual, and emotional – manifest themselves in ways that are as broad as they are deep. The son Tyler begins to mimic the macho bullying of his father, the elder daughter Ally wears her sexuality like a badge, and the younger daughter Nikki clings to whatever actions are necessary to be loved.
Patchen gives such dimension to these characters that their reactions are inevitable. Even the monstrous Jim garners the reader’s sympathy for his past abuse: he tells a story about a goat and his five-year-old self that sears in the memory. Eventually, a courageous act leads to a noble effort to break of this cycle of abuse, yet Jim’s heroic position in the town (as a legendary crime fighter), coupled with the wishful thinking of Ashley, prevents that effort from fully providing protection. When subsequent attempts are made for reconciliation, just too much anger and past actions overwhelm such a possibility. Ultimately, the novel builds to a powerful and appropriately harrowing crescendo. Without giving too much away, Patchen in the concluding section hints of paths forward, both envisioning a future and acknowledging the past – he ends the novel with “Real Stories from Survivors.” That dénouement provides At Daddy’s Hands with yet another layer of gravity and more opportunities to discover ways forward.
October 2, 2019
I received a free download of this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I will admit that this book was pretty hard for me to read, from an emotional standpoint. Even though this particular story is fictional, I know that it was based on real-life things that the author heard about while working with abused children. As a teacher, I have also heard my share of abuse stories, and I get so angry at any abuse of a child, whether it is physical, emotional, or sexual. There were a couple of times that I just had to set the book down and walk away for a while. If the star ratings were for how much I literally "enjoyed" the book, I would say zero stars, or maybe one star because I did enjoy the ending.
However, I knew what the book was about going in, (or else I never would have entered the giveaway), and the five-star rating is because the book is written so well. I especially liked how it was written from each person's point of view, and I could definitely hear the teenage voices of the kids. I absolutely hated Jim, and I had no use for Ashley because she didn't try to protect her kids. Although it was heartbreaking to read, the kids were written well, as they struggled with their own thoughts of what felt wrong, but they still thought it was "normal." It brought to mind someone I met when he was a teen, and now know as an adult. He only discovered in recent years that his mother had been emotionally and sexually abusing him for most of his young life, but he had never considered himself to be an abused child, because he thought all mothers behaved the way his mother behaved. It was quite an eye-opener for him.
I think that this book was actually good for me to read, as it helped to renew my passion for working with kids. I think that the book is supposed to piss you off, and that can help me to be more vigilant for signs of abuse in my students.
I would recommend this book to others, with the trigger-warning that the book holds no punches. I think it would be good for anyone who works with children, and I also think that it would be good for anyone who is a victim of abuse. The book does have a happy ending, so it goes to show that victims can heal and find happiness. I would be interested to read more from this author.
I will admit that this book was pretty hard for me to read, from an emotional standpoint. Even though this particular story is fictional, I know that it was based on real-life things that the author heard about while working with abused children. As a teacher, I have also heard my share of abuse stories, and I get so angry at any abuse of a child, whether it is physical, emotional, or sexual. There were a couple of times that I just had to set the book down and walk away for a while. If the star ratings were for how much I literally "enjoyed" the book, I would say zero stars, or maybe one star because I did enjoy the ending.
However, I knew what the book was about going in, (or else I never would have entered the giveaway), and the five-star rating is because the book is written so well. I especially liked how it was written from each person's point of view, and I could definitely hear the teenage voices of the kids. I absolutely hated Jim, and I had no use for Ashley because she didn't try to protect her kids. Although it was heartbreaking to read, the kids were written well, as they struggled with their own thoughts of what felt wrong, but they still thought it was "normal." It brought to mind someone I met when he was a teen, and now know as an adult. He only discovered in recent years that his mother had been emotionally and sexually abusing him for most of his young life, but he had never considered himself to be an abused child, because he thought all mothers behaved the way his mother behaved. It was quite an eye-opener for him.
I think that this book was actually good for me to read, as it helped to renew my passion for working with kids. I think that the book is supposed to piss you off, and that can help me to be more vigilant for signs of abuse in my students.
I would recommend this book to others, with the trigger-warning that the book holds no punches. I think it would be good for anyone who works with children, and I also think that it would be good for anyone who is a victim of abuse. The book does have a happy ending, so it goes to show that victims can heal and find happiness. I would be interested to read more from this author.
August 31, 2019
At Daddy’s Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen
Wow this book literally took the will to live out of me. Child sexual abuse is a brutal truth that we have to face and it is rampant the world over but this book really hits you in the face with this harsh reality.
Reading this book was far from enjoyable – it was gut wrenching but I guess sometimes we got to get rid of the escapist attitude within us and open our eyes to the real world.
Jim is a well respected homicide detective but there is a dark side to him. He was sexually abused as a child and continues the abuse with his own family, including with wife, Ashley, daughters Ally and Nikki, and son, Tyler. Each family member speaks about their individual personal experiences - the fear, pain and abuse they endured at Jim’s hands. The shocking abuse by the father is something difficult to stomach. Did the sexual abuse suffered by Jim in his childhood justify his actions? Can the abuse to his innocent children be validated?
Why didn’t the mother react to this scumbag of a husband? Yes she was suffering too but how could she allow this to happen to her children. The anger we feel at her helplessness is palpable.
This is one book which is difficult to read. Frankly I skipped a few parts merely because I just could not stand the suffering the children were enduring. I cannot fathom the pain real victims of abuse go through. The very thought sends shivers down my spine and yet there are children going through this day in and day out and predominantly, the perp is a loved one and thats what hurts the most. When someone we trust harms us in every way possible and leaves us emotionally scarred, it is something which is intolerable.
The reminded me of a similar book I read – Damaged by Cathy Glass. A well written book which really gets under your skin. I know it is not always fair to look at the world with rose tinted glasses. We need to step out of that illusion.
Wow this book literally took the will to live out of me. Child sexual abuse is a brutal truth that we have to face and it is rampant the world over but this book really hits you in the face with this harsh reality.
Reading this book was far from enjoyable – it was gut wrenching but I guess sometimes we got to get rid of the escapist attitude within us and open our eyes to the real world.
Jim is a well respected homicide detective but there is a dark side to him. He was sexually abused as a child and continues the abuse with his own family, including with wife, Ashley, daughters Ally and Nikki, and son, Tyler. Each family member speaks about their individual personal experiences - the fear, pain and abuse they endured at Jim’s hands. The shocking abuse by the father is something difficult to stomach. Did the sexual abuse suffered by Jim in his childhood justify his actions? Can the abuse to his innocent children be validated?
Why didn’t the mother react to this scumbag of a husband? Yes she was suffering too but how could she allow this to happen to her children. The anger we feel at her helplessness is palpable.
This is one book which is difficult to read. Frankly I skipped a few parts merely because I just could not stand the suffering the children were enduring. I cannot fathom the pain real victims of abuse go through. The very thought sends shivers down my spine and yet there are children going through this day in and day out and predominantly, the perp is a loved one and thats what hurts the most. When someone we trust harms us in every way possible and leaves us emotionally scarred, it is something which is intolerable.
The reminded me of a similar book I read – Damaged by Cathy Glass. A well written book which really gets under your skin. I know it is not always fair to look at the world with rose tinted glasses. We need to step out of that illusion.
August 22, 2019
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen chronicles the horrific realities of domestic abuse from the individual perspectives of each member of a single family. Gritty, graphic, and difficult to process, this is nonetheless an epidemic that needs to be addressed. Although the family is fictitious, the circumstances, unfortunately, are a grim reality for many of those whom we encounter socially in our daily lives. The inclusion of personal stories solicited by the author are brief yet impactful, and should not be missed.
Jim is a police officer who was sexually abused as a child and continues the linear cycle with his own family, including wife, Ashley, daughters Ally and Nikki, and son, Tyler. Each family member speaks to their personal experience at the hands of Jim's abuse, and the fear, pain, and suffering endured is almost palpable. The author does a commendable job of demonstrating the impact of this shocking abuse on families, and how the cycle is perpetuated from one generation to the next.
This book details circumstances that are not only difficult to read, but are almost impossible to fathom for so many. I applaud the inclusion of helpline and contact information that is provided at the end of the novel. This is a story that will linger in your conscience long after the final page is turned.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for this ARC.
Jim is a police officer who was sexually abused as a child and continues the linear cycle with his own family, including wife, Ashley, daughters Ally and Nikki, and son, Tyler. Each family member speaks to their personal experience at the hands of Jim's abuse, and the fear, pain, and suffering endured is almost palpable. The author does a commendable job of demonstrating the impact of this shocking abuse on families, and how the cycle is perpetuated from one generation to the next.
This book details circumstances that are not only difficult to read, but are almost impossible to fathom for so many. I applaud the inclusion of helpline and contact information that is provided at the end of the novel. This is a story that will linger in your conscience long after the final page is turned.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for this ARC.
November 23, 2019
Very well written
This story really hits hard and will make you angry, sad and bring you to tears. The emotional impact is bruising. It is especially hard if you have survived any type of abuse. I'm happy that the contact information is included at the end of the book. I would recommend this story to anyone who has suffered any abuse or knows of someone going through it. With the adult themes I would only recommend this for adult readers.
This story really hits hard and will make you angry, sad and bring you to tears. The emotional impact is bruising. It is especially hard if you have survived any type of abuse. I'm happy that the contact information is included at the end of the book. I would recommend this story to anyone who has suffered any abuse or knows of someone going through it. With the adult themes I would only recommend this for adult readers.
September 7, 2019
Trigger warning: child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, domestic violence, spousal rape.
At Daddy's Hand highlights how abuse can happen in families where it is least expected. The people we put our trust in the most, in this case/book the police, can be the people who abuse it the most. The story is told from the perspectives of each family member, including the abuser. The author discusses how the system can further victimize the abused and how "justice" can benefit the abuser more than the abused.
Despite being a relatively short story, I took me three days to read this book. At Daddy's Hands is written with such passion and disturbing details, that I had to step away every couple of a chapters to bring my anger down. I don't think I've every cursed so hard in my head at a book before in my life. And the what made it worse was the fact that I knew at that very moment, some child or adult was experiencing the same agony I was reading about.
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen is a very good book about a difficult subject, but one that needs to be told.
At Daddy's Hand highlights how abuse can happen in families where it is least expected. The people we put our trust in the most, in this case/book the police, can be the people who abuse it the most. The story is told from the perspectives of each family member, including the abuser. The author discusses how the system can further victimize the abused and how "justice" can benefit the abuser more than the abused.
Despite being a relatively short story, I took me three days to read this book. At Daddy's Hands is written with such passion and disturbing details, that I had to step away every couple of a chapters to bring my anger down. I don't think I've every cursed so hard in my head at a book before in my life. And the what made it worse was the fact that I knew at that very moment, some child or adult was experiencing the same agony I was reading about.
At Daddy's Hands by Jacob Paul Patchen is a very good book about a difficult subject, but one that needs to be told.
November 24, 2019
Powerful
Sad but but I know so many in this situatiin. The idea of including all family members in thus craziness was genius. Helped demonstrates sexual abuse affect the entire family
Sad but but I know so many in this situatiin. The idea of including all family members in thus craziness was genius. Helped demonstrates sexual abuse affect the entire family
September 23, 2019
It seems as if there is something wrong with the mother of this family, Ashley. However, when her husband, Jim, comes home from work (as a police detective) we find out the truth. Ashley is one of the number of abused/battered women in our country, today. Their children, Ally (16), Tyler (15), and Nikki (11), each have a story of their father's abuse to them as well. The children form a pact to try to poison their father but it fails...
We find out that Jim was abused as a child and Ashley left an abusive step-father to marry Jim.
Things change when Nikki opens up to her school teacher, Ms. V.
Does the family fare better or worse with school intervention?
An extremely frightening look at what some people endure in their lives. This story is good for Family Life teaching or as a suspense read!
Many Thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for a look into a world in which no one wants to exist.
We find out that Jim was abused as a child and Ashley left an abusive step-father to marry Jim.
Things change when Nikki opens up to her school teacher, Ms. V.
Does the family fare better or worse with school intervention?
An extremely frightening look at what some people endure in their lives. This story is good for Family Life teaching or as a suspense read!
Many Thanks to Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for a look into a world in which no one wants to exist.
August 20, 2019
At Daddy's Hands is a story about a cop who is a pillar of the community that can do no wrong. But, behind closed doors he has become a monster. He beats his wife, who has become a drunk and has sexually abused his oldest daughter and his son. When his wife gets pregnant later in life he is not happy about it but his wife refuses to get an abortion.
As the youngest daughter gets into elementary school he slowly starts to introduce her to the sexual abuse but after a while she decides to tell her teacher in a letter.
What happens from there is such a good portrayal of what victims go through. This book was hard to read at times but if you can get through it you will have a better understanding of what these kids go through and the lengths they will go to to stop the abuse.
Thank you for writing this story Jacob Paul Patchen. I hope you get a lot of reads!
As the youngest daughter gets into elementary school he slowly starts to introduce her to the sexual abuse but after a while she decides to tell her teacher in a letter.
What happens from there is such a good portrayal of what victims go through. This book was hard to read at times but if you can get through it you will have a better understanding of what these kids go through and the lengths they will go to to stop the abuse.
Thank you for writing this story Jacob Paul Patchen. I hope you get a lot of reads!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews