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fabi_g's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This could've and should've been a five star book. Two broken characters who had their childhoods taken away from them.
There's bad parenting and there's unimaginable, horrific parenting.
So how can these two end up being good for each other? They click. They connect. They give each other strength. They both strive to be their best selves for the other.
Like I said, this should have been a five star book. I almost overlooked my first niggle. But then we get the sex scenes and they are so incongruous. I'm sorry, but those erotic sex scenes made no sense at all in the flow of the plot. It was like someone cut and pasted sex scenes from another story into this one. I overlooked them as much as I could. I skimmed and skipped, but ultimately they brought my rating down quite a bit.
But I felt like the writing was top notch and I'd like to read more books by this author.
This could've and should've been a five star book. Two broken characters who had their childhoods taken away from them.
There's bad parenting and there's unimaginable, horrific parenting.
So how can these two end up being good for each other? They click. They connect. They give each other strength. They both strive to be their best selves for the other.
Like I said, this should have been a five star book. I almost overlooked my first niggle
Spoiler
the letterSpoiler
I also felt like there was a creepy factor introduced with respect to the doctors which was never explored.maraisonmars's review
3.0
3.5☆
Overall, I did enjoy both the story and the mcs, but I do wish we would have gotten more scenes between the two, especially in the first half of the book, because their feelings felt a bit rushed and in a way kind of out of nowhere. It was overall a very enjoyable book, even though I found it a bit difficult to connect to some of the characters..
Overall, I did enjoy both the story and the mcs, but I do wish we would have gotten more scenes between the two, especially in the first half of the book, because their feelings felt a bit rushed and in a way kind of out of nowhere. It was overall a very enjoyable book, even though I found it a bit difficult to connect to some of the characters..
hippiedaizy's review
5.0
I KNEW this book was going to tear me into shreds. I have a thing for completely "broken" boys. I my heart BROKE for Jonah. From the minute he came on page I knew I was in love with him and I knew he'd break my heart.
Jonah is suffering from a mental illness that even his 3 therapists have a hard time diagnosing. But, he's trying, and does a biannual "vacation" at the Riverbend Behavioral Health Facility. Speaking of his therapists...
I loved how he was "honest" with his therapists. If he didn't want to do something he didn't. If someone asked him a question he was blunt with his answers. He was real with them, but then again he kept so much back from them. I liked that. I liked how he knew he needed help, but he just wasn't ready to accept REAL help.
I loved how he opened up to Cam. I loved how their relationship was easy, because they both had so much hard stuff in their lives already. They needed something easy. No, I'm not saying everything was hunky dory; I'm saying they fell in with each other easily. They both "got" each other. I loved how Cam wanted to help Jonah.
While Jonah was going through his stuff, Cam had his own ordeal. Granted his, on the larger scale, were "easier" to fix.
Spoiler
I actually hated his family. I thought his dad was a dick and I thought Cam should have laid him out when he had the chance. I also thought the rest of them could go to hell. Especially the end?! NO FUCKING WAY! Did they ever find out if Kenneth was skimming?There's so much I could say about Jonah's delusions and his mental health, but there are no words to describe what's he's going through. You just have to read it to find out and I hope you fall in love with Jonah and Cam as much as I did. They will never have a "perfect" relationship, because how can they? But, I believe in them. I believe that whatever life throws at them, they'll find a way through it and be stronger for it. They're solid and I know they'll be okay.
J.K. Hogan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She has a way of pulling me into her stories--even stories I didn't even want to read in the first place, ie. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1045628950?book_show_action=false
kitherondales's review
2.0
So this book wasn't bad but it didn't really resonate with me. It took me a really long time to finish it simply because it was so unmemorable. The characters were okay and the plot was fine but this novel is nothing to write home about. I often found myself struggling to finish it and I'm just relieved to be done. I'm so ready to move on to something else. Strong Medicine was mediocre but I suppose I'd recommend it for it's portrayal of mental illness. That's about it though. I give this book a D.
ellelainey's review against another edition
5.0
Book – Strong Medicine
Author – J.K. Hogan
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 278
Cover – Really nice!
POV – 3rd person, past tense, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes. With a lot of tissues.
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Medical, Mental Health
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Wow! What can I say? I loved everything about this book.
When it started, I'll admit, I found it a little strange to be introduced to Cam first, then to flashback to what brought him to the moment. It would have been best if the flashback was a prologue and the present day paragraph was the start, but I do get why the author did it. It was a sort of mysterious mis-direct, leaving us wondering if Cam was a patient before we found out his true role. It would have been really clever if the blurb hadn't already prepared me for his role in the story.
I really loved the implication that Cameron has always wiggled his way out of trouble, thanks to his dad's connections. But, now he can't. It shows how much he's relied on his dad getting him out of trouble in the past and that he's not really prepared to deal with the consequences of his actions. Adding in the whole 'superstar' and 'child star' persona he's had all his life, not only does his family totally remind me of the Partrigde family, but it's another important key to Cameron's nature. He's never really fought for anything, stood up for anything or learned anything in all his years. He's been spoonfed situations and forced to put a lid on his private life, even to the extent of causing himself harm. He's as ill equipped to be in the wider world as Jonah is.
As for Jonah, even from the first, very short, scene with him, I knew I wanted to know more and that I felt for him. He touched my heart in ways that other characters haven't managed in a long time. Although our illnesses are different, he perfectly expresses things that I've never found the words for. Another great example is this quote, which describes a feeling I know well, but can't articulate.
“Cameron felt an oppressive weight descend upon him, abhorrent but not altogether unfamiliar, and then he felt it the way he always did, that unbearable heaviness of being alive. That thing you felt when you lay awake at three a.m., knowing you have to get up at six and do it all over again, that never-ending Möbius strip of existence [...]”
What I really loved was the true sensitivity and research that the author used to write the mental health issues presented in the book. Tackling everything from schizophrenia, anorexia, psychosis, personality disorders, suicide and more, I just want to give major kudos to the author for tackling such issues in a way that opens the readers eyes to the reality of living with an invisible illness. This quote, right here, expressed so much of what is sad, but true, about the world and their perception of mental health.
“Cameron was secretly relieved that no one was in restraints, or screaming and raving like he'd imagined when he first for his sentence. He knew it was...prejudiced or whatever it was called, but movies and books had given popular culture a singular view of what goes on in a mental hospital, and Riverbend didn't seem to meet that criteria.”
As characters, I had no problem falling in love with BOTH Cameron and Jonah, which – in recent books – has been a real issue for me. There was no ego trips, no posturing or judgement. Cameron is this naively innocent guy who says whatever comes to mind, even if it's rude, insulting or just downright questionable. He'll apologise immediately after, if there's a need and sometimes when there isn't, but he's always mindful of those around him and how his actions affect others.
On the other hand, Jonah is this young man with an old soul, wounded by his past and afraid to hope, because he sees his situation as pointless from the start. Until Cameron walks into his life. As a child star from the only show that kept Jonah feeling safe and alive as a boy, there's an immediate connection between the two that is beautifully explored, through slow and meaningful hours, weeks and months together, as they learn about each other and begin a friendship.
There's no rushing in, with this relationship. No insta-love or anything of that sort. You can feel the two migrating towards each other, like magnets with no choice but to follow the pull. Gradually, feelings develop and they're not in a situation to explore that. Which makes it all the better.
What was also awesome, were the realistic sex scenes. For once, there are no million and one condoms randomly on tap, when the characters want a spur of the moment tumble. There's insecurities, questions and deliberations and smart thinking, as well as blind action. It's brilliant and real.
The pace of this book, exploring big events by season, was fantastic. There wasn't anything that didn't need to be there, that wasn't important and even all the small parts were really vital to the character growth or the progression of their relationship.
Jonah also had a great sense of humour, which drew me in right from the start. When he calls Doctor Calloway 'the hellbeast' and so much more, I absolutely love him for it. I've had a therapist and doctor or two that I didn't like and this is exactly what happens. Just as all the medical knowledge – mental and within the resident centre itself – was well thought out, so was the execution. Flawlessly, this story delved deep into the heart of the cause and treatments of mental illness and the things that happened to a person, when under extreme mental pressure.
Every time I was in Jonah's POV, in the first half of the novel, I felt like crying. He was nothing but this lovely, vulnerable little boy, who had been through Hell and back again, and it made my heart hurt to see him struggle so much. But, strangely enough, I felt exactly the same for Cameron, who had never had a real childhood. In a way, these characters were both the same – deprived of love and affection from a young age and put through terrible strains on their mental wellbeing – and they both broke my heart in different ways.
Can I also just thank the author for using my most favourite quote in the world to help Jonah and Cameron get through their time together?
“damaged people are dangerous; they know how to survive.”
~
Most of all, I just loved the way the book made me feel. It was so rich and inviting, right from the start. I connected to Cameron very quickly, with a nice long scene or two, to get me acquainted with him. Then, Jonah came along with his POV and I didn't need a long time. I just needed that one half page of his POV, I knew that I'd love him forever and nothing could change that. I was afraid, for a little while, if Cameron would be good enough for him (as I said, I've been disappointed with the love interest in books recently), but it was all done so expertly that I had zero complaints.
Sure, there are things I'm not saying. That's important. I won't give away the major plot lines or anything like that. But, it's because I want you to read the book and experience it the way I did – blind surprise that drew joy from ever word.
Overall, I only have one thing to say....
This book shattered my heart, piece by piece, then took a final hammer to what was left with those last few words. This story will stay with me for a long, long time. It broke me, but like with Cam and Jonah, it put me back together again, too. And I'll always love it for that.
~
Favourite Quote
“Cameron vowed that as long as he was in Jonah's life, no one would ever hurt him again. He wasn't a hero, he wasn't a saint, he was just a boy, holding another boy, and promising to protect him.”
Author – J.K. Hogan
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 278
Cover – Really nice!
POV – 3rd person, past tense, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes. With a lot of tissues.
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Medical, Mental Health
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Wow! What can I say? I loved everything about this book.
When it started, I'll admit, I found it a little strange to be introduced to Cam first, then to flashback to what brought him to the moment. It would have been best if the flashback was a prologue and the present day paragraph was the start, but I do get why the author did it. It was a sort of mysterious mis-direct, leaving us wondering if Cam was a patient before we found out his true role. It would have been really clever if the blurb hadn't already prepared me for his role in the story.
I really loved the implication that Cameron has always wiggled his way out of trouble, thanks to his dad's connections. But, now he can't. It shows how much he's relied on his dad getting him out of trouble in the past and that he's not really prepared to deal with the consequences of his actions. Adding in the whole 'superstar' and 'child star' persona he's had all his life, not only does his family totally remind me of the Partrigde family, but it's another important key to Cameron's nature. He's never really fought for anything, stood up for anything or learned anything in all his years. He's been spoonfed situations and forced to put a lid on his private life, even to the extent of causing himself harm. He's as ill equipped to be in the wider world as Jonah is.
As for Jonah, even from the first, very short, scene with him, I knew I wanted to know more and that I felt for him. He touched my heart in ways that other characters haven't managed in a long time. Although our illnesses are different, he perfectly expresses things that I've never found the words for. Another great example is this quote, which describes a feeling I know well, but can't articulate.
“Cameron felt an oppressive weight descend upon him, abhorrent but not altogether unfamiliar, and then he felt it the way he always did, that unbearable heaviness of being alive. That thing you felt when you lay awake at three a.m., knowing you have to get up at six and do it all over again, that never-ending Möbius strip of existence [...]”
What I really loved was the true sensitivity and research that the author used to write the mental health issues presented in the book. Tackling everything from schizophrenia, anorexia, psychosis, personality disorders, suicide and more, I just want to give major kudos to the author for tackling such issues in a way that opens the readers eyes to the reality of living with an invisible illness. This quote, right here, expressed so much of what is sad, but true, about the world and their perception of mental health.
“Cameron was secretly relieved that no one was in restraints, or screaming and raving like he'd imagined when he first for his sentence. He knew it was...prejudiced or whatever it was called, but movies and books had given popular culture a singular view of what goes on in a mental hospital, and Riverbend didn't seem to meet that criteria.”
As characters, I had no problem falling in love with BOTH Cameron and Jonah, which – in recent books – has been a real issue for me. There was no ego trips, no posturing or judgement. Cameron is this naively innocent guy who says whatever comes to mind, even if it's rude, insulting or just downright questionable. He'll apologise immediately after, if there's a need and sometimes when there isn't, but he's always mindful of those around him and how his actions affect others.
On the other hand, Jonah is this young man with an old soul, wounded by his past and afraid to hope, because he sees his situation as pointless from the start. Until Cameron walks into his life. As a child star from the only show that kept Jonah feeling safe and alive as a boy, there's an immediate connection between the two that is beautifully explored, through slow and meaningful hours, weeks and months together, as they learn about each other and begin a friendship.
There's no rushing in, with this relationship. No insta-love or anything of that sort. You can feel the two migrating towards each other, like magnets with no choice but to follow the pull. Gradually, feelings develop and they're not in a situation to explore that. Which makes it all the better.
What was also awesome, were the realistic sex scenes. For once, there are no million and one condoms randomly on tap, when the characters want a spur of the moment tumble. There's insecurities, questions and deliberations and smart thinking, as well as blind action. It's brilliant and real.
The pace of this book, exploring big events by season, was fantastic. There wasn't anything that didn't need to be there, that wasn't important and even all the small parts were really vital to the character growth or the progression of their relationship.
Jonah also had a great sense of humour, which drew me in right from the start. When he calls Doctor Calloway 'the hellbeast' and so much more, I absolutely love him for it. I've had a therapist and doctor or two that I didn't like and this is exactly what happens. Just as all the medical knowledge – mental and within the resident centre itself – was well thought out, so was the execution. Flawlessly, this story delved deep into the heart of the cause and treatments of mental illness and the things that happened to a person, when under extreme mental pressure.
Every time I was in Jonah's POV, in the first half of the novel, I felt like crying. He was nothing but this lovely, vulnerable little boy, who had been through Hell and back again, and it made my heart hurt to see him struggle so much. But, strangely enough, I felt exactly the same for Cameron, who had never had a real childhood. In a way, these characters were both the same – deprived of love and affection from a young age and put through terrible strains on their mental wellbeing – and they both broke my heart in different ways.
Can I also just thank the author for using my most favourite quote in the world to help Jonah and Cameron get through their time together?
“damaged people are dangerous; they know how to survive.”
~
Most of all, I just loved the way the book made me feel. It was so rich and inviting, right from the start. I connected to Cameron very quickly, with a nice long scene or two, to get me acquainted with him. Then, Jonah came along with his POV and I didn't need a long time. I just needed that one half page of his POV, I knew that I'd love him forever and nothing could change that. I was afraid, for a little while, if Cameron would be good enough for him (as I said, I've been disappointed with the love interest in books recently), but it was all done so expertly that I had zero complaints.
Sure, there are things I'm not saying. That's important. I won't give away the major plot lines or anything like that. But, it's because I want you to read the book and experience it the way I did – blind surprise that drew joy from ever word.
Overall, I only have one thing to say....
This book shattered my heart, piece by piece, then took a final hammer to what was left with those last few words. This story will stay with me for a long, long time. It broke me, but like with Cam and Jonah, it put me back together again, too. And I'll always love it for that.
~
Favourite Quote
“Cameron vowed that as long as he was in Jonah's life, no one would ever hurt him again. He wasn't a hero, he wasn't a saint, he was just a boy, holding another boy, and promising to protect him.”
karlijnmerle's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I don't know, it was a good story. But that's it. Maybe it's because I'm familiar with mental-sicknesses, but I don't think so. Because that part was really good. Ugh, I don't know. I will read it again in a few weeks and see what my opinion will be.
I don't know, it was a good story. But that's it. Maybe it's because I'm familiar with mental-sicknesses, but I don't think so. Because that part was really good. Ugh, I don't know. I will read it again in a few weeks and see what my opinion will be.
suze_1624's review against another edition
4.0
A great, involved read that I devoured in one day. 4.5*
Jonah's story is gradually revealed and it is heart breaking - for what he went through with his father, what he has been through since, the lack of progress in resolving his many issues.
Cameron's story is not as heart wrenching, revolving about the pressures of early fame but none the less has a great effect on his adult life.
I liked how the two connected, how Jonah started to respond both to Cam and treatment. How he opened himself to getting to a functioning place - there is no cure, just getting to a place to be able to cope - with life, love and ultimately his father, and shopping!
Jonah's story is gradually revealed and it is heart breaking - for what he went through with his father, what he has been through since, the lack of progress in resolving his many issues.
Cameron's story is not as heart wrenching, revolving about the pressures of early fame but none the less has a great effect on his adult life.
I liked how the two connected, how Jonah started to respond both to Cam and treatment. How he opened himself to getting to a functioning place - there is no cure, just getting to a place to be able to cope - with life, love and ultimately his father, and shopping!
kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
This book has one of the most broken characters I've met in M/M, but the things that happened to Jonah as a child are not quite the standard abuse tropes of M/M. Still, close enough that this needs a big trigger warning on it. Jonah survived his bad times, and has managed to reach adulthood, but he's deeply damaged and circumscribed by what he went through.
Twice a year, his panic attacks and hallucinations begin to crowd him, until he reaches the point where even his reclusive life as a writer is impossible. Then he checks himself into a local psychiatric inpatient hospital to weather the worst of it. But his past is also a reason, or perhaps an excuse, to refuse drugs and dodge therapy. Jonah is locked in a holding pattern, living half a life. He thinks that's probably the best he'll ever manage.
Cameron was a childhood TV and music star, whose controlling father has created a fictional perfect life for the family band. It wouldn't be so bad, except fictional Cameron is straight, and real Cameron is deep in the closet. He took to drinking, and one day he drank too much and crashed with a blood alcohol level that could not be ignored. His connections do get him a placement as both orderly and patient at the psychiatric facility, doing public service hours, and getting some counseling. Cameron's not an alcoholic, but he is at loose ends, cast out of his band, and unsure of his future.
These two young men meet, and have an instant connection, facilitated by Jonah's teenaged crush on Cameron's fictional character. But the obstacles to them having a real relationship are both internal and external. Jonah has a lot of healing to get through. And unless Cameron breaks free of his father's influence, and Jonah is able to leave the hospital, they're playing with fire that has nowhere to go.
I appreciated that this is another book which uses real, extended psychotherapy to treat a damaged character. It was also cool to see Jonah's perception of the doctors and their motives change. I liked the slow arc of his progress. The climactic events were not allowed to sink to melodrama (although the childhood trauma verged on it), and the ending was nicely but not impossibly warm.
Twice a year, his panic attacks and hallucinations begin to crowd him, until he reaches the point where even his reclusive life as a writer is impossible. Then he checks himself into a local psychiatric inpatient hospital to weather the worst of it. But his past is also a reason, or perhaps an excuse, to refuse drugs and dodge therapy. Jonah is locked in a holding pattern, living half a life. He thinks that's probably the best he'll ever manage.
Cameron was a childhood TV and music star, whose controlling father has created a fictional perfect life for the family band. It wouldn't be so bad, except fictional Cameron is straight, and real Cameron is deep in the closet. He took to drinking, and one day he drank too much and crashed with a blood alcohol level that could not be ignored. His connections do get him a placement as both orderly and patient at the psychiatric facility, doing public service hours, and getting some counseling. Cameron's not an alcoholic, but he is at loose ends, cast out of his band, and unsure of his future.
These two young men meet, and have an instant connection, facilitated by Jonah's teenaged crush on Cameron's fictional character. But the obstacles to them having a real relationship are both internal and external. Jonah has a lot of healing to get through. And unless Cameron breaks free of his father's influence, and Jonah is able to leave the hospital, they're playing with fire that has nowhere to go.
I appreciated that this is another book which uses real, extended psychotherapy to treat a damaged character. It was also cool to see Jonah's perception of the doctors and their motives change. I liked the slow arc of his progress. The climactic events were not allowed to sink to melodrama (although the childhood trauma verged on it), and the ending was nicely but not impossibly warm.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
I became a fan of Ms. Hogan’s when I read her Coming About series. I loved her writing, character development and stories so I knew I had to read this book. And although it was a really, really tough read, I’m glad I read it. Both boys’ growth and maturity as well as learning to live and love was a long arduous journey.
Jonah suffered a MAJOR trauma as a child that was never properly dealt with. I hate his mother for not getting him the help he needed as a child and for basically sweeping it under the carpet. Jonah was stuck…knowing he had issues, knowing what triggered them, knowing when to check himself into Riverbend to stay safe and keep other safe…but not really wanting to live past breathing. He accepted that he will be a mess forever and didn’t really want to do much more than get through each episode. Until he met Cameron and realized he might actually want more out of life than taking up space. He has a humorously dry wit and a pretty great personality hidden beneath all the pain and suffering. He really just needs to be nurtured back to life.
Cameron is a bit of a mess. He’s repressed his real self for years and never been true to himself, always doing what his father wanted and living for everyone around him. It finally took him crashing and burning for him to see what was going on with his life. His recovery at Riverbend was great to watch…he was a great addition to their staff while taking his life back. He is a good man and perfect for nurturing Jonah back to life.
Their love story takes time to unfold, as it should while they both get the help they need. It worked perfectly with their story.
Overall, this is a very good albeit tough story to read.
Jonah suffered a MAJOR trauma as a child that was never properly dealt with. I hate his mother for not getting him the help he needed as a child and for basically sweeping it under the carpet. Jonah was stuck…knowing he had issues, knowing what triggered them, knowing when to check himself into Riverbend to stay safe and keep other safe…but not really wanting to live past breathing. He accepted that he will be a mess forever and didn’t really want to do much more than get through each episode. Until he met Cameron and realized he might actually want more out of life than taking up space. He has a humorously dry wit and a pretty great personality hidden beneath all the pain and suffering. He really just needs to be nurtured back to life.
Cameron is a bit of a mess. He’s repressed his real self for years and never been true to himself, always doing what his father wanted and living for everyone around him. It finally took him crashing and burning for him to see what was going on with his life. His recovery at Riverbend was great to watch…he was a great addition to their staff while taking his life back. He is a good man and perfect for nurturing Jonah back to life.
Their love story takes time to unfold, as it should while they both get the help they need. It worked perfectly with their story.
Overall, this is a very good albeit tough story to read.