Late Blight in the Koʻolaus

A Novel

By: Jordan P. Barnes

Narrated by: Ryan Haugen

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

2022 "Best Literary" Book Award Winner, Indies Today

NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY

Seven years after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Avery West agonizes over the reality that his time at the Hawai`i State Hospital is ending. He can’t imagine a life beyond the confines of his psychiatric facility, even if his schizophrenic symptoms are finally in remission. But having spent most of his adult life surviving with mental illness, he has found stability and is terrified of losing everything he’s fought for. Yet despite his reservations, Avery’s treatment team insists he’s ready to move on with his life.

After becoming the newest addition to a local sober home, Avery struggles to adapt to a world that fears and views him as damaged goods. Any slip-up will see him hospitalized again, tearing him away from a daughter who deserves to have her father back. But when he becomes involved with a coworker who believes Western Medicine has failed him to no end, Avery toys with the idea of what life in a perfect world would look like. Faced with controlling his destiny, can he hold it together or will he spiral into rapid decline?

From the award-winning author of One Hit Away comes Late Blight in the Ko`olaus, a galvanizing novel exploring the complexities and stigma of mental health, schizoaffective disorder, and where one goes after being found not guilty by reason of insanity.

©2023 Jordan P. Barnes (P)2023 Jordan P. Barnes

Surviving and Thriving

I’ve been a huge fan of Jordan P. Barnes’ books since he wrote One Hit Away, so I have been eagerly anticipating his latest, Late Blight in the Ko’olaus. It did not disappoint and was well worth the wait. In fact, I plan to listen to it again in the very near future.

The book is both encouraging and painful. While a novel, the book challenges our real-world societal and individual responses to mental health issues as the protagonist, Avery, is afflicted with schizoaffective disorder. His integration back into society after a verdict of Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity and a 7-year hitch in the state psychiatric hospital is complicated and not without peril.
It reminds us of certain truths, like that sometimes our best intentions can be the worst idea for the person that we most want to help, that everyone’s journey is theirs alone, and nearly all of us have at least a small village wanting us to succeed if we will let them. Yes, there are lessons here but none of it is preachy, shaming, or sensationalized. It is first and foremost a novel, an unfolding of choices.

If you have anyone, family or friend, that might be struggling, Late Blight in the Ko’olaus is a journey you don’t want to miss. Also, many times I skip epilogues. Please don’t do that here. In fact, I suggest you read it before you read the book since it gives grounding to what is about to unfold.

Must read!!!

A captivating book that takes you on a journey of empathy and education through the relationship of mental health and substance abuse and the hoops and battles one must face. Entertaining and well written, this book is a must read. Jordan does it again! So happy to add another one of his books to our collection.

AMAZING insight into mental health & NGRI outcome

I fell in love with the characters and didn't want the book to end! I found myself rooting for them, despairing at their loses, and so mad on their behalf at the grievances! It was so enlightening to learn about the representation of what life and dealing with the system is like for people in this unique situation, and what reintegration to society looks like for them after NGRI. This story is inspiring and makes me want to work to support these individuals.

Late Blight in the Koʻolaus is a MUST READ!

You'll get sucked into this book in the first paragraph and won't want to put the book down. As you read it You'll feel like you know Avery West on a personal level. Jordan is a beautiful writer, he writes with so much passion and heart and pours his soul into his books.

Through all the ups and downs, the friendship and heart break and the trials and tribulations of Avery West You'll get to feel how our mental health plays an important role in our everyday lives. Late Blight in the Koʻolaus will help you understand mental health on a more personal level and sometimes it'll bring you to tears, sometimes it'll make you laugh, or get angry, basically it'll make you feel every emotion possible.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would because it's that good. Award winning author Jordan Barnes really knows how to get your attention with his writing and make you fall even more in love with reading.

Must listen

Late Blight in the Ko’olaus tells the story of Avery West, a man who was Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, as he reintegrates back into society after a long psychiatric hospitalization. It accurately depicts the struggles and triumphs he experiences. Jordan Barnes does an excellent job of educating his audience while keeping them engrossed in the story. Beautiful narration by Ryan Haugen draws the listener in even deeper. A must listen!