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Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 22 Oct 2024, 17:59
by Joshua Sawders
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Beneath the Skin" by R. Eugene White.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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Dr. Joseph Horacio Champion, Jr., a reporter who got his dream fulfilled by accepting a job as an associate professor of English and literature at the University of Virginia, finds himself in the world of academia but struggling with his own demons. “Beneath the Skin," by R. Eugene White, is an inspiring story that tackles the complex dimensions that surround the emotions of human beings. 

Joseph suffers from a maladaptive daydreaming disorder condition, which makes him spend too much time lost in the fantasy of his daydreams. This book explains how his constant daydreams about past times in his life begin to blur the line between reality and dreams, and how the author carefully crafts a story of self-discovery and psychological exploration with poetic means. 

Personally, I feel the novel takes the reader on an emotional journey of self-discovery, mental health, and quest for truth. The author, in my perspective, took the opportunity through introspection and poetic prose to invite readers that seek a character-driven story and to explore complexities that determine our deepest identities. Through "Beneath the Skin," the author raises awareness about escapism and how easily it can disrupt one's reality. 

I feel some readers might find it hard to relate and connect emotionally to the book due to the protagonist's constant detachment from reality. Also, slow pacing is an issue to be checked, as a considerable amount of time was spent in Joseph's head with less action. This could cause some readers to find it hard to stay engaged, and they might get bored out easily.

I’ll give this book 4 stars out of a 5 stars rating. A carefully crafted book, but with few grammatical errors in it. Also, I’d recommend this book to fans of psychological fiction, readers interested in self-discovery, and people interested in mental health themes. I found nothing to objectively dislike about the book.

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Beneath the Skin
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Re: Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 24 Oct 2024, 12:23
by Nneka Bridget
The review makes "Beneath the Skin" sound like a deep and emotional journey about self-discovery and mental health. The focus on daydreaming and its impact on reality seems intriguing. It sounds like a thoughtful read for fans of psychological fiction.

Re: Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 28 Oct 2024, 09:30
by Lawrence Stein
Daydreaming can be great at times but when it becomes so bad that it blurs the line between dreams and reality it becomes a source of concern. This sounds like a great book in self discovery and mental health.

Re: Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 28 Oct 2024, 14:17
by Corinna Borsato
I believe this book touches an important theme: the importance of living in the present. Though normally we are not daydreaming as much as the protagonist, it is a key aspect of life to remain rooted in the present, without worrying too much about past events or future afflictions. It is fundamental to practice a touch of mindfullness to live our life to the fullest and pursue an healthy and happy lifestyle.

Re: Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 08 Nov 2024, 04:50
by Tracy Kwebu
Personally I think the author wanted the reader to relate on emotional level, on dealing with mental health during fulfilment of your daydream andhow much is stressful when one isn't reaching his dreams.i give the book 5 stars.

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Beneath the Skin]

Re: Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 13 Nov 2024, 14:29
by Mary John 10
Beneath the Skin by R. Eugene White follows Dr. Joseph Horacio Champion, Jr., a former reporter turned associate professor at the University of Virginia, as he faces his inner struggles. Plagued by maladaptive daydreaming disorder, Joseph’s fantasies about past events start to cloud his perception of reality. The novel is a poetic and introspective exploration of self-discovery, psychological turmoil, and the complex emotions that define the human experience.

Re: Review of Beneath the Skin

Posted: 27 Jan 2025, 11:57
by Nati Jiniya
Thank you for this beautiful review! The book sounds interesting and unique, I'd love to give it a try. I don't have much experince with this genre, so it would be adventurous.