BEREET REALITY is Released

FLOYD KNOBS, Ind. - The search for self-discovery and self-esteem takes a dangerous turn when those in power manipulate the perceptions of several vulnerable young women. In his new novel, James Summers portrays the psychological odyssey of those who have found themselves in a state of "Bereft Reality" (published by Xlibris).

Summer is a recovering alcoholic who wants to help her friend and sets her up for a self-esteem course through the internet. They offer a full spectrum of social and business skills necessary for corporate success, but behind the buzzword-laden marketing, the therapists have an extreme view on personal development, believing that the ends justify the means and using perception-altering methods to achieve their goals. When the therapy begins, individual rights are forfeited as the subject goes down a rabbit hole of physical and psychological rebirth. One is supposed to emerge mentally and physically fit to do battle, fully qualified for the toughest of business models.

The absolute control wielded by the professionals and their patients' longing for esteem result in a skewered power dynamic. There is exploitation and corruption even as genuine attempts to help are made. The powerful fall from grace, the weak gain strength. They create a "Bereft Reality" where the order of the outside world is turned upside down, roles are reversed and forbidden fantasies are played out. Self-discoveries are realized, personalities transformed, but in entirely unexpected ways.

Summers' multi-layered narrative affects even the readers. The psychological labyrinth the protagonists navigate extends and draws the audience in - absorbing them into the dynamics of the fantasy, itself a reflection of reality angled to meet darker desires, things hidden beneath the surface of the consciousness, found and harnessed by role play, then transmuted into life-changing purpose and direction. Summers shows that esteem can be a two-edged sword wielding as much power verbally as it could physically. He asks readers what they would do if they grew up being told that the sky was green, that the grass was blue, if they lived in a state of "Bereft Reality."

"Bereft Reality"
By James Summers
Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 516 pages | ISBN 9781503559509
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 516 pages | ISBN 9781503559516
E-Book | 516 pages | ISBN 9781503559523
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
James Summers loves horror in all its forms. He has written several short stories and poems throughout the years. Thriving on the darkness within, he tends to focus exclusively on psychological horror.

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.