Book Review | Jack and I by Laury A. Egan | #PsychologicalSuspense #Thriller #MultiplePersonalityDisorder #DisassociativeIdentity #5Star #GrippingTale
#BookReview #FosterCareAbuse #DID #Bookstagram #BookX #RecommendedReading
After reviewing Laury A. Egan’s previous book, I was pleased to be invited to review her newest release, Jack and I. While the story is sometimes a complex and heart-wrenching tale, it underscores the presence of good people willing to protect the innocent and the urgent need for reforms in the foster care system.
There are themes of physical, sexual, and mental child abuse, rape, grooming, and sexual content. While I would typically avoid a book with these themes, I am so glad I agreed to read Jack and I. Change can never be made, nor situations like Jack’s prevented, if we bury our heads in the sand. My heart goes out to young Jack, and I wish him all the best in the future.
Book Details
Jack & I by Laury A. Egan
Published by Enigma Books on May 18, 2024
Genres: Adult Fiction 18+, Disability, Suspense, LGBTQ, Psychological Thriller
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 264
Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.A psychological suspense novel about two teenage boys. The twist? They're both named Jack and both inhabit the same body. "Mostly I was relieved to put some distance between Jack and myself, although this wasn't possible because I am Jack, too. And sort of not Jack. I am I, or rather, I am me."
1994. Jack Kennett is 16 and suffers from undiagnosed Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder). Abandoned at age two, Jack has been in the New Jersey care system all his life: foster homes and once placed for adoption with the Kennetts, a family he adored, especially their daughter, Cara. As the divisive war between the two personalities escalates, Jack (the host) is in despair and feeling powerless as he experiences amnesiac events and must deal with his alter's promiscuity, truancy, and illegal acts. How will the war between the personalities end?
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Purchase Links for Jack and I
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- A. Egan, Laury (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 266 Pages - 05/18/2024 (Publication Date) - Enigma Books (Publisher)
- A. Egan, Laury (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 264 Pages - 05/18/2024 (Publication Date) - Enigma Books (Publisher)
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My thoughts on Jack and I
Jack & I is a gripping psychological suspense novel about two teenage boys, both named Jack, who share the same body. “Mostly I was relieved to put some distance between Jack and myself, although this wasn’t possible because I am Jack, too. And sort of not Jack. I am I, or rather, I am me.”
In 1994, 16-year-old Jack Kennett suffers from undiagnosed Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder). Abandoned at age two, Jack has been shuffled through the New Jersey foster care system. After several foster homes, he is finally placed with the Kennetts, a family he adores, especially their daughter, Cara.
However, the internal battle between his two personalities escalates, causing danger to the Kennett’s and jeopardizing his adoption. Jack, the host, despairs as he experiences amnesiac events and must contend with the alter Jack’s promiscuity, truancy, and illegal activities. The central question remains: how will the conflict between these personalities end?
Egan delves into the complex subject of Dissociative Identity Disorder with a delicate touch. The author portrays Jack’s struggles with compassion and understanding, offering a respectful depiction of this complex condition.
As is often the case, Jack’s two personalities are polar opposites. The intense battle between good and evil reveals the horrifying abuse that young Jack endured. Could the alter personality be attempting to protect the vulnerable Jack? Did he develop as a protective device over the years of abuse?
While the story is, at times, difficult and heart-wrenching to read, it underscores the presence of good people willing to protect the innocent and the urgent need for reforms in the foster care system.
Author Laury A. Egan satisfactorily resolves the issues portrayed in Jack & I while leaving room for speculation, making it a thought-provoking and poignant read.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company.
Unless noted above, it is from my library or Kindle Unlimited.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Laury A. Egan
Laury A. Egan is the author of eleven novels, The Firefly; Once, Upon an Island; Wave in D Minor; Turnabout; Doublecrossed; The Swimmer; The Ungodly Hour; A Bittersweet Tale; Fabulous! An Opera Buffa; The Outcast Oracle; and Jenny Kidd; in addition to a collection, Fog and Other Stories. Four limited-edition poetry volumes have been published: Snow, Shadows, a Stranger; Beneath the Lion’s Paw; The Sea & Beyond" and Presence & Absence."
She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.
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Reviews similar to Jack and I
Laury A. Egan’s “The Black Leopard’s Kiss & The Writer Remembers” explores how treacherous memories can be. Through two linked novellas, Egan skillfully weaves a narrative rich in mystery and laced with touches of magical realism.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of “Jack & I” and the time it took for write it. So kind of you and so helpful!