Painless: A Novel

Written by Jamie Mayer

Narrated by Trevor Goble

Seventeen-year-old Quinn can't feel physical pain. Born with a rare neurological condition, he's faced accidents and emergency room visits. It's a surprise he's still alive--a fact that has caused him to be left to his own devices for most of his life. No school, no friends, no rules. At the mercy of his older sister Caitlin, who has spent the past few years caring for their dying father, he spends his days drinking at a nearby bar, testing his limits, and working on a graphic novel about a mysterious vigilante called Shadow Man. Lately, though, even his art has taken a turn for the worse. Quinn has created a new character called Demon Boy who destroys everything he touches, and now Quinn can't decide how his book should end. Furthermore, an ominous black dog has started to follow him everywhere.

On the same day his father dies, Quinn accidentally gets hit by a car and Caitlin decides that this is the last straw. Left with the choice to either find a job and grow up or be committed to a rehabilitation center, Quinn takes a gig at a local butcher shop owned by the father of a sensitive but troubled girl who often changes her appearance with the flick of a wrist. But the closer he gets to finding stability, the further he spins out of control, as the lines between art and reality continue to dissipate.
In this debut novel, Jamie Mayer offers an unflinching and poignant look at loss, empathy, and how to grow up without feeling pain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Apr 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094416656

Jamie Mayer

Screenwriter Jamie Mayer is venturing into prose with her debut YA novel Painless. Born in New York City, Mayer grew up in New Jersey and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son.

Reviews for Painless

[Jerry Weis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An intense story about a boy who is broken in more ways than one, who eventually finds redemption.

[kim · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really enjoyed the unique story-line and the in-depth portrayal of each character! Concise writing and a perfectly selected narrator. Thank you!

[Giada Vancini · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is beautiful and full of nice meanings. I really enjoyed it.

[Jenna Vaughn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The main character is not very likable for the majority of the book. However, as the story unfolds you see glimmers of the making of this hurt and angry teenager. Not a must read but an interesting book that made you think.

[Leah Barton Tew · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Interesting story, but the writer’s concept of how hospitals work seems to be based on sitcoms from the 70s or 80s. Also, the author himself is the narrator; I usually avoid audiobooks narrated by the author, and this book reinforced that mindset. Not enough differentiation between the main characters, which made it hard to follow at times.

[Mesuur Iorkighir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful and heartbreaking story and an equally beautiful ending.