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Blue
Intrigue, mystery, vivid imagery, fascinating dialogue, and complex characters quickly draw the reader into this "subtle psychological mind-bender."
One insecure perfectionist. One guilt-ridden artist. One child-woman who talks to peacocks. A trio of complex heroines on separate journeys toward a single intertwined truth.
Imagine living exclusively for others and waking up one day with a chance to start over. The terrifying new beginning reeks of abandonment and betrayal. The choice for Seattle resident Monica lingers between now and then... them and her.
Izabel's idyllic existence on Orcas Island is turned upside down during the birth of a friend's child. Suddenly, pain rips through her own body, and life as she knows it shifts, hinting at a forgotten past and propelling her toward an uncertain future.
On another island, young Daisy awakens surrounded by infinite shades of blue. Is she dreaming or has she stepped through the portal into a fantastical land where animals spout philosophy and a gruesome monster plots her destruction?
Blue—a subtle psychological mind-bender where each heroine is her own worst enemy. Eccentric. Lovable. Unforgettable.
One insecure perfectionist. One guilt-ridden artist. One child-woman who talks to peacocks. A trio of complex heroines on separate journeys toward a single intertwined truth.
Imagine living exclusively for others and waking up one day with a chance to start over. The terrifying new beginning reeks of abandonment and betrayal. The choice for Seattle resident Monica lingers between now and then... them and her.
Izabel's idyllic existence on Orcas Island is turned upside down during the birth of a friend's child. Suddenly, pain rips through her own body, and life as she knows it shifts, hinting at a forgotten past and propelling her toward an uncertain future.
On another island, young Daisy awakens surrounded by infinite shades of blue. Is she dreaming or has she stepped through the portal into a fantastical land where animals spout philosophy and a gruesome monster plots her destruction?
Blue—a subtle psychological mind-bender where each heroine is her own worst enemy. Eccentric. Lovable. Unforgettable.
- GenresFiction
234 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2015
1 person is currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Kayce Stevens Hughlett
7 books22 followersI prefer to read novels in the summer and non-fiction/memoirs in winter.
I prefer writing with a fountain pen over computer keyboards.
I prefer summer in Seattle over winter almost anywhere.
I prefer Paris over Rome. Big dogs over small. Fluffy cats over sleek.
I abhor that the world is filled with suffering, and I know affliction has helped create the individual I am today.
I love music of all kinds, rhythm and movement.
I thrive on new experiences, adore reading, blogging and movies ranging from the romantic to the contemplative.
One of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott, calls laughter “carbonated holiness” and I couldn’t agree more heartily. Belly laughs are manna from heaven and there is also nothing better than a well-timed temper tantrum.
Play time with friends and family is sacred as is quiet space and solitude.
I prefer writing with a fountain pen over computer keyboards.
I prefer summer in Seattle over winter almost anywhere.
I prefer Paris over Rome. Big dogs over small. Fluffy cats over sleek.
I abhor that the world is filled with suffering, and I know affliction has helped create the individual I am today.
I love music of all kinds, rhythm and movement.
I thrive on new experiences, adore reading, blogging and movies ranging from the romantic to the contemplative.
One of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott, calls laughter “carbonated holiness” and I couldn’t agree more heartily. Belly laughs are manna from heaven and there is also nothing better than a well-timed temper tantrum.
Play time with friends and family is sacred as is quiet space and solitude.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book, more so into the second half when the ahhh, aha moments were kicking in. It starts out quite ethereal, psychedelic and odd... and I did wonder what on earth I'd got myself into for a while. But it settles into three distinct storylines (two 'normal', just the one psychedelic) involving three different women. It feels there must have to be a connection between them somehow but that's really not clear so we have to just get immersed in each of their separate existences.
The writing is great, the story eventually drew me in and made for compelling reading. Would definitely recommend it but you must keep going through the beginning, it is worth it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
The writing is great, the story eventually drew me in and made for compelling reading. Would definitely recommend it but you must keep going through the beginning, it is worth it.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
August 31, 2015
Ok, I have to admit it, I wrote this book. Of course, I love it. Does it have flaws? Yes. After all, it's about human beings and we're all flawed, right? Does it come from the heart? Absolutely. The story continues to surprise me even after writing and editing and re-reading and editing some more... There are hidden meanings that I didn't intend to hide. There are pieces of my life that I forgot were mine. Daisy became a character long before I remembered that was my mother's given name. (My mother went by Ernestine and I called her Mom). Izabel is struggling with clues hidden in her body. I'm experiencing some similar manifestations with my throat/voice as the book nears publication date. Blue is the color of the throat chakra. Fascinating, isn't it? BLUE is one of those books that you either sink into and "get it" or you don't... or you think you do... or you don't know what hit you. It's about women. It's about life. It's about being perfectly imperfect and it's about the magic and angst that lives within each of us. I hope you'll take a read.
September 20, 2015
Very entertaining book about three women whose lives are intertwined. Don't be put off by the part that seems 'fantasy', it's all explained in the end. One of my Facebook friends is the author and I think she did a fine job!
June 20, 2015
Finished with my first book from Netgalley! I can't recall what brought me to select this book, but nevertheless, I picked it up Wednesday afternoon and really allowed the story to envelope me. It was a quick read and, by Thursday afternoon, I came to the last page.
In the first part of the book, I was quite confused about the connection between the three storylines. Each chapter came from one of the three main characters: Daisy, Monica, and Izabel. But, unlike a story such as A Song of Ice and Fire, where each chapter tells the same story from a different character's point of view, the only apparent thread that initially tied these three strangers together was azure ubiquity. Hughlett's writing was descriptive but concise, painting an easy portrait of each woman and her environment, even the psychedelic landscape of Daisy's Tausi. (It was wacky, bizarre, and incongruent with reality, yet it left me smiling, shaking my head, and saying, "WTF?")
Of the three characters, I think I was most drawn to Monica, most likely because she works with older adults, and that's one of my professional areas of interest. One of the things I think Hughlett really pegged was Monica's workplace; the residents in various stages of aging and dementia, the repetitive routine of a memory care facility, the infantilization of older people. It can be incredibly difficult on the adult children as well as the staff who interact with patients in these settings, and that sense of monotony Monica experiences felt incredibly genuine to me.
Unbeknownst to me when I started this book was the interweaving of psychology into the stories. As a student of psychology, and a budding mental health professional, I have a tendency to turn my nose up when authors and screenwriters attempt to include therapists as characters, describe therapy sessions, or formulate diagnoses. It seems like everyone's favorite diagnosis (especially on crime dramas) is dissociative fugue, despite its incredibly low prevalence. However, in this book, I felt like the author portrayed this diagnosis remarkably well, and described it in far better (and accurate) detail than I have seen in other stories.
But something that's been gnawing on me for days is the ending. One one hand I am bothered by a nagging sense of incompletion. Starting in Part Two, the storylines are like magnets, drawing the characters toward one another without a hint of their awareness. I loved the way these unconscious attractions were weaved, creeping closer and closer to one another, but them -BLAM- it ended so abruptly. It left me wanting just a bit more; not another book in a color-themed series, but just enough to soften the ending. Yet, on the other hand, it also felt like the story's natural ending point, with Monica, Izabel, and Daisy together in the same room. I have a hard time imagining how one might improve upon it. Perhaps that's the mark of a great read, one that keeps your thoughts for days after it's back on the shelf...
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. If you've read it too, I'd love to hear what you think, too!
In the first part of the book, I was quite confused about the connection between the three storylines. Each chapter came from one of the three main characters: Daisy, Monica, and Izabel. But, unlike a story such as A Song of Ice and Fire, where each chapter tells the same story from a different character's point of view, the only apparent thread that initially tied these three strangers together was azure ubiquity. Hughlett's writing was descriptive but concise, painting an easy portrait of each woman and her environment, even the psychedelic landscape of Daisy's Tausi. (It was wacky, bizarre, and incongruent with reality, yet it left me smiling, shaking my head, and saying, "WTF?")
Of the three characters, I think I was most drawn to Monica, most likely because she works with older adults, and that's one of my professional areas of interest. One of the things I think Hughlett really pegged was Monica's workplace; the residents in various stages of aging and dementia, the repetitive routine of a memory care facility, the infantilization of older people. It can be incredibly difficult on the adult children as well as the staff who interact with patients in these settings, and that sense of monotony Monica experiences felt incredibly genuine to me.
Unbeknownst to me when I started this book was the interweaving of psychology into the stories. As a student of psychology, and a budding mental health professional, I have a tendency to turn my nose up when authors and screenwriters attempt to include therapists as characters, describe therapy sessions, or formulate diagnoses. It seems like everyone's favorite diagnosis (especially on crime dramas) is dissociative fugue, despite its incredibly low prevalence. However, in this book, I felt like the author portrayed this diagnosis remarkably well, and described it in far better (and accurate) detail than I have seen in other stories.
But something that's been gnawing on me for days is the ending. One one hand I am bothered by a nagging sense of incompletion. Starting in Part Two, the storylines are like magnets, drawing the characters toward one another without a hint of their awareness. I loved the way these unconscious attractions were weaved, creeping closer and closer to one another, but them -BLAM- it ended so abruptly. It left me wanting just a bit more; not another book in a color-themed series, but just enough to soften the ending. Yet, on the other hand, it also felt like the story's natural ending point, with Monica, Izabel, and Daisy together in the same room. I have a hard time imagining how one might improve upon it. Perhaps that's the mark of a great read, one that keeps your thoughts for days after it's back on the shelf...
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. If you've read it too, I'd love to hear what you think, too!
November 3, 2015
Loved, loved, loved the premise of the story and I fell in love with the sub-story of one of the three characters - so in my zeal to not have her story interrupted by the other two's, in Part Two I decided to read Blue as a modified "choose your own ending" book by only reading Monica's chapters. Of course, my plan was to go back to read the others after I knew what was going to happen to Mo. BAD IDEA I realized about 20 pages in.
The good news is that I got to read Monica's chapters twice since the three stories start to weave into each other in Part Two, which was a lovely surprise and perfect timing, since I was just starting to wonder why I was reading about these three, seemingly unconnected women.
Blue starts as a meandering journey through three women's lives but by the end I was running from page to page to find out how their stories would resolve.
I believe this is Ms. Stevens Hughlett's debut novel. It may not be a 'break-out" novel, but it is certainly a "break-through" book and I am eager to read whatever she comes up with next, whether it's the continuation of Blue or an entirely new story.
The good news is that I got to read Monica's chapters twice since the three stories start to weave into each other in Part Two, which was a lovely surprise and perfect timing, since I was just starting to wonder why I was reading about these three, seemingly unconnected women.
Blue starts as a meandering journey through three women's lives but by the end I was running from page to page to find out how their stories would resolve.
I believe this is Ms. Stevens Hughlett's debut novel. It may not be a 'break-out" novel, but it is certainly a "break-through" book and I am eager to read whatever she comes up with next, whether it's the continuation of Blue or an entirely new story.
August 26, 2015
I finished this last night and want to read it again now that I know the ending! I knew the three main characters had to have some kind of connection, but it took me a long time to figure out and, even then, Daisy remained an mystery.
I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a free review copy of this book from NetGalley.
June 11, 2015
This was a good read. There were a couple of plot holes that bothered me, but the story definitely kept me engaged and guessing.
I received a free copy of this book to read through NetGalley.
I received a free copy of this book to read through NetGalley.
September 19, 2018
Very interesting! I really enjoyed this tale and it's creativity took me away, very cool! Neat idea :)
Well-written and enjoyed the narration. I was fascinated and captivated from beginning to end.
At first you're like.. what? And then it hooks you and it reveals itself... enjoyed it!
You'll just have to listen for yourself! ;)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Well-written and enjoyed the narration. I was fascinated and captivated from beginning to end.
At first you're like.. what? And then it hooks you and it reveals itself... enjoyed it!
You'll just have to listen for yourself! ;)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 27, 2018
Wow, this story really took me in. I love short chapters that allow me to read even when I am busy, and a short story that still lets me really get into it. Imagination, betrayal, love, friendship, family, mental and psychological drama. And in the end reunion full of hope and healing.
September 11, 2018
Audible:I loved this book!I wish it was longer.I'd like to know what happened next!Very imaginative.A story of family and how it affects three people,even years later.Jennifer Swanepoel was the perfect narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
November 26, 2015
I have to confess: I wanted to linger over the beautiful prose in BLUE. But I couldn't help myself and read the book through on a glorious rainy Sunday.
The anticipation of "what's next..." compelled me to turn pages as I entered all the shades of blue in Daisy's surreal world. The hints of secrets strewn on the floor of Monica's shoe closet invited me to ponder my own hidden secrets. And I wanted to be a part of the magic in Izabel's dance as she begins to awaken.
Women are complex creatures, and Hughlett captures what frustrates us about ourselves and what we love about our dearest friends. I am sure I am not the only one who saw traces of myself in all three of this entrancing women. When I can connect so deeply with the characters, it moves a good book up to an absolutely delicious read for the soul. With her background in self-growth, Hughlett reminds each of us that we are smack-dab in the middle of the choices we make - and it's up to us change our own reality.
BLUE is a book that you'll read...and find yourself itching to pick back up again to reread a chapter or four as you seek the hints of things to come you missed the first time around.
You may as well get at least 2 copies of BLUE - one for yourself and one for a stocking stuffer for your best friend. Or choose BLUE as an out-of-the-box Book Club read, as it will demand you actually talk about the book instead of just enjoying the wine at your gathering.
Women. Families. Relationships. Twists. Hope. Love.
The anticipation of "what's next..." compelled me to turn pages as I entered all the shades of blue in Daisy's surreal world. The hints of secrets strewn on the floor of Monica's shoe closet invited me to ponder my own hidden secrets. And I wanted to be a part of the magic in Izabel's dance as she begins to awaken.
Women are complex creatures, and Hughlett captures what frustrates us about ourselves and what we love about our dearest friends. I am sure I am not the only one who saw traces of myself in all three of this entrancing women. When I can connect so deeply with the characters, it moves a good book up to an absolutely delicious read for the soul. With her background in self-growth, Hughlett reminds each of us that we are smack-dab in the middle of the choices we make - and it's up to us change our own reality.
BLUE is a book that you'll read...and find yourself itching to pick back up again to reread a chapter or four as you seek the hints of things to come you missed the first time around.
You may as well get at least 2 copies of BLUE - one for yourself and one for a stocking stuffer for your best friend. Or choose BLUE as an out-of-the-box Book Club read, as it will demand you actually talk about the book instead of just enjoying the wine at your gathering.
Women. Families. Relationships. Twists. Hope. Love.
December 29, 2016
Three women and their interconnecting stories give this novel a wonderful feeling of hope . It's an emotional read and just a tiny bit confusing in the beginning but as the book progresses you see how the three stories are finally connected. This is a book you'll want to re-read to catch the little clues and gems you might miss as you race to see what's happening next with your favorite woman's story.
March 28, 2019
This is definitely one of the strangest books I have ever read, but that is not a bad thing. It is adventurous to say the least. Strangely moving. Strongly gripping. Touches deeply on so many levels. It’s a bit hard to explain really. It is quite memorable, one you won’t soon forget.
I listened to the audible version, which was good. I think I might also like to read it in print for myself. It is a book that almost demands to be read more than once.
I listened to the audible version, which was good. I think I might also like to read it in print for myself. It is a book that almost demands to be read more than once.
January 4, 2016
Part surrealism, part fantasy, part drama. They way it is written, moving around the POV of the different players makes it an entertaining story as they converge. I noticed how the way I felt about two of the characters, specially one of them, transitioned as more of its story was revealed. It kept me interested on it, an out of the ordinary short book than can be read in a couple of days.
August 31, 2015
I was very confused at first but everything started coming together near the end. Good book! I received a free review copy of the book via NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews