Review of Dead Alive

[Rhodahams]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dead Alive" by Lisa Slater.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Dead Alive by Lisa Slater is an emotional novel that highlights the theme of homelessness, human trafficking, PTSD, the horrors of war, and gang violence. The book highlights all this by showcasing the life of a homeless man who is a former soldier suffering from PTSD and survivors guilt because he lost a lot of his fellow soldiers during the war in Afghanistan, a woman who escaped from human trafficking, and her son who aspires to be a mountain climber and is charitable to the homeless and other characters in a gang-controlled town. The novel describes some of their pasts, the experiences which they went through, and some of the effects of these experiences.

The novel is informative about so many different topics. Homelessness is a topic that is depicted through the many homeless characters. It shows how some of them are homeless due to their horrible past or mental health and how some are there on their conviction to punish themselves, while others are there due to losing their fortune and so many other reasons.

Another topic that was discussed was gang-related violence. It shows the destruction and pain that comes about from gang clashes, enforcement of gang rules, and leadership tussles in gangs. Human trafficking was also expounded in the novel, from how recruitment is done to the violence that is done to the victims. The dependence upon the trafficker by the victim is portrayed as well. It also illustrates how a person can escape this and the fear that such a person tends to live with due to their escape. Another topic that was expounded on was the theme of survivors' guilt that soldiers who survive war feel as well as other mental issues. The blame that they put on themselves for the death of their fellow soldiers even in situations that they are unable to control, and how poorly some of the soldiers treat themselves and others due to this. The use of suspense was well done in the novel as the anticipation of what will happen to the characters grew as I read the book. The author's use of flashbacks is another positive as it makes the reader understand a lot of the reasons for the actions of some of the characters.

I could not find any negative aspects of the book. I rate the book four out of four stars. The book was written very well and showed some of the ills of society and how charity and kindness can go a long way in changing a person's life for the better. This is portrayed in the novel through various characters, such as Chloe and Carson, who are helped by strangers. The novel is a beautiful book and deserves a lot of praise. I only spotted minimal errors in this book; it was professionally edited.

I recommend this book to soldiers who suffer from any form of PTSD and also to people who are acquainted with or taking care of these soldiers, as it shows some of the things that are going through their heads. I recommend it as well to individuals who work in charitable institutions that help the homeless because the book portrays some of the reasons that they do not accept help. It also shows ways in which they accept help. I also recommend the novel to individuals who are survivors of trafficking. The book portrays how such individuals can grow from the horrifying experiences that they experienced during the time that they were subjugated.

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Dead Alive
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[Amy Luman]

I have compassion for the homeless and try to help where I can. Most of them are homeless though no fault of their own.

[Aisha Yakub]

Seems like a helpful book. E enjoyed reading your review.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

Thanks for the review. The book seems to tackle a big part of the social issues in today's world. Thanks to the author for choosing this topic and raising awareness. The book seems interesting, I will add it to my "to read list".

[Horlarmidey Harkinolah]

The review gave my thought a reality. The book seem just the way I thought and I would love to read the book.
Thanks for the review.

[José Cortez]

I have seen patients who experience ptsd and it is really not a good thing to go through. I'm glad the author was able to overcome this. I would love to read this book. It seems very informative from your review.

[Lucy Vera]

I love the fact that the book is informative. What better book to read than a book that provides information and help. I am certainly going to read this, it would prove helpful in some way.

[Tony Official]

Of all the topics you raised in your review, I think the one that struck me the most was that of the gang-related violence. It's time we started having these uncomfortable discussions, and it seems the author is leading the way.