Great Writing and Rare Subjectivity

I have a preference for writers who are skilled at creating an experience for the reader; not just telling a story. This author has mastered the use of analogy and creative expression of inner turmoil and thoughts, creating a subjective experience of substance addiction and mental health. By allowing the reader to live this through the mind of the character rather than merely having it explained, this novel might elicit new perspectives for some who are unfamiliar, but open to understanding. Early on, I wasn't sure where the story was going, and to be honest, might have preferred more of a sense of who the main character was as a child including age, physical features, history, etc. being that I am a visual person. That being said, I later realized that some of this perceived "vagueness" might have been intentional, cleverly allowing the reader the opportunity to piece the various components together as the story developed, providing a more stimulating reading experience. I do recommend this book and suggest that when you read it, you give it a chance to develop, as it becomes more enveloping with every page.
Very impressed.

2 Thumbs way up for Meeks

Gabriel Tait’s debut Novel, Meeks is a must read for fans of psychological drama/horror. Shooting up the same vein as Requiem for a Dream, The author takes you on a fast paced cinematic journey through the real life horrors of addiction.

Gabriel’s attention to detail goes above and beyond and his use of similes and metaphors are brilliant, ie: “He recalled a day the previous summer when he strolled through his neighbourhood, noticing buildings he had never bothered to look at before. Leigh realized that many of the buildings hid behind a false front, a magician’s trick that compelled the eye away from the decaying infrastructure hiding behind it, like capping a rotten tooth. Most people were like those buildings, he had thought. They focused their time and money on their street-facing facade, some were nicer than others of course, but the insides remained neglected. Those buildings were rotting from the inside out, infested with rats, and cockroaches that came out at night scuttling over countertops and bedframes. Leaky pipes and mould rotting behind the drywall. Sitting in Blaireau's office, he saw her like one of those buildings, with the rats, the mould, and the cockroaches crawling around inside her. Eventually, they would consume her.” (Just wow).

A great plot and beautiful writing can still fall flat without the depth of character and Gabriel Tait knocks it out of the park with his multi layered characters as well. If you do not walk away feeling something for Ranleigh Meeks then you have the emotional spectrum of a fish.

I can’t wait to read what this author writes next.

I want to go right back to the beginning of this book and start it again. It's so unique. I have never read anything like it before and I look forward to more books from the author.

Great read

Meeks was like a cross between a haunted house and a carnival midway. Halfway through I was thinking "WTF is going on?" then as I got deeper, it snuck up and grabbed me. I found it haunting. And it offered some great insight, from an "inside" perspective, because I'm not sure that anyone who hasn't lived it could write about it with such eloquence. No sloppy sentiment, just heart-charring realism. (No spoilers here) For me, Meeks is a cross between Gaiman and King with a sprinkle of Pratchett-esque whimsy that peeps through from time to time. Thought-provoking and unique. No cotton candy on this midway, folks. Love a book that makes me stop reading and take a minute to stare off into the middle distance and evaluate my own opinions and perhaps some deeply buried prejudices as well. 5 stars. Highly recommend.

Terrific Ride.

Meeks is a unique story with one hell of a roller coaster ride. Personally it’s in a category of its own. It has the darkness of a Stephen King or Robert Mccammon novel, with a slight touch of humor, a Fahrenheit 451esque feel and a very serious subject matter woven into a plethora of twists and turns. One of the best “first novels” I have read in a long time. I really didn’t want it to end.

Big yes from me.

Excellent read. Characters are well-written with wonderful atmospheric descriptions throughout. The author did an amazing job overlapping the scenarios. Definitely would recommend. Can't wait to see what he writes next!

Such a great book, I didn’t want to put it down once I started! Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and unreliable narrators. Can’t wait to see what the author writes next, I will definitely be reading!

Wonderfully written book

Mr. Tait has an intriguing way with words, pulling the reader into his story with twists and turns of the mystery of reality. An exciting story with an unforgettable conclusion.

Meeks - Fantastic!

Don't let the title fool you, as this book is anything but "meek". This was recommended to me and I'm ever so glad that it was. What a ride!

The novel revolves around a young man named Ranleigh. He has a life full of addiction to drugs and alcohol, with the shady life that comes with it, but also an opulent life, filled with wealth and fame. Both written exceptionally well and the cross over of realities keeps you guessing. The ending just was completely not what I was expecting, which was very nice.

All the characters in the novel, are well thought out so that I felt strong emotions for them.
I don't wish to spoil it for anyone; you just need to read it. I am recommending it to everyone as it's a first for me to read a book straight through three times. It's made it to my bookcase and not many books manage that. A*

Great read

This was an amazing read. Fast paced. It kept me guessing the whole time. Incredible realism in terms of addiction.

excellent! Hard to put down

Reading has become a little more difficult for me due to health reasons, but I found this book hard to put down. Lately it seems to take me two or three months to finish a book and this one didn’t take me much more than a week. That’s highly unusual for me and says a lot for this excellent author. The writing is first rate and the story will grab you in the first chapter. I had no idea where the story was going and it did surprise me. I can’t recommend this book this enough! Read it today, you won’t be disappointed. I will be keeping my eye out for more books from this author.

Meeks is nothing short of a page-turner. The introspection is raw and immersive, characters are outrageous, sh*t hits the fan--everything's there for a compelling thriller. Tait's storytelling is really the standout, though, and what kept me reading on the edge of my seat. Dive right into this one- head first. Impressive debut, anxiously anticipating the follow-up.