Jackson

by Lynn McLaughlin

Jackson battles to take control of his own mind and life but is haunted by demons. His mother faces her own turmoil and anguish, struggling to accept and understand the unthinkable, as she desperately tries to save her son.
With unwavering empathy, "Jackson" is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?

139 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2020

About the author

As an award-winning and best-selling author, Lynn is an active Rotarian, dedicated to community causes. She is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and works tirelessly to support the goals of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.

"I Have Choices" released in the spring of 2022, was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for Children's Books. It is the first of a five-book series she is co-authoring with her niece. Both are passionate about children's mental health! The second book of the series, "Is What I'm Thinking True?" is also now published (November 2022).

Lynn's book, "Jackson" released in November 2020 rose to Best-Seller status on Amazon in Canada. It has also received the national award of best Fiction Audiobook from the Independent Press. Although fictional, the characters evolved from the real-life stories of many.

In her award-winning memoir, "Steering Through It", she shares her most personal thoughts, fears, and triumphs over the most challenging year of her life. The voices of friends and family members ring true and move the reader to a powerfully emotional and honest reflection of one’s own beliefs and life’s purpose.

Lynn McLaughlin served on three different school boards as a Superintendent of Education, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant. Now retired, in addition to her business, Lynn continues to be active in education, teaching future Educational Assistants at her local College.

Lynn hosts the inspirational podcast “Taking the Helm” and speaks with guests who have overcome crises in their personal or professional lives. Each of them is inspiring new possibilities for listeners and viewers. She is celebrating her third year!

Her professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international as she leads us in tackling our barriers so that we can move forward to new and exciting possibilities.




Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/kindle-dbs/enti...

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...

Reviews

[Pixee Pea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin my review I would like to disclose that this book was given to me to read in exchanged for an honest and genuine review on behalf of Booktasters. I would also like to state that this book discusses a number of sensitive and emotional topics of discussion, which may be uncomfortable for some readers. I think this is worth noting however it does not affect my thoughts on this emotional and thought provoking book.

The author shares with us that she is a chronic illness suffer and that she has the experience to help people who are suffering with depression and anxiety. Yvonne also shares that we cannot second guess mental health and that we should never judge someone until we have walked a mile in their shoes. I feel that it is important that this has been highlighted within the introduction.

Each chapter begins with a standalone quote and I feel this is a really effective touch. Each of the quotes are memorable and emotive and they allow the reader to feel either empathetic or empowered.

Throughout the book it is evident that the story of Jacksons mental health is intended to provide the reader with a vision of hope and I feel this is something which will be beneficial to us all, especially during these uncertain times. Mental health is something we all have and mental illness is something which affects 1 in 4 people (here in the UK) and so this is a topic close to many peoples hearts.

Without sharing spoilers it is important to share that this book touches on a number of sensitive issues, it also shares what I can only imagine are experiences which so many are subjected to and therefore for many this will be an incredibly relatable read. 

Another touch which I think is favourable is the information and resources provided at the end of the book, along with the quote and much welcomed reminder that ‘mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income level and cultures. In addition tot his, the book outlines the key symptoms and how to identify when to reach out and offer help and support to others.

I recommend giving Jackson a read and I appreciate the honesty and research which has been incorporated throughout. It’s important to focus on the positives and the power or love and hope, there is always someone to listen and there is always someone who cares.

[Jenn Sadai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson's story, skillfully crafted by Lynn McLaughlin, reached me right when I needed it. The characters drew me in and held my attention span throughout, something that hasn't been easy to do lately. The deep dive into the minds of both someone struggling with mental health concerns and the helplessness of a parent unable to save their child from those detrimental thoughts, gives the reader a wholistic view of the effects of anxiety and mental illness on a family. It brought forth real emotion and a greater understanding of the roles we play in one another's healing. Jackson earns every star.

[Mckiavelli Miga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book mainly because I haven't read much about mental health and not because I know or have someone with mental health illness. Reading it however, I soon realized you don't need to know someone or have mental illness yourself before you read a book like this. Truly no knowledge is wasted. Besides, how do you know someone is suffering from mental illness, depression, social anxiety or any of it ilks if you don't read and know about them?.

Which brings me to the book; 'Jackson'. In Jackson, the author highlights the struggles a young Jackson faces with his diagnosed mental illness and constant anxiety. Like the author rightly said, unlike other illnesses where a simple tablet or prescription of drugs can heal in a couple of days, in most mental health cases, the period of healing could be for life and not one drug can heal it.

There is also the added pressure on family and friends to deal with those suffering mental illness and anxiety. Add the constant peculiar needs/wants of those suffering this illness with their mostly outlandish actions/behaviours (Jackson will usually scream unprovoked) and the family/friends might need a course in counselling like Jackson's parents did with a large dose of virtue of patience/understanding.

The book is indeed an eye opener for those who don't know what those suffering from mental illnesses are going through and how trying to understand how they feel could help them deal with it better. I particularly loved that each chapter began with a quote that was like some sort of watermark on which a particular chapter is written on.

In the end, the author lists some signs and symptoms of mental illness, related mental illness terminology, some important statistics, and how not only one approach can truly heal a patient. In Jackson's case, after several visits to counsellor, psychologist, mental health specialist, having special teachers, pills after pills, it is when he accepts his fate and goes for group therapy that he could now face his demons. Probably worked because he saw others just like him or worse off which makes him realise he is not alone when it comes to mental illnesses. Indeed, misery(not really calling mental illness that) loves company.

[Chris Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suspect we’ve all had a Jackson. By that, I mean that we’ve all had someone that we love, absolutely, without reservation, but someone who needs our help. Without necessarily even being aware of it, we dedicate a significant part of our lives in an effort to make that person’s existence a little bit better. Take a moment and think of such people. I once attended a funeral in which the most significant line I remember is, ”At least now we know we won’t have to spend the night worrying about him.” I have a good acquaintance who willingly, gratefully spends her life fending for a magnificent son who happens to have Asperger’s. I have a couple of family members for whom I wished I had played a role as significant as June did for Jackson in this book.
Jackson…love and hope is not a novel, it is not light summer reading, but it is a book that we all need to read. It is a story of Jackson, a troubled youth, and June, the mom who, with her husband, slowly, painstakingly, almost haphazardly, spends her life dealing with Jackson’s difficulties. There are no easy remedies offered here, no quick fixes. As an educator who has spent the better part of a lifetime trying to help kids learn, I have found that there is no cure-all, no panacea for illuminating children. Per this book, the case is the same for children with emotional problems. Jackson needed to have a particular fix, and people similarly afflicted probably need a similar cure. Identifying that fix takes a lifetime of love, and June took care of this.
I thought of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar as I read this. I felt a need to help Jackson but found myself wanting. Whatever. Any book on a par with The Bell Jar is worth reading, at any time, any place. Read it.

[Manal Jamaleddine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative, eye-opening and educating novel tackling one aspect of mental health. The book not only raises awareness about mental health, but also provides basic guidance on treatment options and resources; it also highlights the importance of family/social support.
I wish to read more books from the author about other illnesses.

[Phebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow, this was a short, but powerful read. It really took me on a journey to better understand the inner working mind of an individual dealing with various mental health battles. It was heartbreaking to read about the struggles of Jackson's parents, along with his own. I LOVED all the quotes!!! I had to go back and write most of them down. The reader really caught my attention, very good reading taste!
Highly recommend this book if you want to take a dive into the personal battles of one suffering from mental health issues and the impact it has on the loved ones around them. You can't help someone who won't help themselves. Slowly but surely Jackson learns different techniques on how to manage his diagnoses, but, man it took some tossing, turning and tumbling to get there.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for parents dealing with kids with severe anxiety.

[Diane Riley]

I received an ARC of Jackson in return for an honest review.

This short novel tells the story of a young man with mental illness and his parents’ struggles to help him, even when the best help is to leave him to himself. Although the book is fiction, the author, Lynn McLaughlin, creates two characters who are very real as they share their stories of mental illness and what it does to the individual and to the family.

Jackson and his mother, June, take turns telling their story, a concept that lets the reader see the struggle on both sides: the person with the illness and the people trying to help him. Both narrators make themselves vulnerable with their stories.

Jackson starts off remembering how angry he was as a kid and how he expressed that anger at home. He continues through the book as he grows older, finds some release in running, attends college, moves for a job—all the steps, both joyful and stressful, a person takes on the way to being adult. For Jackson, the steps are more difficult than they are for others because of his illness. For every three steps he takes forward, it seems he takes one and a half steps backward. He wrestles with feeling different, wanting to die, using drugs and alcohol to dull his pain. He knows his parents will be there when he calls, but because of his illness he doesn’t always acknowledge what they do for him, and sometimes becomes angry when they don’t do what he expects.

What really captivated me were the sections told by June. She opens herself up to show the fear, sorrow, anger, guilt, agony, despair that permeates the life of family members, all woven together with total love for her son. Although Chad, Jackson’s father, doesn’t have a section of his own, he is shown working with June to figure out the best help for their son. They all realize, including Jackson in the end, that the mental illness will always be there. But they have committed to working with one another to make life livable and safe for Jackson.

Of course I would recommend this book to any individual or family who is facing mental illness. I also recommend it for those who aren’t facing the issue, so they can see the struggles and maybe, if they know of a family like Jackson’s, be able to offer support. Good job, Ms. McLaughlin.

[Ian Wooder · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I want to say that this in one of the most emotional, if not the most emotional book that I have read in an extremely long time.

I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of this amazing book and I don't believe that it was a coincidence that I happened to receive this book. I believe that it was fate.

Ms. McLaughlin, thank you so much for writing this book and for bringing this subject to the forefront. We need to break the stigma of this dreaded disorder.

This book deals with a subject very near and dear to my heart, Mental Health.

The story deals with the mental health challenges faced by Jackson, the son of parents who love their son very much but find it difficult struggling to navigate the way to show their love for their son while trying to support him and yet maintain their own mental health.

While this book is fictional, the situations that are dealt with are very real. I know through first hand experience of having dealt with my own mental health challenges and how people treated me, with misunderstanding, with curiosity, with insensitivity but with a single parent mother who loved me, stood by each and every moment. I also am a volunteer with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

If you or a loved one one struggle with mental health issues, or are one who is interested in finding about mental health challenges, I recommend that you read this book. It is highly educational and emotional. It will certainly help you to understand what it is like to deal with this issue each and every day on a very personal level. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Every person has either dealt with these issues themselves or are aware of someone who has or is dealing with these issues.

Let's end the stigma now. Not all disabilities are visible.

[Marina Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Booktasters and the author for sending me this copy!

This was a great book! Adding quotes at the start of each chapter was a very nice touch, it felt like it sets the tone for the chapter and they were selected thoughtfully.

I really liked the way mental health was portrayed in this book. There was a part where Jackson felt "weird" and questioned why he can't be normal or have a normal life just like everyone else, that felt very raw and really hit home. I loved the fact that it felt like these pages were ripped out of Jackson's diary and these were his honest thoughts. And Jackson calling himself names and blaming himself for what he is going through again hits a nerve with anyone who is struggling with mental health.

I enjoyed the fact that the book is told from the perspective of Jackson and his mom. I've only read books that were told by the person who is struggling (mostly a kid or a teen) but I didn't stumble upon one that shows both sides of the story. It was very insightful, to say the least. It shows how the parents struggle as well in these situations and it was written in a very raw manner and not sugar-coated and that was carried out throughout the book.

The book ends with pages of resources which was very thoughtful from the author.

I liked the pace of the book, it was fairly fast-paced and it held my attention throughout the book. It's interlaced with emotions and it's very well written. I liked that despite how fairly short the book is, it takes us through Jackson's life from when he was a student till he's an adult.

[Arleena Esporton · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I received this book for free (PDF copy) from the author via Booktatsters on Twitter) in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first time and I'm so humbled for this opportunity given to me. Thank you so much Ms. McLaughlin for writing this book, I have no doubt that bringing this subject wasn't easy because this is not a light subject to discuss. It is never easy to have such discussion either with anyone.

This is definitely a good book for parents out there that are dealing with children who suffer from mental illness.

Realised it or not, mental health is very important, especially in these challenging times. And dealing with these issues isn't easy. In my personal view, sometimes people with happy and cheerful characters hold a higher chance of suffering mental illness. So, we should be careful when we face people because we know nothing about what they are facing.

This book somehow is quite an emotional one for me. Not just the fact of suffering the pain inside, but it also affected people around ; loved ones. It is painful for one to suffer this illness, but it also painful for our loved ones to see anyone they loved suffering.

No matter how tough things were, I believe that family support is very important.

[T.M. Drechny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental health is never an easy topic to address, yet Lynn McLaughlin meets the issue head on with two characters, a mother and her son who struggle to cope with mental illness. At first I worried about the diary format of the book, but I quickly found the characters engaging and enjoyed the perspective of both mother and son as they dealt with the ongoing challenges of daily life from diagnosis as a child to adulthood. The book gives a close and personal look at both the challenges a parent faces as their child enters into adulthood and the viewpoint of the child who grapples with his own mental state and tries to manage it using various techniques as he grows and develops. Having only second hand experience on the subject matter, this story gave me a better understanding of family stress, legal dynamics and available healthcare options. It was a good reminder that like many physical illnesses, mental health problems may not be curable, but they can be managed. Definitely recommend this book.

[Divya Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mental health is always a subject that everyone talks about yet avoids mentioning any relation to it. It is a sticky subject and has a stigma attached . So many patients and their loved suffer due to this and avoid seeking professional help fearing the stigma.
Jackson by Lynn McLaughlin is a very apt book in these trying times that talks in detail about the pain and suffering and confusion not only a patient suffers but also his family and loved ones undergo. A mother's struggle to understand and help her son and to trying to overcome the feeling of guilt (subconsciously thinking maybe it's her fault or maybe there's a fault in her upbringing) are very much dealt in detail. The thoughts of the patient and his struggle is also so vivid.
The book is an eye opener and a help those struggling with mental health problems and their and loved ones. This is not a miracle cure suggestion but a helpful guide to deal with the problems. This not a lecture nor a statement but a kind of experience to help others. The quotes at the start of the each chapter set the tone of the subject. and are very noteworthy and apt.
Thanks @BookTasters for this goodread

[Charlotte Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Lynn Mclaughlin for giving me the opportunity to read Jackson in exchange for my review.

I have been on both sides of this story so it really resonated with me. I have no doubt that there are many people who might recognize at least some part of themselves in Jackson or his parents or even his friends.

I liked how the author let us "get in the heads" of Jackson & June & feel their different reactions to the same events.
I also liked how (spoiler alert) the author showed that only Jackson himself was ultimately responsible for himself.
I think this is the hardest lesson of all for us to learn - especially parents.

I also found the author's choice of quotes preceding each chapter to be thought provoking & inspirational all on their own.

I think this is a valuable story for so many people to read, although also recognizing that it can also be a very difficult & troubling story for some people.

With that in mind, I also like that contact information for resources providing help with mental health issues are included.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so very insightful, heart-wrenching and yet beautiful. We follow June (Mom) and Jackson (her son) as they navigate life with mental illness. It was told wonderfully through both perspectives, as a child growing into a man with severe anxiety, and a Mom that only wants the best for her child.
It was interesting to see how behaviors, coping mechanisms and diagnosis change throughout the years. And how a Mom has had to change her ways of coping as well as the treatment of her son. It was a beautiful, loving and warm story (although some times were heartbreaking). The strength of the family was enviable.
A must read for anyone that is looking for more insight into mental illness!

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental health is never a light subject to discuss. Although the characters are fictional in this writing, the scenarios are very familiar. Do read and share among your friends, family and loved ones, as it helps open up discussions about anxiety and other mental disorders. So many of us just brush it off that it doesn’t affect them, or they feel ashamed, or don’t know how to approach someone, yet only the person who goes through it knows how hard it can be for them. This might also help you to learn how to find resources and who to talk to if your child, or a loved one, or even you are going through hard times.

[Savera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book from the author (via Booktasters on Twitter) in exchange for an honest review.

Mental health issues have historically been hidden, brushed over, or dismissed, without the awareness that physical health gets, for the most part. Stigma has stuck around, but it's slowly being peeled back - helped tremendously by books like this.

Jackson and his mother, June's, thoughts, feelings and experiences, though fictional, could be extracts from journals of many a child and parent in similar situations.

The blurb mentions the "terrifying waters of mental illness", and I cannot think of a better analogy. Mental illness takes the family it affects on highs and lows not unlike those of a deep sea fishing vessel.
Lynn McLaughlin describes these highs and lows in an emotional and succinct way - cutting straight to the difficult and heartbreaking thoughts a mother has when watching her child suffer. How does a parent know when their child is fully ready to face the world? What if their child's mind works differently to others'?
Jackson's experiences are also raw and uncut, as confused and desperate as one can feel when all you know is heightened awareness of all that's around you. Everyday tasks can seem like mountains to climb, and giving up looks more and more appealing.

The resources at the end of the book are a valuable and necessary addition.
I would also like to add that this story is set in a country with these resources available, and not everyone dealing with mental illnesses live in countries that do. This is unfortunate, but takes nothing away from the experiences of those in similar situations to the characters in the book.

[Molebatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson opens the window into the taboo subject of mental health. It tells the agonizing story of Jackson who has mental health problems which drive him to near suicide.
His loving and caring parents, June and Craig, don't know what to do to save their son and guide him to a happy and obviously a fulfilling life.
Through trial and error, Jackson regains control over his life and find a way to cope with his condition.
He says, "I am now taking charge, not what's happening around me."
I love this book, the moving story and lessons on mental health it offers. For our mental well-being, I recommend this book.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson’s story is really relatable as someone who suffered from depression, it gives good advice on handling depression and anxiety, the story shows how anxiety and depression evolve with the person if not taken care of correctly in the beginning.
The story might help anyone who has someone in their life suffering from depression to know how to deal with them and help them in the best way possible.

[Chaosmomoiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for everyone to understand the struggles of someone who’s trying to get help from mental problems. I like how this book showed the realistic views of a mother who would like to help her son, and a son who would like to help himself and would like to understand his parents. Both POVs are important to hear out. Each characters would be a good representation of different difficulties. I also appreciate that this book does not only presents issues but also solutions to different mental issues. This book allows us to see that there is always a hope for all of us.

[Ludivine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easily one of the best book I ever read. Truly. I found extremely interesting to see how each main characters reacted to what was happening in their life. I think it’s an extremely good eye-opening about mental-health for many people who don’t realise it’s a real illness. Jackson is a character you can identify too as well as his mother. I love it. It’s so well-written that you don’t even want to stop reading. You have to know the next part. I definitely recommend it!

[Francis Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounded in reality, Lynn McLaughlin's "Jackson" reads like pages of two people's journals; a mother and a son. An intimate first-person account of what it is like living with and around mental health issues. The story is believable and relatable to many, especially for someone whose family member or themselves is suffering from the illness. It is a powerful tale of love, courage, determination and personal triumph. "Jackson" gives readers a rare look at a role model mother and see how she thinks and acts regarding the illness. It provides insights and realistic accounts of inner dialogues and events that educate us and make us think or bring awareness. Not for the sake of generating a dramatic climate, but a true demonstration of unconditional love throughout the pages. Confidently, it's the perfect book for book clubs, organizations or school classes to open up a much-needed dialogue around mental health issues. I love the author includes all kinds of resources at the end of the book. It's not just a book. It's an inspiring book about that changes lives! I strongly recommend everyone around 12 and above to read it. I also bought the audiobook; the narrators did such an awesome job! Truly an impactful gift for anybody.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read for parents trying to help their teenage or young adult children live with their mental health issues. It is so hard to know if, as a parent, you are helping or enabling. This book is a wonderful resource.

[Geo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone that has ever dealt, or would like to know more about mental illness. The author does a great job giving insight on the topic, which is not an easy thing to address. The characters drew me in and just kept me wanting to know what's next? Another reason I enjoyed this book, is because it also gives insight on how a close person to the person with mental illness feels as well. It's definitely worth the read.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished reading Jackson by Lynn Mclaughlin. I thought it was a well written book about anxiety disorder in the parents view and the son’s view. How they both dealt with mental illness.

[EmioÑa Hammam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is would remain as one of the books that gave me insight.
The style of writing and the way the author approached a sensitive topic is really interesting.
I felt attached from the very first few pages.
I'd recommend this book, it addresses a mental health issue that might be really common yet people usually hide.
It gives insight into how the people close to the person feels as well as how he feels.

I really think the author is very clever and I look forward to reading other books by her.

Thank you Booktasters!

[Nada]

This book is so different from what I usually read yet one of the most interesting ones I've read. The book discusses mental health problems in a new way , where the author offers the point of view of both Jackson, the boy with the mental health issues, and his mother. In the book , we watch the story of Jackson, how he grew up, how he developed the issues and how the whole family dealt with it. I loved the emotion in the story but what stands out to me most was the difference of perspectives of Jackson and the mom. Most books that deal with trauma or a mental illness usually only bring up the person's point of view, but seeing the whole picture from more than one eye was entertaining, unusual and eye opening. I recommend this book to everyone interested in mental health awareness.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mental health is such an important part of our lives yet the barriers to receiving treatment can make it seem too hard to even try. Even though this book is fiction, it brings up a lot of good points about how mental illness can affect the person and their family as a whole.
I like that the book was written from the perspective of the son and the mom but it would've been nice to have some sort of heading when the perspective went between the two.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all that want to learn more about mental illness and become more aware of how it affects so many of us. It clearly shows how it manifests itself, how it affects people, and how to help deal with it. This story is well written and is done in such a way that it reaches out to all styles of readership. I highly recommend this be read by all.

[Simranjeet Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book filled with words of pure emotions and love of a mother for her son. Settling a good example for both the parents, as how much and to what extent should they be present for their child and to children, of course, as to they must not forget that their parents are with them always.
Mental illness is unless a taboo, and those who face it are the real fighters. Never loose hope and trust you game.