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An Open Vein
He's a doctor, of course I trust him. Or at least I did, once. I haven't eaten since yesterday. He had scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. The smell seeps at me from beneath the locked door. The gnawing in my stomach never goes away but it's not from lack of food. Up until yesterday, I've been able to eat. Until yesterday, I was able to do almost anything I wanted within the two thousand square feet of this place. Things are different now.
213 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
122 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Laurens
16 books1,048 followersJennifer, aka JM Warwick was born and raised in Southern California and her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates flavors her books: A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. She doesn't limit herself to writing one genre, and was the first to author four romance novels centered around the popular sport of ballroom dancing.She has YA novels published under her YA romance name of Jennifer Laurens: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed and the Heavenly series: Heavenly ( 2009) Penitence (2010) and Absolution (2010) A Season of Eden (2011) and Overprotected ( 2011 ) Grace Doll ( 2012 ) .An Open Vein is under her JM Warwick pen name. Jennifer lives in Utah and has 6 children, one of whom has autism. Jennifer doesn't put stock in reviews - in fact she never reads them.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 25, 2011
I really like this author but hated this book. The beginning was interesting but the farther I got the more uninterested I became. I felt like Kane was a pervert after the whole naked thing and hated him after that. It just ruined it for me. John is somewhat your average naive 16 year old but I felt like he was lacking in the common sense area more than most 16 year olds I know.
All the lies honestly kind of got old after a while. I kind of had a feeling that Kane wasn't his real dad but I wasn't positive, I wasn't positive about much in this book. That wouldn't have bothered me if it wouldn't have been so BORING!!
What really got me though was the end... WTH??! I understand it but seriously.. that's it? It just didn't settle with me. John was just a way to get back at Claire. So she would see Kane in him and feel bad, all that weird junk...and "parenting" was for THAT.
Maybe I didn't get the true meaning of the ending but I just felt too bored during this book.
All the lies honestly kind of got old after a while. I kind of had a feeling that Kane wasn't his real dad but I wasn't positive, I wasn't positive about much in this book. That wouldn't have bothered me if it wouldn't have been so BORING!!
What really got me though was the end... WTH??! I understand it but seriously.. that's it? It just didn't settle with me. John was just a way to get back at Claire. So she would see Kane in him and feel bad, all that weird junk...and "parenting" was for THAT.
Maybe I didn't get the true meaning of the ending but I just felt too bored during this book.
January 7, 2008
John, a sixteen-year-old high school graduate, has a great life ahead of him. He has already been accepted into the pre-med program at USC and looks forward to beginning his prestigious career. One of his favorite people in the world, Kane, a long-time family friend, has invited him to spend the summer in New York City. Excitement fills John's heart as he sets off for a summer of independence.
Once in New York, Kane and John take in the sites, go out to eat, and start settling into a routine. While helping Kane unpack one evening, John comes across some information that leads to a deep family secret. He sees a birth certificate that lists Kane as his father. When confronted, Kane admits that he is indeed John's father and goes about telling the story of how he has always loved John's mother and had a romantic interlude with her only a few days prior to her wedding to another man, the man John has always assumed was his father. John's world turns upside down.
His world becomes even more confusing when Kane walks in the door after working at the hospital one day and tells John that he received an anonymous letter that threatens John's safety. Kane says he has informed the police and they are attempting to locate the person who sent the letter, but until then, John will have to remain in the apartment and stay hidden. John is shocked and nervous about the threats. He does all he can to occupy himself during the day, including work that will prepare him for his college classes that Kane ordered for him. The only bright spot in his day was if Kane made it home for lunch. John would sit, staring at the door, hoping to hear the sound of keys jingling as they entered the lock on the front door. John would listen to stories about Kane's day, living vicariously through him.
One day, John can't stand it anymore. He feels like he is going crazy cooped up in the apartment all day, only being able to watch others walking freely outside. He decides to slip down into the courtyard of the apartment building and get some fresh air. Everything works out fine. No one sees him. He breathes in the fresh air and basks in the sunshine, even taking off his shirt so he can feel the heat on his body. He makes it back upstairs without any incident and feels satisfied that he got away with his adventure. Until, Kane comes home that evening. John didn't take into account that the sun might burn his skin. Kane can see the severe sunburn and explodes in anger over John's carelessness. This event leads to even more confinement for John.
Eventually John is locked in his room at all times without clothes and other necessities. For a time, he is even nude, having to beg Kane for clothes and food. Kane explains that this is an opportunity for them to bond as father and son because John must rely on Kane for everything, like a baby does from his parents.
Finally, after having enough, John confronts Kane which leads him to several realizations about himself, the situation he is in, and about Kane. AN OPEN VEIN is a psychological thriller that forces the reader to ask why. Why does John allow himself to be completely dominated by Kane? Why is Kane treating John so badly? Is it possible to forgive an abuser? The author does a fantastic job of putting the reader in the story. We feel what John feels and celebrate when he is finally released from the prison he is forced to live in with Kane.
Once in New York, Kane and John take in the sites, go out to eat, and start settling into a routine. While helping Kane unpack one evening, John comes across some information that leads to a deep family secret. He sees a birth certificate that lists Kane as his father. When confronted, Kane admits that he is indeed John's father and goes about telling the story of how he has always loved John's mother and had a romantic interlude with her only a few days prior to her wedding to another man, the man John has always assumed was his father. John's world turns upside down.
His world becomes even more confusing when Kane walks in the door after working at the hospital one day and tells John that he received an anonymous letter that threatens John's safety. Kane says he has informed the police and they are attempting to locate the person who sent the letter, but until then, John will have to remain in the apartment and stay hidden. John is shocked and nervous about the threats. He does all he can to occupy himself during the day, including work that will prepare him for his college classes that Kane ordered for him. The only bright spot in his day was if Kane made it home for lunch. John would sit, staring at the door, hoping to hear the sound of keys jingling as they entered the lock on the front door. John would listen to stories about Kane's day, living vicariously through him.
One day, John can't stand it anymore. He feels like he is going crazy cooped up in the apartment all day, only being able to watch others walking freely outside. He decides to slip down into the courtyard of the apartment building and get some fresh air. Everything works out fine. No one sees him. He breathes in the fresh air and basks in the sunshine, even taking off his shirt so he can feel the heat on his body. He makes it back upstairs without any incident and feels satisfied that he got away with his adventure. Until, Kane comes home that evening. John didn't take into account that the sun might burn his skin. Kane can see the severe sunburn and explodes in anger over John's carelessness. This event leads to even more confinement for John.
Eventually John is locked in his room at all times without clothes and other necessities. For a time, he is even nude, having to beg Kane for clothes and food. Kane explains that this is an opportunity for them to bond as father and son because John must rely on Kane for everything, like a baby does from his parents.
Finally, after having enough, John confronts Kane which leads him to several realizations about himself, the situation he is in, and about Kane. AN OPEN VEIN is a psychological thriller that forces the reader to ask why. Why does John allow himself to be completely dominated by Kane? Why is Kane treating John so badly? Is it possible to forgive an abuser? The author does a fantastic job of putting the reader in the story. We feel what John feels and celebrate when he is finally released from the prison he is forced to live in with Kane.
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Karin Perry for TeensReadToo.com
John, a sixteen-year-old high school graduate, has a great life ahead of him. He has already been accepted into the pre-med program at USC and looks forward to beginning his prestigious career. One of his favorite people in the world, Kane, a long-time family friend, has invited him to spend the summer in New York City. Excitement fills John's heart as he sets off for a summer of independence.
Once in New York, Kane and John take in the sites, go out to eat, and start settling into a routine. While helping Kane unpack one evening, John comes across some information that leads to a deep family secret. He sees a birth certificate that lists Kane as his father. When confronted, Kane admits that he is indeed John's father and goes about telling the story of how he has always loved John's mother and had a romantic interlude with her only a few days prior to her wedding to another man, the man John has always assumed was his father. John's world turns upside down.
His world becomes even more confusing when Kane walks in the door after working at the hospital one day and tells John that he received an anonymous letter that threatens John's safety. Kane says he has informed the police and they are attempting to locate the person who sent the letter, but until then, John will have to remain in the apartment and stay hidden. John is shocked and nervous about the threats. He does all he can to occupy himself during the day, including work that will prepare him for his college classes that Kane ordered for him. The only bright spot in his day was if Kane made it home for lunch. John would sit, staring at the door, hoping to hear the sound of keys jingling as they entered the lock on the front door. John would listen to stories about Kane's day, living vicariously through him.
One day, John can't stand it anymore. He feels like he is going crazy cooped up in the apartment all day, only being able to watch others walking freely outside. He decides to slip down into the courtyard of the apartment building and get some fresh air. Everything works out fine. No one sees him. He breathes in the fresh air and basks in the sunshine, even taking off his shirt so he can feel the heat on his body. He makes it back upstairs without any incident and feels satisfied that he got away with his adventure. Until Kane comes home that evening. John didn't take into account that the sun might burn his skin. Kane can see the severe sunburn and explodes in anger over John's carelessness. This event leads to even more confinement for John.
Eventually, John is locked in his room at all times without clothes and other necessities. For a time, he is even nude, having to beg Kane for clothes and food. Kane explains that this is an opportunity for them to bond as father and son because John must rely on Kane for everything, like a baby does from his parents.
Finally, after having enough, John confronts Kane, which leads him to several realizations about himself, the situation he is in, and about Kane. AN OPEN VEIN is a psychological thriller that forces the reader to ask why. Why does John allow himself to be completely dominated by Kane? Why is Kane treating John so badly? Is it possible to forgive an abuser? The author does a fantastic job of putting the reader into the story. We feel what John feels and celebrate when he is finally released from the prison he is forced to live in with Kane.
John, a sixteen-year-old high school graduate, has a great life ahead of him. He has already been accepted into the pre-med program at USC and looks forward to beginning his prestigious career. One of his favorite people in the world, Kane, a long-time family friend, has invited him to spend the summer in New York City. Excitement fills John's heart as he sets off for a summer of independence.
Once in New York, Kane and John take in the sites, go out to eat, and start settling into a routine. While helping Kane unpack one evening, John comes across some information that leads to a deep family secret. He sees a birth certificate that lists Kane as his father. When confronted, Kane admits that he is indeed John's father and goes about telling the story of how he has always loved John's mother and had a romantic interlude with her only a few days prior to her wedding to another man, the man John has always assumed was his father. John's world turns upside down.
His world becomes even more confusing when Kane walks in the door after working at the hospital one day and tells John that he received an anonymous letter that threatens John's safety. Kane says he has informed the police and they are attempting to locate the person who sent the letter, but until then, John will have to remain in the apartment and stay hidden. John is shocked and nervous about the threats. He does all he can to occupy himself during the day, including work that will prepare him for his college classes that Kane ordered for him. The only bright spot in his day was if Kane made it home for lunch. John would sit, staring at the door, hoping to hear the sound of keys jingling as they entered the lock on the front door. John would listen to stories about Kane's day, living vicariously through him.
One day, John can't stand it anymore. He feels like he is going crazy cooped up in the apartment all day, only being able to watch others walking freely outside. He decides to slip down into the courtyard of the apartment building and get some fresh air. Everything works out fine. No one sees him. He breathes in the fresh air and basks in the sunshine, even taking off his shirt so he can feel the heat on his body. He makes it back upstairs without any incident and feels satisfied that he got away with his adventure. Until Kane comes home that evening. John didn't take into account that the sun might burn his skin. Kane can see the severe sunburn and explodes in anger over John's carelessness. This event leads to even more confinement for John.
Eventually, John is locked in his room at all times without clothes and other necessities. For a time, he is even nude, having to beg Kane for clothes and food. Kane explains that this is an opportunity for them to bond as father and son because John must rely on Kane for everything, like a baby does from his parents.
Finally, after having enough, John confronts Kane, which leads him to several realizations about himself, the situation he is in, and about Kane. AN OPEN VEIN is a psychological thriller that forces the reader to ask why. Why does John allow himself to be completely dominated by Kane? Why is Kane treating John so badly? Is it possible to forgive an abuser? The author does a fantastic job of putting the reader into the story. We feel what John feels and celebrate when he is finally released from the prison he is forced to live in with Kane.
April 30, 2008
"He’s a doctor, of course I trust him. Or I did, once."
Doesn’t that one sentence just pull you in? It did for me. That sentence lets the reader know that this book is all about betrayal and confusion.
Main character John Banks is sixteen and already a graduate of high school. He plans to spend the summer with his “uncle” Kane in New York before heading off to USC. Kane isn’t actually related to John; he’s more of an honorary uncle. But they’ve known each other so long that it seems like they’re family.
Kane is a strange and rather inconsistent character. Sometimes he acts normally, and sometimes he seems like a complete psycho. At first, John jumps the chance to get closer to his uncle. But Kane is so mysterious, and it seems like he’s harboring a secret. And there’s been mysterious letters threatening John. He keeps saying that he is protecting John, but John can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right.
This novel was very thought-provoking for me. As Kane threw everything John knew to be true into question, so the same went for me. I found it a little strange that John seemed so lacking in common sense at times, even though he is a genius. The whole part about “reading people” that Kane supposedly taught John to do was very confusing for me to read. And Kane’s character I think was mentally sick to pull off those sorts of things that he did.
Overall, I did find myself losing interest at times. I felt that the story tried a little too hard to go deep, and that didn’t work for me. But it might’ve been that I didn’t completely understand the story. I was a little disappointed with the story, but not to the point that I hated it. I did like the ending, because the story leaves you off with a sense of forgiveness and understanding. I do not recommend this novel unless you are interested in psychology.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Doesn’t that one sentence just pull you in? It did for me. That sentence lets the reader know that this book is all about betrayal and confusion.
Main character John Banks is sixteen and already a graduate of high school. He plans to spend the summer with his “uncle” Kane in New York before heading off to USC. Kane isn’t actually related to John; he’s more of an honorary uncle. But they’ve known each other so long that it seems like they’re family.
Kane is a strange and rather inconsistent character. Sometimes he acts normally, and sometimes he seems like a complete psycho. At first, John jumps the chance to get closer to his uncle. But Kane is so mysterious, and it seems like he’s harboring a secret. And there’s been mysterious letters threatening John. He keeps saying that he is protecting John, but John can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right.
This novel was very thought-provoking for me. As Kane threw everything John knew to be true into question, so the same went for me. I found it a little strange that John seemed so lacking in common sense at times, even though he is a genius. The whole part about “reading people” that Kane supposedly taught John to do was very confusing for me to read. And Kane’s character I think was mentally sick to pull off those sorts of things that he did.
Overall, I did find myself losing interest at times. I felt that the story tried a little too hard to go deep, and that didn’t work for me. But it might’ve been that I didn’t completely understand the story. I was a little disappointed with the story, but not to the point that I hated it. I did like the ending, because the story leaves you off with a sense of forgiveness and understanding. I do not recommend this novel unless you are interested in psychology.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
February 24, 2008
J. M. Warwick
An Open Vein
Every one of us has someone important in our lives. Someone we say we would trust, but what if in all actuality the person may have another agenda, rather then trust. What if the information in one folder could change your life in an instant? That is exactly what has happened to John.
John is what some would call an overachiever. Preparing for his first year of college, while being torn between two, one his father would like him to attended, and one his father’s best friend would like him to attend.
Kane (John’s Fathers best friend) has always been there for John, birthday parties, Christmas and sporting events. He became part of family, so close to the family John did not think twice when Kane asked him to visit, when he moved to New York.
At first everything is fine, that is until John finds a folder. A folder that would change his life forever and pushes Kane into an erratic behavior –wanting to bond, treating his ‘new patient’. That’s not even the beginning—John’s life is being threatened—in the worst ways possible.
J. M. Warwick has defiantly weaved a very believable cast of characters that will keep you in your chair for hours waiting to see what will happen next. As dark as the novel may be, it can hit home in many aspects. I know I look forward to see what else Warwick has up her sleeve!
An Open Vein
Every one of us has someone important in our lives. Someone we say we would trust, but what if in all actuality the person may have another agenda, rather then trust. What if the information in one folder could change your life in an instant? That is exactly what has happened to John.
John is what some would call an overachiever. Preparing for his first year of college, while being torn between two, one his father would like him to attended, and one his father’s best friend would like him to attend.
Kane (John’s Fathers best friend) has always been there for John, birthday parties, Christmas and sporting events. He became part of family, so close to the family John did not think twice when Kane asked him to visit, when he moved to New York.
At first everything is fine, that is until John finds a folder. A folder that would change his life forever and pushes Kane into an erratic behavior –wanting to bond, treating his ‘new patient’. That’s not even the beginning—John’s life is being threatened—in the worst ways possible.
J. M. Warwick has defiantly weaved a very believable cast of characters that will keep you in your chair for hours waiting to see what will happen next. As dark as the novel may be, it can hit home in many aspects. I know I look forward to see what else Warwick has up her sleeve!
May 8, 2011
He's a doctor, of course I trust him. Or I did once.
I haven't eaten since yesterday. He had scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. The smell seeps at me from beneath the locked door. The gnawing in my stomach never goes away but it's not from lack of food. Up until yesterday, I've been able to eat. Until yestersay, I was able to do almost anything I wanted within the two thousand square feet of this place.
Things are different now.
In this book J.M Warwick discusses about truth, lies, mistakes, forgiveness, deceits, and betrayl. John a young teenager, goes to visit a family friend to have a fun a time and explore New York, but that all soon changes when he is told something that changes everything that he knows about his family. Through this he must figure out what he really wants, what he really needs and who can he really trust in.
This book has a few unexpecting twist that will keep you reading to figure out what is really going on and will want you to feel how John is feeling different situation between truths and lies.
I haven't eaten since yesterday. He had scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. The smell seeps at me from beneath the locked door. The gnawing in my stomach never goes away but it's not from lack of food. Up until yesterday, I've been able to eat. Until yestersay, I was able to do almost anything I wanted within the two thousand square feet of this place.
Things are different now.
In this book J.M Warwick discusses about truth, lies, mistakes, forgiveness, deceits, and betrayl. John a young teenager, goes to visit a family friend to have a fun a time and explore New York, but that all soon changes when he is told something that changes everything that he knows about his family. Through this he must figure out what he really wants, what he really needs and who can he really trust in.
This book has a few unexpecting twist that will keep you reading to figure out what is really going on and will want you to feel how John is feeling different situation between truths and lies.
October 10, 2012
*REVIEWED FOR AUTHOR*
The writing feels very claustrophobic, which in this case is good, I think, as it adds to the atmosphere. I began to feel as trapped as poor John! It remained tense right to the very end, even after the "big reveal".
Throughout the book I felt incredibly uncomfortable reading it, almost as though I were being watched, which had a hand in increasing the tension. It’s an edgy novel aimed at the young adult market that will certainly appeal to those older teenagers looking for something harder and more adult to read.
The writing feels very claustrophobic, which in this case is good, I think, as it adds to the atmosphere. I began to feel as trapped as poor John! It remained tense right to the very end, even after the "big reveal".
Throughout the book I felt incredibly uncomfortable reading it, almost as though I were being watched, which had a hand in increasing the tension. It’s an edgy novel aimed at the young adult market that will certainly appeal to those older teenagers looking for something harder and more adult to read.
July 16, 2008
Very well written. I must read for everyone. Not my normal type of book. But I did enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews