What do you think?
Rate this book
Analyzing the Prescotts: A Novel
Every member of the Prescott family struggles with identity issues when the father, Hailey Prescott, leaves the family to live life as a woman, sending them all tumbling into emotions so violent they threaten to tear the family fabric to shreds. When Dr. Cotton Barnes, a happily married psychologist from Raleigh, North Carolina, signs on to treat the family, she is challenged to the edges of her own fragile boundaries as cracks in the veneer of the Prescotts' lives become craters. The family members relate their stories in their chosen voices, each narrative in a different format. Marcus, the youngest, speaks to Cotton through his avatars; Gray, the mother, distances herself by referring to herself in the third person; the oldest child, Janis-a self-avowed loner-uses a defunct social media app; while the middle child, Cheryl, tries to keep everyone personally happy in person; and Hailey, the novelist father, hides behind her journals. The Prescotts take turns breaking down and breaking through a roller coaster of emotions that mirrors what's happening in the Raleigh a series of LGBTQ+ hate crimes rocks the community to its core. Telling herself she must save them, Cotton stalks the family, but when Hailey Prescott becomes the latest victim of brutality, Cotton is forced to make a decision that will determine whether she saves her own marriage or the Prescotts. Or herself. Analyzing the Prescotts is the latest from Dawn Reno Langley, a novelist who Foreword Reviews says writes with "authority and fine craftsmanship."
307 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2024
35 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Reno Langley
21 books222 followersLangley writes full-time in Durham, North Carolina
Born an Army brat to a WWII and Korea vet, Dawn (Brander Tutela Reno) Langley began writing at a young age. Her essay on the Cuban missile crisis was published in a local newspaper, and since then, she has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines, has published children's books, novels, nonfiction books on Native American and African American art, award-winning essays, short stories, and poetry.
As a novelist, she employs the skills she used as a journalist and conducts extensive research. Each story centers on a social dilemma, and she never writes a story about which she has no passion. The back story for each novel is on her Goodreads blog. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
She also blogs about excursions with her dog, Izzy, as well as one about growing up in the 1950s/60s and occasionally contributes to others' blogs (as well as to her own about gardening):
http://dawnrenolangley.wordpress.com
http://dawnrenolangley.blogspot.com/
http://poetryandgardening.blogspot.com/
Born an Army brat to a WWII and Korea vet, Dawn (Brander Tutela Reno) Langley began writing at a young age. Her essay on the Cuban missile crisis was published in a local newspaper, and since then, she has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines, has published children's books, novels, nonfiction books on Native American and African American art, award-winning essays, short stories, and poetry.
As a novelist, she employs the skills she used as a journalist and conducts extensive research. Each story centers on a social dilemma, and she never writes a story about which she has no passion. The back story for each novel is on her Goodreads blog. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
She also blogs about excursions with her dog, Izzy, as well as one about growing up in the 1950s/60s and occasionally contributes to others' blogs (as well as to her own about gardening):
http://dawnrenolangley.wordpress.com
http://dawnrenolangley.blogspot.com/
http://poetryandgardening.blogspot.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 14, 2023
Dawn Reno Langley's novel,“Analyzing the Prescotts”, is almost like stepping into a reality show, bringing us deep into the lives of a family and their therapist after their world is turned upside down when the father decides to transition into a woman. The therapist, Cotton Barnes, had taken a leave from her practice after the suicide of one of her clients, and the Prescotts are the only clients she has now. Dealing with numerous personal issues of her own, is she becoming too involved with these people who now seem to occupy her every waking moment? This book covers themes such as identity, the power of narrative in discovering who one is, gender issues, depression, and discrimination and hatred toward those who are different. I learned a lot from this story, especially about how therapy works and how it can help people. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this novel. My opinion is my own.
October 28, 2023
A therapist, just back to work after a client's suicide, takes on the Prescotts after the husband leaves the family with only a note saying he is transitioning to a woman. Sensitively written, with an explosive ending you just don't see coming. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2024
Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley was a book that at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like. I learned a few words while reading this book that I have never used or come across before. That, my friends, is okay! I love reading books that teach me something that I didn’t know. This is the first book that I have read by Professor Langley. It probably won’t be my last.
I have to confess that I had an ulterior motive for contacting the author and requesting to read her book. This book is about a family in crisis. The father in this book has left his family to transition to a female. We have a family member that is transgender and I wanted to understand a bit more about what this is all about. I wanted to understand the thought processes and the ins and outs of what they are feeling. The main thing is I want to understand and have knowledge.
The wife who was left behind has a very hard time coming to terms with what has come out in the open. Her children have a hard time because of the way she is and is not handling the situation. The children being younger have an easier time accepting their father. The book is centered on the counseling sessions that the family goes through both individually and as a group. The therapist they choose is also dealing with her own issues both professional and personal.
I was engrossed with the characters. We learn about each of them through the eyes of other family members and the eyes of the therapist. Some of the family members write about how they are feeling and processing. I love how Prof. Langley lets us learn about each of them and most of all learn about transgender people. There are some twists in this story that I didn't see coming and that only served to pull me in more.
This was a book that I took my time to read. I wanted to absorb what she had to teach me. I didn’t want to rush through it and miss some important points. I wanted to get all I could out of this story and I think I did. I am more empathetic and sympathetic to the whole topic and what transgenders and their families are experiencing. I highly recommend this book. I always love to learn as I read. I think that is the best way to educate ourselves. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I have to confess that I had an ulterior motive for contacting the author and requesting to read her book. This book is about a family in crisis. The father in this book has left his family to transition to a female. We have a family member that is transgender and I wanted to understand a bit more about what this is all about. I wanted to understand the thought processes and the ins and outs of what they are feeling. The main thing is I want to understand and have knowledge.
The wife who was left behind has a very hard time coming to terms with what has come out in the open. Her children have a hard time because of the way she is and is not handling the situation. The children being younger have an easier time accepting their father. The book is centered on the counseling sessions that the family goes through both individually and as a group. The therapist they choose is also dealing with her own issues both professional and personal.
I was engrossed with the characters. We learn about each of them through the eyes of other family members and the eyes of the therapist. Some of the family members write about how they are feeling and processing. I love how Prof. Langley lets us learn about each of them and most of all learn about transgender people. There are some twists in this story that I didn't see coming and that only served to pull me in more.
This was a book that I took my time to read. I wanted to absorb what she had to teach me. I didn’t want to rush through it and miss some important points. I wanted to get all I could out of this story and I think I did. I am more empathetic and sympathetic to the whole topic and what transgenders and their families are experiencing. I highly recommend this book. I always love to learn as I read. I think that is the best way to educate ourselves. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 4, 2024
Dawn Reno Langley writes a compelling tale with Analyzing the Prescotts
Analyzing the Prescotts is one of those hidden gems, that when you get your hands on it, you can't put it down. I haven't read anything by this author before, and I'm glad I got the chance to read it. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The reader is introduced to not just the Prescotts, but also their therapist, Dr. Barnes. The story is told by the individual family members, and in their own voice, and how they relate within their family. It's a very emotional and tension-building family drama and dynamic. The family has to deal with a father who leaves them and becomes his true self, a woman. There is a lot of passion, and emotions that go along with the various family members and how they relate to themselves, their family and their views on what was going on with their father. It's an amazing and read that you just want to finish in one sitting. There is more drama that lends to the story, and it not only affects the Prescotts as a family and individual, but also Dr. Barnes as well. Analyzing the Prescotts is a very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! This story was embraceable and such an emotional rollercoaster with twists that you don't see coming. Brilliant writing! I have fast become a big fan of Dawn Reno Langley and hope to read more of her work. Analyzing the Prescotts is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Analyzing the Prescotts is one of those hidden gems, that when you get your hands on it, you can't put it down. I haven't read anything by this author before, and I'm glad I got the chance to read it. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The reader is introduced to not just the Prescotts, but also their therapist, Dr. Barnes. The story is told by the individual family members, and in their own voice, and how they relate within their family. It's a very emotional and tension-building family drama and dynamic. The family has to deal with a father who leaves them and becomes his true self, a woman. There is a lot of passion, and emotions that go along with the various family members and how they relate to themselves, their family and their views on what was going on with their father. It's an amazing and read that you just want to finish in one sitting. There is more drama that lends to the story, and it not only affects the Prescotts as a family and individual, but also Dr. Barnes as well. Analyzing the Prescotts is a very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! This story was embraceable and such an emotional rollercoaster with twists that you don't see coming. Brilliant writing! I have fast become a big fan of Dawn Reno Langley and hope to read more of her work. Analyzing the Prescotts is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
January 28, 2024
Dawn Reno Langley, the Author of “Analyzing the Prescotts” has written a complicated, intriguing, and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this novel are LGBTQ, Parenting and Families, and Contemporary Fiction. In this unique and well-written novel, the author vividly describes every character’s positive strengths and flaws. The author describes the characters as complex, complicated, dysfunctional, and flawed. Many “What If” questions can be asked by the reader. I appreciate how the author discusses the society’s expectations on how to behave and live as “normal” is questioned. Also mentioned is bias, hatred, and discrimination of all people, all colors, and all differences. Dawn Reno Langley addressed the need for understanding, communication, the importance of mental help and mental health, as well as the importance of family, friends, neighbors, and the community.
Dr. Cotton Barnes, a married psychologist with her limitations, is addressing the Prescott family, each with identity problems. The father has left the family with financial support, and a note that he has always wanted to be a woman. The consequences of his actions has affected his family. The wife and children have various expectations, anger, and are traumatized by this. The Prescotts have problems communicating in a traditional way, and they all are in therapy to try to work with this situation.
Dr. Cotton Barnes becomes obsessed with fixing this family, and finds that both she and her relationship with her husband are in trouble. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel for others. There are twists and turns, betrayals, and surprises.
Dr. Cotton Barnes, a married psychologist with her limitations, is addressing the Prescott family, each with identity problems. The father has left the family with financial support, and a note that he has always wanted to be a woman. The consequences of his actions has affected his family. The wife and children have various expectations, anger, and are traumatized by this. The Prescotts have problems communicating in a traditional way, and they all are in therapy to try to work with this situation.
Dr. Cotton Barnes becomes obsessed with fixing this family, and finds that both she and her relationship with her husband are in trouble. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel for others. There are twists and turns, betrayals, and surprises.
March 10, 2024
Trigger warning: Be aware that violence against trans people is depicted in this book.
This intriguing novel delves into the impacts on a family when the father leaves completely unexpectedly and begins transitioning his gender to female. But the real character being explored is the family’s therapist, Cotton Barnes. Still reeling from losing a teen patient to suicide, Cotton struggles with her career, her marriage, and herself.
The story gave me a new appreciation for therapists: The lines they have to consider all the time, and generally avoid crossing, in the interests of their clients. How they must turn off a piece of their humanity in order to act as therapist, on one hand disengaged from their client’s emotions, on the other more attuned to those emotions than the average person. How nuanced their role is in—not healing people—but helping people heal themselves. And how they have to work with crumbs to identify the key facets of their clients’ personalities and glean the information crucial to helping them help the individual.
As a reader watching Cotton’s mental health and marriage stumble, I felt a bit like Cotton the therapist listening to the Prescotts’ troubles: you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen but you know it will be painful and probably not good.
The climax was dramatic and I raced through the final chapters. An interesting and enjoyable read!
This intriguing novel delves into the impacts on a family when the father leaves completely unexpectedly and begins transitioning his gender to female. But the real character being explored is the family’s therapist, Cotton Barnes. Still reeling from losing a teen patient to suicide, Cotton struggles with her career, her marriage, and herself.
The story gave me a new appreciation for therapists: The lines they have to consider all the time, and generally avoid crossing, in the interests of their clients. How they must turn off a piece of their humanity in order to act as therapist, on one hand disengaged from their client’s emotions, on the other more attuned to those emotions than the average person. How nuanced their role is in—not healing people—but helping people heal themselves. And how they have to work with crumbs to identify the key facets of their clients’ personalities and glean the information crucial to helping them help the individual.
As a reader watching Cotton’s mental health and marriage stumble, I felt a bit like Cotton the therapist listening to the Prescotts’ troubles: you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen but you know it will be painful and probably not good.
The climax was dramatic and I raced through the final chapters. An interesting and enjoyable read!
October 30, 2023
Slowly recovering from losing a young patient to suicide, psychologist Dr. Cotton Barnes finally feels ready to start practicing again after taking a professional break. She starts by treating a family in crisis. The lives of all five Prescotts are in upheaval after the father of the family comes out as transgender and reveals plans to live as female. Hailey, as she is now known, is finally living as her true self, but the rest of the Prescotts– wife and mother Grey, oldest daughter Janis, middle daughter Cherylynn, and youngest son Marcus, all struggle in different ways to process Hailey’s transition and what it means for their family. Cotton, determined that enough focus and hard work will fix the Prescotts, devotes every waking minute into trying to help, even while her own life is crumbling. But as Cotton watches, some Prescotts let their emotions flare, others keep their feelings dangerously bottled up, still others have to deal with hateful outsiders, and others are pushed to the very edge.
If you’ve ever wondered if therapists think about their patients after they go home at night, this book is the answer! The topics covered in Analyzing the Prescotts are poignant and complicated, but this story handles them with thoughtful consideration, complex characters, layered relationships and real-life emotions. A timely and moving story!
If you’ve ever wondered if therapists think about their patients after they go home at night, this book is the answer! The topics covered in Analyzing the Prescotts are poignant and complicated, but this story handles them with thoughtful consideration, complex characters, layered relationships and real-life emotions. A timely and moving story!
January 24, 2024
A powerful, gut-wrenching tale! I was amazed at the author’s ability to not only portray the broken Prescott family, but to so fully develop each member, as well as their therapist, Cotton Barnes. These are not simply characters, they are people—individuals you feel like you know by the time you finish reading the book. At first, I expected the novel to read more like therapy notes, but the storytelling is amazing!
‘Analyzing the Prescotts’ is worthy of a wide audience. I hope it brings awareness to those who don’t understand what it means to be transgender. What surprised me was the enormous impact Hailey Prescott’s decision had on each family member. To see the family struggle with their feelings—first their shock and disbelief—was heartbreaking. Yet Cotton’s compassion, her wonderful and careful guidance, is absolutely heartwarming. I kept wondering if the Prescott family would have to go through in order for it to mend. Would Cotton get worn down by the great lengths she goes to in trying to help them become a close family again?
Not only are the characterizations superb, so too, is the careful and complex architecture of the plot. I also loved the quotes Langley used at the beginning of each of the chapters. This is a MUST read book, if ever there was one!
‘Analyzing the Prescotts’ is worthy of a wide audience. I hope it brings awareness to those who don’t understand what it means to be transgender. What surprised me was the enormous impact Hailey Prescott’s decision had on each family member. To see the family struggle with their feelings—first their shock and disbelief—was heartbreaking. Yet Cotton’s compassion, her wonderful and careful guidance, is absolutely heartwarming. I kept wondering if the Prescott family would have to go through in order for it to mend. Would Cotton get worn down by the great lengths she goes to in trying to help them become a close family again?
Not only are the characterizations superb, so too, is the careful and complex architecture of the plot. I also loved the quotes Langley used at the beginning of each of the chapters. This is a MUST read book, if ever there was one!
February 13, 2024
When a mother and her children return from a trip abroad, an empty house and a letter exposing a shocking truth are the last things they expect to find. As one member of the family takes the first steps toward exploring and affirming their gender identity, the others struggle to understand and accept that their traditional family dynamic will never again be the same. The Prescotts’ worlds soon collide with that of Dr. Cotton, a young therapist who recently lost a patient to suicide, and who is struggling with her own relationships - to herself and her work, as well as to her partner. Analyzing the Prescotts is a thoughtful exploration of gender dysmorphia and one person’s experience with gender transition, as well as the myriad ways in which we stand to lose ourselves in the work of helping others when we continue to pour from an empty cup. Langley’s prose is often lush and descriptive, with an eye for capturing and drawing the reader’s attention to small, poignant details. Analyzing the Prescotts is a compelling story that captures feelings of loss and change and the promise of a more hopeful future.
March 2, 2024
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 the connections we share in our families and with other people around us.
Yet the strong themes that this narrative took on made this story shine so 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.
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 the connections we share in our families and with other people around us.
Yet the strong themes that this narrative took on made this story shine so 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.
April 4, 2024
Take a topical premise, a family in crisis, and a recovering therapist; throw in the narrative seasonings perfected by a skilled author, and get ready for a sumptuous meal you’ll want to savor in mouthfuls. Dawn Langley’s Analyzing the Prescotts is a thought-provoking story that makes readers sit up and pay attention to issues and possibilities that some of us may want to shield ourselves from. But it is well worth the attention. A family falls apart because of one member’s decision to heed the call to wholeness, and the inability of the others to comprehend how this could happen to them. The crisis throws two parents into total disarray, but they must continue to provide care and some semblance of stability for their vulnerable children.
Can Dr. Cotton rise from her own vulnerability to meet the broken family’s needs, along with those of her husband, whose impatience with her commitment to others gets worse as she delves into another family’s quagmire? The distinct, well-drawn characters could be our friends and neighbors, our children’s friends, or our own. Each voice soars in its own call for help, and we may want to take sides, but Langley does not allow us. Kudos to her!
Can Dr. Cotton rise from her own vulnerability to meet the broken family’s needs, along with those of her husband, whose impatience with her commitment to others gets worse as she delves into another family’s quagmire? The distinct, well-drawn characters could be our friends and neighbors, our children’s friends, or our own. Each voice soars in its own call for help, and we may want to take sides, but Langley does not allow us. Kudos to her!
March 1, 2024
This book is about a therapist struggling after a time off work due to a client's suicide; a family dealing with the loss of a parent ( I call it a loss because the parent was suddenly and dramatically gone for three months and the relationship has to inevitably change); a trans woman who has always been the primary heart and caretaker of the family; a mother who is pretty clearly spiralling into depression and rage.
I enjoyed seeing the birth order differences displayed. I felt the book was reasonably interesting overall but the writing was basically mid pop lit and I save 4-5 stars for more literary works. Unlike some others, I understood the therapist's reluctance to intervene with the mother who was floundering. It's hard to know when floundering but working through it turns to " completely lost it".
I enjoyed seeing the birth order differences displayed. I felt the book was reasonably interesting overall but the writing was basically mid pop lit and I save 4-5 stars for more literary works. Unlike some others, I understood the therapist's reluctance to intervene with the mother who was floundering. It's hard to know when floundering but working through it turns to " completely lost it".
March 25, 2024
First steps - and first pages - are always hard and Dawn Reno Langley puts us right into the struggle when the Prescott family arrives home to a letter none could have predicted. The "why not?" of that is the tale. All of the Prescotts are relatable but my fav was Janis, "the oldest" - a perfectly crafted teenager complete with eye rolls and an insistence on communicating only through web platforms. Cue therapist, Cotton Barnes who can’t let loose the eye roll in return - and who knew what a therapist could, but shouldn’t say? "Analyzing the Prescotts" gives us that and more, and hunker down for the “funereal wails” and “sobs that feel like they can tear skin from bones.” Vulnerability rules, but the most poignant Langley saves for the end - you won’t want to miss it! Kay Smith-Blum, Author, Debut novel, TANGLES, coming November 2024
April 12, 2024
In her powerful, emotionally-rendered, and thought-provoking novel, Dawn Reno Langley explores how a father's decision to transition to a woman uniquely affects the identity of every member of his family, from his wife to his three children. Each of the Prescotts copes differently with Hailey's decision, including the manner in which they discuss the issue during therapy. And as Cotton Barnes, their psychoanalyst, attempts to treat and help the family, she finds herself growing increasingly entwined with their lives, to the detriment of her own. ANALYZING THE PRESCOTTS takes a multi-faceted look at a timely issue with grace, wisdom, and empathy and asks: Can a family survive on love when one of its members changes significantly? And is identity defined primarily by gender, or is it based on something deeper?
March 10, 2024
A therapist returns from a work hiatus after losing a patient to suicide and takes on the challenge of a family where the father reveals she is a woman. She is determined not to lose any of them, as they are all in crisis, but it becomes clear who is truly at risk. Well-written and suspenseful, frustrating at times as some of the dilemmas are out of control and appear to have no viable resolution for the characters. I picked this novel to review with the memory of reading Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian quite a few years ago. With the Prescott’s we are the outsider looking in at this family slowly imploding. Well-written and hard to put down, I recommend this book of contemporary fiction to readers interested in psychological fiction.
November 11, 2023
“Analyzing the Prescotts” is like “The Prince of Tides” meets “Mad Honey!”
Dawn Reno Langley's tension-laden new release is the story of the Prescott family, grappling with identity crises when father Hailey Prescott chooses to live as a woman. The family's emotional turmoil threatens to unravel them, and when psychologist Dr. Cotton Barnes steps in to treat them, she finds the trauma impacting her own life and marriage. Langley brilliantly uses Dr. Barnes’ therapy sessions to give each family member a unique voice and perspective. The novel is a deftly-woven slow build with a dramatic ending I never predicted! Great read!
Dawn Reno Langley's tension-laden new release is the story of the Prescott family, grappling with identity crises when father Hailey Prescott chooses to live as a woman. The family's emotional turmoil threatens to unravel them, and when psychologist Dr. Cotton Barnes steps in to treat them, she finds the trauma impacting her own life and marriage. Langley brilliantly uses Dr. Barnes’ therapy sessions to give each family member a unique voice and perspective. The novel is a deftly-woven slow build with a dramatic ending I never predicted! Great read!
February 25, 2024
This gripping new novel by Dawn Reno Langley pulls the reader in and forces them to ask themselves some very serious questions. Can a parent still be a good parent if they, themselves are struggling? What does a parent owe a child? What do they owe themselves? Is love more important than identity? How does a therapist know when to step back in the face of a client’s crisis, or is crossing boundaries sometimes ok when it comes to psychological emergencies?
As a child of divorce, I could really relate to the family’s turmoil and to the emotions of each of the Prescott’s. Despite the tough issues covered, this is a very engaging read.
As a child of divorce, I could really relate to the family’s turmoil and to the emotions of each of the Prescott’s. Despite the tough issues covered, this is a very engaging read.
December 11, 2024
Dawn Reno Langley brings readers on a quest for understanding in "Analyzing the Prescotts." When the Prescott family faces a turn of events that leaves each of them reeling, protagonist Cotton Barnes, therapist, works to help them reconnect in new ways. As the chapters unfold, all family members must redefine themselves and reevaluate what love and being in relationship with each other mean.
Langley's excellent writing and dialogue make the characters unique and real on the page. The book is timely, relevant, and a perfect vehicle for launching deep conversations with loved ones and friends about authenticity, acceptance, and the audacity to be ourselves. Highly recommended.
Langley's excellent writing and dialogue make the characters unique and real on the page. The book is timely, relevant, and a perfect vehicle for launching deep conversations with loved ones and friends about authenticity, acceptance, and the audacity to be ourselves. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2023
An emotionally compelling novel that takes the reader deep into the psyches of a family that has fallen apart and the therapist who is trying to heal them even as she struggles with her own psychological demons.
Dawn Reno Langley writes with great sensitivity and insight into the psychology of gender identity, depression, obsession, and the complexity of family relationships. This is an emotional thriller that ends with a surprising twist. I highly recommend this riveting tale.
Dawn Reno Langley writes with great sensitivity and insight into the psychology of gender identity, depression, obsession, and the complexity of family relationships. This is an emotional thriller that ends with a surprising twist. I highly recommend this riveting tale.
January 4, 2024
Three children and their mother seek help from an therapist to understand the changes in their father and family structure. This story is well thought out and researched. It shows five ways people struggle with each others roles and the challenges an therapist has to heal their hurt. Not all challenges can be won.
January 18, 2024
Unique, well written novel about a therapist and the family she is treating. It is told from the voices of the different family members and the therapist. I loved the quotes before each chapter as they set the stage, so to speak. I cannot recommend this book enough!
February 7, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book immensely. I enjoyed it to the point I resented having to go to work and putting the book down. And there is so much I want to say about the book, but am afraid of giving away parts of the story.
April 30, 2024
As I read this book, I found myself torn. I enjoyed the insightful quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the therapy work with the family captured my interest. Yet, I couldn’t overlook the red flags that kept accumulating, and often thought I should stop reading as the book is clearly not meant for me as a person under the trans umbrella. In the end, I pushed through because I thought it would be valuable to give an honest review in return for the ARC I received on NetGalley.
I cannot emphasize enough how disturbing I found the transphobia depicted throughout the book; its explicitness felt unnecessary and gratuitous. The well-meaning therapist, despite good intentions and professing liberal viewpoints, allowed for unchallenged, vicious attacks on the trans woman. The whole set up where one therapist treats both the trans spouse and her vitriolocly transphobic ex as well as their kids was also hardly believable.
As for the conclusion of the book, it did nothing to salvage the story for me. And honestly, I found myself disinterested in the therapist’s personal backstory. The book was irredeemably crass and painful to read as a trans person, and I hope my review can spare someone else the experience.
I cannot emphasize enough how disturbing I found the transphobia depicted throughout the book; its explicitness felt unnecessary and gratuitous. The well-meaning therapist, despite good intentions and professing liberal viewpoints, allowed for unchallenged, vicious attacks on the trans woman. The whole set up where one therapist treats both the trans spouse and her vitriolocly transphobic ex as well as their kids was also hardly believable.
As for the conclusion of the book, it did nothing to salvage the story for me. And honestly, I found myself disinterested in the therapist’s personal backstory. The book was irredeemably crass and painful to read as a trans person, and I hope my review can spare someone else the experience.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews