Today please help me welcome memoirist, academic editor, dog lover and frequent flier Jamie Patterson of Minneapolis. Today Jamie is sharing an excerpt from her story about what happens when you marry a sociopath.
Through October 23, U.S. residents may be entered to win a signed paperback of Jamie Patterson’s Lost Edens by commenting with the name of Jamie’s dog in the book. Hint: Check out her blog. For extra points, subscribe to this blog through FeedBurner.
Lost Edens describes Jamie’s life during a brief interlude in California when she was trying to save her marriage. It is a disturbing but triumphant story that will render you both frustrated and relieved.
Excerpt from
“Husband,” the caller ID reads, flashing a picture of Ben from the very first day we bought our phones back in Kansas. We had taken pictures of each other sitting in the Sonic parking lot, waiting for our food. I love this picture of his smiling face, the Sonic Menu a halo around his head. I smile at the picture. I knew he would call.
“What’s up? How’s it going?” he asks.
“Good. Just getting all moved in.”
“Is there room in the driveway for my Jeep?”
My heart skips a beat.
“Yes, there’s plenty of room.”
“Did you check to see if storage is open?”
“Yes, it’s open all day until five. I can meet you there.”
“Okay, good.”
“Good.”
“Are you sure about this?” he asks.
“You’re more than welcome at the cottage, Ben.”
“I know, but are you sure you don’t want to just date for a while, you in your house, me in mine?”
“I want to be with you, Ben. It’s that simple.”
“Yeah, until you kick me out.”
“I’m not going to kick you out,” I say gently.
“You might.”
“I won’t.”
“You said yesterday you wanted me to move slowly.”
Suddenly he is accusatory. Sarcastic.
“I do. You said you have a terrible living situation, and I want you to be sure you aren’t just making a move to get away from something.”
“Well, it is a bad living situation. It’s not good.” He is quiet. “But I want to be with you.”
“Okay,” I say. This is enough for me.
“Well, I’ll call when I’m at storage if you can meet me with the keys.”
“Sure, do you need help moving out?”
“No. Thanks, though. Is there anything we need at the cottage? Bookshelves?”
“Nope.”
“Dresser?”
“Nope.”
“Stereo?”
“Nope, it’s all there.”
“Well, good, because that’s all I’ve got. You sold all our stuff,” he says, and I can feel the giant finger of the universe pointing to me in fault.
“You said you didn’t want any of it!”
“I know, but I still can’t believe you sold all our stuff.”
“You were there, Ben, you could have stopped it.”
“Are you sure about this?” he asks again.
“Yes,” I reply. “My home will always be open to you.”
“Okay, well. I’ll call in a bit.”
“Okay. Talk to you soon.”
I think her dog’s name is Huey. This book sounds intense. I would love to read it!
This excerpt makes me want to read her book. I can just “feel” her making a wrong decision. The dog, or dogs, are Huey and Jarvis.
The story of being married to a sociopath will resonate with so many readers.
There was a cute photo of Huey and Jarvis on her website. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wow! This makes me want to stand next to this woman and scream “Don’t do that” at her. Her ‘husband” reminds me of someone who caused me a lot of mental pain in the past. I would love to read this book. Huey is the name of her aging dog. Reminds me of our neighbor who had to carry his aging dog to the park so the dog could get a change of scenery.
This looks like such an interesting read! And her dog’s name is Huey.
I would love to win a copy of Lost Edens by Jamie Patterson and the answer to the trivia question is her dog’s name is Huey.
This books sounds amazing. I would love to read it! The dog’s name is Huey.
Jamie’s dog’s name is Huey. I did check out her blog. This sounds like a fascinating account, all the more so since it is her true story. Please enter me in the book drawing. Thanks.
Huey is the answer. I subscribe via FeedBurner.
Huey is the name of her dog and jogging partner.
Thank heavens our marriage hasn’t stuttered. I don’t think I could handle the hurt and uncertainty that is involved. It will be interesting to see how you handled this time of your life.
Good luck with your book and your career.
Huey. The excerpt was amazing. I can empathize. It’s scary the way some people can manipulate you and before you know it, you’re wondering how you got there & how the devil you’re gonna get out.
I would love to be entered. The dog is named Huey.
Sounds like a great memoir…thanks for the chance to read it…oh, yeah, the dog’s name is Huey.
The dog is Huey. I’m subscribed via email.
Hi Stephanie ~
This sounds like an amazing memoir. I will be a domestic violence survivor for one year on October 26th. It always amazes me to read about and/or hear stories from others on how they escaped and how empowered and triumphant they feel afterwards. Happy that she wrote a book about her experience. Although I would love to do the same, it’s not my forte. Wishing Jamie & Huey a very happy and prosperous life filled with love and light.
Huey the dog…he needs me as a running partner since I am slow as a tortoise. Wow what a book. Can’t wait to read it. That small sample was quite inviting. It also feels very hard to write with that much honesty.
The dog’s name is Huey.