Sanders' Starfish PDF
Preview Sanders' Starfish
Dr John Sanders steps through the entrance to face a distracted woman pushing a nurses’ cart before her. Charging madly down the hallway toward the door exiting the ‘Clearcreek Mental Care Center: An Oasis for the Mentally Ill' is a determined patient. The single-minded Clarissa is well known to the staff; this is not her first frantic effort to take flight.
John Sanders, with his newly completed graduate preparation and certification examinations at last behind him, had been looking forward to his first day as a member of the staff at the fashionable, private inpatient care facility with some concern. On the other hand, nothing had prepared Sanders for the reality of his first day.
His first moments spent within the walls of the sanatorium have Sanders wondering what he has gotten himself into. Organic Aggressive residents, community meetings, never-ending episodic outburst patients, individual treatment, small group meetings, psychological testing for every client in his unit; clinical psychologist Sanders begins to feel a tad overcome. And, this is all within the first hour.
As Sanders commences working with client Rebecca Brownell, he begins to recognize there is something much more menacing than just the exigency of patients having desperate problems pervading the Care Center. Will he be able to affect any resolution, or will the Center continue exactly as it has for many years? Media attention, money exchanging hands, a suicidal patient and an unexpected friendship all figure in account.
Brought to light are the struggles with which the mentally ill must learn to cope. The challenges of those working with the mentally ill are examined. Sander’s Starfish is a powerful story regarding the worth of a soul and doing what is right in the face of any challenge which may arise. As tension builds, author Allred does a masterful job with intermingling the lives of the two main characters. The manuscript is accomplished with ardent insight into the life of the mentally ill as well as being completed with striking writing. The detailed and true to life scenes of life in a residential care treatment center are powerfully portrayed.
Sanders’ Starfish is a riveting account drawing the reader into the storyline from the opening lines as we stand at the door confronting Clarissa with Dr Sanders. Our knees smart when the cart is thrust into his by the dogged patient. Reader attention is held fast from that initial contact with this anecdote’s main character and does not diminish until we find the conflict is properly decided.
Writing is good quality, action is fast paced, a convincing well thought out plot is easy to follow, dialogue used effectively moves the story along. Sanders’ Starfish is not a light hearted little tale. Richly rendered surroundings, commanding stimulus, story line twists, snappy exchanges, hair raising excitement and satisfyingly puzzling uncertainty pack the pages of author Allred’s initial work with mesmerizing reader appeal. With a razor sharp, centered narrative; Allred gives a picture of life in a residential care unit few are aware exists. Flourishing with well rounded characters in this remarkably directed anecdote of deception, underhanded conniving and unexpected disputes, the book has something to please every reader.
Reviewed by: Molly’s Reviews
molly martin
Sanders' Starfish is a gripping tale drawing the reader into the story from the opening lines as we stand at the mental residential facility door with Dr Sanders to confront facility patient Clarissa. Our knees smart when the cart is thrust into his. The reader is held fast from that initial contact with this tale's main character and does not subside until we find the conflict suitably resolved. Writing is good in this well written, fast paced tale based on a believable plot. Dialogue used on the pages of Sanders' Starfish effectively moves the story along. Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. --Molly Martin
I love the message of this book and the title that fits it perfectly. Inspires me to be a better person and remember the impact we can have on a person. Allred does an amazing job developing her characters and pulling us into their lives. Great page turner!!!! I would love to read more from this author! --Dawn
This plot has some nice similarities to John Grisham's Rainmaker. It has an array of interesting twists which make it highly intriguing and interesting, while also being somewhat motivational and inspirational. Hope to see more of this author's work. It's a five star read! --Amazon Customer
From the AuthorWhen I was sixteen-years old I read the following account in Dale Carnegie's best-selling book, *How to Win Friends & Influence People, *
"Why do people go insane? I put this question to the head physician of one of our most important psychiatric hospitals. The doctor who has received the highest honors and the most coveted awards for his knowledge on the subject, told me frankly that he didn't know why people went insane. Nobody knew for sure. But he did say that many people who go insane find in insanity a feeling of importance that they were unable to achieve in the world of reality. Then he told this story:"
Carnegie goes on to share the physician's story of a woman whose tragic life brought her to his psychiatric hospital. In my novel, Sanders' Starfish, I shape the character of Rebecca after this woman because I was so deeply troubled by the last words Carnegie shares about her in his account:
"Tragic? Oh, I don't know. Her physician said to me: 'If I could stretch out my hand and restore her sanity, I wouldn't do it. She's much happier as she is.'"
Those lines sparked the beginning sketch of Sanders' Starfish. At 16, I had a rough outline of Rebecca, Dr. Landersen, and Dr. John Sanders characters. For over the next ten years, I researched, listened, and learned whatever I could about this self-posed question "Is a person better off trying to escape reality than face the life they are given?"
Soon Rebecca's character became very symbolic to me as she represented an unwillingness to face her fears. Instead she looked at her dreams through the comforts and safety of a window. To reach her true dreams, courage was required. A step out into the unknown to face the uncertainties of life. This symbolism helped me in facing my own dreams.
I was in my mid-twenties when Sanders' Starfish was published. It was my first novel, which like most authors' first novels, has many flaws and imperfections, yet it was an important first step for me.
Carnegie's book was first published in 1936, then later revised in 1981. I focused my research for Sanders' Starfish to take place in the 1990s due to a time of major shifts in health insurance coverage and private facilities. Since then much has changed in the mental health industry, and much continues to change. There are many good and bad stories about what occurs within this industry. It is a difficult field dealing with some very unfortunate and terrible illnesses. I am immensely thankful for all who invest so much in helping others to find strength to face the day and to seek hope for a better tomorrow.
Ten years after Sanders' Starfish was released, the rest of Rebecca and John's story was shared in the award-winning novel, Unauthored Letters.
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