Is it an improvement? I think a little bit. I’d still like to see some breaks in the frame itself. It would suggest broken, not yet repaired, relationships. Thoughts welcome. By the way, the novel has gotten some good reviews on Amazon. I’ve posted some of the below. I’m grateful for them – thank you!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 2, 2023
I just finished this book, and I feel the urge to write these random thoughts.
You know that scene. It has become a favorite milieu of film. The circle of folding chairs, the coffee station in the back, the odd assortment of participants, the pouring out of emotions. Hello, my name is So and So and I am …. Well what would it be like if you found yourself in one of those chairs? How would you react? Would you participate? Would you just fold your arms and smirk? Would you be empathetic to the group or planning your escape?
This is the story of a man in denial. After a panic attack that included suicidal thoughts, his shrink prescribed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but he knows that he is perfectly sane and doesn’t belong in a room full of misfits and malcontents. This is the story of that man’s journey, and if you read this book, perhaps your journey as well.
A story about one person’s experience and his thoughts and emotions associated with that experience is normally told in the third person. Such a story works best told in the third person. That is up until now. Stephen Metcalfe pulls off a bit of legerdemain and tells it in the third person —- and it works. It works beautifully, providing a respectful lightness to the subject.
This book is compelling, but not in the “I can’t put it down” way. You must put it down, many many times, to stop and think about what just transpired, how that relates to your world. This is a book to ponder, and perhaps to self-examine. I am not going to recap the story, and in so doing, rid you of experiencing this beautiful tale. I am urging all my friends and I urge you to buy this book
5.0 out of 5 stars You will go through your whole list of emotions.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 23, 2023
I have read the majority of Mr Metcalf’s writing. This does not vary greatly from the majority of them. This is showing people at their rawest. Certainly very dystopian in nature. It is reminisent of his character development in what I believe is his best writing which was his play Strange Snow then with the adaptive screenplay/movie Jacknife. In my opinion a very underappreciated and it emmotionally placed you on a rollercoaster. Attachment Patterns started out slow for me but does the same for me . The main reason it was slow at the beginning is I did not like any of the characters espicaly Robert Boone.However as the story evolves I was drawn into their growth and development both good and bad.It drew me in and at the end I did shed tears that were both happy and sad.
5.0 out of 5 stars A funny book that makes you think.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 11, 2023
Stephen Metcalfe gets people — at a deep level. He is very funny — yet beneath the humor lies pain and tears. Metcalfe shows that the path out of pain is through connections — attachments. People with early trauma develop insecure attachments. The way to a secure attachment pattern is through a connection with someone securely attached.
This book made my laugh so hard it brought tears to my eyes. And it made me weep with sadness. You will not be able to put this book down.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 12, 2023
Definitely worth a read. A compelling story built on relatable characters. It will make you laugh, make you think and if you can put yourself in the characters’ shoes, it might make you a better person.
Without a wasted word, it pulls you through the story and allows you to feel of the power of when people actually start to change — sometimes for the better.
4.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly well writen. WORST cover known to man.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 7, 2023
This book is all that it says it it — well-written, emotionally charged, and a really good read. According to his daughter, Isolde Boone (Holdie), the artist Robert Boone doesn’t believe he’s crazy. Although he was recently hospitalized after expressing a desire to die, he attributes this to pandemic-related exhaustion and considers himself calm, stoic, and self-possessed. However, the doctors have recommended that he participate in a three-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. The story proceeds from there to create a captivating look into the mind of Robert Boon, the artist. Like I said, great read.
However, the cover is an absolute insult. My suggestion to the author would be to do your book a favor and give it a cover that it deserves.
5.0 out of 5 stars A bright complex view of human nature that’s enjoyable to read.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 1, 2023
I know Metcalfe’s work as a playwright, director, screenwriter, and, more recently, novelist. In Attachment Patterns, his unique talent of putting words to the complexity of human nature starts tentatively as if testing for solid emotional territory, then picks up pace, reaches upward, and scintillates.
5.0 out of 5 stars This is our modern society and a must read.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 23, 2023
The author is 100% successful in achieving his objectives in this novel. Through his impressive literary skills he helps readers understand how vital self-understanding is to quality of life and helps readers appreciate the acute mental health concerns in our society today. The characters he creates remind me that my neighbors, co-workers, family members and yes, health care professionals are among those who sometimes struggle to attach and maybe don’t we all to varying degrees. Perhaps the greatest gift from this writer underscores that it is neither the journey or the destination that is most important but rather with whom and how we attach to others along the way.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable and insightful read
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 26, 2023
Well written story of a man and his battle and journey to deal with his demons and find himself. Such insightful descriptions of the process of human self-discovery, recovery, and the dynamics of interpersonal relations with others.
Stephen Metcalfe 
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