The Journal of Chris Williams 2. Running With The Pack

When I read the first book I was glad, it was satisfying and left me wanting more, but I had thought there was no more to the story. Till I left the review for that one then realized you had three more to the series, so of course I forgo any plans for rest and dived right into the second novel... As someone who was SA'd who grew up feeling rage and just anger for what I went through, but also thinking it was the normal... this story helped me, I did not do the things Chris had done thankfully, but I never realized just the wrong people, the wrong choices, just the wrong life, could have made me hurt others. It was comforting to know that, it is possible to move on from this someday, that what had happened to me and to Chris does not mean it'll mar us forever. It was comforting seeing him grow and adjust in just the pages of a journal, hearing his thoughts of his actions of his worries for his former pack had went through. I enjoyed this very much.

For a follow-up book to Running with the Pack, it was surprising that such a minor character was chosen, but it works so well. The format is interesting and makes for a good read as we share what's in the main characters mind. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Here is a story of how a bully learned his lesson in how to treat people better and finding his true mate! You will enjoy this story and also might learn a good lesson too. Keep up the great writing and you will go far in that way of life of entertaining everyone!

No spoilers until the warning.

I've made it clear I wasn't a fan of the first book, but I still finished it after reading the premise for this one. I'm glad I gave this book a chance, because it was far more enjoyable of a read. Every criticism I could have for this story stems from it's narrative framing, that being that it's a journal written by the protagonist ostensibly to his therapist. This, compared to a third person perspective, is inherently limited. Chris, the protag, is only going to write so much and only about certain important things. This however is also a strength; there was no filler. Everything felt relevant, everything was something he wanted to say and felt he should. Chris was an antagonist of the previous book, little more than a sadistic lackey for the main villain. Here it's clear just how much of a victim he is. The abuse he suffered, the grooming at the hands of his supposed friend, the trauma he faces because of it, it hurt. I truly felt for this character, and it really felt good to see him begin to turn his life around. To work towards redemption. I can safely recommend this book, with the caveat that discussion of sexual assault, abuse, and a whole lotta horrific shit is in here. Primarily in one chapter, but this is about a character going to therapy to deal with that trauma, and boy is there a lot of it. At some points I wanted more detail, to see the subtleties of how his trauma affects him and to see those points of pain lessen, but I think the fact that it's a brisk 20 relatively short chapters really works in it's favor. I think I just enjoyed it enough that I wanted more, to get even more immersed in this character. I struggle to decide whether I like this or the third book more, but going over it again for the review I think this one is my favorite in the series. It's just good fiction.

Spoilers here so I can praise some specifics.

The guilt is palpable, especially when it comes to shifting. The conversation between Chris and Enforcer Hanson was so telling to how internalized his guilt his, how he really thinks he deserves to suffer. Him saying that if he had went with Micheal he would have deserved being abused at their hands, but that he didn't and therefor doesn't deserve that really helps show his growth in forgiving himself. Everything surrounding his rape, and his violence towards others as a hollow attempt to reclaim agency and his masculinity is just fantastic, especially when he highlights that it was hollow. He knows it was pointless. Honestly it was amazing. He really felt like a scared kid who's world fell apart and he's the reason why.

After reading Running with the Pack numerous times, I finally decided to read the next story in the series. Chris, in the first book, caught my attention numerous times as a villainous character. Utilizing him as a main character through a journal gave me trepidation before committing to a thorough read.

This journal dives deep into a young man's flaws in decision-making. It dives further when he realizes those flaws. Diving further, he comes to terms of why he made those choices, and how he can begin the healing process. The author's research is impeccable, and the understanding of depression is something to revere. I loathed the concept of taking the point-of-view of a despicable character from the first story, but the entries turned my opinion quickly and abruptly. 

Wholesome. While Chris' journey in recovery is filled with self-hate and other psychological conundrums, I can not find a better word to describe this adventure. I personally believe there is no one stronger than someone who has been broken, but then rebuilds themselves. Prior to my former belief written above, Chris is a deserving character who needed to have his story told, even if there are others from the first book who could have theirs told instead. 

If any RwtP fan hasn't continued the series, you must. This journal is intense, more than I gave it credit for when I viewed the summary page. Like the reviews below, I recommend this story, and I am kicking myself for not starting it sooner. 

Reading The Journal of Chris Williams brought to mind Animal Farm. While George Orwell used pigs and other animals as stand-ins for humans in his social commentary, in this case, we have werewolves. The other main thought running through my head while reading was the story is a tale of recovery and redemption.

I'm not familiar with twelve-step programs but from the little I know about them, some of Chris' actions approached a few of the steps I'm aware of. Admission of a problem, recognition of the need to change, involvement in new activities, communication with those wronged by writing letters all seem to fit the process those dealing with addiction go through.

We relate to a likable protagonist and feel his pain during the struggle to change and his joy when he achieves victories. The author draws us in and we get lost in the character's plight. Someone who wasn't a good being changes for the better and we root for him all the way.

From a technical point of view, the use of a first-person narrative framed as journal entries is very forgiving. Spelling and grammatical errors can be attributed to the character since it's his words we read. Some errors could be corrected but even though not perfect, the story is a joy to read.

I highly recommend  The Journal of Chris Williams.

Another fantastic story. Loved the diary element of this story, gave us a great insite into the characters.