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Cullen
All Cullen Ever Wanted Was Friends!
Despite his enormous size, twelve-year-old Cullen endured constant bullying for much of his life. When a school trip to Wilderness Camp lands him in Saint Mary’s Psychiatric Hospital, he finds himself trapped inside his mindroom where the walls are alive and torment him with memories from his painful past.
It’s only with the help of a controversial therapy delivered through Jakob, a virtual reality headset, that he is able to return to his mother.
Cullen's attempt at a new life is upended when a video from Wilderness Camp emerges, setting off a chain of unsettling events that Cullen may never recover from. Does he have the strength to stand up to his past? Or, will he be forced to resort to more drastic measures that may cost him his life?
Despite his enormous size, twelve-year-old Cullen endured constant bullying for much of his life. When a school trip to Wilderness Camp lands him in Saint Mary’s Psychiatric Hospital, he finds himself trapped inside his mindroom where the walls are alive and torment him with memories from his painful past.
It’s only with the help of a controversial therapy delivered through Jakob, a virtual reality headset, that he is able to return to his mother.
Cullen's attempt at a new life is upended when a video from Wilderness Camp emerges, setting off a chain of unsettling events that Cullen may never recover from. Does he have the strength to stand up to his past? Or, will he be forced to resort to more drastic measures that may cost him his life?
- GenresHorror
394 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 17, 2022
Well, it only took me under 5 hours to get thru this one...... Let me warn you; as much a phenomenal author Solomon Petchers is, and the way he tells a tale....this is very hard to read in parts and for what happens to 13 year old Cullen. Being a victim of childhood sexual abuse this brought back both tears of extreme sadness and of accomplishment!
First; I would love to shout a huge thank you to this books author; Solomon Petchers for allowing me to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review before it is released. Now that being, this had no input into how i reviewed this book what soever. Thanks again Solomon.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Petchers puts the notice at the very beginning of this book warning ahead that this deals with severe bullying and suicide.
13 year old Cullen is definitely not like other boys his age. His is very tall...overweight...he has back acne that he is ashamed to show to anyone...he Stutters terribly...lives with only his mother...and is the punching for both girls and boys at his middle school. Oh, and did I forget: he is severely bullied for just living. Now when I say the word bullied when I am talking about any kind of fiction or horror, thoughts immediately go to Carrie White and we all know how and what happened to her in the end. So, when you start this book you will think Cullen is going to go there too......
Cullen's daily life and routine in school is to be so badly made fun of....he at times thinks; why even go to school? But this year his mother really expresses that it would be good for Cullen to attend the 8th grade outing at Camp Wilderness, and that it would be good for him to do before starting high scholl next year. After being the target and victim of what appears to be a modern day take on 'tar and feathering' Cullen tries to defend himself and it ends up with him harming a teacher that he is fond of because she is the only one who is nice to him, well this ends with him going to the local Mental Institution hospital Saint Mary's for treatment. This is where Cullen and his Mother; Margaret come to know Dr. Morris; Cullen's psychiatrist who is going to try a new virtual reality type of treatments on Cullen to see if he 'can get him back to reality and to his mother'.....and this is where Cullen meets 'Val'. Once I had gotten this far, I researched EMDR and it is a real treatment technique and it exists. The main bullies; Evan Stephens and Claire Matherson are two of the most horribly mean and just plain evil teens lately in new horror fiction.
The teasing with gross chants, the tormenting and fighting scenes in the school lunchroom and many other scenes will make us ALL think of being younger, in fact, I know people who are treated this way as an adult today!....and Solomon Petchers makes you think of all 3 sides in this tale of teen angst, sadness and horror, and of what it means to lose someone close to you. Whether it be your own son or daughter, or a dear friend or parent.....remember: "You MATTER: Know Your Worth".
As the treatments start to get more intense, and seem to not be getting any more positive for his well being; Margaret decides to pull her son from the program....and in a fiercly and very upset way. Dr. Joshua Morris has come too far to take him out yet, (and this is when my feelings went to anger) and he decides to continue to treat Cullen late at night when there are no visitors near.
The day that Margaret gets a call stating from Morris that 'he is awake.....Cullan is awake!' all hope seems to be coming back to her and for her son. When Cullan starts a new high school and he realizes that there will be some of his most viscious of tormentors here, you know you are in for a tale of intense bullying, and mistreatment of a nearly 15 year old boy that you are not soon to EVER forget. Now I have lost a niece, her son, a DEAR dear friend, and an ex to suicide and I really do not know how I would have handled Cullens situation if I had been his mother. When a school superintendant or teacher who witnesses this kind of stuff and has to lie and say 'I didnt' see what happened' etc.' we have to stop and think: What is wrong and where are we in today's society?
As Cullen meets four new students that he thinks 'could be his friend' he realizes that this might be how his life is to be.....for all Cullen wanted his entire LIFE is to have friends, and be normal.
In the last 20 years I have learned about what Karma is. I believe this; really. And when she bites she bites hard and tragically. Think twice before you ever do or say anything that is hurting or offensive to ANYONE. What do you really get out of this?
I have read all of Solomons books and reviewed and posted them. I literally love this man's writing skills and the way he can give me thoughts to give me nightmares and or make me sob all in the same book. If you have never EXPERIENCED him as an author........
Welcome to the World of Solomon Petchers! I cannot wait to hear from you what you thought.
Please feel free to comment here or to me thru email.
Remember: If YOU are or know anyone who is suffering with being bullied, or abused in any way at all....and you even THINK that they could possibly be thinking of hurting themselves or even killing themselves, SAY SOMETHING TO SOMEONE! It is easier to do today than it was just 10 years ago.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-8255 or you can text 988.
Say NO to Bullying!
5 well deserved 💙💙💙💙💙
First; I would love to shout a huge thank you to this books author; Solomon Petchers for allowing me to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review before it is released. Now that being, this had no input into how i reviewed this book what soever. Thanks again Solomon.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Petchers puts the notice at the very beginning of this book warning ahead that this deals with severe bullying and suicide.
13 year old Cullen is definitely not like other boys his age. His is very tall...overweight...he has back acne that he is ashamed to show to anyone...he Stutters terribly...lives with only his mother...and is the punching for both girls and boys at his middle school. Oh, and did I forget: he is severely bullied for just living. Now when I say the word bullied when I am talking about any kind of fiction or horror, thoughts immediately go to Carrie White and we all know how and what happened to her in the end. So, when you start this book you will think Cullen is going to go there too......
Cullen's daily life and routine in school is to be so badly made fun of....he at times thinks; why even go to school? But this year his mother really expresses that it would be good for Cullen to attend the 8th grade outing at Camp Wilderness, and that it would be good for him to do before starting high scholl next year. After being the target and victim of what appears to be a modern day take on 'tar and feathering' Cullen tries to defend himself and it ends up with him harming a teacher that he is fond of because she is the only one who is nice to him, well this ends with him going to the local Mental Institution hospital Saint Mary's for treatment. This is where Cullen and his Mother; Margaret come to know Dr. Morris; Cullen's psychiatrist who is going to try a new virtual reality type of treatments on Cullen to see if he 'can get him back to reality and to his mother'.....and this is where Cullen meets 'Val'. Once I had gotten this far, I researched EMDR and it is a real treatment technique and it exists. The main bullies; Evan Stephens and Claire Matherson are two of the most horribly mean and just plain evil teens lately in new horror fiction.
The teasing with gross chants, the tormenting and fighting scenes in the school lunchroom and many other scenes will make us ALL think of being younger, in fact, I know people who are treated this way as an adult today!....and Solomon Petchers makes you think of all 3 sides in this tale of teen angst, sadness and horror, and of what it means to lose someone close to you. Whether it be your own son or daughter, or a dear friend or parent.....remember: "You MATTER: Know Your Worth".
As the treatments start to get more intense, and seem to not be getting any more positive for his well being; Margaret decides to pull her son from the program....and in a fiercly and very upset way. Dr. Joshua Morris has come too far to take him out yet, (and this is when my feelings went to anger) and he decides to continue to treat Cullen late at night when there are no visitors near.
The day that Margaret gets a call stating from Morris that 'he is awake.....Cullan is awake!' all hope seems to be coming back to her and for her son. When Cullan starts a new high school and he realizes that there will be some of his most viscious of tormentors here, you know you are in for a tale of intense bullying, and mistreatment of a nearly 15 year old boy that you are not soon to EVER forget. Now I have lost a niece, her son, a DEAR dear friend, and an ex to suicide and I really do not know how I would have handled Cullens situation if I had been his mother. When a school superintendant or teacher who witnesses this kind of stuff and has to lie and say 'I didnt' see what happened' etc.' we have to stop and think: What is wrong and where are we in today's society?
As Cullen meets four new students that he thinks 'could be his friend' he realizes that this might be how his life is to be.....for all Cullen wanted his entire LIFE is to have friends, and be normal.
In the last 20 years I have learned about what Karma is. I believe this; really. And when she bites she bites hard and tragically. Think twice before you ever do or say anything that is hurting or offensive to ANYONE. What do you really get out of this?
I have read all of Solomons books and reviewed and posted them. I literally love this man's writing skills and the way he can give me thoughts to give me nightmares and or make me sob all in the same book. If you have never EXPERIENCED him as an author........
Welcome to the World of Solomon Petchers! I cannot wait to hear from you what you thought.
Please feel free to comment here or to me thru email.
Remember: If YOU are or know anyone who is suffering with being bullied, or abused in any way at all....and you even THINK that they could possibly be thinking of hurting themselves or even killing themselves, SAY SOMETHING TO SOMEONE! It is easier to do today than it was just 10 years ago.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-8255 or you can text 988.
Say NO to Bullying!
5 well deserved 💙💙💙💙💙
June 25, 2023
I don’t typically read YA fiction books but when Solomon Petchers himself sent me a copy I was beyond honored and pleased to have the opportunity to read it! What a great book and one that I would absolutely want to talk to my teenagers about (if only they were into reading like I am!) This is a story about an 8th grader, Cullen Hickey, who’s been horribly bullied most of his life. These events lead to such trauma that he is made inpatient at a psychiatric hospital where he’s exposed to strong treatments to try and get him out of his catatonic state. I don’t want to give more of the plot away but this book took a turn that I didn’t see coming but really enjoyed! I will say this… I think we have done a better job at addressing bullying in our society but there is always more we can do. Teach your children kindness. You can never be too kind. Teach your kids to be strong, to do the right thing even when faced with strong pressures from influencing social circles. Kindness is infectious and can make all the difference in a child’s life. Thank you, Solomon for allowing me to read your book!
September 11, 2024
I was surprised at how much I loved this book, the writing was fantastic and flowed nicely. And the story was great, I felt so angry towards the bullies, but the characters were done so well. Have to check out more by this author…
May 14, 2025
What an eye-opening take on bullying. This book definitely brings readers into the depths of how bullying can affect the mind, in various ways.
If bullying is a trigger, I would suggest not to read. However, if it is a relatable situation or no triggers, I highly recommend this book.
It is well written and grasps a different point of view than most books do with regard to the way the mind works in severe, damaging situations.
12 year Old Cullen is badly bullied physically and mentally and this is his journey through his mind. There is also a mystery to solve and unravel during this book as many of his “bullies” are found unalived, or are missing.
The excellent writing style and unique story format had me captured from the very beginning.
If bullying is a trigger, I would suggest not to read. However, if it is a relatable situation or no triggers, I highly recommend this book.
It is well written and grasps a different point of view than most books do with regard to the way the mind works in severe, damaging situations.
12 year Old Cullen is badly bullied physically and mentally and this is his journey through his mind. There is also a mystery to solve and unravel during this book as many of his “bullies” are found unalived, or are missing.
The excellent writing style and unique story format had me captured from the very beginning.
January 20, 2026
4.65 ⭐️
Due to the subject matter, this was a very tough book to read. This tells the story of a teenage boy who is bullied and tormented by his peers. The instances are told in a very real and raw way.
This book invoked so much emotion. Yet I am so glad I read it.
Absolutely recommend.
Due to the subject matter, this was a very tough book to read. This tells the story of a teenage boy who is bullied and tormented by his peers. The instances are told in a very real and raw way.
This book invoked so much emotion. Yet I am so glad I read it.
Absolutely recommend.
October 29, 2022
I received an ARC of Cullen. This book is for teens to adults. It pulled at my heartstrings to be on this journey with Cullen. Solomon Petchers knows how to write a story that draws you in and keeps you longing for more. Do yourself a favor and add this to your library. Share Cullens story with people who need extra support dealing with horrible people in this world.
August 26, 2024
Cullen is a young teen and while he should be hanging with his friends, he has the opposite. He has no friends and is bullied relentlessly, so much that there comes a point Cullen can’t take it anymore.
After an incident at Wilderness Camp, Cullen goes into a catatonic state. Dr. Morris may have a way to help Cullen, but can Cullen overcome the emotional effects the bullying had on him?
This book hurt my heart, but I am so glad I read it.
After an incident at Wilderness Camp, Cullen goes into a catatonic state. Dr. Morris may have a way to help Cullen, but can Cullen overcome the emotional effects the bullying had on him?
This book hurt my heart, but I am so glad I read it.
November 15, 2022
A Heart-Wrenching Must Read
I’m an unrepentant fan of Solomon Petchers and his beautiful writing, but this novel surprised me in all the right ways. Solomon has authored stories of vampires, ghosts, and zombies with outstanding success, and I thought that was what was in store for me.
I’m an unrepentant fan of Solomon Petchers and his beautiful writing, but this novel surprised me in all the right ways. Solomon has authored stories of vampires, ghosts, and zombies with outstanding success, and I thought that was what was in store for me.
...
Cullen is a departure for the author. He’s written about characters and their relationships in the past but nothing at this level of human frailty. From the moment we, as readers, meet Cullen, we know his story with be raw and break our hearts. What Solomon has mastered is his ability to make us care about his characters like no author I know....
In a world where bullying is finally brought into the light, this book is a must-have for anyone who is dealing with the abuse of a bully or a parent who suspects their child is a victim. I can imagine this book becoming a part of every school curriculum across the country. So, who is Cullen? Find out for yourself.
March 13, 2023
Cullen is Solomon's newest release and, in my opinion, his best yet. I had to pick it up and put it down a few times while reading this because the topics in the book were heavy and hard, but oh so important to read about. With hard topics such as bullying and the struggles of an adolescent social life, I feel like all older kids (and adults) should read this. And his storytelling kept me guessing what was going to happen until the very end! Cullen is easily a 5 star book for me. I'll definitely be thinking about it for a long time.
December 8, 2022
I am a big fan of Solomon Petchers and have thoroughly enjoyed reading his tales of ghosts, vampires, and zombies. What I love most about his stories are the rich characters, their relationships with each other, and his ability to portray the goodness and humanity in all of them, even those who are struggling to do what is right. In Cullen, Solomon dug deep and creatively presented us with a heart-wrenching story filled with complex and diverse characters who are doing what they can to make it in this world. I connected to this story in many ways, as I think most people will. Cullen is a must read for people of all ages!
December 8, 2022
This novel does an excellent job of connecting the reader to the main character from the beginning. I was immediately on Team Cullen hoping he would find his way out of the darkness he found himself in. This book gives an inside look into the long-lasting effects of being bullied and you can feel what some of our youth must deal with daily. It serves as a great reminder to treat others with respect, empathy, and compassion. This was the first novel I’ve read by Solomon Petchers. I’m definitely looking forward to reading his other work.
August 17, 2023
Wow! I read this book in less than 24 hrs. It was so different than anything I’ve read, but I could NOT put it down! I really connected with Cullen throughout the entire story. The character development was also incredible. Being inside the mind of a teenager was eye opening! Highly recommend!
*Just check the trigger warners. Teenage bullying plays a very big role in this book!
.
*Just check the trigger warners. Teenage bullying plays a very big role in this book!
.
November 16, 2022
Profoundly moved by the reality of bullying and torture Cullen endured! Enjoyed the modern twist using VR therapy by the Inventor and Therapist equally pained by loss and searching for answers. The plot twist ending the story was clever and kind. Thoroughly enjoyed this read!
November 14, 2022
I am a Solomon Petchers fan. I enjoy his fantasy/monsters genre. Once again, Petchers delivers a story that had me sitting anticipation for what was going to come next. His writing for young adults continues to be accessible, but not simple.
That said, Cullen was not the story I expected. Unlike Petchers’ fantasy genre, Cullen is set in the teen reality that, unfortunately, too many endure. The reality of their feelings of inadequacy often lived out through bullying—either the bully or the bullied.
Petchers imagination lives in his writing as he creatively carries us through the trials and growth of Cullen, through the disturbance of mental illness and its effect on individuals and families. This is an important topic carried well through Petchers’ writing.
That said, Cullen was not the story I expected. Unlike Petchers’ fantasy genre, Cullen is set in the teen reality that, unfortunately, too many endure. The reality of their feelings of inadequacy often lived out through bullying—either the bully or the bullied.
Petchers imagination lives in his writing as he creatively carries us through the trials and growth of Cullen, through the disturbance of mental illness and its effect on individuals and families. This is an important topic carried well through Petchers’ writing.
November 3, 2022
What Solomon Petchers does with Cullen is bring the visceral nature of humans to the forefront of today's commentary on adolescent bullying. He pulls no punches and the serious nature of what goes on in schools today, and the brutal results are not exaggerated in the least. As an educator for 25 years, I am drawn into Cullen's world with sympathy and compassion for him while trying to keep my anger and hatred for his tormentors at bay. Petchers does an incredible job of incorporating real science and medical procedures into the book while keeping the daily life of a bullied child all too real. This has straight, "in your face" issues of what can happen and what does happen every day in schools across America. I believe this is a book that belongs in every curriculum of every school. Petchers' 180 degree turn from zombie/vampire/ghost genre to the serious nature of adolescent torment is a total success and his ability to keep you turning the page is undeniable. A must read for students, parents, and teachers.
November 14, 2022
I knew going into Cullen that I might have some difficulty reading this book because of my connection to adolescent mental health issues. As someone who works with students that are experiencing these kinds of challenging times in their lives, I was worried that the topic would hit too close to home. However. experiencing Cullen's journey from bullied teen, through his lowest point, and then to his attempts to face the challenges head-on, I was hooked. Petchers innovative way of bringing the reader back to experience life as Cullen had, enabled me as a reader to truly sympathize with Cullen's life experiences and to cheer him on as he worked to bring his life back into focus. I highly recommend this book to adults and teens. I will be sharing this book with my 15 year-old son so that we can discuss the issues that come up in Cullen. It is a great vehicle to remind teens that they should always reach out for themselves or any friends that are struggling with their mental health or any other MS/HS challenges they encounter.
August 18, 2024
Where do I even start? This book was deep. It hit close to home in many ways.
Cullen is a teenage boy who has always suffered at the hands of bullies. The summer before going into high school he goes to Wilderness Camp with some classmates and the bullying is so intense that Cullen is in trapped inside his own mind and spends months in a psychiatric hospital. Jakob is a VR headset that his doctor put together to help with his therapy.
When Cullen is finally well enough to be released he starts a new school and finally makes friends. Until he ends up running into his past at a basketball game.
Cullen has to fight the demons and bullies inside and outside his mind.
The triggers for bullying are very intense however, I fully recommend this book.
Your mental health matters.
Cullen is a teenage boy who has always suffered at the hands of bullies. The summer before going into high school he goes to Wilderness Camp with some classmates and the bullying is so intense that Cullen is in trapped inside his own mind and spends months in a psychiatric hospital. Jakob is a VR headset that his doctor put together to help with his therapy.
When Cullen is finally well enough to be released he starts a new school and finally makes friends. Until he ends up running into his past at a basketball game.
Cullen has to fight the demons and bullies inside and outside his mind.
The triggers for bullying are very intense however, I fully recommend this book.
Your mental health matters.
September 2, 2024
Wow! The author reached out for me to read and review this book and I couldn’t be happier he did. This is a YA psychological thriller, which gave me the opportunity to buddy read this with my 7th grader. I don’t read YA, as I often find them hard to relate to. This is different.
We follow Cullen a boy who is bullied in extreme manners and it send him into psychological comma of sorts. Through months of gruesome, often unsettling therapy that the reader experiences alongside him, he makes his way back to normal life, only to face his fears, have run in with the law. We are left as readers hoping for the best for Cullen while expecting the worst.
We follow Cullen a boy who is bullied in extreme manners and it send him into psychological comma of sorts. Through months of gruesome, often unsettling therapy that the reader experiences alongside him, he makes his way back to normal life, only to face his fears, have run in with the law. We are left as readers hoping for the best for Cullen while expecting the worst.
November 20, 2022
Warning: Plan your day accordingly. Unable to put this book down from page one, I spent the entire day in my pj's only breaking to get some water and basic food in my stomach.
Solomon grabs you from the beginning with his rich and dark characters, scenes and and imagery.
Heartachingly and accurately told story of depression, suicidal ideation and the journey of it all.
Disclaimer: EMDR is an extremely beneficial and bonafide method of treating PTSD.
Solomon grabs you from the beginning with his rich and dark characters, scenes and and imagery.
Heartachingly and accurately told story of depression, suicidal ideation and the journey of it all.
Disclaimer: EMDR is an extremely beneficial and bonafide method of treating PTSD.
August 27, 2024
Bullying is never okay
Cullen has probably had the hardest life of any character I’ve ever read. There were times when I yelled for him to kick some ass. (Can I say that?) Anyway, it goes from bad to worse for this poor kid. Maybe this book could teach some kids that are bullied to stand up for themselves. There are some lessons here. Since I’m not posting spoilers go and get the book and read it. I really enjoyed the nice characters and the premise of the story.
Cullen has probably had the hardest life of any character I’ve ever read. There were times when I yelled for him to kick some ass. (Can I say that?) Anyway, it goes from bad to worse for this poor kid. Maybe this book could teach some kids that are bullied to stand up for themselves. There are some lessons here. Since I’m not posting spoilers go and get the book and read it. I really enjoyed the nice characters and the premise of the story.
September 14, 2023
This book was really great! It’s heartfelt and did a great job of getting you emotionally attached to the characters. I finished it in 24 hours it was that good. There was a few times I had to set the book down because some of the topics were very heavy but overall it was an amazing story about ones overcoming with some twists and turns.
August 11, 2023
I’m a father of a young teenager so this book had me hooked from the very first chapter! Loved the entire read and the idea behind it. Such an emotional journey that didn’t disappoint!
November 13, 2022
I'm always excited to read anything by Solomon Petchers. Cullen is much different from his previous works, and from anything else I've read for that matter. It's such a unique story about bullying and the trauma and anguish it causes. Petchers dug deep into Cullen's mind, bringing the reader along for the ride. Such a powerful story with a powerful message. Definitely recommend this one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews