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aubreyfrogger's review against another edition
4.0
This was different from his other books that I’ve read but I still enjoyed it. The ending was not what I had expected! I definitely had a different direction in mind, but what he came up with was really clever in opinion.
heatheradoresbooks's review
2.0
2⭐
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, suicide in front of a child, high school, mystery, animal abuse, umm eww ➡
Wayland is 8 when he witnesses his father's suicide. Flash forward 8 years later and he's having doubts that it was his father that he saw. Thus begins his own investigation into who that man was and where his father is now.
Animal abuse and neglect! why??
Narrated by Steven Weber for 7 hours and 55 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. He did a fine job.
That's all I've got to offer for now.
*Short Libby library loan review*
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, suicide in front of a child, high school, mystery, animal abuse, umm eww ➡
Spoiler
incestWayland is 8 when he witnesses his father's suicide. Flash forward 8 years later and he's having doubts that it was his father that he saw. Thus begins his own investigation into who that man was and where his father is now.
Animal abuse and neglect! why??
Narrated by Steven Weber for 7 hours and 55 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. He did a fine job.
That's all I've got to offer for now.
*Short Libby library loan review*
ericfreemantx's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled to enjoy this book. Rickstad combines passages of overwrought language, requirements to suspend disbelief, and unrealistic choices by most of the main characters, with the draw of an engaging premise. If you're a fan of "Mexican Gothic", you'll probably enjoy the book. Otherwise, (t)read carefully.
patelpratham11's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book since it was a mix of childhood adventure and a gripping thriller. Rickstad did a great job moving the plot along so that it was never boring, but also making sure it wasn't too fast. My only complaint would be that the ending was a little vague and I personally felt like it was a little too rushed.
holl3640's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
jglo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is cleverly written. It’s a thriller which I don’t usually like. I found myself disturbed by the plot and the protagonist. It’s a quick read and keeps you guessing until the very end
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Definitely one of the best books I have read this year.
So lyrical and rich language. This book pulled me and wrung me out. Massive book hangover. Emotional. Family history. Tragedy. A child's realization his parents are human
At the age of eight, Wayland leaves school early - to find his father's truck idling in the driveway, his mother no where to be found and his dad sitting on the edge of the bed. With a shotgun between his knees. Wayland calls out to him but his father shoots himself. He finds the note his father left - and it sits for eight years.
Wayland looks at his feet - and it triggers a memory. His father was very tall - taller than Wayland. But his feet were dangling off the bed. Wayland becomes obsessed with his father's suicide - desperate to confirm it was a different man and discover what really happened.
Amazing writing, addictive read.
So lyrical and rich language. This book pulled me and wrung me out. Massive book hangover. Emotional. Family history. Tragedy. A child's realization his parents are human
At the age of eight, Wayland leaves school early - to find his father's truck idling in the driveway, his mother no where to be found and his dad sitting on the edge of the bed. With a shotgun between his knees. Wayland calls out to him but his father shoots himself. He finds the note his father left - and it sits for eight years.
Wayland looks at his feet - and it triggers a memory. His father was very tall - taller than Wayland. But his feet were dangling off the bed. Wayland becomes obsessed with his father's suicide - desperate to confirm it was a different man and discover what really happened.
Amazing writing, addictive read.
catreader18's review against another edition
2.0
I had a really hard time getting into this book. The plot and cover drew me in but the writing style was not my favorite. It is a very quick read. I would have enjoyed it more if the writing was not as crass.
ispeakbooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
The book description piqued my interest with I Am Not Who You Think I Am by Eric Rickstad. Blackstone Publishing and Net Galley were kind enough to provide me with a copy to read and share my thoughts on.
The first eight years of Wayland Maynard's life are so dull they were wonderful, until the mid 1970s, when just eight years old, he witnesses his father kill himself and finds a note that reads "I am not who you think I am." Fast forward eight years, and Wayland has questions. With the help of his crush and his only friend, he begins to investigate and try to discover the truth.
This book is a matryoshka doll of mysteries and revelations. With each little tidbit of information gained, more mysteries reveal themselves. In the same way these mysteries are being revealed, we are witnessing the (understandable) mental deterioration of Wayland and his relationships as he obsesses over the note left by his father. When we finally reach the truth, although both expected and unexpected, it's actually a very simple, albeit unsavory truth. The poor baby matryoshka doll wasn't painted as prettily as those who held her.
With atmospheric writing, Eric Rickstad completely immerses the reader into this small New England town during 1984. The characters we encounter, including Wayland, are tangible human beings (and one dog), with characteristics both good and bad, and complex reasons for their actions. This is particularly admirable in a mystery, when often times the more minor characters are not given such depth. The pace begins slow as the scenery is set up, but then it picks up, until it's a feverish pitch in an attempt to get to that final truth. Everything a mystery should be, really. Rickstad is tricky, too. There are little hint nuggets tossed the readers' way. Perhaps some of you will note them sooner than did and figure it out before the book ends. I'm happy not having realized they were hints until after I finished, however, as I can now sit here and smile as I think, "Oh, and this/that little detail. I get it now." Tricky, tricky, but I love it. Every last bit of it.
The first eight years of Wayland Maynard's life are so dull they were wonderful, until the mid 1970s, when just eight years old, he witnesses his father kill himself and finds a note that reads "I am not who you think I am." Fast forward eight years, and Wayland has questions. With the help of his crush and his only friend, he begins to investigate and try to discover the truth.
This book is a matryoshka doll of mysteries and revelations. With each little tidbit of information gained, more mysteries reveal themselves. In the same way these mysteries are being revealed, we are witnessing the (understandable) mental deterioration of Wayland and his relationships as he obsesses over the note left by his father. When we finally reach the truth, although both expected and unexpected, it's actually a very simple, albeit unsavory truth. The poor baby matryoshka doll wasn't painted as prettily as those who held her.
With atmospheric writing, Eric Rickstad completely immerses the reader into this small New England town during 1984. The characters we encounter, including Wayland, are tangible human beings (and one dog), with characteristics both good and bad, and complex reasons for their actions. This is particularly admirable in a mystery, when often times the more minor characters are not given such depth. The pace begins slow as the scenery is set up, but then it picks up, until it's a feverish pitch in an attempt to get to that final truth. Everything a mystery should be, really. Rickstad is tricky, too. There are little hint nuggets tossed the readers' way. Perhaps some of you will note them sooner than did and figure it out before the book ends. I'm happy not having realized they were hints until after I finished, however, as I can now sit here and smile as I think, "Oh, and this/that little detail. I get it now." Tricky, tricky, but I love it. Every last bit of it.
kbranfield's review
4.0
I Am Not Who You Think I Am by Eric Rickstad is a bleak yet engrossing psychological thriller.
In 1976, eight-year-old Wayland Maynard witnesses his father’s suicide. He discovers a cryptic note that he conceals from everyone, including his mother. Fast-forward to 1984 and the Maynard family is barely hanging on. Wayland’s younger sister Lydia is involved in a toxic relationship with a much older boyfriend. They barely see their mother who works double shifts that barely provide for the family. After Wayland remembers an odd detail about his father’s death, he decides to try to understand the meaning of the suicide note. Why did his father leave a note that reads, “I am not who you think I am”? Equally confusing and painful, why did his mother remove every trace of his father?
Wayland’s friendship with Clay is already strained when he tells him about his decision to investigate his father’s death. Angered by Clay’s response, Wayland begins his search on his own. Almost immediately, he runs in to his classmate and crush Juliette Lancaum. He accepts her surprising offer to help him but their partnership is rocky because of her unreliability. Wayland is undeterred as he sets out to prove that his theory about what happened to his father is true. He has a short fuse and he is quick to lash out at the people who care about him. His mother’s questions unleash unexpected frustration and rage that he finds difficult to control. As he edges closer to finding the truth, Wayland spirals into a dark frame of mind that results in shocking decisions that will forever haunt him.
I Am Not Who You Think I Am is a gripping mystery that moves at a brisk pace. Wayland is a sympathetic character who turns out to be his own worst enemy. He slowly but steadily unravels his family’s secrets but is he prepared for what he is about to unearth? With diabolical twists and jaw-dropping turns, Eric Rickstad brings this atmospheric thriller to a poignant conclusion.
In 1976, eight-year-old Wayland Maynard witnesses his father’s suicide. He discovers a cryptic note that he conceals from everyone, including his mother. Fast-forward to 1984 and the Maynard family is barely hanging on. Wayland’s younger sister Lydia is involved in a toxic relationship with a much older boyfriend. They barely see their mother who works double shifts that barely provide for the family. After Wayland remembers an odd detail about his father’s death, he decides to try to understand the meaning of the suicide note. Why did his father leave a note that reads, “I am not who you think I am”? Equally confusing and painful, why did his mother remove every trace of his father?
Wayland’s friendship with Clay is already strained when he tells him about his decision to investigate his father’s death. Angered by Clay’s response, Wayland begins his search on his own. Almost immediately, he runs in to his classmate and crush Juliette Lancaum. He accepts her surprising offer to help him but their partnership is rocky because of her unreliability. Wayland is undeterred as he sets out to prove that his theory about what happened to his father is true. He has a short fuse and he is quick to lash out at the people who care about him. His mother’s questions unleash unexpected frustration and rage that he finds difficult to control. As he edges closer to finding the truth, Wayland spirals into a dark frame of mind that results in shocking decisions that will forever haunt him.
I Am Not Who You Think I Am is a gripping mystery that moves at a brisk pace. Wayland is a sympathetic character who turns out to be his own worst enemy. He slowly but steadily unravels his family’s secrets but is he prepared for what he is about to unearth? With diabolical twists and jaw-dropping turns, Eric Rickstad brings this atmospheric thriller to a poignant conclusion.