Why did you write this book?
I thought of this interesting question: can someone who is the epitome of evil still be redeemed? And what would it take for this redemption to occur? In Stan Foster—without giving away too much of the plot—we see a man who has hit rock bottom. He’s tried to kill himself; his art, though popular, is perverse and disturbing to most who view it and, sometimes, to Stan himself. Through the course of the story, he finds out he’s done some terrible things in his time. But he isn’t that person anymore. Having amnesia has forced him to remake himself in a new image. So does he deserve forgiveness for his sins? If so, who will grant it to him? I think these are questions many humans ask themselves regardless of their religious beliefs or absence of belief, and I wanted to explore them allegorically through the writing of this book.
What are some of the themes readers will find in Stan?
First, as mentioned above, is the theme of redemption. Is anyone truly evil enough to be past the point of being redeemed? Second is the theme of selfless love, or what is called agape in Christian theology. In this story Abigail—Stan’s psychiatrist and a lapsed Catholic who struggles with her own figurative demons—feels this sort of love for Stan. She’s interested in him romantically, but she also loves him for the frail human he is. The question is: how will she feel once she knows his deepest, darkest secret?
A third theme readers will encounter in Stan is the power of self-identity. How much of our personas do we choose, and how much is born into us? If we don’t like who we are, can we change? While suffering amnesia after his suicide attempt, Stan must piece together who he was with only clues he finds as he stumbles through the world. It comes to a point where he must decide if he wants to remain who he used to be or become someone new—a question I think all humans must encounter at least once in their lives.
Great read! by Valerie K. Rogers
This thought-provoking book brings together elements of thrill, suspense, romance, and even a bit of the metaphysical vs. religion! Very well written, I would recommend this book to anyone enjoys a tale that looks at life through a very different lens. I can't wait to read the next one!
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Don't start if you're busy...by Anna
You should only start this book if you have a lot of free time right now as you will not be able to put it down till you're finished. Although I had a little incentive to check out this novel (a certain tumblr post :)), I can say with clear conscience that 'Stan' is well-written and keeps you captivated to the end. The topic of the evil is always fascinating for me and this time I wasn't disappointed by its realization. I cannot believe it's the author's debut novel as it's so good. I can honestly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written book.
Holy Good Book by Erica09
Richard does a great job in this book. You have this man who is almost crazy I think, but not quite! Does that even make sense!! This book is really about human nature, good VS bad, God VS Satan. The human mind can be a tricky thing; it can play tricks on you and take you places you have never been before. It took me a minute to figure things out and if I am right I think that I did; but who knows I am wrong all the time. Richard draws you in and makes you think of things differently Stan is a man who attempts to kill himself and fails when he is being checked out he seems to think he can get them to believe whatever they want. I am almost hoping for a second book but on that same note I think if there is a second it might take away from this one. So we shall see! Great job Richard!!!
Great Book! by Estella on
*I was given this book for an honest review*
I don't usually read books like this for casual reading. However, it sounded very interesting so I said what the heck. I am so glad that I did! This book is well written. The characters are very, very interesting. When I started reading I was really curious as to where this book was going to take me! I don't do spoilers so let me just say that if you have an interest in God and Satan, good and evil, and just plain human nature then this is a book you should pick up and read. This book drew me in, it made me sit straight up and say WTH! This book has all kinds of twists and turns. Can't wait to see what happens! It has to be a book 2 or I will be really mad at how it ended!
Great! by Christopher E. Smith
Loved the concept and characters. Stan awakes from a near death experience, and immediately starts experiencing supernatural phenomenon. Stan meets a doctor that helps him to delve into his issues.
Progressively Dramatic With Suspense Like A Cinema Movie !!! by Elizabeth Goldberg
It was quite a thriller starting from the beginning. Stan wakes up after a suicide attempt only to face his own distorted psychiatric reality. While reading this book, it somewhat reminded me of Charles Manson who is beyond the stage of responding to successful treatment. The book had me guessing what was to come when the News reporter confronts him about his dream and problems. If you haven't bought this one, you may want to read it..It's really interesting and will keep you reading!
"I could have finished my reading in one sitting. Yet for Stan, I paced myself so that the thrill of unveiling the mystery didn't end that quickly. Overall, Wold's work is a brilliant literary piece of the supernatural, redemption, and love." - Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
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