 |
Nearing the completion of his senior year as a psychology major, Ky feels that things are going well. He has top marks in all his classes, visits his aunt in the mental hospital when he can, and has made great progress over the three years of therapy visits. In fact, his professors and friends all tell him he needs to slow down and enjoy this last semester. When this same plea comes from his old flame, Emery, he decides to take their advice and attend a party with her.
Things go well, and Emery and Ky decide to give their relationship another shot. Emery is very religious and suggests that Ky lean more on prayer and less on the pills given to him by his therapist. The two differ on several opinions but feel that this relationship could be special if they can build trust. That may be difficult: Emery crosses the line and takes Ky’s pills without him knowing, and Ky has a wild night at a strip club, which he tries to hide. Ky’s loosening up is also causing him to lose control, and the problems of his past are returning.
Simon’s book is set squarely in the life of a college student trying to meet all of his scholarly and academic expectations. The author uses many of the trappings of the psychological thriller in his narrative as he follows the unwinding of his protagonist. The protagonist is shaped by childhood trauma, religious pressure, and a psychiatric disorder. There are a few grammatical errors, and many avenues hinted at in the narrative are never completely explored. However, the unraveling of the protagonist will likely fascinate many readers, and those who want a quick, tense mental thriller, will find this title is a good match.