My take on: Well With My Soul

I have been out of the blogging loop for a few days. I’m currently out of town, but I did finish another book.

I always enjoy a good family drama. There are so many layers to stories like that. Layers that I don’t think you can find in a fantasy book. Well With My Soul by Gregory G. Allen tackles the deep bond between brothers.

Jacob and Noah Garrett have lived most of their lives in a small Tennessee town, raised by their religious mother. Jacob is the favorite son. He gets whatever he wants. He can get away with whatever he wants. To his mother, Jacob can do no wrong. Despite his mother’s religious convictions, she has found a way to accept her son being gay. As long as he is in her house his “soul” is somehow protected. But Jacob wants more than a small-town life. He has dreams of being an actor. Dreams his mother would like to squash.

Noah wants more out of life, too. But more than anything he wants to be acknowledged. He wants his mother to notice all of the hard work he has done, rather than fawning over Jacob all the time. Noah has a deep resentment for Jacob, one that he can’t share because it would upset his mother. It only grows when Jacob and his partner Gary leave for New York. Jacob’s departure could be a chance for Noah to finally grow a little closer to his mother. But it’s not meant to be as his mother constantly compares him to Jacob. His brother is brought up in every conversation. Jacob is no longer there physically but his presence will always be felt. It seemed a little selfish to me to hold one child in higher esteem. You can never measure up if you’re constantly compared to someone else.

Jacob eventually makes it big as a model. But it comes at a price. He’s no longer the fun-loving guy that Gary fell in love with. In his place is a big JERK!!! Everyone should kiss his feet because he is a big-time model. Jacob succumbs to the pressures of drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity. His next high is what’s important. Family and friendships take a backseat. When Jacob finally comes out of the clouds, he changes again. It wasn’t a change I was expecting. I don’t want to give too much away, but it didn’t seem like the transformation was for the better. Yes he gets off drugs and alcohol, but Jacob makes such drastic changes you begin to wonder is this the same character from the beginning of the book. His transformation still comes at a cost.

Noah finds his own inner peace. He won’t always agree with his brother, but deep down they love each other. Remembering the happier times in their childhood help ease the pain for Noah. I will say that this book is not for everyone. If detailed descriptions of sex, drugs, and alcohol make you a little squeamish, you should pass on this one. If not read it because it will teach you that change isn't always for the better.

Rating: Give it a try

Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.