Title: The Id Paradox
Author: Jan Notzon
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 978-1545501375
Pages: 394
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Alyssa Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
As an avid reader and lover of books, I often find myself intrigued by books with complex characters and riveting, action-packed storylines. You know, novels that just immediately grab you and don’t let go until that final sentence is read, and maybe not even then as it lingers in your mind. I can say, with complete confidence, that is what I found when reading Jan Notzon’s The Id Paradox.
Before we take a deep dive into what makes this novel so incredible, allow me to introduce you to the compelling main characters of this book. A trio of teenagers — Jake Kazmareck, Artie Cavazos, and Connors McLain — are three friends that are preparing to embark on an outdoor adventure. Wanting to take in the scenic views of Big Bend National Park in Texas, they decide to go on a canoe trip. What they didn’t know was that their lives would change forever just by going on what should have been the trip of a lifetime. This trip separates the three friends for some time, until many years later, when they attempt to free Artie from an infamous drug cartel in Mexico. Their attempt to save his life fails and once again, they separate, with Jake disappearing from his career after having a breakdown. It is only when Connors learns that Artie is alive and in a Mexican jail that he once again tracks down his old pal, Jake, and pushes him to help save their friend, once and for all. What follows is an action-packed, compelling story which will leave you on the edge of your seat after each chapter, longing to find out what is going to happen next to these engaging characters.
The philosophical and psychological aspects of this novel are riveting and add so much depth to an already incredible tale. The questions that are raised from our perspective are thought-provoking. For these characters who have experienced so much trauma in their lives, will they be able to rise above it and truly heal from it all or will they succumb to the despair of the tragedies they’ve experienced? And if so, what will become of them in the future?
There is much to be a said for a writer who is able to weave these philosophical questions into a story with such ease. They are pertinent reflections on serious psychological issues, which he treats with complete respect throughout. With his vivid descriptions of this heartbreaking story, you feel as though you are experiencing these events firsthand – and it leaves you entirely invested in what will happen by the end of the book. The ending is very realistic and in line with the theme of this novel. This intriguing yet unsettling tale is one you won’t soon forget.