Comments on: REVIEW: Outcast by Joan Johnston

By: Judy

Judy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:17:36 +0000

I have to say I bought the book only because Joan Johnston’s name was on it. I love everything she has written and keep them to read more than once. In case you don’t know the sequel to The Strangers Game is coming but I cannot find out the date it will be available.
I truly enjoyed this book.

By: Recommended Reads for July | Dear Author: Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:17 +0000

[...] by Joan Johnston recommended by Jane. This is a fast moving romance featuring a man broken by his traumatic past and the woman who is [...]

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:09:34 +0000

@Monica Kaye: She certainly got off easy. I admit that I am surprised that you can put aside your professional training to enjoy the book. I have a very hard time reading lawyer books which aren't very realistic.

By: Monica Kaye

Monica Kaye — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:34:48 +0000

Hi Jane,
So I went out and read the book and I have to say that I enjoyed it. I think that the ethical questions were addressed but that realistically she would have been in jail. She should have never taken the case in the first place and I don’t believe that her partner would have allowed her to especially after her consultation with him, she falsified documents (a federal offense), and I don’t believe that her partner would not have turned her in because of this ‘one lapse in judgement for love’ because then he would not have a license to practice. Although I do give Ms. Johnston credit for her research and at least truthfully addressing the issue. It’s way more than I’ve seen in other therapist/client relationship books.

That being said, I forgive her (Anna) because of all the shit she was put through at the end and I’m sure that helping foil a terrorist plot earned her some brownie points with the APA. And because it’s fiction and given the fantastical nature of the plot, I need to shove reality to the side. And I did and I loved the book.

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:51:20 +0000

I'll be interested in what all of you think. @Monica Kaye: The author does address the ethical implications although nothing ever actually comes of it. I.e. Anna is reprimanded by her senior partner and he threatens to turn her in, but doesn't.

By: Monica Kaye

Monica Kaye — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:06:21 +0000

I’m going to read this book because it sounds great but I will do it with a grain of salt. As a therapist myslef, whenever I read books about people in therapy and therapists having affairs with patients, I cringe. I always ask myslef, did the writer even TALK to a therapist to get their knowledge and feedback?!? Because even if these two do end up together, I can tell you that she will lose her license. Or at least be put on probation. That therapeutic relationship is sacrosanct.

Okay. I will get down off my soapbox and remember that these books are fantasy and that an ethics committee is not waiting in the wings to strip her of her ability to practice.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:36:49 +0000

I don’t know what happened to my comment I left last night… I assume an internet goblin got it. Anyway, I read this yesterday and it was great. I saw the ad in RT and became obsessed with the idea of the “hero on the brink of insanity.” Most of the book I held my breath through. I’m just getting back into the romantic suspense side of things and it was a great beginning point.

By: Gina

Gina — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:57:11 +0000

Joan Johnston has been off my “buy” list for a long time as I felt her stories were all retellings of the same basic tale with different character names. This sounds like a clear departure from the trend that drove me away – and it is a cover that would draw me had I seen it in the store. Which makes me wonder, as often as I go to Barnes and Noble, how I missed it? Ah well, its on my wish list now. Great review!

By: Kaetrin

Kaetrin — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:42:16 +0000

Sounds good. I think I’ll put in on my Books on Board list. Thanks for the recommendation Jane.

By: Liza

Liza — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:42:38 +0000

I’ll have to look for this one when I’m at the bookstore tomorrow. Thanks for the heads-up. I haven’t read anything by Joan Johnston in a while, but this sounds like a book I would enjoy.