THE GRAY: LIVING WITH ANXIETY AND FINDING WAYS TO COPE

Book by Chris Baron

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

November 8,2023 (San Diego) – Award-winning local author Chris Baron, an English professor at San Diego City College, has crafted a beautifully written, compelling story in his latest book, The Gray.

Sasha experiences bullying at middle school. His anxiety becomes so bad that he called it The Gray. Afraid that Sasha’s fears might grow, his dad advises him to “toughen up” but when Sasha did fight back, it had hurtful results.

His parents and therapist want Sasha to spend a summer in the country with his Aunt Ruthie. Sasha has his doubts. He’ll be away from his best friend and video games. Most of all, he’ll be living in the house where his beloved uncle lived until he died two years earlier  He reflects:.

I trust D. W, but will a whole month away really help? I don’t understand why I can’t try to make these changes with my friends rather than without them. Daniel’s going to be leveling up, basically getting all the best stuff in every game, and I’m going to miss out. I’ll be so far behind when I get back. What if he moves on to some other game? I won’t be able to check notifications or game status. I probably can’t even communicate with him. And Daniel is pretty much the only friend I have. The thought makes my hands get a little sweaty, cold. What if “getting away from it all” makes things worse?

Aunt Ruthie will be supportive, and there will be lots of places to explore, and even some potential new friends. When Sasha is introduced at a local ranch to a horse coincidentally–incredibly–nicknamed The Gray, he wonders if he’s found a kindred spirit.

When Sasha arrives, everything feels swallowed up in The Gray. He struggles against bullies and experiences loneliness until he forms a friendship. But then, his friend disappears. Sasha battles against The Gray. Will he muster the courage to help in the search for his friend?

We all face fear and sorrow from time to time. This story helps us readers to be kinder to ourselves and to take risks.