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Visible Friend
Winner of first place for LGBT Cover in the 2011 Rainbow Awards.Christopher Borgasian has spent the last seven months painstakingly breaking up with a lover he’s adored for three heroin. Now he’s trying to make it on his own—without the drugs, without the family that rejected him for being gay, and, seemingly, without a friend in the world. The night before Chris leaves a sober-living facility to pursue his uncertain future, a stranger named Denny shows up in his room. From then on, Denny returns whenever Chris needs him the most, always vanishing as mysteriously as he appears. Chris desperately needs emotional and physical intimacy, but who is Denny, really? And can Chris believe in him when it also means believing in unconditional love?
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2011
7 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
K.Z. Snow
57 books273 followersThis says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH7rt4...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 29, 2025
✰ 3 stars ✰
What do you do when the imaginary friend you created to be there during your time of need finally decides not being able to have you is more unbearable than just being with you and that living in the real corporeal world is better than bearing the thought of not having you?? 🥺
I thought the author captured twenty-four-year-old Christopher's lingering thoughts about his battle with his three-year addiction to heroin with a raw and intimate touch that was also very honest. 😥 The struggles that follow after coming clean, and finding your place in an uncertain world of acceptance, gauging each reaction was visceral. It's a lonely world without a family that ousted him for being gay, and not a real friend, except for his childhood imaginary one - Denny.
“I don’t even know who the fuck you are! How could I ‘need’ you?”
“You know who I am. I can feel it.”
And after a disappointing attempt at a real life meaningful relationship it did make perfect sense for Christ to find solace and comfort in Denny's arms. Who will I be able to hold? 💔 A not so corporeal entity - or is he??? that existed solely for his happiness, dedicated to being there for him, but not intervening until absolutely necessary, transcending beyond guardian angel, but a possible lover??
The ambiguity behind Denny's final presence in Chris' life was sad; that hint of doubt that he could vanish as quickly as he suddenly reappeared in his life is that unspoken question of an already surreal situation. 😟 But, with that odd, airy feeling, the author's writing leaves me with, it is with the tenderest of touches and innate desire that wasn’t just exploration. This was adoration deepest of longing do they test the boundaries of their intimacy. 🤍💟
“I began with Chris’s need. Before that? I just don’t know. I was never told. What’s important is that I never abandon him. Unless he no longer needs me.”
I know one might argue that their dynamic felt more like that of codependency, where Denny was responsible for holding Chris back from a normal life. But when you learn of how much Denny has sacrificed, how much he was willing to give up, when Chris was all he'd ever known. It was a simple, sincere declaration of unconditional love that convinces you they're meant to be - the familiar but forgotten pieces of each other's hearts. ❤️🩹🫂
Denny's reappearance into Chris' world was an emotional scene, but the epilogue was the piece de resistance. 😢 The memory of a haunting moment that explained the mystery of his Visible Friend in one of his happiest times, that became the existence of one who smoothed away his fear or sorrow, made him feel treasured, made him feel… loved and who would always be there for him. 🥹
“I’ll make sure you won’t fall.”
What do you do when the imaginary friend you created to be there during your time of need finally decides not being able to have you is more unbearable than just being with you and that living in the real corporeal world is better than bearing the thought of not having you?? 🥺
I thought the author captured twenty-four-year-old Christopher's lingering thoughts about his battle with his three-year addiction to heroin with a raw and intimate touch that was also very honest. 😥 The struggles that follow after coming clean, and finding your place in an uncertain world of acceptance, gauging each reaction was visceral. It's a lonely world without a family that ousted him for being gay, and not a real friend, except for his childhood imaginary one - Denny.
“I don’t even know who the fuck you are! How could I ‘need’ you?”
“You know who I am. I can feel it.”
And after a disappointing attempt at a real life meaningful relationship it did make perfect sense for Christ to find solace and comfort in Denny's arms. Who will I be able to hold? 💔 A not so corporeal entity - or is he??? that existed solely for his happiness, dedicated to being there for him, but not intervening until absolutely necessary, transcending beyond guardian angel, but a possible lover??
The ambiguity behind Denny's final presence in Chris' life was sad; that hint of doubt that he could vanish as quickly as he suddenly reappeared in his life is that unspoken question of an already surreal situation. 😟 But, with that odd, airy feeling, the author's writing leaves me with, it is with the tenderest of touches and innate desire that wasn’t just exploration. This was adoration deepest of longing do they test the boundaries of their intimacy. 🤍💟
“I began with Chris’s need. Before that? I just don’t know. I was never told. What’s important is that I never abandon him. Unless he no longer needs me.”
I know one might argue that their dynamic felt more like that of codependency, where Denny was responsible for holding Chris back from a normal life. But when you learn of how much Denny has sacrificed, how much he was willing to give up, when Chris was all he'd ever known. It was a simple, sincere declaration of unconditional love that convinces you they're meant to be - the familiar but forgotten pieces of each other's hearts. ❤️🩹🫂
Denny's reappearance into Chris' world was an emotional scene, but the epilogue was the piece de resistance. 😢 The memory of a haunting moment that explained the mystery of his Visible Friend in one of his happiest times, that became the existence of one who smoothed away his fear or sorrow, made him feel treasured, made him feel… loved and who would always be there for him. 🥹
May 27, 2011
What a beautiful story. I'm always excited to read a new book by KZ Snow. There's no telling what gift you'll receive when you open it, it is always something precious and new and completely separate of those than came before it, but it is always sure to be thrilling and satisfying. They are always full of meticulous details fully utilized by meaningful prose. The details in VF are up to the standard of her other books, employed by personifying heroin -- a pretty intelligent way to conveying the character of Chris to the reader. Plus, Simsala was right... that epilogue makes the book!
Now I just can't wait to get my next fix. I hope it won't be too long KZ :)
Now I just can't wait to get my next fix. I hope it won't be too long KZ :)
October 2, 2011
When Christopher Borgasian, from K.Z. Snow's book 'Visible Friend' was a child, he visualized a boy name Denny. He needed a best friend; he needed at least one person in his life who loved him unconditionally. Always a sensitive, loving child, as Chris got older, he lost faith in people and in himself. He no longer believed he deserved to have a best friend and began using drugs to drown out everyone and everything. Denny was still there, but stuck in the back of his mind. Denny was only allowed out when Chris subconsciously called him. Fortunately, Chris was ready to love and be loved again and Denny was still there.
I admired Chris so much for his sensitivity and bravery. Against all odds, he found the strength to be himself and faced the anguish and disappointments of a life without anesthetization. For someone already wounded, this was a monumental achievement. I also admire him for being able to finally recognize and embrace unconditional love when it comes to him. I can't think of anyone who would be more deserving of it. I admit it. I read this story with a lump in my throat and a breath away from bursting into tears. 'Visible Friend' moved me. It provided me with inspiration on so many levels that I can hardly begin to explain them all.
Using first person for Denny's narration was quite effective. Seeing things from his point of view enhanced the feeling of anticipation, the need for patience, and waiting until the time was right. He told us things that Chris couldn't, things Chris didn't know or understand. Denny didn't even understand sometimes. Without Denny's input, I would have been lost. He was a wonderful manifestation, a character to be admired. Showing his imperfections, how he struggled with who or what his purpose for being was, in my opinion, succeeded in making him even more perfect.
KZ is one of the few writers that I can think of who could take such diametrically opposed themes as drug addiction and creative visualization and marry them so magnificently. It was risky, but KZ is an artist who apparently enjoys taking calculated risks. That's what makes her stories so unique and 'Visible Friend' is just another example of that talent. Personally, I am delighted that she chose to delve into such an ethereal theme.
'Visible Friend' may not appeal to everyone because of its intensity and depth, but for those who like to be challenged to think outside the box it's a must read. To sum up the theme, I will leave you with a quote from 'The End' by the Beatles – “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
I admired Chris so much for his sensitivity and bravery. Against all odds, he found the strength to be himself and faced the anguish and disappointments of a life without anesthetization. For someone already wounded, this was a monumental achievement. I also admire him for being able to finally recognize and embrace unconditional love when it comes to him. I can't think of anyone who would be more deserving of it. I admit it. I read this story with a lump in my throat and a breath away from bursting into tears. 'Visible Friend' moved me. It provided me with inspiration on so many levels that I can hardly begin to explain them all.
Using first person for Denny's narration was quite effective. Seeing things from his point of view enhanced the feeling of anticipation, the need for patience, and waiting until the time was right. He told us things that Chris couldn't, things Chris didn't know or understand. Denny didn't even understand sometimes. Without Denny's input, I would have been lost. He was a wonderful manifestation, a character to be admired. Showing his imperfections, how he struggled with who or what his purpose for being was, in my opinion, succeeded in making him even more perfect.
KZ is one of the few writers that I can think of who could take such diametrically opposed themes as drug addiction and creative visualization and marry them so magnificently. It was risky, but KZ is an artist who apparently enjoys taking calculated risks. That's what makes her stories so unique and 'Visible Friend' is just another example of that talent. Personally, I am delighted that she chose to delve into such an ethereal theme.
'Visible Friend' may not appeal to everyone because of its intensity and depth, but for those who like to be challenged to think outside the box it's a must read. To sum up the theme, I will leave you with a quote from 'The End' by the Beatles – “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
September 3, 2011
This was an amazing story that was amazingly writen. A unique concept too. I loved it! It's not a story line I've ever read. That is so refreshing. The characters are very loveable/likeable, even through their faults (well, I didn't care much for Troy). I really liked the epiloge, as it tied the story of very nicely and further explained who/what Denny was.
I hesitate to say too much about what this story is about or risk ruining the twist. I know I would have been really disappointed to know too much more than the books blurb about Chris' childhood friend before I read it. Suffice it to say, he's a special character who is there to help Chris through recovering his heroin addiction. It's not overly angsty. It's very sweet, and has a nice HEA. It's extremely well written and definitely worth your time. It's not too long and I actually read it in a couple hours. I didn't want to put it down.
I hesitate to say too much about what this story is about or risk ruining the twist. I know I would have been really disappointed to know too much more than the books blurb about Chris' childhood friend before I read it. Suffice it to say, he's a special character who is there to help Chris through recovering his heroin addiction. It's not overly angsty. It's very sweet, and has a nice HEA. It's extremely well written and definitely worth your time. It's not too long and I actually read it in a couple hours. I didn't want to put it down.
April 28, 2011
I have always been prone to story with supernatural element in it. In this, the supernatural comes in character of Denny, who is Chris's imaginary friend, and returns to Chris's life after he breaks his relationship with heroin.
The story is written from two point of views: Chris's, using 3rd person, and Denny's using 1st person. From the alternate switch, we learn how Denny has stayed with Chris all his life (since he first "appeared" when Chris was four years old), then withdrew when Chris pushed him away when he was seven years old, but did not really disappear. There was something melancholy whenever Denny remembered his watching Chris, but couldn't really do anything to stop Chris from destruction ... Have you ever watched the movie with Robert Downey Jr, called Heart and Soul? Denny's point of view kinda reminded me of that.
While Chris's story is more hopeful. He managed to get back to his feet by himself. He decided to stop using drugs and stayed away from it after he got out from rehab. He wasn't bitter. He accepted his dark past but he wanted to move on. He was admirable. The story was Chris's journey -- and it was beautiful to read that along the way, he was able to "get back" with the one person (albeit starting to be an imaginary friend) who accepted Chris for who he was.
So all in all, if I can make a summary, it will be: a tender and rather melancholy story, which is also a journey of a young man to get back on both feet after being a junkie for years.
The story is written from two point of views: Chris's, using 3rd person, and Denny's using 1st person. From the alternate switch, we learn how Denny has stayed with Chris all his life (since he first "appeared" when Chris was four years old), then withdrew when Chris pushed him away when he was seven years old, but did not really disappear. There was something melancholy whenever Denny remembered his watching Chris, but couldn't really do anything to stop Chris from destruction ... Have you ever watched the movie with Robert Downey Jr, called Heart and Soul? Denny's point of view kinda reminded me of that.
While Chris's story is more hopeful. He managed to get back to his feet by himself. He decided to stop using drugs and stayed away from it after he got out from rehab. He wasn't bitter. He accepted his dark past but he wanted to move on. He was admirable. The story was Chris's journey -- and it was beautiful to read that along the way, he was able to "get back" with the one person (albeit starting to be an imaginary friend) who accepted Chris for who he was.
So all in all, if I can make a summary, it will be: a tender and rather melancholy story, which is also a journey of a young man to get back on both feet after being a junkie for years.
April 28, 2011
I really enjoyed this book!
Chris is a recovering drug addict, making his way back into the world alone, having been disowned by his family for being gay.
Chris is a recovering drug addict, making his way back into the world alone, having been disowned by his family for being gay.
December 31, 2012
The quality of the writing is such, I had cravings for a drug I've never had. Raw, realistic, painful, just like life. The story is, precisely because of this, incredibly enlightening and inspiring. Wish fulfillment at its best. Bravo, Ms. Snow!
June 13, 2011
This story is unlike one I've experienced or read before. Very unique, out of the box and unlike the ordinary. Very tasteful and highly recommended.
Denny is lovable and a true guardian in first spirit and then real; solid. His character is written in first person throughout the story.
Chris on the other hand has his day to day struggles in combating his addiction, wanting acceptance after having been rejected all his life, which was the point fact cause of his addiction from the getgo. This loneliness crates Denny who becomes his imaginary friend turned solid to be there in every way Chris needs him to be. Denny becomes more than a friend. Read it and you'll see for yourself. Note: Chris is written in third person.
I couldn't put this story aside. I was glued to each page needing to know where these two men were taking it next and to what level.
Well written. Bravo to K.Z.
Denny is lovable and a true guardian in first spirit and then real; solid. His character is written in first person throughout the story.
Chris on the other hand has his day to day struggles in combating his addiction, wanting acceptance after having been rejected all his life, which was the point fact cause of his addiction from the getgo. This loneliness crates Denny who becomes his imaginary friend turned solid to be there in every way Chris needs him to be. Denny becomes more than a friend. Read it and you'll see for yourself. Note: Chris is written in third person.
I couldn't put this story aside. I was glued to each page needing to know where these two men were taking it next and to what level.
Well written. Bravo to K.Z.
June 17, 2011
This was a really sweet and beautiful story. It was as unique as it was endearing, and the writing was fabulous.
The prologue of the book was uncomfortable to read but completely necessary to set the tone of Chris' plight and to show how he was before he changed his life. My heart ached for him, his history, his situation and his struggle to change. He was a complex, strong but needy, character.
The beginning kept me spellbound to find out what was going on and who this emotional, caring man was (Denny) - such a sweet character, so selfless (even though I guess that was his "job") - beautiful inside and out.
I also loved the story of Chris and Denny as little boys and the back story of how Denny got his name. I'll admit picturing the two of them together, forever, makes me a little mushy inside. Definitely added to faves.
The prologue of the book was uncomfortable to read but completely necessary to set the tone of Chris' plight and to show how he was before he changed his life. My heart ached for him, his history, his situation and his struggle to change. He was a complex, strong but needy, character.
The beginning kept me spellbound to find out what was going on and who this emotional, caring man was (Denny) - such a sweet character, so selfless (even though I guess that was his "job") - beautiful inside and out.
I also loved the story of Chris and Denny as little boys and the back story of how Denny got his name. I'll admit picturing the two of them together, forever, makes me a little mushy inside. Definitely added to faves.
July 8, 2011
I really enjoyed this story of a drug addicted young man doing all he can to clean up. It's very well-written with an interesting paranormal twist and a beautiful epilogue.
May 16, 2011
4.5 stars
Visible Friend is told from Chris’s third person POV and Denny’s 1st person POV, in the present tense, but the alternating POVs worked well.
This is a very poignant story of a man trying to recover from a drug habit of 9 years, who was also dealing with having no sexual outlet and no friends since there weren’t many gay men in Cold Harbor where he lived. His life was barren, his emotions were fragile and he was always one step away from giving in to the drugs again, as we experience the temptations that he has to overcome. He soon discovered that there’s a hierarchy even with people who are recovering addicts – they too hated gays.
Recovery from any addiction is a daily process and Chris lived his life one day at a time since he could only cope with so much. K.Z. Snow tackles subjects that not many M/M authors explore because they expose the seedy underbelly of life that few of us want to experience, even if it’s only in a book.
Chris’s character is vulnerable and needy and at times it seemed that he had lost his sense of direction and focus. But the track marks were a constant reminder that he was an addict and would remain so for the rest of his life and one slip would put him back where he didn’t want to be, on the streets. Denny is probably one of the most innocent characters I have experienced in a while and both he and Chris grew a lot in the short space of time that the story covered. Chris had to come to terms with his feelings for Denny when it seemed that he could lose him, and Denny became a real person by changing his role in Chris’s life as he evolved and the power shifted between them and he took control of his life. The sex between them was wonderful and just right and was another brick in the wall for both characters. The paranormal aspect to the story was inspired and I fell completely under Denny’s spell and wished that he had a much bigger role. Chris’s journey, like those of other addicts, would be a lifelong one but I felt that with Denny in his life he would never regress.
Visible Friend was a good story but the epilogue made it wonderful.
Highly recommended.
Visible Friend is told from Chris’s third person POV and Denny’s 1st person POV, in the present tense, but the alternating POVs worked well.
This is a very poignant story of a man trying to recover from a drug habit of 9 years, who was also dealing with having no sexual outlet and no friends since there weren’t many gay men in Cold Harbor where he lived. His life was barren, his emotions were fragile and he was always one step away from giving in to the drugs again, as we experience the temptations that he has to overcome. He soon discovered that there’s a hierarchy even with people who are recovering addicts – they too hated gays.
Recovery from any addiction is a daily process and Chris lived his life one day at a time since he could only cope with so much. K.Z. Snow tackles subjects that not many M/M authors explore because they expose the seedy underbelly of life that few of us want to experience, even if it’s only in a book.
Chris’s character is vulnerable and needy and at times it seemed that he had lost his sense of direction and focus. But the track marks were a constant reminder that he was an addict and would remain so for the rest of his life and one slip would put him back where he didn’t want to be, on the streets. Denny is probably one of the most innocent characters I have experienced in a while and both he and Chris grew a lot in the short space of time that the story covered. Chris had to come to terms with his feelings for Denny when it seemed that he could lose him, and Denny became a real person by changing his role in Chris’s life as he evolved and the power shifted between them and he took control of his life. The sex between them was wonderful and just right and was another brick in the wall for both characters. The paranormal aspect to the story was inspired and I fell completely under Denny’s spell and wished that he had a much bigger role. Chris’s journey, like those of other addicts, would be a lifelong one but I felt that with Denny in his life he would never regress.
Visible Friend was a good story but the epilogue made it wonderful.
Highly recommended.
December 13, 2011
"The map of his life was inscribed on his skin."
Chris is a smart, sensitive and caring young man. He is also a heroin addict. After making the choice to break the partnership he has with drugs, he goes into rehab and comes out seven months later clean and ready to face life again. He ha an apartment rented, a job with a landscaping, and support groups and counseling lined up. It has been so long since he has been with a man, but he hopes that will happen soon too.
"Everything has to begin somewhere."
Denny is Chris' friend. Companion. Imaginary playmate. But he has form and substance now. He has been silently, and sometimes not so silently, watching out for Chris since he was a little boy. But both are grown now, and Denny is a man. Solid. And remarkably, Denny has grown to love Chris.
"I'll never let you fall, Chris."
When Denny makes himself known to Chris, will he be able to believe what he can touch, feel, see? And as Denny becomes independent, will Chris want him still?
This book is a miracle. An answered prayer. KZ Snow has crafted something so lovely and fragile and perfect, I really am not sure I can do it any justice. Every word of this book, every line, every page - just sings to me. Chris is such a damaged soul, so beaten down, both by himself and his parents. But he has such a strength about him. And Denny - what a remarkable character. From a child's imaginary playmate to fully realized character with depth and emotions and love. Ms. Snow words just sing a love song off the page straight into my heart.
And then, and then the epilogue. And I thrown, stunned, broken apart, shattered and made whole.
"Please, he thought, give me another chance. Please."
I really can't say why this book echoes through me so strongly. But it does. And when a work has that power, it should be shared. Read and wonder - "...a hope so poignant."
Tom
Chris is a smart, sensitive and caring young man. He is also a heroin addict. After making the choice to break the partnership he has with drugs, he goes into rehab and comes out seven months later clean and ready to face life again. He ha an apartment rented, a job with a landscaping, and support groups and counseling lined up. It has been so long since he has been with a man, but he hopes that will happen soon too.
"Everything has to begin somewhere."
Denny is Chris' friend. Companion. Imaginary playmate. But he has form and substance now. He has been silently, and sometimes not so silently, watching out for Chris since he was a little boy. But both are grown now, and Denny is a man. Solid. And remarkably, Denny has grown to love Chris.
"I'll never let you fall, Chris."
When Denny makes himself known to Chris, will he be able to believe what he can touch, feel, see? And as Denny becomes independent, will Chris want him still?
This book is a miracle. An answered prayer. KZ Snow has crafted something so lovely and fragile and perfect, I really am not sure I can do it any justice. Every word of this book, every line, every page - just sings to me. Chris is such a damaged soul, so beaten down, both by himself and his parents. But he has such a strength about him. And Denny - what a remarkable character. From a child's imaginary playmate to fully realized character with depth and emotions and love. Ms. Snow words just sing a love song off the page straight into my heart.
And then, and then the epilogue. And I thrown, stunned, broken apart, shattered and made whole.
"Please, he thought, give me another chance. Please."
I really can't say why this book echoes through me so strongly. But it does. And when a work has that power, it should be shared. Read and wonder - "...a hope so poignant."
Tom
May 1, 2011
3.75 stars
Read
September 2, 2014This is going to be long and personal. I mean VERY personal. Because of that I will not rating this book. I can't believe I am about to tell a bunch of strangers my story, but here it goes
Heroin. What a cruel cruel drug. How do I know that? A boyfriend died in my arms during an overdose after his first time using. Did I ever shoot up? Nah, needles terrify me (but doesn't stop me from getting pierced or tattoos). Because of my needle phobia H wasn't my drug of choice. That doesn't mean I wasn't around it daily for years. That doesn't mean I didn't end up in abandoned houses filled with squatters looking for their next fix. That doesn't mean H didn't affect my life on a daily basis for years without me ever doing it. That doesn't mean I didn't watch 6 of my friends die (some in front of me) within an 8 month span because of the drug. That doesn't mean I wasn't beaten and raped because some asshole thought I was holding and he wanted it and when he found out I was telling the truth, well he didn't like it.
Today a very good friend of mine is going on 2 years of sobriety after 17 years on H.
I KNOW what the drug does to people. I've been there. I may not have had a heroin addiction, but I was 10 years old when I first smoked pot. I was 11 when I smoked my first cigarette. By the time I was 12 took my first pain pill for recreational use. At 13, I tried acid for the first time. By 16, I was spending my paychecks at a dealers house to get coke. When I was 18 I got hooked on meth, luckily that didn't last long. I guess I was a coke head and a pill head (mainly oxy's, but I didn't care what it was as long as it was a downer). I've done it all (even snorted H a time or two), some I liked more than others. I've OD'd three times (those 3 times were after one of my friends died, I guess I wanted to too without really knowing it).
I finally had enough. I hated myself. I hated feeling gross. I hated coming down. I hated trying to score. I hated people looking at me like I was trash. I hated my life.
I distanced myself from everyone. I even moved to a different state to get away from triggers, but even there I met some people from the "wrong crowd". I was determined to stay clean though. I met my husband without even meaning to. I wasn't looking for anything. Hell, I could barely take care of myself, I didn't need someone else in my mess. But, it didn't work out that way. 11 years later we're still together and we'll be married for 10 years in November. I tell him everyday he saved my life, because he did. I wasn't sure how much longer I could have held out being strong.
I think that's what I had a big problem with in Visible Friend. Chris was so focused on his dick. With me and almost everyone I know that's a recovering addict sex was so far down on the list. I didn't want it. Sex made me stupid. I needed to focus on ME first and foremost to get healthy. When I say I met my husband without even meaning to, I meant it. We met online so we didn't even meet in person for a long time. I wasn't ready. For Chris to be so worried and focused on sex brought me out of the story.
I guess I wanted more of his time in rehab and the Sober Living house. That should be brought up, too. Rehab. What a crock of shit that is. It's so expensive for people to want to get clean. How the fuck are people supposed to pay for it when they don't have insurance, oh, and are JUNKIES? Price is a BIG reason junkies stay junkies. They can't afford to get clean, even though they want to. I've witnessed several people get turned away from rehabs because they couldn't pay. One of them died. So, if you're a rich junkie you can get help, but otherwise, good luck.
Man, when Chris called Winston, I bawled. I could SO relate. I may have done it a time or two. You really figure out who your real friends are once you get sober. You have your junkie "friends" and you MIGHT have some old school sober friends left, but it's probably unlikely. Are your friends going to want to get sober with you? Will your friends come visit you in jail? Will your friends come to hospital if you OD? If they are your user friends, then let me answer those questions...NO!
In the beginning of this story I highlighted a lot of it because it made sense. I related, but then the story went on and I felt like the story moved in a direction (sex/relationship) and I wasn't comfortable with that.
So yeah, there were parts that really hit me and parts that didn't. I get that this was a romance, but I guess my personal experience made me not believe it.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Heroin was a master monopolizer."
"People don't have to adore you for you to be a proud, productive member of society again. For you to care about yourself and others again. So let your scars empower you instead of cripple you. They're damn good reminders on how not to live."
"Funny how a good mainline shot affected a veteran user the way a powerful antibiotic would act on a person with an infection. That was an equation most folks didn't understand, although it made perfect sense. had simply given his body what it needed to sustain itself. A junkie standard of health was different than a non-junkie's."
I can honestly say I don't regret my life before, but there's no way in hell I miss it. It makes me sad when I look back and realize how much time I lost. I'm not proud of my former life, but it has made me who I am today. A person who lives the life she wants. A person who stands up for what she believes in. A person who doesn't give a shit what anyone says about me. A person who only wants to help people who are in a situation my "friends" and I used to be in. A person I want my girls to grow up being proud of.
Just to let you all know, I'm 12 years clean, a married mother of 2 girls and I love my life :)
For those of you that made it that far, congrats. Sorry I made this "review" all about me, but I guess I had a lot to say about the subject. It hit really close to home.
Heroin. What a cruel cruel drug. How do I know that? A boyfriend died in my arms during an overdose after his first time using. Did I ever shoot up? Nah, needles terrify me (but doesn't stop me from getting pierced or tattoos). Because of my needle phobia H wasn't my drug of choice. That doesn't mean I wasn't around it daily for years. That doesn't mean I didn't end up in abandoned houses filled with squatters looking for their next fix. That doesn't mean H didn't affect my life on a daily basis for years without me ever doing it. That doesn't mean I didn't watch 6 of my friends die (some in front of me) within an 8 month span because of the drug. That doesn't mean I wasn't beaten and raped because some asshole thought I was holding and he wanted it and when he found out I was telling the truth, well he didn't like it.
Today a very good friend of mine is going on 2 years of sobriety after 17 years on H.
I KNOW what the drug does to people. I've been there. I may not have had a heroin addiction, but I was 10 years old when I first smoked pot. I was 11 when I smoked my first cigarette. By the time I was 12 took my first pain pill for recreational use. At 13, I tried acid for the first time. By 16, I was spending my paychecks at a dealers house to get coke. When I was 18 I got hooked on meth, luckily that didn't last long. I guess I was a coke head and a pill head (mainly oxy's, but I didn't care what it was as long as it was a downer). I've done it all (even snorted H a time or two), some I liked more than others. I've OD'd three times (those 3 times were after one of my friends died, I guess I wanted to too without really knowing it).
I finally had enough. I hated myself. I hated feeling gross. I hated coming down. I hated trying to score. I hated people looking at me like I was trash. I hated my life.
I distanced myself from everyone. I even moved to a different state to get away from triggers, but even there I met some people from the "wrong crowd". I was determined to stay clean though. I met my husband without even meaning to. I wasn't looking for anything. Hell, I could barely take care of myself, I didn't need someone else in my mess. But, it didn't work out that way. 11 years later we're still together and we'll be married for 10 years in November. I tell him everyday he saved my life, because he did. I wasn't sure how much longer I could have held out being strong.
I think that's what I had a big problem with in Visible Friend. Chris was so focused on his dick. With me and almost everyone I know that's a recovering addict sex was so far down on the list. I didn't want it. Sex made me stupid. I needed to focus on ME first and foremost to get healthy. When I say I met my husband without even meaning to, I meant it. We met online so we didn't even meet in person for a long time. I wasn't ready. For Chris to be so worried and focused on sex brought me out of the story.
I guess I wanted more of his time in rehab and the Sober Living house. That should be brought up, too. Rehab. What a crock of shit that is. It's so expensive for people to want to get clean. How the fuck are people supposed to pay for it when they don't have insurance, oh, and are JUNKIES? Price is a BIG reason junkies stay junkies. They can't afford to get clean, even though they want to. I've witnessed several people get turned away from rehabs because they couldn't pay. One of them died. So, if you're a rich junkie you can get help, but otherwise, good luck.
Man, when Chris called Winston, I bawled. I could SO relate. I may have done it a time or two. You really figure out who your real friends are once you get sober. You have your junkie "friends" and you MIGHT have some old school sober friends left, but it's probably unlikely. Are your friends going to want to get sober with you? Will your friends come visit you in jail? Will your friends come to hospital if you OD? If they are your user friends, then let me answer those questions...NO!
In the beginning of this story I highlighted a lot of it because it made sense. I related, but then the story went on and I felt like the story moved in a direction (sex/relationship) and I wasn't comfortable with that.
So yeah, there were parts that really hit me and parts that didn't. I get that this was a romance, but I guess my personal experience made me not believe it.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Heroin was a master monopolizer."
"People don't have to adore you for you to be a proud, productive member of society again. For you to care about yourself and others again. So let your scars empower you instead of cripple you. They're damn good reminders on how not to live."
"Funny how a good mainline shot affected a veteran user the way a powerful antibiotic would act on a person with an infection. That was an equation most folks didn't understand, although it made perfect sense. had simply given his body what it needed to sustain itself. A junkie standard of health was different than a non-junkie's."
I can honestly say I don't regret my life before, but there's no way in hell I miss it. It makes me sad when I look back and realize how much time I lost. I'm not proud of my former life, but it has made me who I am today. A person who lives the life she wants. A person who stands up for what she believes in. A person who doesn't give a shit what anyone says about me. A person who only wants to help people who are in a situation my "friends" and I used to be in. A person I want my girls to grow up being proud of.
Just to let you all know, I'm 12 years clean, a married mother of 2 girls and I love my life :)
For those of you that made it that far, congrats. Sorry I made this "review" all about me, but I guess I had a lot to say about the subject. It hit really close to home.
November 27, 2011
Overall
First off, I love this cover. It's artistic and powerful, and while it's not a traditional romance cover, this isn't really a traditional romance, although romance is a central factor. I think I would have purchased this book based on the cover alone.
This story was rating a strong 3.5, but the epilogue and cover bumped it up to a 4. It's a curious story that focuses on the struggle to regain a footing in life after going through rehab for addiction. In addition to facing all the normal struggles of being a gay ex-addict, Chris also has an imaginary friend who is very, very real. And attractive.
While I didn't really sink into this story and get absorbed by it, it was a good strong story that entertains an interesting notion.
Strengths
Interesting story and angle. The story doesn't involve anything spiritual, per se, but there is a certain level of other-worldliness as Denny is a not-so imaginary friend whose physicality is becoming harder and harder to ignore. However, even by the end, by which point the secrets have been revealed, there is still an element of mystery about Denny's origins. This half-explained reason behind Denny's presence is enough to satisfy the reader's curiosity without locking the author into one reality or truth of greater being. A basic, sweet story with a fresh idea.
Characters you feel empathetic for. Even if the characters didn't get under my skin, I still cared about them and was sympathetic to them. Chris, who is struggling to get his life back on track, and Denny, who is struggling to...well, pretty much the same thing. Denny may not have an addiction in his past, but he's coping with reality just as much as Chris is. Both more are selfish and selfless, struggling to do the best thing, even if they're unsure what that is. Honest, good characters.
Weaknesses
The only weaknesses is that the story didn't grab me and hold me captive. It was interesting, well paced, and well told, but it never got into my head or my heart. Parts also fit a little too nicely together, but in some ways this is fitting for the story, considering Denny's entire involvement.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
First off, I love this cover. It's artistic and powerful, and while it's not a traditional romance cover, this isn't really a traditional romance, although romance is a central factor. I think I would have purchased this book based on the cover alone.
This story was rating a strong 3.5, but the epilogue and cover bumped it up to a 4. It's a curious story that focuses on the struggle to regain a footing in life after going through rehab for addiction. In addition to facing all the normal struggles of being a gay ex-addict, Chris also has an imaginary friend who is very, very real. And attractive.
While I didn't really sink into this story and get absorbed by it, it was a good strong story that entertains an interesting notion.
Strengths
Interesting story and angle. The story doesn't involve anything spiritual, per se, but there is a certain level of other-worldliness as Denny is a not-so imaginary friend whose physicality is becoming harder and harder to ignore. However, even by the end, by which point the secrets have been revealed, there is still an element of mystery about Denny's origins. This half-explained reason behind Denny's presence is enough to satisfy the reader's curiosity without locking the author into one reality or truth of greater being. A basic, sweet story with a fresh idea.
Characters you feel empathetic for. Even if the characters didn't get under my skin, I still cared about them and was sympathetic to them. Chris, who is struggling to get his life back on track, and Denny, who is struggling to...well, pretty much the same thing. Denny may not have an addiction in his past, but he's coping with reality just as much as Chris is. Both more are selfish and selfless, struggling to do the best thing, even if they're unsure what that is. Honest, good characters.
Weaknesses
The only weaknesses is that the story didn't grab me and hold me captive. It was interesting, well paced, and well told, but it never got into my head or my heart. Parts also fit a little too nicely together, but in some ways this is fitting for the story, considering Denny's entire involvement.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
December 5, 2012
This turned out to be less exciting than I imagined. And because I had expected something extraordinary from this, the actual story kind of disappointed, hence the 2 stars.
There were some original concepts and ideas placed in this book but they were not given enough attention, opting instead to clutter them together. I wanted Chris to devote more time and interest in Denny (best friend when Chris was young). There is a happy ending but the road to it could have been better.
There were some original concepts and ideas placed in this book but they were not given enough attention, opting instead to clutter them together. I wanted Chris to devote more time and interest in Denny (best friend when Chris was young). There is a happy ending but the road to it could have been better.
November 8, 2014
3.5 stars rounding up to 4 stars.
This story perplexed me. I don't feel as if the author fully developed the situation or the theme, but at the same time I was certainly interested in reading what she had to say. I felt that the best parts of the book were at the beginning. The opening sequence with the heroin was breath-taking, and the subsequent section at the rehab facility very interesting. The parts with the "Visible Friend," not so much. I guess it seemed like the author didn't know if she was writing a fairly straight-forward story about rehabing (which I would have loved) or a paranormal story about the ability to wish a person into existence. (I would have gobbled up a serious, extended look at that!) As a consequence, each storyline seemed to get shortshrift. To me. I do acknowledge that K.Z. Snow is enormously talented, and I'll probably check out another one of her stories, but this one really didn't work for me.
This story perplexed me. I don't feel as if the author fully developed the situation or the theme, but at the same time I was certainly interested in reading what she had to say. I felt that the best parts of the book were at the beginning. The opening sequence with the heroin was breath-taking, and the subsequent section at the rehab facility very interesting. The parts with the "Visible Friend," not so much. I guess it seemed like the author didn't know if she was writing a fairly straight-forward story about rehabing (which I would have loved) or a paranormal story about the ability to wish a person into existence. (I would have gobbled up a serious, extended look at that!) As a consequence, each storyline seemed to get shortshrift. To me. I do acknowledge that K.Z. Snow is enormously talented, and I'll probably check out another one of her stories, but this one really didn't work for me.
March 25, 2012
First off the only thing that saved this book from one star doom was the epilogue.
I didn't care for this story and I am finding it hard to explain why.
The best way I can say it is it felt like that horrible moment when you get to the end of a book and the last lines are "it was all a dream".
I didn't care for this story and I am finding it hard to explain why.
The best way I can say it is it felt like that horrible moment when you get to the end of a book and the last lines are "it was all a dream".
February 27, 2014
THIS BOOK.
I READ IT IN 2 HOURS.
THIS BOOK.
WAS UTTERLY DEPRESSING.
THIS BOOK.
HIT ME IN THE FEELZ.
THIS BOOK.
JUST RIGHT.
THIS BOOK.
MADE ME SMILE.
THIS BOOK.
MADE ME HURT.
THIS BOOK.
WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED.
THANK YOU VLADIMIR FOR THE REC!!! <3
I READ IT IN 2 HOURS.
THIS BOOK.
WAS UTTERLY DEPRESSING.
THIS BOOK.
HIT ME IN THE FEELZ.
THIS BOOK.
JUST RIGHT.
THIS BOOK.
MADE ME SMILE.
THIS BOOK.
MADE ME HURT.
THIS BOOK.
WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED.
THANK YOU VLADIMIR FOR THE REC!!! <3
May 6, 2011
This was a solid 3 star read for me. It was the epilogue that made it 4 stars. That was sheer awesomesauceness.
January 30, 2015
Good god. Chills. KZ is possibly one of my favorite authors ever. Goddamn the woman is gifted.
February 3, 2017
Usually I don't have problems making leaps of faith, but here I just couldn't do it.
February 16, 2018
Unusual but good. Make me remember the innocence of youth and nothing like an imaginary friend when you're all alone
June 29, 2014
I liked this story well enough, but I never could quite connect to the characters in any sort of deep and meaningful way. I think a large part of that was because of how isolated Chris was. I wanted to be able to see him interacting more and breaking out of the social isolation his addiction had placed on him. I didn’t feel like he really built any sort of real interrelated relationship with anyone, Denny included. He kept everything bottled up inside and didn’t turn trust anyone to talk through what he was thinking or feeling.
Christopher Borgasian is a heroin addict, but one how has made the decision to get clean and do something with his life. He’s spent the last seven grueling months kicking his habit and the easy peace that heroin gave him and is finally ready to try his hand at stepping back into the world outside of rehab. He has a job lined up in a field he’s interested in, sure it’s initially as a grunt for a landscape architect, but at least he can learn. What he doesn’t have is any friends left that aren’t from his previous life and no family that will be there for him to speak of. He’s left with out a support system and it’s something Chris fears. He wants to reconnect with people. The arrival of a stranger in his room the night before he’s supposed to leave the sober-living facility throws Chris for a loop. And then Denny keeps appearing whenever Chris seemingly needs him most, and disappearing just as quickly.
First of all I really liked Denny. I liked how he was trying to rectify everything in his own head. I don’t want to say much more than that as I don’t want to ruin the twist and give away too much, but I enjoyed his character. I just wanted to really see more of a personal interaction between him and Chris in the end. I wanted to see a real friendship start to grow up between them instead of feeling like things ended in a physical connection, but without Chris really reaching out on a human level to another soul.
I found the use of the present tense narrative to differentiate Denny’s voice an interesting choice and one that I’m not sure whether I liked or didn’t. It really threw me the first time I came across it as I wasn’t expecting such a complete shift in voice. I got used to it as the story went on and I think in the end I’m ok with it. It did serve to make Denny’s thoughts more immediate, less burdened than what all Chris was going through.
Chris…ok I’m not a fan of drugs in stories. I just really dislike drug use. I appreciated the effort Chris was going through to get clean, but I didn’t entirely like the manor he was going about it. I severely disliked Troy and the entirety of that relationship. Ugh! I liked that Chris was still learning what was going to work for him and yet I felt like his focus was too much on getting laid and a romantic entanglement than on finding a support system to help him through. From my admittedly limited understanding of process I thought most NA/AA programs don’t recommend you get into any sort of romantic entanglement for awhile as the potential hurt can lead to an easy backsliding. Granted I admit I don’t know much. I just wanted to see Chris searching for a friend and while the insinuation is that Denny is that for him, I didn’t see it in the way Chris was reacting to Denny. The physical attraction sure, but I wanted to see them relate and lean on each other to understand what was going on in their worlds. To be each other’s support system for more than just the bedroom. I know the inference at the end of the story is that they will now be all that for each other, but I wanted to see it develop, not just come about because they’re in bed together and are compatible.
The final twist here was interesting and I enjoyed the epilogue. In the end I liked this story, I wasn’t in love with it. Overall 3.5 stars as it was well written, I just wanted more depth to the relationships developing. I liked the characters and wanted Chris to succeed in his recovery. I respect the effort he has put in and the choices he’s made to redeem himself. He’s done that all on his own and that’s an amazing feat. He’s a character I wish the best for, but not one I feel the need to come back to time and time again.
Christopher Borgasian is a heroin addict, but one how has made the decision to get clean and do something with his life. He’s spent the last seven grueling months kicking his habit and the easy peace that heroin gave him and is finally ready to try his hand at stepping back into the world outside of rehab. He has a job lined up in a field he’s interested in, sure it’s initially as a grunt for a landscape architect, but at least he can learn. What he doesn’t have is any friends left that aren’t from his previous life and no family that will be there for him to speak of. He’s left with out a support system and it’s something Chris fears. He wants to reconnect with people. The arrival of a stranger in his room the night before he’s supposed to leave the sober-living facility throws Chris for a loop. And then Denny keeps appearing whenever Chris seemingly needs him most, and disappearing just as quickly.
First of all I really liked Denny. I liked how he was trying to rectify everything in his own head. I don’t want to say much more than that as I don’t want to ruin the twist and give away too much, but I enjoyed his character. I just wanted to really see more of a personal interaction between him and Chris in the end. I wanted to see a real friendship start to grow up between them instead of feeling like things ended in a physical connection, but without Chris really reaching out on a human level to another soul.
I found the use of the present tense narrative to differentiate Denny’s voice an interesting choice and one that I’m not sure whether I liked or didn’t. It really threw me the first time I came across it as I wasn’t expecting such a complete shift in voice. I got used to it as the story went on and I think in the end I’m ok with it. It did serve to make Denny’s thoughts more immediate, less burdened than what all Chris was going through.
Chris…ok I’m not a fan of drugs in stories. I just really dislike drug use. I appreciated the effort Chris was going through to get clean, but I didn’t entirely like the manor he was going about it. I severely disliked Troy and the entirety of that relationship. Ugh! I liked that Chris was still learning what was going to work for him and yet I felt like his focus was too much on getting laid and a romantic entanglement than on finding a support system to help him through. From my admittedly limited understanding of process I thought most NA/AA programs don’t recommend you get into any sort of romantic entanglement for awhile as the potential hurt can lead to an easy backsliding. Granted I admit I don’t know much. I just wanted to see Chris searching for a friend and while the insinuation is that Denny is that for him, I didn’t see it in the way Chris was reacting to Denny. The physical attraction sure, but I wanted to see them relate and lean on each other to understand what was going on in their worlds. To be each other’s support system for more than just the bedroom. I know the inference at the end of the story is that they will now be all that for each other, but I wanted to see it develop, not just come about because they’re in bed together and are compatible.
The final twist here was interesting and I enjoyed the epilogue. In the end I liked this story, I wasn’t in love with it. Overall 3.5 stars as it was well written, I just wanted more depth to the relationships developing. I liked the characters and wanted Chris to succeed in his recovery. I respect the effort he has put in and the choices he’s made to redeem himself. He’s done that all on his own and that’s an amazing feat. He’s a character I wish the best for, but not one I feel the need to come back to time and time again.
November 14, 2011
I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars for my rating.
The first thing that really captured me was the subject matter. After 9 years on drugs and 3 years as a heroine junkie, Chris has spent the last 7 months trying to escape the stranglehold of addiction. Putting himself through rehab and recovery without any friends and family to support him, Chris leaves the sober-living facility to begin a new life of independence. What I find interesting is that it's not the drugs that have messed up his life as much as it is the attitudes of his family about his homosexuality that have driven him to the drugs. This theme recurs throughout the story - Chris tries to reject the grip of heroine but his extreme loneliness make it difficult for him to forget how much comfort heroine can offer.
Whenever Chris is suffering the most, Denny Reagan appears in his life. Is Denny an angel? A spirit? An imaginary friend? A figment of Chris' overwrought emotional state? Some of the reviewers did not appreciate this story because they felt that it was never adequately explained exactly what Denny was and how he came into being. For me personally, I have my own opinion of what Denny was and I was comfortable with my own assessment. I didn't really feel the need for it to be spelled out in black and white for me. I enjoyed being able to interpret it a little on my own.
The other aspect of this story that was interesting to me was that the story shifted between Chris and Denny's POVs, but Chris was in the 3rd person, while Denny was in the 1st person. I found that to be a very interesting way to write the story and to me Denny's 1st person perspective made it feel more like Denny was really an actualized being or at least that he was coming into being as more than an imaginary friend or invisible guardian. Especially since Chris' POV was 3rd person, when it switched to 1st person, it made it feel like Denny's presence was really solidified. I thought it was quite clever.
The one thing that I agree with some reviewers about is that I could have definitely used a little more development of the relationship between Denny and Chris.
The reason I ended up giving this book 5 stars despite the spoiler above is basically the epilogue. The epilogue was one of the best epilogues I've read in a book to date. I thought it was an extremely clever ending that left me with a tremendous feeling of peace and satisfaction. If not for the epilogue, I would have finished the book a little unsatisfied with the spoiler I already mentioned and would have rated this 4 stars.
I thought this was a wonderful book. In my opinion, K.Z. Snow is an extremely creative author with wonderful story ideas. If her book is novel length, I find it is well-developed and fun to read. If it is novella length, I am usually unsatisfied with the character and plot development. But all of her books have tremendous story lines and I will continue to read more works from her.
The first thing that really captured me was the subject matter. After 9 years on drugs and 3 years as a heroine junkie, Chris has spent the last 7 months trying to escape the stranglehold of addiction. Putting himself through rehab and recovery without any friends and family to support him, Chris leaves the sober-living facility to begin a new life of independence. What I find interesting is that it's not the drugs that have messed up his life as much as it is the attitudes of his family about his homosexuality that have driven him to the drugs. This theme recurs throughout the story - Chris tries to reject the grip of heroine but his extreme loneliness make it difficult for him to forget how much comfort heroine can offer.
Whenever Chris is suffering the most, Denny Reagan appears in his life. Is Denny an angel? A spirit? An imaginary friend? A figment of Chris' overwrought emotional state? Some of the reviewers did not appreciate this story because they felt that it was never adequately explained exactly what Denny was and how he came into being. For me personally, I have my own opinion of what Denny was and I was comfortable with my own assessment. I didn't really feel the need for it to be spelled out in black and white for me. I enjoyed being able to interpret it a little on my own.
The other aspect of this story that was interesting to me was that the story shifted between Chris and Denny's POVs, but Chris was in the 3rd person, while Denny was in the 1st person. I found that to be a very interesting way to write the story and to me Denny's 1st person perspective made it feel more like Denny was really an actualized being or at least that he was coming into being as more than an imaginary friend or invisible guardian. Especially since Chris' POV was 3rd person, when it switched to 1st person, it made it feel like Denny's presence was really solidified. I thought it was quite clever.
The one thing that I agree with some reviewers about is that I could have definitely used a little more development of the relationship between Denny and Chris.
The reason I ended up giving this book 5 stars despite the spoiler above is basically the epilogue. The epilogue was one of the best epilogues I've read in a book to date. I thought it was an extremely clever ending that left me with a tremendous feeling of peace and satisfaction. If not for the epilogue, I would have finished the book a little unsatisfied with the spoiler I already mentioned and would have rated this 4 stars.
I thought this was a wonderful book. In my opinion, K.Z. Snow is an extremely creative author with wonderful story ideas. If her book is novel length, I find it is well-developed and fun to read. If it is novella length, I am usually unsatisfied with the character and plot development. But all of her books have tremendous story lines and I will continue to read more works from her.
September 12, 2011
Cover - Beautiful imagery, smart, and intriguing
MC's - Chris - a recovering heroin addict; Denny - visible friend.
The story is told in alternating POV's: Denny in 1st person, present tense. Chris in 3rd person past. I found this a little jarring at first, but quickly got used to it. Truthfully, it made it easy to know who was talking when. There may also be a metaphorical reason for Denny to speak in present tense.
I liked the story well enough but it was a little too mysterious, or maybe surreal, for my taste. KZ Snow writes at what I consider a high intelligence level and maybe I'm not smart enough to get this one.
The epilogue was interesting and cast a little possible perspective on Denny, but I was left feeling unsatisfied. I tend to like having questions answered, and frankly, I don't want to have to figure things out when I've closed the cover on a book, so I'm pretty sure my feelings on this one are an issue of personal taste.
MC's - Chris - a recovering heroin addict; Denny - visible friend.
The story is told in alternating POV's: Denny in 1st person, present tense. Chris in 3rd person past. I found this a little jarring at first, but quickly got used to it. Truthfully, it made it easy to know who was talking when. There may also be a metaphorical reason for Denny to speak in present tense.
I liked the story well enough but it was a little too mysterious, or maybe surreal, for my taste. KZ Snow writes at what I consider a high intelligence level and maybe I'm not smart enough to get this one.
The epilogue was interesting and cast a little possible perspective on Denny, but I was left feeling unsatisfied. I tend to like having questions answered, and frankly, I don't want to have to figure things out when I've closed the cover on a book, so I'm pretty sure my feelings on this one are an issue of personal taste.
October 11, 2011
I'm really on the fence about this one. On one hand, it was a good story. On the other, a lot was missing. The Epilogue was an "A ha!" moment, though I admit to reading it twice to make sure I GOT it. Had that particular part of the story not been explained, I would have been angry at myself for reading the story at all, as the ending of the book didn't exactly do it for me. The Epilogue helped tremendously. I do, however, believe that the story could have been expanded more...... the relationship part of it, I mean. Chris' life was completely laid out, with his childhood (basically) and his addiction and recovery. Denny was explained eventually. The relationship between the 2 was explained. So, why do I feel like I am missing something? I guess I feel that there wasn't enough actual interaction between the two characters. Details were missing, in my opinion. I couldn't warm up to a couple when there wasn't a lot of attention placed on the two AS A COUPLE.
Not a bad story by any means. I will definitely read more by this author. I just wish it had more.
Not a bad story by any means. I will definitely read more by this author. I just wish it had more.
June 12, 2012
This was definitely a strange book. Entertaining. Well written. But strange. The author to me dealt with the theme of recovering addiction believably. The conflicts of an openly gay man and a closeted gay man were appropriately frustrating.
And then there's Denny.
I don't want to say anything about Denny specifically other than, what a brave author to tackle this type of character. The author's bravery for me earned the fifth star. I thought this was going to be about a man overcoming his addiction and it was that but it was so much more as well. Did it all make sense to me? No. Did I think the author was going to take this where it went? No. Did the prologue make me scratch my head? A little. Still what a great read.
Do yourself a favor and read something unique. This is certainly not a cookie cutter romance novel. Do not expect a Hitchcockian twist at the end. Just read it and then tell me what you think was going on and see if we read the same thing.
Also, great cover. Damn. Great cover.
And then there's Denny.
I don't want to say anything about Denny specifically other than, what a brave author to tackle this type of character. The author's bravery for me earned the fifth star. I thought this was going to be about a man overcoming his addiction and it was that but it was so much more as well. Did it all make sense to me? No. Did I think the author was going to take this where it went? No. Did the prologue make me scratch my head? A little. Still what a great read.
Do yourself a favor and read something unique. This is certainly not a cookie cutter romance novel. Do not expect a Hitchcockian twist at the end. Just read it and then tell me what you think was going on and see if we read the same thing.
Also, great cover. Damn. Great cover.
December 29, 2012
What an amazing, original story. Loved every bit of it!
Imagine if your childhood imaginary friend was more real than you thought, and after you outgrew him, her was still with you like a guardian angel or something? Your best friend, always there if you need him.
When I first saw that the book was about a former drug addict that it might be too difficult to read, as in too depressing, but it wasn't.
Imagine if your childhood imaginary friend was more real than you thought, and after you outgrew him, her was still with you like a guardian angel or something? Your best friend, always there if you need him.
When I first saw that the book was about a former drug addict that it might be too difficult to read, as in too depressing, but it wasn't.
July 7, 2013
This is more leaning toward a 3.5 or so.
I liked this, but it was just... not for me? I didn't really connect with the characters at all, and some of that may be my own fault as I have some family with a history of drug use, but it was just a bit strange to me, overall. Not bad, but not for me.
I liked this, but it was just... not for me? I didn't really connect with the characters at all, and some of that may be my own fault as I have some family with a history of drug use, but it was just a bit strange to me, overall. Not bad, but not for me.
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