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Out of the Gutter
A debut YA novel that is both coming-of-age and a relentless love story.Dani wakes up on her 16th birthday in a teenage psych ward. Although far from a sweet 16, Dani is trying to stay positive. She is happy to have Nolan in there with her, and over the past few months, they have become inseparable.Dani and Nolan spend the mornings gossiping about the other residents and complaining about the food. It has started to feel more like being at camp than being stuck in an institution. But then Jackson turns Dani’s world upside down, and now she can’t stop thinking about him.One by one, they leave, but outside the walls of the ward, life only gets harder, relationships more complicated, and the lure of old habits grows stronger.ReviewsDani and Jackson meet as teenagers in a psychiatric ward and fall in love. They vow to always be there for each other, but unfortunately real life isn’t always quite as easy as that.Have you ever read a book where you truly believed the characters were real? That’s exactly how I felt about the characters in Out of the Gutter. Debut author, Keri Annis, has such an incredible talent for creating developed, believable characters that I found myself completely invested in them and their stories. This also meant that my heart broke multiple times throughout this book.The journey that Dani goes on is real, raw and at times devastating. I wanted to reach in and scoop her out of the book and hug her so many times. Despite my love for Dani my favourite character had to be Anthony, I just adored his character and the person he had became. This book covers, in detail, some very difficult subject matter, including drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and mental health issues. But despite all of that it is ultimately a book about love and hope and second chances at happiness and wow it seriously blew me away. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! dawnsworldblogOut Of The Gutter hit me right in the feels. The storyline is very realistic and I had such a fondness for these characters. The story is very much centered around the main character, Dani. It’s through her experiences and interactions that we learn more about the other characters in the book. Characters that were so well written you really get a feel for who they are. Their heartaches, their victories. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Dani, Nolan and Jackson.danish_mustardreadsI really liked the character named Sheila.Aunt SheilaAt it’s core, Out of the Gutter is realistic. It is not some fairy-tale love story, but it is a great story with characters who fight for love, like you have to in real life sometimes. It’s a don’t take things for granted, and always appreciate the little things type of story. It’s an appreciate every moment kind of story. The riveting plot and character arc made me read it in record time. But I will be reflecting on it for some time to come.Gregory Ramsey AuthorThis is a coming of age story about a young girl coping with drugs, alcohol and mental health issues. I was on the edge of my seat rooting for Dani the MC, and flipping the pages like there was no tomorrow. You won’t be able to put this debut down, and I am excited to read more by Keri in the future.Toronto Bilbliophile
- GenresFiction
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1694 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 23, 2021
First of all just let me start by saying, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Debut? Wow. Keri absolutely nailed it. I couldn't put this one down.
Out Of The Gutter hit me right in the feels. The storyline is very realistic and I had such a fondness for these characters. The story is very much centered around the main character, Dani. It's through her experiences and interactions that we learn more about the other characters in the book. Characters that were so well written you really get a feel for who they are. Their heartaches, their victories. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Dani, Nolan and Jackson.
Thank you so much for my gifted copy Keri! I'm already looking forward to what comes next.
Out Of The Gutter hit me right in the feels. The storyline is very realistic and I had such a fondness for these characters. The story is very much centered around the main character, Dani. It's through her experiences and interactions that we learn more about the other characters in the book. Characters that were so well written you really get a feel for who they are. Their heartaches, their victories. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Dani, Nolan and Jackson.
Thank you so much for my gifted copy Keri! I'm already looking forward to what comes next.
May 20, 2021
This book is amazing. Talk about a page turner! I started reading this while waiting for my daughter to get out of school. By the next morning I'd read 200 pages. It is hard to put down, in a really good way. I found myself constantly saying, "I'll stop at the end of this chapter," only to realize midway through the next that I desperately wanted to know what would happen.
For the last few years, I've mostly been reading fantasy. It has been forever since I've read a book that deals with heavy subject matter in a realistic setting. I usually don't like literature, movies, television, or even the news if it deals with life's darker aspects. I guess I've been reading to escape.
And yet, I feel I really needed this book right now. Apart from being a gripping and masterfully told novel, I feel like it has a lot to say to me, personally. I am six years sober, and this book deals with addiction. I am madly in love with my wife of 9 years, but we certainly had our hardships, especially early on. My grandparents were some of the most special relationships I ever had in my life. The main character, Dani, discovers The Vampire Chronicles, which were important to me at a young age. I sometimes cosplay a vampire (don't judge me). I spent most of my early adulthood working in restaurants.
I found myself heavily reflecting on my own choices, upbringing, personal relationships, and demons as I read. At times I cheered for characters that had previously done despicable things. I cried for like fifty pages. They were not strictly sad tears though, more like empathetic tears.
I don't want to mislead you. It has sad moments, but they are written in a way that makes you feel hopeful. I felt the characters grief and also their growth. I appreciated the resilience of the characters and I was pleased with the outcomes. I am left with a feeling of gratitude for the life that I have, because even though it has moments that are overwhelming or even tragic, I have everything I could ever really need. This book helped me gain a little perspective on that.
At it's core, Out of the Gutter is realistic. It is not some fairy-tale love story, but it is a great story with characters who fight for love, like you have to in real life sometimes. It's a don't take things for granted, and always appreciate the little things type of story. It's an appreciate every moment kind of story. The riveting plot and character arc made me read it in record time. But I will be reflecting on it for some time to come.
For the last few years, I've mostly been reading fantasy. It has been forever since I've read a book that deals with heavy subject matter in a realistic setting. I usually don't like literature, movies, television, or even the news if it deals with life's darker aspects. I guess I've been reading to escape.
And yet, I feel I really needed this book right now. Apart from being a gripping and masterfully told novel, I feel like it has a lot to say to me, personally. I am six years sober, and this book deals with addiction. I am madly in love with my wife of 9 years, but we certainly had our hardships, especially early on. My grandparents were some of the most special relationships I ever had in my life. The main character, Dani, discovers The Vampire Chronicles, which were important to me at a young age. I sometimes cosplay a vampire (don't judge me). I spent most of my early adulthood working in restaurants.
I found myself heavily reflecting on my own choices, upbringing, personal relationships, and demons as I read. At times I cheered for characters that had previously done despicable things. I cried for like fifty pages. They were not strictly sad tears though, more like empathetic tears.
I don't want to mislead you. It has sad moments, but they are written in a way that makes you feel hopeful. I felt the characters grief and also their growth. I appreciated the resilience of the characters and I was pleased with the outcomes. I am left with a feeling of gratitude for the life that I have, because even though it has moments that are overwhelming or even tragic, I have everything I could ever really need. This book helped me gain a little perspective on that.
At it's core, Out of the Gutter is realistic. It is not some fairy-tale love story, but it is a great story with characters who fight for love, like you have to in real life sometimes. It's a don't take things for granted, and always appreciate the little things type of story. It's an appreciate every moment kind of story. The riveting plot and character arc made me read it in record time. But I will be reflecting on it for some time to come.
May 27, 2021
4.5 🌟
Just finished reading OUT OF THE GUTTER by Keri Annis, who sent me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a coming of age story about a young girl coping with drugs, alcohol and mental health issues. I was on the edge of my seat rooting for Dani the MC, and flipping the pages like there was no tomorrow. You won't be able to put this debut down, and I am excited to read more by Keri in the future 😊.
Just finished reading OUT OF THE GUTTER by Keri Annis, who sent me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a coming of age story about a young girl coping with drugs, alcohol and mental health issues. I was on the edge of my seat rooting for Dani the MC, and flipping the pages like there was no tomorrow. You won't be able to put this debut down, and I am excited to read more by Keri in the future 😊.
July 9, 2021
This is probably more a young adult read as the story centres around teenagers and their troubled world of family dramas, drugs and revenge. But in their dark space glints of romance and humanity shine to lighten the mood. Unusually the book is written in the first person, present tense but somehow this works very well as Dani the central character takes us on a trip into her troubled soul.
July 29, 2021
A brilliant debut for Keri. I couldn't help become absorbed by the characters and story and was left thinking about them long after I finished the book.
While some formatting hiccups made it a bit tough for me to get into the story initially, after about 40 pages you almost start to see these "flaws" as the flaws and quirks of the characters and they didn't bother me anymore once I really got into it.
I was (and still am) really rooting for the characters. While at times I was angry and disappointed in them, at others I was proud of them. By the end I was weeping uncontrollably as they faced their personal battles and tried to pull themselves "out of the gutter."
While some formatting hiccups made it a bit tough for me to get into the story initially, after about 40 pages you almost start to see these "flaws" as the flaws and quirks of the characters and they didn't bother me anymore once I really got into it.
I was (and still am) really rooting for the characters. While at times I was angry and disappointed in them, at others I was proud of them. By the end I was weeping uncontrollably as they faced their personal battles and tried to pull themselves "out of the gutter."
June 2, 2021
This book is a solid 4.5 stars and I really enjoyed it! Thank you so much to the author Keri Annis for sending me a gifted copy to read. What a wonderful debut! This was a very quick read for me because I couldn't put it down. I felt very invested in the story and the characters from the first few pages. It deals with some heavy topics and really hits you in the feels.
It centers mostly around the main character, Dani - a young girl who, through some life circumstances ends up in a psych ward. In there she makes a friend in Nolan and finds the love of her life in Jackson. When they get out they all plan to have wonderful, happy lives. But it's not as easy as it seems. What follows is a story of drugs, addiction, pain and heartache - at times almost too much for such young people to handle. There are definitely some trigger warnings that come with this book and I will list them below. I think all of the topics were dealt with very well and I do like that it ended on a positive note.
I felt myself really rooting for the characters, especially Dani. The main characters, as well as any secondary characters all played an important role in the story. We learn a lot about each of them through their interactions and the way they deal with their problems.
Overall, this was a wonderful debut and I would recommend it! Definitely check it out if you get the chance! A job well done!
Trigger warnings: drugs/alcohol, substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, discussion of suicide, homelessness, estranged family relationships, abuse.
It centers mostly around the main character, Dani - a young girl who, through some life circumstances ends up in a psych ward. In there she makes a friend in Nolan and finds the love of her life in Jackson. When they get out they all plan to have wonderful, happy lives. But it's not as easy as it seems. What follows is a story of drugs, addiction, pain and heartache - at times almost too much for such young people to handle. There are definitely some trigger warnings that come with this book and I will list them below. I think all of the topics were dealt with very well and I do like that it ended on a positive note.
I felt myself really rooting for the characters, especially Dani. The main characters, as well as any secondary characters all played an important role in the story. We learn a lot about each of them through their interactions and the way they deal with their problems.
Overall, this was a wonderful debut and I would recommend it! Definitely check it out if you get the chance! A job well done!
Trigger warnings: drugs/alcohol, substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, discussion of suicide, homelessness, estranged family relationships, abuse.
July 7, 2021
Dani and Jackson meet as teenagers in a psychiatric ward and fall in love. They vow to always be there for each other but unfortunately real life isn’t always quite as easy as that.
Have you ever read a book where you truly believed the characters were real? That’s exactly how I felt about the characters in Out of the Gutter. Debut author, Keri Annis, has such an incredible talent for creating developed, believable characters that I found myself completely invested in them and their stories. This also meant that my heart broke multiple times throughout this book.
The journey that Dani goes on is real, raw and at times devastating. I wanted to reach in and scoop her out of the book and hug her so many times. Despite my love for Dani my favourite character had to be Anthony, I just adored his character and the person he had became. This book covers, in detail, some very difficult subject matter, including drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and mental health issues. But despite all of that it is ultimately a book about love and hope and second chances at happiness and wow it seriously blew me away. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Have you ever read a book where you truly believed the characters were real? That’s exactly how I felt about the characters in Out of the Gutter. Debut author, Keri Annis, has such an incredible talent for creating developed, believable characters that I found myself completely invested in them and their stories. This also meant that my heart broke multiple times throughout this book.
The journey that Dani goes on is real, raw and at times devastating. I wanted to reach in and scoop her out of the book and hug her so many times. Despite my love for Dani my favourite character had to be Anthony, I just adored his character and the person he had became. This book covers, in detail, some very difficult subject matter, including drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and mental health issues. But despite all of that it is ultimately a book about love and hope and second chances at happiness and wow it seriously blew me away. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
June 20, 2021
Dani, Jackson an Nolan meet in a psychiatric ward for troubled teens. Dani and Jackson have an instant attraction. Nolan also has an interest in Dani. Drug and alcohol abuse, family dysfunction, homelessness, love, loss, mental illness are all part of these teens growing up on the streets of Toronto in the 90s. I loved this book and couldn't wait to turn the page to see what was happening next.
October 8, 2021
Bookstagrammer and now published author Kerri knocked it out of the park with this book that centre’s around a girl who wakes up in a psych ward on her 16th bday. It’s got raw emotions throughout as Dani deals with mental health, drugs, alcohol, and homelessness. It’s one you literally will flip pages quickly to find out what is happening next. I’ve got a soft spot for Dani… a character I won’t soon forget.
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
May 31, 2021
Loved this novel! I was rooting for Dani the entire time and loved Jackson. The struggles broke my heart because they were so real and emotional. Can’t wait to see what Keri writes next
May 19, 2021
I am in awe.
Love the opening setting and how it shapes the characters and their futures. Shades of Less Than Zero but with a female protagonist.
Love the opening setting and how it shapes the characters and their futures. Shades of Less Than Zero but with a female protagonist.
April 8, 2022
First te author and I really enjoyed it. For some reason I forgot to mark it as complete months ago
June 7, 2021
THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING GOOD!!!. I laughed, then cried and then cried some more. ALL WHO CAN READ MUST READ THIS!!!
Annis’ debut novel offers a coming of age story about a girl Dani finding herself on the streets of Toronto in the early 90’s struggling with addiction and loss. Dani meets the love of her life Jackson while in a psych ward. Once out she is initially hopeful and tries to make the life her and Jackson first dreamed about a reality. But Jacksons jealousy and dark side, coupled with feelings of grief take her down her own dark path. Annis is a gifted writer that draws you into the story from chapter 1 using Dani’s personal interactions to illuminate the effects on everyone, family and friends and how they deal with the aftermath of their choices and the consequences of their own actions. Out of the Gutter is Keri Annis’ first novel but it sure doesn't read like it! One of the best books I've read in 2021.
Annis’ debut novel offers a coming of age story about a girl Dani finding herself on the streets of Toronto in the early 90’s struggling with addiction and loss. Dani meets the love of her life Jackson while in a psych ward. Once out she is initially hopeful and tries to make the life her and Jackson first dreamed about a reality. But Jacksons jealousy and dark side, coupled with feelings of grief take her down her own dark path. Annis is a gifted writer that draws you into the story from chapter 1 using Dani’s personal interactions to illuminate the effects on everyone, family and friends and how they deal with the aftermath of their choices and the consequences of their own actions. Out of the Gutter is Keri Annis’ first novel but it sure doesn't read like it! One of the best books I've read in 2021.
June 9, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
Debut novel you say ....... well let me tell you, add this to your must read pile ASAP!! You will not be disappointed.
Such strong character build that I was invested in each but Dani, wow! My heart broke at times, I laughed a few times, I felt drawn to their struggles and overall hopeful.
I won’t soon forget this one. My only question is ... when can we get more?
Debut novel you say ....... well let me tell you, add this to your must read pile ASAP!! You will not be disappointed.
Such strong character build that I was invested in each but Dani, wow! My heart broke at times, I laughed a few times, I felt drawn to their struggles and overall hopeful.
I won’t soon forget this one. My only question is ... when can we get more?
November 15, 2021
I won this book in a Good Reads giveaway. Thank you!!
This book started out pretty good with Dani, Nolan and Jackson getting to know each other and forming some sort of a bond over the course of their stay at the 'mental' hospital. Once they all got out and Dani started to navigate the world on her own, the writing just fell flat. The book had a decent storyline - 3 teenagers struggling with their own personal demons - but overall, the writing in this book is more suited for a 15 year old rather than adults (yes, I am aware that is it YA). However, I have read other YA books that even an adult could enjoy. I started to dread having to pick the book up about halfway through. There was no depth to these characters even though they were all a little fucked up in their own ways. Some scenes had little detail when it was needed, and other sections had too much detail when no one could care less. For example, when Jackson goes through the glass door at his friend's restaurant and ends up in the hospital because of it. The description of events is a quick blur, no idea what happens or how Nolan was involved. Then there are other sections where Dani and Jackson just hang out at home and the author puts you through pages of ridiculously pointless details and rambling conversations that do not contribute to the story at all and are just space fillers. Another thing that pissed me off was that the author makes it seem like something major is going to happen (which is why I kept reading), but......................nothing. Absolutely nothing happens. The characters meet, the characters have issues, the characters argue and get fucked up, and then the characters live happily ever after. Just an extremely annoying bunch of whiny teenagers. Anyway, even thought the book is about 300 or so pages, I could BARELY get through the last third of it. I was worried that I would have to rotate my eyes back in place with an ice-cream scoop due to uncontrollable and persistent eye rolling. Sorry, this book was not for me and I am extremely happy to have it done and out of the way. This may be a good story for some young teenagers curious about substance abuse and reading some f-bombs. But anyone else that has gone though that kind of a problem or knows someone that has, will not be able to relate at all and will probably walk away more frustrated.
This book started out pretty good with Dani, Nolan and Jackson getting to know each other and forming some sort of a bond over the course of their stay at the 'mental' hospital. Once they all got out and Dani started to navigate the world on her own, the writing just fell flat. The book had a decent storyline - 3 teenagers struggling with their own personal demons - but overall, the writing in this book is more suited for a 15 year old rather than adults (yes, I am aware that is it YA). However, I have read other YA books that even an adult could enjoy. I started to dread having to pick the book up about halfway through. There was no depth to these characters even though they were all a little fucked up in their own ways. Some scenes had little detail when it was needed, and other sections had too much detail when no one could care less. For example, when Jackson goes through the glass door at his friend's restaurant and ends up in the hospital because of it. The description of events is a quick blur, no idea what happens or how Nolan was involved. Then there are other sections where Dani and Jackson just hang out at home and the author puts you through pages of ridiculously pointless details and rambling conversations that do not contribute to the story at all and are just space fillers. Another thing that pissed me off was that the author makes it seem like something major is going to happen (which is why I kept reading), but......................nothing. Absolutely nothing happens. The characters meet, the characters have issues, the characters argue and get fucked up, and then the characters live happily ever after. Just an extremely annoying bunch of whiny teenagers. Anyway, even thought the book is about 300 or so pages, I could BARELY get through the last third of it. I was worried that I would have to rotate my eyes back in place with an ice-cream scoop due to uncontrollable and persistent eye rolling. Sorry, this book was not for me and I am extremely happy to have it done and out of the way. This may be a good story for some young teenagers curious about substance abuse and reading some f-bombs. But anyone else that has gone though that kind of a problem or knows someone that has, will not be able to relate at all and will probably walk away more frustrated.
June 25, 2021
A well written story about a girl that just has a tough life and how she navigates it.
August 20, 2021
First off, I want to say a huge congratulations to @keriandallthingsbooks on her debut novel, Out of the Gutter! Much praise deserved!
Keri did an amazing job in creating a world that felt so raw and real that you can totally immerse yourself through the journey we take with Dani, Jackson & Nolan. The ability she has to create these realistic characters makes it hard not to fall apart while reading.
On that note, be warned, there are some hard-touched subjects, including Mental Health, Loss and Addictions that are hard for some of us to read. Just know it’s worth all that pain and this is a story of second chances that bring on hope and love. It is a story that will last with me. Check it out !
Oh yeah, one more thing, like Jackson. What on earth - I’m in love with you.
Keri did an amazing job in creating a world that felt so raw and real that you can totally immerse yourself through the journey we take with Dani, Jackson & Nolan. The ability she has to create these realistic characters makes it hard not to fall apart while reading.
On that note, be warned, there are some hard-touched subjects, including Mental Health, Loss and Addictions that are hard for some of us to read. Just know it’s worth all that pain and this is a story of second chances that bring on hope and love. It is a story that will last with me. Check it out !
Oh yeah, one more thing, like Jackson. What on earth - I’m in love with you.
February 25, 2022
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway
This book feels like more of a Young Adult book than I thought it was going to be. While the story was interesting, it seemed rushed to me. Also some of it seemed unrealistic, but maybe things are different growing up in Canada compared to the U.S?
This book feels like more of a Young Adult book than I thought it was going to be. While the story was interesting, it seemed rushed to me. Also some of it seemed unrealistic, but maybe things are different growing up in Canada compared to the U.S?
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