Official Review: I Am Not Gog by Matthew James Hunt

JuliaKay · Post by **JuliaKay** » 12 Dec 2018, 18:10

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Am Not Gog" by Matthew James Hunt.]

4 out of 4 stars

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I found myself forgetting that this was a work of fiction, for within the pages is the type of bizarreness that can only be found in reality – the way real life can unfold into chaos and is wrought with unforeseeable events. Truth be told, fiction is much more predictable.

At the end of the book, when I was tempted to Google Lydia Japhethson, I had to remind myself that she is a fictional character. That someone so wonderfully unique and beautifully flawed never actually existed is a pity. I began this book on a wary note, unsure of the likeability of the protagonist. However, I closed the book somewhat heartbroken because I had come to the end of a story of a character I had begun to adore.

I Am Not Gog by Matthew James Hunt is the story of a child who had been bullied and abused until she reached her breaking point and became an unhinged middle-aged woman. Driven to insanity by the loathsome behavior inflicted upon her, Lydia felt she had no other option than to take revenge on the only person in close vicinity associated with the abhorrent acts from her childhood. With a gun and a plan, the supermarket standoff was only the beginning of her journey. Readers are taken on a life-changing and character-driven journey with Lydia as she leaves the only home she has ever known and sets off to confront her past, which is the only way she can put it behind her.

I Am Not Gog is a reminder to captive audiences that stand back and observe atrocious actions without interfering that their inaction and attention reinforces the doer's behavior and makes them equally compliant. It is also a story of growth, friendship, and the quest for freedom. Everything about this book moved me – the unpredictable characters, the unsettling actions of the protagonist and people in her life, and the ending. When I end a book with tears in my eyes, I know I have just finished a masterpiece. The British dialogue in this story was believable and fun to read. I Am Not Gog is well-deserving of its rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

While this story is not a biography or memoir, it reads like one, and it will appeal to readers who find those enjoyable. The sayings, quirks and some of the predicaments that the protagonist finds herself in are also funny, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh who find pleasure reading this book. There is some serious content, such as abuse and gun violence, which is not suitable for children. While there are instances of sexual innuendos and intimacy, there are no explicit details.

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I Am Not Gog
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T_stone · Post by **T_stone** » 15 Dec 2018, 04:48

This seems like an interesting and engaging read. I like the the protagonist is a lady that's unpredictable. I also like that the books talk about friendship and growth. You've done a good job reviewing this one.

Ruba Abu Ali · Post by **Ruba Abu Ali** » 15 Dec 2018, 15:17

It's been a while since I came across such a passionate and heartfelt review! Suffice it to say that I'm adding this book to my TBR list right away. Thanks for the great insight.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 15 Dec 2018, 19:06

I read this. It definitely was quite realistic. I thought it was based on reality as well. Guess the author just does that good of a job. Thanks. Nice review.

Anyab83 · Post by **Anyab83** » 17 Dec 2018, 00:42

Wow, this is seriously a great review! Have added this to my reading list for future bedtime reading. I have to say your description of the book was so well done that within less than a paragraph I knew I wanted to read it! Thank you!

Ice dragon · Post by **Ice dragon** » 21 Dec 2018, 14:42

This is a unique concept and I can tell it's had a profound effect on you. It sounds like a gripping read and I shall definitely check it out.

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 27 Dec 2018, 18:33

I found myself forgetting that this was a work of fiction, for within the pages is the type of bizarreness that can only be found in reality – the way real life can unfold into chaos and is wrought with unforeseeable events. Truth be told, fiction is much more predictable.

I agree, but you've expressed those thoughts more wonderfully than I've ever come up with so far. Thank you for your profound review.

Sakilunamermaid · Post by **Sakilunamermaid** » 27 Dec 2018, 20:47

While I would love to meet this character, I can't read books that involve hostages at gun point or robbery. I may look into this book if I change my mind on that plot point.

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 31 Dec 2018, 23:44

It is interesting that the fictional character, Lydia, seemed to be a real person by how the book was written from her point of view. The book touches on an important issue of bullying and its consequences. I do wonder who is "Gog"?

gali · Post by **gali** » 20 Feb 2019, 08:49

A story of redemption revolving around a woman who was driven to insanity and want to avenge her wrongdoers sounds too intense for me. Realistic and unpredictable characters make the story believable. It is good that the book has some comic relief. Thank you for the review!

Kister Bless · Post by **Kister Bless** » 20 Feb 2019, 09:05

I don't really fancy books that containing bullying content. I however will try out I Am Not Gog by Matthew James Hunt,the story of a child who had been bullied and abused until she reached her breaking point and became an unhinged middle-aged woman. Great review!

Elizabeth Pass · Post by **Elizabeth Pass** » 20 Feb 2019, 09:16

Early experiences can have such a strong effect on a person. This book seems realistic and engaging. The review was extremely enticing.

Sirajuddin A · Post by **Sirajuddin A** » 20 Feb 2019, 09:36

The protagonist of this story is Lydia who had been bullied in her childhood and to put her past behind she wants to take revenge from her tormentor. This story has some fun as well as violent moments.

Fozia-Bajwa · Post by **Fozia-Bajwa** » 20 Feb 2019, 09:37

Bullying and abusing is a worse thing that is not liked by anyone in this universe. Especially the childhood abuse is very much hurtful. Thanks for your review.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 20 Feb 2019, 09:39

This is a contemporary women's fiction novel that highlights gun control, determination and poor choices. The book is temporarily free on Amazon Kindle and has an excellent mind-blowing OnlineBookClub review. I rated it 4 out of 4 stars. Congrats @IAMNOTGOG for the BOTD.