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Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
This is Bob: A Guide to Not Dying (Mostly) by Robert J. McCartney is a psychological exploration of chronic suicidality, self-harm, and existential resilience. Part of the Willborne Saga, the story centers around Bob, a character who repeatedly enacts suicide attempts only to reset and return to life. The novel moves through the dark landscape of intrusive thoughts and the compulsion to regain control. Each repetition becomes a morbid game, reflecting Bob’s effort to make sense of his inner torment. As Bob delves deeper into his fantasies, he uncovers buried trauma and examines his reasons for wanting to escape life. Eventually, he discovers that this twisted game is part of a grander cosmic design urging him toward acceptance and transformation. Alongside the narrative, McCartney interlaces entries from his own dream journal, creating a vivid, personal dimension that mirrors and deepens the themes of the story.
Robert J. McCartney's book feels like stepping into the shadowy corners of someone’s mind and being invited to stay a while. McCartney doesn't glorify suicide; instead, he bravely exposes its emotional roots and complexities—grief, anger, confusion, and the deep desire to understand one’s suffering. The raw honesty of Bob’s journey resonates powerfully, especially for those who've wrestled with similar thoughts or used self-harm as a way to protect others from their rage and hurt. What struck me most was how the book gave shape to feelings often left unspoken, helping readers feel less alone in their internal chaos. This isn’t just a story - it’s a lifeline, a cathartic offering to remind us that questioning our existence doesn't make us weak. It makes us human. For anyone who has ever looked at the world and felt misplaced, This is Bob might just feel like home.
