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Reflex Blue
When Josh Spruance receives a phone call informing him he's just inherited his childhood home, the ambivalent Minnesota native is less than thrilled. Arriving back in the house he spent two decades trying to forget, the past greets him in the form of a curious little boy.
Caught in a downward spiral, Josh searches for anything pure in an un-pure world. He finds the carefree smile on a perfect stranger the perfect distraction, until her disappearance leaves him questioning her existence, and his sanity.
Further complicating matters is the bully from his childhood, whose own path suddenly crosses with Josh's once again.
As he desperately works to keep his past and present from colliding, Josh takes comfort in dangerous and self-destructive behavior. But as the walls begin to come down around him, he learns his addictive personality can no longer hold them up. He must confront the guilt that has become his own personal hell if there is any chance for salvation.
Caught in a downward spiral, Josh searches for anything pure in an un-pure world. He finds the carefree smile on a perfect stranger the perfect distraction, until her disappearance leaves him questioning her existence, and his sanity.
Further complicating matters is the bully from his childhood, whose own path suddenly crosses with Josh's once again.
As he desperately works to keep his past and present from colliding, Josh takes comfort in dangerous and self-destructive behavior. But as the walls begin to come down around him, he learns his addictive personality can no longer hold them up. He must confront the guilt that has become his own personal hell if there is any chance for salvation.
322 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2014
662 people want to read
About the author
Eric J. Linnell
2 books20 followersEric J Linnell was born in Forest Lake, Minnesota. He graduated from Cumberland High, before heading off to get his degree in Graphic Design from WWTC in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
He is the author of two novels:
Reflex Blue, published in 2014.
This Side of Zero, published in 2018.
They are available on Amazon in paperback and kindle.
He currently lives in Minnesota, with his wife and children.
He is the author of two novels:
Reflex Blue, published in 2014.
This Side of Zero, published in 2018.
They are available on Amazon in paperback and kindle.
He currently lives in Minnesota, with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 12, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason it took me as long as it did to read it was because I started a new job, and so the last couple of weeks have been very hectic. But I did really like this.
This book is about a 29 year old named Josh who is struggling with an addiction to alcohol. He has some unresolved issues from his past that lead to him experiencing night terrors and even hallucinations during the day at times. The situation worsens when his uncle passes away leaving his house to Josh. This happens to be the house in which Josh grew up, so naturally living there exacerbates his personal problems. Throughout the course of the novel, he sees a girl with whom he becomes fascinated. But after an encounter with her, he and the reader are left wondering if she's even real.
This book had so much going on. It's all basically told from Josh's perspective. But between his alcoholism, dead-end job, friends, childhood bully, girl that he meets, his ex-girlfriend from high school contacting him, and visions relating to a traumatizing childhood event about which you don't get complete details until the end. There's a lot to take in. But all of these things combined keep this book moving at a very quick pace. The first chapter or two dragged just a little for me, but once I was through those it was all uphill.
Josh is not a perfect character, not even close. He makes several mistakes and does many stupid things throughout the book. I frequently wanted to strangle him. But he managed to be entirely relatable and an easy character to feel empathy toward. I felt for him and his struggle even as I thought he was a complete idiot at times. His character was so well written that the reader could simultaneously hate him and love him.
The format on this book was very interesting and original. The book is divided into four parts. Each of them a three month quarter corresponding to Josh's workplace. Then each quarter is divided into three chapters. Each chapter is a different month of the year. Furthermore, anyone familiar with recovery programs knows there are generally 12 steps involved. Each one of these steps is given directly before each chapter starts along with what I assume to be Josh's narrative voice commenting on each one. This was a really fascinating way to visually demonstrate the steps and also track Josh's personally progress throughout the book via the evolution of his narrative voice in these pages.
I think a line break before and after flashbacks would have been helpful. The transitions were very abrupt and it was confusing at times. There were also a couple of typos. But I read a lot of indie books so those don't really bother me so much unless they become distractingly excessive, which definitely was not the case here.
All in all, this was definitely worth the read. The character growth is profound and the overall story is a lovely, inspiring one.
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason it took me as long as it did to read it was because I started a new job, and so the last couple of weeks have been very hectic. But I did really like this.
This book is about a 29 year old named Josh who is struggling with an addiction to alcohol. He has some unresolved issues from his past that lead to him experiencing night terrors and even hallucinations during the day at times. The situation worsens when his uncle passes away leaving his house to Josh. This happens to be the house in which Josh grew up, so naturally living there exacerbates his personal problems. Throughout the course of the novel, he sees a girl with whom he becomes fascinated. But after an encounter with her, he and the reader are left wondering if she's even real.
This book had so much going on. It's all basically told from Josh's perspective. But between his alcoholism, dead-end job, friends, childhood bully, girl that he meets, his ex-girlfriend from high school contacting him, and visions relating to a traumatizing childhood event about which you don't get complete details until the end. There's a lot to take in. But all of these things combined keep this book moving at a very quick pace. The first chapter or two dragged just a little for me, but once I was through those it was all uphill.
Josh is not a perfect character, not even close. He makes several mistakes and does many stupid things throughout the book. I frequently wanted to strangle him. But he managed to be entirely relatable and an easy character to feel empathy toward. I felt for him and his struggle even as I thought he was a complete idiot at times. His character was so well written that the reader could simultaneously hate him and love him.
The format on this book was very interesting and original. The book is divided into four parts. Each of them a three month quarter corresponding to Josh's workplace. Then each quarter is divided into three chapters. Each chapter is a different month of the year. Furthermore, anyone familiar with recovery programs knows there are generally 12 steps involved. Each one of these steps is given directly before each chapter starts along with what I assume to be Josh's narrative voice commenting on each one. This was a really fascinating way to visually demonstrate the steps and also track Josh's personally progress throughout the book via the evolution of his narrative voice in these pages.
I think a line break before and after flashbacks would have been helpful. The transitions were very abrupt and it was confusing at times. There were also a couple of typos. But I read a lot of indie books so those don't really bother me so much unless they become distractingly excessive, which definitely was not the case here.
All in all, this was definitely worth the read. The character growth is profound and the overall story is a lovely, inspiring one.
June 23, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't want to give to much away so I'll keep this short.
The book started off a little slower than I like but once Josh asked Burrman for a favor I knew things were going to get interesting. The book picked up quite a bit after that.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of each month. I live in Iowa so the weather here is pretty similar. The dialogue was natural. Most of the situations Josh encountered during work were relatable. Ex. Boring ass meetings.
And, we all know someone liked Chad. Perv.
Would I read another book from this author? Yes.
I don't want to give to much away so I'll keep this short.
The book started off a little slower than I like but once Josh asked Burrman for a favor I knew things were going to get interesting. The book picked up quite a bit after that.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of each month. I live in Iowa so the weather here is pretty similar. The dialogue was natural. Most of the situations Josh encountered during work were relatable. Ex. Boring ass meetings.
And, we all know someone liked Chad. Perv.
Would I read another book from this author? Yes.
August 4, 2015
The author was generous enough to give me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first cracked this book open but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The story is of a man Josh Spruance who has an addiction to alcohol and a mysterious past. He works in a label factory ironically making beer labels but had once dreamed of becoming a graphic designer. His work environment is filled with several up tight authority figures and one hilarious coworker, Chad. I have to say that I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book when it came to Chad's perverted antics and sharp tongue. He was probably my favorite character.
The story goes on to tell of Josh's inheritance of his childhood home. He decides to move in, reluctantly at first, and starts to have strange unexplained black outs as he is reminded of his past. The black outs cause flashbacks of his younger brother Jonah who is always wearing pajamas and a single boxing glove. In a way he becomes haunted by these images of Jonah and it ends up spiraling out of control.
I won't spoil the story but I was really moved by the honest emotion that came from the main character. It was real and true and I found myself relating to him in many ways.
If you are looking for a dark (and somewhat comedic at times) literary fiction, this book is for you!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first cracked this book open but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The story is of a man Josh Spruance who has an addiction to alcohol and a mysterious past. He works in a label factory ironically making beer labels but had once dreamed of becoming a graphic designer. His work environment is filled with several up tight authority figures and one hilarious coworker, Chad. I have to say that I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book when it came to Chad's perverted antics and sharp tongue. He was probably my favorite character.
The story goes on to tell of Josh's inheritance of his childhood home. He decides to move in, reluctantly at first, and starts to have strange unexplained black outs as he is reminded of his past. The black outs cause flashbacks of his younger brother Jonah who is always wearing pajamas and a single boxing glove. In a way he becomes haunted by these images of Jonah and it ends up spiraling out of control.
I won't spoil the story but I was really moved by the honest emotion that came from the main character. It was real and true and I found myself relating to him in many ways.
If you are looking for a dark (and somewhat comedic at times) literary fiction, this book is for you!
December 17, 2015
I first noticed this book as a goodreads giveaway. The cover drew me in – otherwise plain, grey cover with a slightly creepy vibrant blue eye gazing at you. Then I read the synopsis and instantly marked it as to-read, being I am fascinated with dark and tragic. Unfortunately, I did not win the giveaway, but even better, the author was so kind to send me a copy in exchange for an honest review. While I eagerly awaited the delivery, I googled “Reflex Blue” and learned it is a printing/paint color – known as one of the more difficult colors to work with/hard to handle and takes the longest time to dry. Once the book arrived, I started to read, and read, and read. This is a very simple but addictive read - difficult to put down. I enjoyed how the author lists the stages of recovery thought out by the main character as transition points (that coincide with Minnesota months – each month representing a chapter) throughout the book. He did a great job tying it all in – great format and title! Without giving anything away, this is perfect for anyone looking for a summer read that involves dark and troubled mixed with some well-deserved triumph.
October 9, 2015
I truly loved this book. The formatting of the book is actually in quarterly increments, which is how the main character views his life; this made the book more realistic because how many of us view our world by paychecks or time frams like that? I loved the characters growth. Even when you hated him for his decisions, you loved him because he was real. This was honestly the most touching book that I have read in a very long time.
I truly wish Eric (author) the best of luck with getting this book out there to the masses. This a book that every adult needs to read. Even if you have not suffered an addiction like the main character or even tragedy, there is something relateable to everyone. Plus, it is so great to watch this character's decline to rock bottom but then see him get picked up again.
There is even a character with my name! This is still exciting for me since I never saw it as a child!!!!
I truly wish Eric (author) the best of luck with getting this book out there to the masses. This a book that every adult needs to read. Even if you have not suffered an addiction like the main character or even tragedy, there is something relateable to everyone. Plus, it is so great to watch this character's decline to rock bottom but then see him get picked up again.
There is even a character with my name! This is still exciting for me since I never saw it as a child!!!!
May 30, 2015
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review:
"Reflex Blue" is a thrilling debut novel from a creative new author, Eric Linnell.
"Reflex Blue" was a suspenseful story with an added bit of romance. The book took you on the main character, Josh's journey of healing from a past accident that killed his younger brother. The author connected the readers to his main character by the hallucinations Josh had that took him back to his childhood and the bad situations that happened to him and his brother. The style this book was written in kept me reading until the next hallucination to piece together what happened in the past to cause Josh to be so depressed/crazy.
I enjoyed the added romance in this book that began as a creepy physical attraction that eventually developed into wonderful relationship.
"Reflex Blue" is a thrilling debut novel from a creative new author, Eric Linnell.
"Reflex Blue" was a suspenseful story with an added bit of romance. The book took you on the main character, Josh's journey of healing from a past accident that killed his younger brother. The author connected the readers to his main character by the hallucinations Josh had that took him back to his childhood and the bad situations that happened to him and his brother. The style this book was written in kept me reading until the next hallucination to piece together what happened in the past to cause Josh to be so depressed/crazy.
I enjoyed the added romance in this book that began as a creepy physical attraction that eventually developed into wonderful relationship.
June 28, 2015
I have to start by saying I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
That being said, I found the story, while tragic, to be a relatable telling of coming of age and forgiveness. It tells the story of a man in that strange period between boyhood and manhood wrestling with a past he can't escape. Often it seems that to be able to move forward one has to leave something behind, and this novel is the journey of a frightened boy who must leave behind the pain considers his rightful burden in order to move one with his life. It's a sad story but not overwhelmingly so, and accurately relays the universal truth of human suffering without being self-righteous. I found it to be an easy read, though slow to get into at first. Overall however I found it to be lovely and worth the time.
That being said, I found the story, while tragic, to be a relatable telling of coming of age and forgiveness. It tells the story of a man in that strange period between boyhood and manhood wrestling with a past he can't escape. Often it seems that to be able to move forward one has to leave something behind, and this novel is the journey of a frightened boy who must leave behind the pain considers his rightful burden in order to move one with his life. It's a sad story but not overwhelmingly so, and accurately relays the universal truth of human suffering without being self-righteous. I found it to be an easy read, though slow to get into at first. Overall however I found it to be lovely and worth the time.
April 19, 2015
This book follows Josh, a 29 year old man who is currently on a downward spiral fueled by his drinking. After his uncle dies, he inherits his childhood home. Once he's back there he begins losing time while having vivid flashbacks. Throughout the book he struggles to overcome his guilt and find something positive to move forward to. Josh is an interesting character. He's someone you root for, but at the same time you want to smack him. Even with his faults he's still someone you pity. I also liked the way the author broke up the different points in time. The story got the point with no extra frills or rambling, which is a huge plus. It's a story of hard earned redemption you'll love from the first page to the last!
June 1, 2015
Reflex Blue is not at all what I expected. It was so much better! Once I started, I could not put the book down. It is a coming of age story that takes us through addiction, romance, loss, and pain.Eric Linnell's character Josh pulls you into his world. Josh is forced to face the horrific events of his past when his deceased uncle leaves him his childhood home. Josh's past carries over into his present day life; and, as a result, havoc follows Josh wherever he goes. Josh has to move from apathy to empathy and from bitterness to forgiveness. Until Josh faces his past and forgives himself, peace and happiness continue to elude him.
May 17, 2015
Author Eric Linnell is a true storyteller. Reflex Blue will grab you right away and pull you into the difficult life of Josh Spruance. As the book progresses with I think very well done flashbacks (so many hints of what is to come!) you learn more about Josh and why he is the way he is. With one good friend by his side and a 12 step program he approaches in his own way, Josh faces his demons of the past and present and (spoiler--) triumphs. Along the way are intertwined stories of workplace, family life, love interests. This was a very satisfying read. The afterward says that it was originally written as a screenplay and it is very easy to see that; it would make a great movie! I look forward to more by this author.
July 27, 2015
I thought this was a pretty great book; once I started it I had a hard time putting it down! The main character, Josh, was very easy to relate to. I identified with a lot of his problems and experiences. I liked how the book was split into the quarters of the year. The only thing that was a little annoying to me was the mystery in the flashbacks. I felt like revealing Josh's full past a little sooner would have benefitted the development of his character. Other than that, a great book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Eric! I really hope to see more books from you in the future, although from reading your afterward I hope your next one doesn't take as long as the first! :)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Eric! I really hope to see more books from you in the future, although from reading your afterward I hope your next one doesn't take as long as the first! :)
August 8, 2015
I really thought this books was great. The beginning took me longer than I wanted it to, to get through because I wasn't sure where the story was going but as it picked up I really got into it. I love the reality of the story. Many people don't realize how much your childhood has such an impact on how you grow up and how some things haunt you forever until you deal with the them. I really love the cover of the book too! Every time I passed it on my coffee table the piercing blue eye caught my attention.
Thank you Eric Linnell for sending me your book and giving me the chance to read it. It was really great :)
Thank you Eric Linnell for sending me your book and giving me the chance to read it. It was really great :)
January 30, 2015
Take mystery and suspense, sprinkle in elements of horror and romance, and you have this knockout debut by an exciting new author.
This hard-to-put down, fast paced novel stays grounded by flashbacks that expose the development of this very-flawed protagonist. With a cast of characters - some beautiful, some repugnant - the story bites with the viciousness of a nasty little psycho drama.
It's impossible not to be sucked in by these very relate-able characters, who get under your skin and stay in your thoughts. The ending left me satisfied and in tears. A very moving story.
This hard-to-put down, fast paced novel stays grounded by flashbacks that expose the development of this very-flawed protagonist. With a cast of characters - some beautiful, some repugnant - the story bites with the viciousness of a nasty little psycho drama.
It's impossible not to be sucked in by these very relate-able characters, who get under your skin and stay in your thoughts. The ending left me satisfied and in tears. A very moving story.
March 19, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. First of all, I liked the way it was written, with "Steps & Months," not chapters, a nice change.
The "Steps" had great words of wisdom that made you think and ponder over what Josh was feeling & the "Months" always began with the ever changing weather we Minnesotans have to endure.
The story kept me hooked. It was very well written. It made me feel... sad, made me laugh, broke my heart and made me smile as I finished it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone!
I really liked this book. First of all, I liked the way it was written, with "Steps & Months," not chapters, a nice change.
The "Steps" had great words of wisdom that made you think and ponder over what Josh was feeling & the "Months" always began with the ever changing weather we Minnesotans have to endure.
The story kept me hooked. It was very well written. It made me feel... sad, made me laugh, broke my heart and made me smile as I finished it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone!
May 13, 2015
This book was very entertaining but also made you think. It shows how closely our present situations, and even life choices, often parallel our past. The main character is easy to sympathize with in spite of (and maybe because of) his many flaws.
Like most of us, he struggles with unpleasant parts of his past. In this story, these suppressed memories resurface in the form of hallucinations. This gives an interesting element of mystery to the story as the reader anxiously waits to see what could have happened so long ago to make this man try so hard to forget it.
Like most of us, he struggles with unpleasant parts of his past. In this story, these suppressed memories resurface in the form of hallucinations. This gives an interesting element of mystery to the story as the reader anxiously waits to see what could have happened so long ago to make this man try so hard to forget it.
January 2, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is absolutely amazing! I enjoyed reading every single page of it.The story was sad and funny at the same time..Well done and neatly plotted. I agree with the author that "We're all damaged in some way.Some more than others. And we've all made poor decisions because of it."
I loved the main character with all his flaws and rooted for him all the way.
I would highly recommend putting it in your to-read shelf.
This book is absolutely amazing! I enjoyed reading every single page of it.The story was sad and funny at the same time..Well done and neatly plotted. I agree with the author that "We're all damaged in some way.Some more than others. And we've all made poor decisions because of it."
I loved the main character with all his flaws and rooted for him all the way.
I would highly recommend putting it in your to-read shelf.
June 2, 2015
I recieved this book free for an honest review, I have to be careful not to include any spoilers. This griping story of a man who has a jagged past, who try's to overcome his own demons, had me hooked from the first page. It's the perfect mix of mystery, thriller, with a dash of romance. This heartbreaking story was very well written by Eric Linnell, he really knows how to grip an audience.This story grabbed me and didn't let me go until I read the last page.
June 6, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thought this book was really great. It kept me interested the entire time. I was reading this book as well as a few others at the same time (a bad habit of mine) and this book was the one that really stuck in my mind. I loved it. It is now officially on my to-re-read list! The whole book was just really well-written and I will recommend it to everyone!
May 24, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Reflex Blue, Josh, the main character was so well written, a deeply flawed person, but you just had to route for him. The story was haunting and real and human. My only problem was there was a lot of swearing , which I always find unnecessary but I guess most people find that makes it seem more real. Good book, definitely left me thinking. Will look for more from this author.
I really enjoyed Reflex Blue, Josh, the main character was so well written, a deeply flawed person, but you just had to route for him. The story was haunting and real and human. My only problem was there was a lot of swearing , which I always find unnecessary but I guess most people find that makes it seem more real. Good book, definitely left me thinking. Will look for more from this author.
March 24, 2015
Reflex Blue is a very intriguing read about a man and his struggle with his past and future. I found it difficult to put this book down for too long. It will take you on a journey down a dark path and bring you out into the light on the other side. This haunting story pulls you in and keeps you thinking about the characters long after you turn the final page.
April 21, 2015
Loved this novel. A well written story about a man dealing with his past while struggling with his present life. Very well written with unique transitions to the past (without causing confusion that some authors seem to struggle with!). I also enjoyed the humor and the beginning of a simple, yet complicated relationship.
May 20, 2015
I was totally drawn into Reflex Blue. Josh Spruance is spiraling downward in his complicated life. Haunted by visions of his 5 year old brother with blue eyes and too-big boxing gloves, he makes things worse by his self-destructive behavior and guilt. I loved this book and highly recommend it; I almost gave this extraordinary book 5 stars!
March 24, 2015
This was a great book!
It was touching, tense, and tough to put down. I actually finished it this morning at work. This was an interesting look at the recovery process of an extremely vulnerable and damaged person. It was equal parts haunting and beautiful. I really enjoyed it.
It was touching, tense, and tough to put down. I actually finished it this morning at work. This was an interesting look at the recovery process of an extremely vulnerable and damaged person. It was equal parts haunting and beautiful. I really enjoyed it.
August 8, 2015
I loved this book that I won from Goodreads! It was a great story! Perfect beach read...I'd recommend it for anyone who loves a good,heartfelt story line & some suspense. I'd give it a 10 out of 10!
June 29, 2015
Reflex Blue is a haunting book. It is a suspenseful, psychological read that leaves you wondering throughout what is real. Hard to put down.
August 17, 2015
I received this book on a good reads giveaway. What a great book! I really loved reading about how his past shaped his future and how he recognized this in order to begin the recovery proecess!
December 1, 2015
I loved this book. For me it was one of those books that you aren't sure of, but can't put down. I didn't even realize how much I enjoyed it until it was over. Great read!
June 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, this book was tough for me to get through.
I didn't enjoy the style in which it was written. I was thoroughly craving some sentence variety. Additionally, I feel there needs to be a trust of the reader by the author. Stop telling me that Josh is ten or twenty-nine. I can figure that out.
I also had a problem with the characters. I didn't connect to any of them. I got it: Josh is an alcoholic with a troubled past. Aren't they all? Lena is a pixie dream girl who is the sunshine for Josh in his dark times. She "isn't like other girls," okay? Authors love to write misunderstood women who are unique in their own quirky way... whatever that means. Diabetes isn't unique; it's a medical condition. It doesn't add another mysterious layer to Lena. She could have been interesting, but Josh shrugs off some possible abuse in her past in one line. You never learn enough about any character to care about them. I'm alright hating a character if I have a reason to, but being indifferent to them all made for a tough read.
Finally, the story. You know almost immediately that Jonah is going to die and Josh blames himself for it. You know that Lena is going to being the love interest of Josh as soon as he sees her in the drive through. You wait for Josh to continue falling off the deep end until he forgives himself, but that also happens so instantaneously that I almost missed it because I had a much more intriguing rerun of criminal minds on while I was finishing up the book. Don't worry, i reread it. I still don't understand why he finally forgave himself. Something about the blue sky making everything ok... I don't know.
There were too many story lines and not one of them was successful. The jumping around from theme-to-theme made for an in-cohesive novel.
Honestly, this book was tough for me to get through.
I didn't enjoy the style in which it was written. I was thoroughly craving some sentence variety. Additionally, I feel there needs to be a trust of the reader by the author. Stop telling me that Josh is ten or twenty-nine. I can figure that out.
I also had a problem with the characters. I didn't connect to any of them. I got it: Josh is an alcoholic with a troubled past. Aren't they all? Lena is a pixie dream girl who is the sunshine for Josh in his dark times. She "isn't like other girls," okay? Authors love to write misunderstood women who are unique in their own quirky way... whatever that means. Diabetes isn't unique; it's a medical condition. It doesn't add another mysterious layer to Lena. She could have been interesting, but Josh shrugs off some possible abuse in her past in one line. You never learn enough about any character to care about them. I'm alright hating a character if I have a reason to, but being indifferent to them all made for a tough read.
Finally, the story. You know almost immediately that Jonah is going to die and Josh blames himself for it. You know that Lena is going to being the love interest of Josh as soon as he sees her in the drive through. You wait for Josh to continue falling off the deep end until he forgives himself, but that also happens so instantaneously that I almost missed it because I had a much more intriguing rerun of criminal minds on while I was finishing up the book. Don't worry, i reread it. I still don't understand why he finally forgave himself. Something about the blue sky making everything ok... I don't know.
There were too many story lines and not one of them was successful. The jumping around from theme-to-theme made for an in-cohesive novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2015
A very interesting read that had very interesting and well developed characters. I really enjoyed the book (rated it a 4.75) have to say that "Sam Weir" and "Jax84" on Amazon along with "Amy Caine" and Nikki Bauer" are really spot on. I would and will be recommending "Reflex Blue" (which I had to Google to find out it's a printers term) to everyone. I won this great book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy.
March 23, 2015
Eric sent me a copy of his book free of charge in return for an honest review.
***I’ve included some possible spoilers below – You’ve been warned!!!***
Reflex Blue follows Josh Spruance, a man in his late twenties with a troubled past. The details of his past are revealed slowly throughout the book in the form of flashbacks, where Josh finds himself (often at the most inconvenient times) trapped in “daydream” mode, reliving parts of his history that he’d rather forget. These flashbacks are interlaced with the present, where Josh’s unhappiness with his second-shift dead-end job and developing fascination with a girl he saw on his lunch break are in balance with his struggle with alcoholism and depression.
There was a lot of this book that I really connected with – as someone originally from the Chicago suburbs who went to college in a small town in Wisconsin, I enjoyed hearing about the harsh seasonal changes and identified with the (perhaps subconscious) infusion of Midwestern morals, sensibilities, and even charm laced throughout the book. I also spent a portion of my career working second-shift in a lab, so I really connected with a lot of Josh’s struggles with his job and lack of drive/ambition/pride in his work. It was a fantastic characterization of life working in a contract lab. I kept cringing at so many of the details (ISO certification, working 3pm-midnight, the crazy mix of coworkers) and wondering to myself how I managed to do it for as long as I did.
That said, you can tell that this book started off as a screenplay – many of the scenes were written as if it would be converted into a film – the descriptions are short and to the point, with a lot of emphasis on describing how the characters are speaking or acting. This really helped me get an image in my head of all of the characters (I definitely pictured Josh as played by Aaron Paul), but to some literary snobs, it might come off as a little clunky.
Overall, my take on this book is that the author simply tried to incorporate too many themes and situations, which left some of the story feeling incomplete or forced. Don’t get me wrong, I like the concept of the book, and I really do think that the author has something worthy here. But I would have preferred to see a few of the story lines (Hypnosis? Baby mama? Issues with school bully? “colorful” coworkers?) reworked or taken out of the story in order to really flesh out details of two or three of the main plots. For instance, his friend Gecko (who I really loved as a character – would have loved to see more of him!) makes Josh promise to seek help through, I assume, Alcoholics Anonymous. However, we never really see this at all except in the Step 1-12 blurbs at the beginning of each section. I think it would have been really great to see Josh at some meetings, working through his demons. What if Josh had seen/met Lena at AA, rather than the drive-through at Taco Bell? In my opinion, this would have made for a much better story line, rather than the stalking through the review mirror thing, which in the end, ended up coming a little short (and forced, in my opinion – what girl in her right mind would just suddenly decide that a guy she though was stalking her is now completely charming and dateable??). I wanted to love them as a couple, but it just didn’t seem real. I didn’t buy it. Same with many of the flashbacks – I think these could have been fleshed out a lot more. They seemed more like a side note than a driving force in the story, in a lot of ways. It reminded me a lot of Donald Draper’s flashbacks in Mad Men – important to his character development, but not really a driving force in the story. Which is a shame, since I think the author’s intention was to make it more similar to The Butterfly Effect than to Mad Men.
Gotta say- I really liked the ending. I thought it was a great touch, and brought the mystery of the beginning text into focus. I spent the whole book thinking that at some point Josh was going to be put in jail, but the author really got me!
For all these reasons, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars . Worth a read, but comes up short where I think the author could have really excelled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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