Heal Thyself

The author very graciously sent me a copy for my reading enjoyment. The story itself is broken into three parts, or three stories, and follows the experiences of three broken men. 

In part one, or story one, ‘I Found Myself in You', we follow Ben in his lackluster life. I really enjoyed how the author made you feel the claustrophobic mundanity of the characters everyday life. He's a little older, a little fatter, perhaps a little sadder. He doesn't have enough money, or enough love or attention, or even enough will to get what he wants. Ben is your average man, a character that reads as real. When an old coworker gives him a card to a costume shop that he found help at, perhaps some unnatural or even supernatural things take place. You'll have to read to find out! 

In part two, or story two, ‘One Moment in Time', we follow Nick Holland, who is perhaps one of the most messed up character I've ever read about. There are no redeeming qualities to me, not that I assume there's meant to be. This is a victim-turned-abuser story, which typically does have some kind of redeeming aspect to it, I just didn't find any. It is one of the most disgusting and disturbing, and therefore horrifying, things I've ever read through. 

In part three, or story three, ‘Return to Me', we follow Jason, a second shift hardware store worker and recovering alcoholic. This is the longest of the three and dives into what you would possibly do, and the consequences of, being able to change the life you were given. Sometimes people aren't dealt the best hand in life, sometimes we are the way we are because of that, and sometimes we are the way we are because we simply aren't good. 

These three very different stories all use time, or time travel, as a means to change. Three broken men wish to change their lot in life, but by accepting the chance to go back, to change, are they damning themselves in the process? This novel deals in pain, loss, abuse, mundanity, fear. It shows us these things through desperation, aggression, further abuse, murder, and more. This is certainly a horror novel, with the subject matter being particularly horrifying. 

Be sure to check out this novel if horror is your thing! You may find it to be absolutely amazing, this one just really wasn't for me.