Member Reviews
This was a very intriguing story. This is the story of a woman struggling with a mental illness. This story was touching and sad at times. This story was very unique and explores an important topic.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book.
It was a decent book. Took me forever to finally get too!
Would’ve loved to give it a four star rating, but I just can’t get over how it can be hard to differentiate whose POV it’s supposed to be sometimes. And that little twist at the end?
That I really enjoyed! Had me going “oh s***!”
The Mole People was an engaging read in which you’re able to feel the pain of someone going through struggles with mental illness and drug addiction - but you also get to feel how others’ lives are affected by someone’s personal struggles.
I think it is important for people to see that those struggling with schizophrenia or mental illness are not inherently bad, and need support/love just as much as anyone else in order to make it in this world. A beautiful and emotional story.
Thank you to the author Kevin Landt and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, and author, Kevin Landt for this ARC of the Mole People. This book has been released already but I have had it on my TBR since earlier this fall and finally got to it! It was a quick read. Very dark, sad story about addiction and mental illness.
⭐️Overall Rating: 4 stars
This novel was provided by the Author, via Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review.
The Mole People is a dramatic expose on mental illness and drug use. Suzie is a schizophrenic who is also paranoid. The voices in her head keep telling her that everyone is against her so she flees from college and finds herself facing the dangers of the street. She starts using drugs to calm the voices in her head and ends up among The Mole People, who are more dangerous than the voices.
Kevin Landt has done his research on this serious topic. He brings the grittiness and sadness of drug use, mental illness, and homelessness to light. The story is quite engaging as you hope that Suzie will find peace with herself and her illness. It is splendidly written so that you feel the drama as it is happening. It is a book worth reading.
Thank you to Kevin Landt, Netgalley, and Ryland Publishing for the advanced copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
Book Review: The Mole People by Kevin Landt
Rating: ★★★☆☆
*The Mole People* by Kevin Landt is a unique and thought-provoking book that definitely stands out in terms of concept and execution. The premise is intriguing: a group of people living beneath the surface of the Earth, exploring themes of isolation, survival, and what it means to be human. Landt's world-building is detailed, and his exploration of the characters' psychological depth gives the story an unsettling, almost claustrophobic feel.
What I appreciated most about the book was how original it was. The idea of subterranean societies isn't exactly new, but Landt breathes fresh life into the concept with his distinctive narrative style. The pacing is steady, and the plot takes unexpected turns that keep you engaged. The characters are complex and, for the most part, relatable in their struggles, which added a layer of emotional depth to the story.
However, while I can recognize that the book is well-crafted, I have to admit that it wasn't entirely my kind of read. The tone is dark and often surreal, and while I can appreciate the skill behind it, I found myself not fully connecting with the atmosphere or the events as they unfolded. The heavy, introspective nature of the story, combined with its somewhat abstract elements, made it a bit challenging for me to immerse myself fully.
Overall, *The Mole People* is a solid 3-star read for me. It’s a unique book that will likely resonate deeply with fans of dystopian or psychological fiction, but it wasn’t quite the right fit for my personal tastes. If you're looking for something unconventional with a strong psychological core, this book might be a great choice for you.
The was a emotional and moving story of a young woman's journey with a severe mental health disorder and how she led her life through the ups and downs relating to this. We follow along as she denies medication, descends into her disorder and then finally realises that she needs to seek help and regains her family and her life back once she does this. I can tell by the narrative in the story that the author has does extensive research into mental health and its effects on not only the person but the family/friends linked with them. This is a powerful novel which I will be recommending to my fellow readers as it is something which needs to have more exposure.
Thank you to author Kevin Landt for the opportunity to read this book.
A gripping story of a woman who leaves everything behind, as she struggles with crippling mental illness. I cannot imagine what a life with schizophrenia actually looks or feels like, but as with the FMC, I understand that the fear of being forever medicated and sent to a facility must be some of the most frightening things imaginable. Please note before reading that this book deals with: mental health struggles, drug abuse, and self harm.
Wow, what a beautiful, sad story. The Mole People is an eye-opening story about living with schizophrenia and the many hardships that can come from having the metal illness. It was beautifully written, and was a quick, easy read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Mole People
If I could reach through these pages to personally show Suzie compassion, I definitely would!
Schizophrenia, selfishly, I cannot even begin to fathom the mental battle endured by so many. Not to mention the helpless torment the families experience. Man, this book sure does make you think about how and|or why people end up living on the streets.
Striking my empathic soul, what I wouldn’t give for one more conversation with my Uncle, if only…
Schizophrenia, self-harm, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and the never ending feeling of being “alone”, there’s so much wrapped into “The Mole People”, so much to think about.
Kevin, I would really like to know more about how you built the basis for this story. Though stated as fiction, it could so easily be reality and I am sure many people will find it relatable in some capacity or another.
The Mole People by Kevin Landt is a journey into the depths of the soul and psyche of Suzie Franks, a young woman in LA dealing with Schizophrenia. The insight was fascinating not just on Suzies objective level, but on a subjective level, comparing the differences between healthcare in the US and UK, rich and poor
The thought processes described demonstrate eiether extensive research into, or personal experience of schizophrenia by the author and is to be applauded in how it has been woven into a powerfully compelling storyline
Thank you to NetGalley, Ryland Publishing and Kevin Landt for the outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
This book was a very emotional read. It deals with mental illness, addiction and the impact on the individual and their family. It was fascinating getting the glimpse of what was going on in Suzanne’s mind and yet hard to read at the same time. We see her make decisions that we know are unsafe, yet the voices guiding her say different.
This book was very well written and seemed so real.
I received this book as a free ARC and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Suzie struggles with schizophrenia but doesn't trust medication because she doesn't feel like she is in control. She decides to take her health into her own hands, which leads her into a life on the run, living in poor and unsafe conditions. She is taken in by a group who live underground in storm tunnels under Las Vegas. She befriends a few people, but also has to watch her back around others. This story covers the vicious cycle of mental health, prescription medication, and drug abuse.
This was an interesting story.
I struggled getting through parts of the story but then other parts had me obsessed.
It was a good story and it is definitely a page turner but I just found I struggled when it came to the talk of the main characters mental health and the way it was described and talked about.
This book was a bit of a surprise. It covered the issues of mental illness, addiction, homelessness and more. It was worth the read.
This books is about a young woman with schizophrenia and the struggles she goes through. It really makes you think about mental health and all tge things people and the people in their lives go through. Give it a read.
A young woman struggling with schizophrenia leaves her old life behind and finds herself in an underground community beneath Las Vegas. Facing both real and imagined threats, she must confront her fears and find a way to escape the darkness that surrounds her.
This book delves into a topic that many of us are unfortunately all too familiar with. Chances are, you know someone who has ended up in a situation similar to the one described in this story.
As a member of the military, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively across the United States. During my travels, I have encountered numerous individuals living on the streets in areas where homelessness is a prevalent issue. Through personal experiences, I have met many people who are struggling to survive in uncertain circumstances, often going unnoticed by society. These individuals have found themselves in dire situations through no fault of their own, as life has simply gotten away from them, or they lack a support system to lean on. Additionally, I have encountered individuals who have turned to illegal substances as a means of coping with their challenges, as well as veterans who have fallen through the cracks due to mental or physical health issues.
This book truly resonated with me on a deep level. Despite being a short story, it was incredibly difficult to put down. The characters were so well-developed that I found myself empathizing with their struggles and contemplating what I would do if they were my friends or family members.
The narrative touches on themes of substance use, body image issues, and mental health struggles, all of which are portrayed in a realistic and relatable manner. The vivid descriptions of the environment further enhance the authenticity of the story. Upon finishing the book, I was left with a sense of hope and optimism, particularly in regard to the positive ending for the main character, Suzie. I found myself rooting for her to overcome her challenges and seek the help she needed.
I devoured this book in a matter of hours, unable to tear myself away from the gripping storyline. I highly recommend giving this book a read and forming your own opinion. If you enjoy thought-provoking reads that offer a glimpse into the lives of others, this book is must-read. It will leave you breathless and leave you pondering.
Thank you, Ryland Publishing and Kevin Landt for ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#TheMolePeople is an interesting and thought provoking read about mental health and addiction, the struggles of those living with mental illnesses and their loved ones. It’s a very dark, intense moving story. I was completely hooked from the start to finish. Just brilliant.
The story follows Suzie Franks, a young woman with schizophrenia. She’s struggling with her inner voices and thinking her loved ones are going to send her away. This drives her to runaway from Oregon where she ends up in Las Vegas among the mole people, an underground community.
I enjoyed the fast paced writing style and the vivid character descriptions as you can picture everything that is happening. The author made susie’s struggles feel very real and you feel empathy towards Susie.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it as it’s well worth a read.
Thanks to @kevinlandt for a copy of #TheMolePeople.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
THE MOLE PEOPLE, those outcasts who survive in the underground, away from the bright lights of the big cities. In his short novel, Kevin Landt, takes us into the tunnels under Sin City.
Suzie Franks, ‘Suzie Schizo’ hasn’t had an easy time in her life. Then, diagnosed at 20 with schizophrenia and other mental illness issues, she leaves Hudson University and Portland Oregon behind when paranoia tells her that her mother, her roommate and her boyfriend are conspiring against her. She finds herself in Las Vegas, doing whatever she has to do to survive. Luckily, or not, she meets Wonderman, who brings her to a world that many don’t even know exists, setting her up and his place. He initially offers her safety and cares for her. She begins to meet others who are in the same position as she and learns to love her new. ‘family’. As her mother, Dana, and her boyfriend, Robbie, find her and attempt to get her some help, Suzie rebuffs them and retreats further into her illness. But there are literally clouds forming that could wipe away everything she’s come to know and those she’s come to love.
This is my first Kevin Landt novel but it will certainly not be my last. Although a shorter novel, it packs a serious punch. The writing is so clear and concise, I could feel myself enveloped in darkness and splashing through the tunnels with Suzie. I felt like most of the characters were people I wanted to know and hug. The compassion and respect with which Mr. Landt addressed mental illness was beyond reproach. I cannot say enough about this. Mr. Landt has earned my unwavering respect for his storytelling abilities.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ryland Publishing and the author for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
The Mole People is a heartbreaking story of a girl who suffers from schizophrenia and refuses treatment, she has finally made it to university but she does not feel included by her peers and her hallucinations start to escalate. Her boyfriend keeps her grounded till he doesn't anymore, and she runs away and starts to live in the streets. In Vegas she sees herself brought into a community "The Mole People" who live underground and their leader has Suzie under his wing but he is a ruthless predator, drug dealer and a pimp. Life in the tunnels will spiral Suzie's addictions and sickness out of control until her mother and her boyfriend come to her rescue. Although this is a work of fiction, I'm quite sure this story is real (maybe not the tunnels) but the exploitation of sex, use of drugs, crimes against those in need and with mental health issues, in many parts of the world. Mr. Landt was able to make a portrait of a very sad condition and exploitation of same in a very easy-to-read way.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the copy of this book.