P.D. Workman's Blog, page 122

Reading List: Young Adult Fiction about Mental/Psychological Abuse

I have previously posted reading lists for physical abuse and sexual abuse, and it’s high time I published one about mental, emotional, or psychological abuse. Mental abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, but is harder to recognize , and not likely to get the same kind of attention and treatment as physical abuse. There are a number of studies and stats available on mental abuse; it would appear that somewhere between 30 and 43 percent of adults have experienced some form or mental or psychological abuse as children or in their intimate partner relationships.

As usual, my YA books featuring characters who experience primarily mental abuse are on top, followed by some other choices in popular literature.

My books that include main characters who are (primarily) mentally abused:

By-Pass, Breaking the Pattern #3

It’s better when she’s happy.

Bobby is a geeky teen who is convinced that his new foster home is everything he has ever hoped for.

His foster mom Katya is so different than any he has ever had; but as her behavior becomes more and more unpredictable and disturbing, he comes to realize that both he and Katya’s daughter Zane are in trouble.

The crazy thing is, Bobby doesn’t want to leave her, and new revelations from Bobby’s own forgotten past throw his quest for a real family into further turmoil.


Stand Alone


Is Justine crazy?

Everyone thinks so…

Her mother. The kids at school, and the teachers and administrators too. Even the police who pick her up from her night rambles. Maybe them most of all.

Justine’s therapist says she is ‘troubled’, but it means the same thing. He thinks that her vivid, reoccurring nightmares and atrocious behavior point to some trauma in her past; but Em, Justine’s mother, can’t explain it.

Justine used to have Christian, her best friend and skateboard partner. He was the only one who accepted her. Maybe because skating is the only time that Justine is really free to be herself. Now that Christian is gone… Justine keeps thinking things can’t get any worse.

Even as she sees her life spinning further and further out of control, Justine can’t give up her sense of who she is—someone far different than the loving daughter Em expects her to be—to just fit in and be happy. She is sure that Em secretly holds the key to who Justine really is. But if she does, Em isn’t talking.



Those Who Believe


These signs shall follow those who believe…


On the run from Social Services and others who do not understand their beliefs, Nathan and his mom, faith-healer Billie Ashbury move into yet another a new town.


Nathan again faces the challenges of making new friends and of keeping his family’s secrets. But what he really struggles with is his wavering faith and reconciling his actions with what his devoted mother has taught him from the cradle. Could disobeying her ever be right?

His very life could depend on the answer.


Other books on Mental/Psychological Abuse:
Finding YA books that were more about mental abuse than physical abuse is difficult. Most of the book lists out there combine physical and mental abuse into the same group. Here, then, is my attempt at books that focus more on the emotional abuse:

If You Find Me, Emily Murdoch

In If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, a broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen-year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy’s diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? 

Breathing Underwater, Alex Flinn

To his friends, popular and handsome sixteen-year-old Nick Andreas has led a charmed life. But the guys in Nick’s anger management class know differently. So does his ex-girlfriend Caitlin. Now it looks like the only person who doesn’t realize how far from perfect Nick’s life has become is Nick himself.









Bitter End, Jennifer Brown

When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole — a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her — she can’t believe she’s finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her.

At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? As the months pass, though, Alex can no longer ignore Cole’s small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.

As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose “love” she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose — between her “true love” and herself.

Silently Still, Julieanne Lynch

Everyone is entitled to making their own choices in life, but a decision can make or break you. For Jacinta Kelly, hers came in the form of running away from everything that reminded her of her roots. 
Living in rural Ireland was hard enough, but living with her mother’s mental illness and her obsession with her garden took its toll. One winter, the world as she knows it changes. Jacinta becomes aware of her own mortality, and how fragile her existence truly is. 
Alone and frightened; to live or die, the choice is hers.

Excerpt from Paperweight by Meg Haston

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along!

My teaser today is from Paperweight, by Meg Haston. A book about loss and eating disorder, very gritty and real. A really great book that takes the reader into Stevie’s mind and gradually reveals her past and the progression of her disease and therapy. Realistic relationships and character development.

I slide my right hand across my stomach and count the ribs on the left side. Once, twice, three times. They’re not as sharp as yesterday. I have to get out of here. This was such a mistake. I told Dad this was a mistake.

Paperweight, Meg Haston

 

 

Seventeen-year-old Stevie is trapped. In her life. In her body. And now in an eating-disorder treatment center on the dusty outskirts of the New Mexico desert. Life in the center is regimented and intrusive, a nightmare come true. Nurses and therapists watch Stevie at meal time, accompany her to the bathroom, and challenge her to eat the foods she’s worked so hard to avoid. Her dad has signed her up for sixty days of treatment. But what no one knows is that Stevie doesn’t plan to stay that long. There are only twenty-seven days until the anniversary of her brother Josh’s death—the death she caused. And if Stevie gets her way, there are only twenty-seven days until she, too, will end her life.

Paperweight follows Stevie’s journey as she struggles not only with this life-threatening eating disorder, but with the question of whether she can ever find absolution for the mistakes of her past…and whether she truly deserves to.

Excerpt from Lee Child’s Make Me

Survey question for you (answer in the comments): Who is your favorite thriller author?

[  ] Lee Child

[  ] James Patterson

[  ] Someone else…?

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along!

I love Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books, and just finished Make Me. It is classic Jack Reacher, sensitive yet hard-hitting, lots of tension  and clever dialogue. A fresh and intriguing puzzle. If you’ve read Lee Child, you know what to expect!

At which point the motel keeper’s twelve-year-old grandson ducked into the general store, to the pay phone on the wall just inside the door. He dumped his coins and dialed a number, and when it was answered he said, “He’s searching the town. I followed him everywhere. He’s looking all over. He’s doing it block by block.”

Lee Child, Make Me

“Why is this town called Mother’s Rest?” That’s all Reacher wants to know. But no one will tell him. It’s a tiny place hidden in a thousand square miles of wheat fields, with a railroad stop, and sullen and watchful people, and a worried woman named Michelle Chang, who mistakes him for someone else: her missing partner in a private investigation she thinks must have started small and then turned lethal.

Reacher has no particular place to go, and all the time in the world to get there, and there’s something about Chang . . . so he teams up with her and starts to ask around. He thinks: How bad can this thing be? But before long he’s plunged into a desperate race through LA, Chicago, Phoenix, and San Francisco, and through the hidden parts of the internet, up against thugs and assassins every step of the way—right back to where he started, in Mother’s Rest, where he must confront the worst nightmare he could imagine.

Walking away would have been easier. But as always, Reacher’s rule is: If you want me to stop, you’re going to have to make me.

Excerpt from The Builder

I announced last night that I have finished the first draft of my Camp Nanowrimo novel! 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along!

I am currently reading The Builder (The Young Ancients Book 1) by P.S. Power. It is a young adult fantasy/magic book and has been quite interesting so far. Lots of effort has been put into explaining the ‘science’ of the magical systems in this world. I have been surprised a few times by the use of modern language in what would normally be a historical setting. No attempt has been made to find historical euphemisms for words like bathroom and sex. The main character is not a naive  eleven-year-old, but a scholarship student of three years, I would guess around fifteen years old. He is a hard-working student with a sometimes snarky tone:

Count Thomson. Freaking hell. The guy wasn’t just a giant, but one of Kolb’s best fighters. If he decided to beat Tor to death, not only could he get away with it—legally since he was a Count—but there was nothing the much smaller Tor could do to even slow him down, much less stop him.

P.S. Power, The Builder

Tor Baker is a builder. A person that creates the magic that makes the kingdom of Noram function.

At least he will be one, if his first project hasn’t failed miserably, and if he manages not to be expelled from school for taking unscheduled time off to try it.

What Tor doesn’t know is that his innocent little project has caught the attention of some very powerful people, and the world he thought he knew his whole life, is a lie.

Between his own innocence, and a world filled with royalty and power, the humble little baker’s boy from the backwoods is going to have to scramble if he doesn’t want it to all fall apart, or end up in the gallows for making a few simple mistakes.

 

First draft of Camp Nanowrimo project complete!

Draft 1 COMPLETE!

Goal was 100,000 words.
Rang in at 100,913.
Fifteen writing days, averaging 6,700 words per day.

My shoulders tell me that next time I’d better dial it back to 5,000 per day, do yoga every day, or use dictation software part of the time!

Teaser:

“Mrs. Gable is really nice. I’m glad she offered you a place to live.”

“Me too.”

“You think it will work out there?”

“How do I know?” Dakota challenged. “I don’t usually stay anywhere for very long. People promise to take care of you… and then they don’t.”

 

Synopsis:

Parker’s mother always said he jumped into things without thinking first, and that’s exactly what he did when he saw Dakota, cold and hungry, fending for herself on the city streets. How could he ignore the pain and fear in her dark eyes? Dakota was eager to go to school and she made friends quickly, eager to make up for a dismal childhood full of deprivation and abuse by enjoying every moment she could.

But there was something wrong with Dakota. It wasn’t just the hollowness in her eyes or her traumatic past. Others sensed it too and warned Parker not to get too close to Dakota. But despite his questions, Parker just can’t help falling for her.

Dakota holds her secrets close and Parker is worried that if he pushes too hard for answers, she’ll just run away.

 

Excerpt from Forgive me

I still have free Audible downloads codes for my first audiobook release, Don’t Forget Steven. Comment below if you would like one!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along!

I just finished Forgive Me by Daniel Palmer. An edge of your seat mystery/suspense book with  lots of gritty background about human trafficking and some interesting twists and turns.

Her mother would pounce if a single tear leaked out.

“Toughen up, Nadine,” she’d say. “The world is a brutal place, and you’d best have a thicker skin.”

Daniel Palmer, Forgive Me

At DeRose & Associates Private Investigators in Virginia, Angie DeRose strives to find and rescue endangered runaways–work that stands in stark contrast to her own safe, idyllic childhood. But in the wake of her mother’s sudden death, Angie makes a life-altering discovery. Hidden among the mementos in her parents’ attic is a photograph of a little girl, with a code and a hand-written message on the back: “May God forgive me.”

Angie has no idea what it means or how to explain other questionable items among her mother’s possessions. Her father claims to know nothing. Could Angie have a sister or other relative she was never told about? Bryce Taggart, the US Marshal working with her agency, agrees to help Angie learn the fate of the girl in the photograph. But the lies she and Bryce unearth will bring her past and present together with terrifying force. And everything she cherishes will be threatened by the repercussions of one long-ago choice–and an enemy who will kill to keep a secret hidden forever.

Audiobook release Don’t Forget Steven

Don’t Forget Steven is my first book available in audiobook format! I consume a lot of my reading by audiobook, so I am happy to be able to offer one of my own. You can find the audiobook of Don’t Forget Steven at the following online stores:

Amazon

Audible

iTunes

I will have some Audible coupons that will get you Don’t Forget Steven for free. If you would like to be in line for one of these coupons, comment below!

He never told what went on behind closed doors. But this time, he can’t remember.

Things never have been easy for Steven. He accepts that, and just makes the best of things. He might not have parents or a happy home. Or enough to eat most days. But at least he has a couple of loyal friends who stand by him and help out when they can. At least he has school, someplace he can go to escape the abuse.

But just when he thought things couldn’t get much worse, they did.

Steven is accused of murder. But that isn’t the worst part. The really bad part is not even knowing if he did it.

Praise for Don’t Forget Steven

“I couldn’t stop reading.”

“The chilling tale of domestic violence and Steven’s struggle to overcome his traumatic experiences, “Don’t Forget Steven” is a fast-paced, compelling read that keeps the reader on the edge from beginning to end.”

“An interesting and insightful peek into Steven’s life and what it is like to be abused… I really loved this book and would read it again.”

Excerpt from Under Your Skin

Check out my promos if you haven’t already; still lots of freebies and good deals available! And don’t forget to enter my Summer is Short of the Prairies prize pack contest!

Camp Nanowrimo has started, which means I have a new book under way. I am already 20,000 words into Endless Change, and I like the way it is shaping up.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along!

I am currently reading Under Your Skin by Sabine Durrant. I am still trying to figure out who committed the murder in this mystery, and why. I have my suspicions, but too many of them!

PC Morrow says, “Can I have your autograph?” and I turn, instinctively smiling, hand obligingly raised, before I realize she just wants me to sign my statement.

Sabine Durrant, Under Your Skin

 

Gaby Mortimer is the woman who has it all. But everything changes when she finds a body on the common near her home. She’s shaken and haunted by the image of the lifeless young woman, and frightened that the killer, still at large, could strike again.

Before long, the police have a lead. The evidence points to a very clear suspect. One Gaby never saw coming . . .

Full of twists and turns, this is a dark and suspenseful psychological thriller that will make you second guess everything. Because you can never be too sure about anything, especially when it comes to murder.

5 ways to get free and discounted books

It’s that time of year… end of the school year, national holidays, and the beginning of summer fun.

What fun would summer be without a stack of new books to read?

Promos, promos everywhere! Here are some great ways for you to plump up your TBR pile. If you find any links that are not working, please let me know! Some of them have changed in the last day or two.

Are you Ready for Tick Season? (Limited time)

Sign up for a free Kindle copy of my newest release In the Tick of Time. This deal is not available at stores; you have to follow the link!

 

 

 

Crazy Canuck Blog Hop (July 1-8)

Eight authors are running contests for eight days, plus a grand prize giveaway of a $50 Amazon gift card! Sign up to win my Summer is Short on the Prairies Canadiana Prize Pack and check out the blog hop for more chances to win!

 

Brain to Books Indie Pride Day Book Blast (July 1-3)

There are already over 100 indie authors signed up to bring you free and discounted books for this event! There will be discussions, contests, and all kinds of book-related fun going on in the associated Takeover Events. My YA takeover is taking place July 1 at 11 a.m. MDT (1 p.m. EDT). Hope to see you there!

 

Support Indie Authors Hash’s Bash 2.0 (July 1-4)

Support Indie Authors is featuring a four-day weekend full of free and discounted books by over 45 authors. I am featuring two free books, two $0.99 books, and two discount box-sets! There are going to be dozens of deals.

Smashwords Summer Sale (July 1-31)

And this one just came up today; I don’t even have a banner for you. Hundreds of ebooks are free or discounted up to 75% off at the sitewide Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale (yeah, depending on which hemisphere you are in.) All of mine are discounted here.

Crazy Canuck Blog Hop – Summer is Short on the Prairies

Throughout my school years, summer started on my birthday. June 29 was either the last day of school or the first day of summer vacation. Either way, I didn’t have to do schoolwork on my birthday, and it was the transition from the rigors of school to the freedom of holidays.

I was born in Fort McMurray (which you may have heard about in the news lately…) and my summer memories of my birthplace are of fresh raspberries and peas from the garden, incredibly long days, and mosquitos the size of small aircraft. My mother recalls the day that my brother and I ran into the house screaming about “bugs with beaks”!

Moving to Calgary brought shorter days, drier weather, and conventionally sized mosquitos. We took vacations to Grandmas’ houses, to Park Lake, and day trips to the zoo, Heritage Park, or the dinosaur museum in Drumheller.

And the library. I devoured books. Being finished school meant that I could spend all the time I wanted reading. (Aside from chores, those trips, etc.) I read a lot. And I made bug houses out of jars and boxes and collected various creepy crawlies. As I got older, I also wrote.

Which brings us to the Crazy Canuck Canada Day Blog Hop!

Follow the links through the block hop. Each blogger has a posting about summer, a contest to win a prize, and a link to the grand prize contest, a $50 Amazon gift card!

First, sign up for my contest! My “Summer is Short on the Prairies” Questing for a Dream Canadiana Prize Pack includes, among other items:

An autographed copy of Questing for a Dream, a compelling and poignant account of Native teen Nadie Laplante’s quest for meaning and purpose. This thought-provoking and eye-opening story of poverty, prejudice and addiction will inspire readers of all ages and remind them that they are not alone. (Yes, this story takes place in the Canadian prairie provinces);
A maple leaf hardback notebook/journal (pages are unlined);
A dreamcatcher windchime;
Owl necklace and earrings;
And more!

Then, visit the other bloggers on the tour for their blog posts and contests:

Jessica Subject – a paperback copy of Alien Next Door – the Complete Series

Romarin Demetri – A Mirror Among Shattered Glass

Lisa Emme – a signed copy of Home Again

Julie Coulter Bellon – Book Lover’s Basket, including autographed copies of The Captive and The Captain

Nathan Burgoine – a copy of Light

Kayleigh Malcolm – $20 CAD Amazon Gift Card

Cori Vidae – a paperback copy of Rough Edges

 

And don’t forget the grand prize draw! Think of all of the awesome books you could read this summer if you won the $50 Amazon gift card!