This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Origin Story is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, LGBTQ+, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to the use of strong language as well as scenes of a sexual nature and references to violence and abuse. Penned by author Jendi Reiter, this bold and interesting work explores the interconnected lives of Peter Edelman, Tyler ‘Tai’ Wick, and Julian Selkirk against the backdrop of late 1990s New York City. As Peter grapples with repressed memories through his comic book alter ego, Tai navigates the foster care system and struggles with gender identity, while Julian confronts intergenerational trauma and his sexuality within the Christian faith. Against the backdrop of sexual politics, these characters seek to redefine home and family while confronting their truths and seeking healing.
Author Jendi Reiter has a natural knack for character presentation that enhances the crafting of this poignant and thought-provoking journey through the lives of a trio of complex and compelling characters. The balance of sensitive themes of trauma, identity, and healing is well-paced and juxtaposed beautifully against the vibrant backdrop of the era, offering a work that feels instantly timeless, literary, and important. The characters' struggles with repressed memories, gender identity, and sexuality were portrayed with sensitivity and depth, drawing me into their personal journeys of self-discovery and growth with strong narration that allows really deep speech and thought presentation to shine through. Reiter's exploration of the price of healing and the search for belonging is understated and realistic, with many interesting and relatable reference points from the era like the comic book conventions and Christian retreats, with all the authentic and often problematic attitudes that famously pervaded them. Overall, Origin Story is a compelling exploration of identity and self-love that I would not hesitate to recommend to literary drama fans everywhere.
