Kissproof World by William West
TITLE INFORMATION
Kissproof World
William West
Touchpoint Press, 246 pages
9781956851359, 8.30.22
Overall Rating = 4.5
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing & Delivery = 4.5
Editorial = 5
Kissproof World is an enthralling story about a young therapist, Neva, as she works at a halfway house, where her troubled past threatens to resurface. At Morning House, she connects deeply with the six resident teenagers as she begins to see parts of herself reflected in their stories. Neva’s experience changes when Alec is brought to the house from the psychiatric hospital. Neva sees in him her twin brother Jim, who passed away years earlier. She becomes invested in Alec’s relationship with Emily, who reminds her of her younger self, and tries to protect them as the world takes them down a scary path. Danger arises when people close to Neva are working with different agendas, which stands in the way of her helping those who need it, including herself.
William West writes an introspective and profound literary fiction novel. The narrative is very descriptive and has poetry intertwined throughout, making it a compelling read. It recognizes the complexity of the pain that has made each of these individuals who they are, offering a unique perspective to life. Written in four different parts, you begin to form connections with the characters as they express and work through their trauma. Their stories contain triggering elements in relation to sexual trauma and emotional abuse, which could affect readers who can relate to these struggles. The second half of the story reads at a faster pace as the action and mystery tease the reader to the end. The author’s background as a social worker shines through with the depth and compassion that can be interpreted through the words. This is a story for people who are comfortable with discomfort and want to experience a unique viewpoint about life and the troubled system that affects at-risk youth.
Sublime Line: “Written with depth and compassion, this is haunting read about the complexity of trauma and healing.”
Sublime Book Review
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