I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A therapist reeling from the loss of a patient must work to help a fractured family facing new changes and growing LGBTQ+ driven hate crimes in their local area, and the therapist must choose to save them or her own marriage in author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing the Prescotts: A Novel”.
The Synopsis
Cotton Barnes, a Raleigh, NC, therapist, leveled by a client’s recent suicide, is struggling to resume her practice when she begins working with the Prescotts, a family fractured when the father comes out as transgender and begins transitioning. They relate their stories in their chosen voices, each family member’s narrative in a different format. Journals, social media, and other nontraditional narratives challenge Dr. Barnes’ therapeutic skills. While each member of the Prescotts dodge land mines behind the closed doors of her therapy office, the Raleigh, North Carolina area is rocked by a series of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. As Cotton finds herself stalking the family, worried that she might not be able to “save them,” her husband slips away, and Cotton is forced to make a decision that will determine whether she saves her own marriage or the Prescotts.
The Review
This was such an engaging and thought-provoking story. The tragedy and heartbreak that becomes the running theme in the protagonist’s life was both insightful yet heart-wrenching to behold. The story speaks to our connections in our families and with others.
Yet the strong themes this narrative took on made this story shine brightly. The lines that often blur when we become integrated into other people’s lives can turn care and concern into obsession, and the hardship that comes from trying to live our most authentic lives in a world that hates and shuns those people all played a significant role in this story. The careful and moving attention to detail the author paid to these characters made the story feel more connective for readers.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging author Dawn Reno Langley’s “Analyzing the Prescotts” is a must-read LGBTQ+ driven narrative that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional weight of the characters and their journey, and the mesmerizing tale that comes to life on the page will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Dawn Reno Langley writes extensively for newspapers and magazines, has published more than 30 books (nonfiction, children’s books, and novels such as The Mourning Parade (Amberjack, 2017)), dozens of award-winning short stories, essays, and poems in journals such as Missouri Review, Hunger Mountain and Superstition Review, as well as hundreds of articles, theater reviews, and blogs. A Fulbright scholar and TedX speaker with an MFA in Fiction from Vermont College and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (concentrations in gender studies and creativity) from The Union Institute and University, she lives on the North Carolina coast. She offers writing retreats for other women and teaches for Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program. Her latest book, You Are Divine: A Search for the Goddess in All of Us (Llewellyn) was released nationally and internationally in January 2022.ADD AUTHOR BIO
You can follow the author at:
Website: www.dawnrenolangley.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnrenolangley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proflangley/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSpOz4n17V06ZGei4SkXww
Purchase a copy of Analyzing the Prescotts on
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Analyzing-Prescotts-Dawn-Reno-Langley/dp/1685133495
You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list
.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201087344-analyzing-the-prescotts
Blog Tour Calendar
February 5th @ The Muffin
Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Dawn Reno Langley’s novel Analyzing the Prescotts. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
February 6th @ The Mommies Review
Visit with The Mommies Review for a review of Analyzing the Prescotts.
https://www.themommiesreviews.com
February 8th @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy’s blog for a review of Dawn Reno Langley’s Analyzing the Prescotts.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com
February 9th @ Boys’ Mom Reads!
Find out Karen’s take on Analyzing the Prescotts in today’s review.
https://karensiddall.wordpress.com
February 10th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Visit Linda’s blog for her interview with author Dawn Reno Langley about her novel Analyzing the Prescotts.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com
February 11th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley on the challenges of writing using multiple points of view. You can also read an excerpt of Langley’s novel Analyzing the Prescotts.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com
February 12th @ Lisa Haselton’s Book Reviews & Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with Dawn Reno Langley, author of Analyzing the Prescotts.
February 13th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews
Read Nikki’s take on Dawn Reno Langley’s Analyzing the Prescotts.
https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 15th @ Debra-Zenha Adams
Visit Debra’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley exploring transgender authors: PhD Dissertation and the novel.
https://www.deborah-adams.com/blog
February 16th @ The Book Diva Reads
Stop by Vivian’s blog today when the spotlight will be on Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.
February 18th @ Così faccio io
Don’t miss Cecelia’s review of Analyzing the Prescotts today.
https://cosifaccioio.substack.com
February 20th @ Writer Advice
Visit Lynn’s blog for a guest post by author Dawn Reno Langley that gives us a peek at The Writer Life.
February 22nd @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily’s blog for her review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com
February 25th @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post by Dawn Reno Langley about writing about sensitive sociological issues.
February 28th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Stop by Anthony’s blog for a review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
March 4th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Read a guest post about violence in the LGBT++ community by Dawn Reno Langley, author of Analyzing the Prescotts.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
March 5th @ Così faccio io
Author Dawn Reno Langley shares how to deal with broken characters at Cecelia’s blog.
https://cosifaccioio.substack.com
March 7 @ Michelle Cornish Blog
Read Michelle Cornish’s review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.
https://michellecornishauthor.com/blog/book-reviews
March 10 @ Coffee and Ink
Stop by Coffee and Ink for a review of Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley.
