Look Them in the Eyes Dennis Mantin. Friesen Press, 2023
There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.
Jim Thompson
Following the birth of his daughter, Jackie, middle-aged Zach MacIver is determined to stop what he terms “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” from plaguing his family. Over the course of two years, from the time Jackie is eight until she turns ten, Zach recounts his life experiences to her while attempting to navigate the obstacles created by her mother, Tina, who is experiencing her own version of intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction. The story begins during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world and its inhabitants face mounting daily trials and life-altering decisions. From there the narrative proceeds in a non-linear fashion as Zach recounts the roots of his own dysfunction and how his love for his daughter and his desire to be a good father forced him to face his difficulties head on. American author Jim Thompson once wrote, “There are thirty-two ways to write a story, and I’ve used every one, but there is only one plot—things are not as they seem.” This story is a great reminder of that.
Book I wish I could read again for the first time! Dennis Mantin’s clean characterisation breathes life into the narrative, the realistic portrayal adds to the reader’s understanding of the book’s profound messages on life and people. What’s compelling about the novel is the the Protagonist’s journey, his perspective on “intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction” and how he’s determined to stop that from plaguing his family. The story is neatly told from Zach’s( the protagonist) perspective. It’s a non linear narrative with characters virtually jumping off the page. The characters, their presentation and Mantin’s unique writing style offer readers a fresh and deep perspective. —Anuradha Basu, Amazon, November 21, 2023
Words can hurt. Use them carefully. You never know what inner struggles others are dealing with. If you have nothing good to say, silence is a wonderful option.
Protect yourself and treat yourself with respect. If we treated our friends the way most of us treat ourselves… we would have no friends.
Gravity works.
The sun rises and sets every 24 hours regardless what you think.
You are what you eat. Eat well and in moderation.
Don’t take yourself to seriously. No one else will.
Tell people you care about how you feel. No one can read your mind.
Matter exists in at least 3 states, solids, liquids and gas.
Money matters. You can’t pay rent or eat with good intentions.
Very few people speak truthfully. Many exaggerate. If something is to good to be true then proceed with caution.
There are 2 types of workers. Those that do a good job and Those that promote their careers.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Don’t go to sleep angry.
Shit happens. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.
Generally speaking, following the crowd is a bad idea.
It is not the lies we tell each other that are problematic. It’s the lies we tell ourselves and believe that are the problem.
Change happens. Get used to it or learn to suffer.
Learn to give without an expectation of return: or don’t give.
Fears fall into 2 categories. Rational and irrational.
Avoid the words Always and Never. They rarely happen.
Dennis Mantin
Dennis Mantin 
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