The Mentor
By Lee Matthew Goldberg
If you’re looking for a fun story about an English professor named William presenting his cherished manuscript to a former student-turned-book-editor named Kyle, then don’t read Lee Matthew Goldberg’s book The Mentor. This is not the book you’re looking for.
But if you’re willing to have your stomach churned by the stench of William’s depraved (and maybe even worse, poorly written) manuscript and the ensuing chaotic unraveling for Kyle, then read The Mentor.
Reading Goldberg’s books are my rollercoasters. As the book begins, my stomach starts churning, and I’m wondering why I’ve come back. I feel like I’m the front car with Kyle barreling forward through the twists and rolls, tearing us up with its visceral scenes.
There are tormented characters whose horrible pasts catch up to haunt them. As Goldberg’s pulling decayed fictional skeletons out of the closets, I wonder what’s buried in his backyard that inspires him to create this book. There has to be something compelling that allows him to not only present Hell to his readers, but to also grab the readers by the hand and drag them there with him.
As everything careens to its inevitable conclusion, you face the truth that this story’s not over just because the book ended. This book sticks with you once you’re finished, as you try to figure out how the characters’ fates could have been different. Nope. The book wouldn’t be so satisfying if it had ended any other way.
I’ve read many of Lee Matthew Goldberg’s books, and every time I’m struck by how unique a voice he has that compels me to keep reading his books. Read The Mentor and get hooked by his books too.
Thanks to Black Tide Book Tours for a review copy of the book. Opinions expressed are my own.
