Review: Crazy by Conscious by Chris Cooper (Anxiety Press)

By Cognizant Ink Magazine

“There’s Just Nothing Quite Like This – A powerfully disruptive debut that pierces through echo chambers, defies genres, and compels readers to question their own perceptions of reality.”

Crazy by Conscious, a striking debut novel by Chris Cooper, is a darkly introspective exploration of self, memory, and mental health, layered with existential humor and rich with early 2000s nostalgia. The novel follows Dennis, a cynical high school AP English teacher who is both hateable and likable, drawing readers into his world with raw vulnerability and biting wit. Burdened by his past and ensnared in a relentless cycle of obsessive contemplation, Dennis becomes the lens through which readers confront themes of trauma, regret, and the paradox of seeking meaning in a world devoid of it.

Dennis is far from a typical protagonist. His journey is largely internal, marked by fragmented recollections, philosophical musings, and a constant analysis of his relationships and choices. His feelings on family, particularly his mother, father, and brothers, are moving and relatable, grounding his existential thoughts in personal connections. As Dennis recalls bittersweet moments from his past, the novel evokes an aching sense of longing that resonates deeply with today’s societal struggles, perfectly capturing modern anxieties surrounding identity, memory, and the passage of time. This makes his attempt to reconcile his present self with his memories feel authentic and humanly raw.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in Cooper’s writing style, which mirrors Dennis's fluctuating state of mind with an unfiltered, stream-of-consciousness approach. The prose is poetic, reflective, and immersive, drawing readers into Dennis’s mind, where small details, passing thoughts, and abstract metaphors offer insight into his inner conflicts. This allows the reader to feel his highs and lows, moments of despair and humor, with an immediacy that is both confrontational and captivating.

The use of surreal imagery and symbolism further enriches the narrative. Memories, like Dennis’s remembrance of childhood or his rumination on past relationships, are presented through a prism that often feels more dreamlike than grounded, capturingthe way memory can distort or idealize certain moments. This layered approach creates a novel that is as much about mood and emotion as it is about story, giving Crazy by Conscious a unique voice that hovers between realism and the surreal.

Dennis’s dark humor and satirical outlook provide a refreshing balance to the novel’s heavier themes. His observations on modern life, relationships, and his own neuroses are often laced with irony, creating moments that are both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny. His personality is complex—at times self-destructive and other times achingly vulnerable—which makes him an engaging, if occasionally polarizing protagonist. His tendency to find humor in the bleakest of moments gives the novel a distinctive tone, bringing levity without detracting from the story’s emotional depth.

However, Crazy by Conscious may present a challenge for readers accustomed to traditional narratives. The book is less concerned with a linear plot and more focused on character exploration, unfolding like a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive storyline. For some, this structure will be deeply engaging, providing a window into Dennis’s psyche, while others may find it slow or meandering. Additionally, the heavy reliance on introspection and existentialism, though fitting for Dennis’s character, may not connect with everyone, especially those less familiar with philosophy. Furthermore, certain explicit scenes—particularly those exploring the unsettling sexual relationship between Dennis, a vulnerable adolescent, and his adult female teacher—may make readers uncomfortable, yet these moments deepen the novel’s raw exploration of human flaws and boundaries.

While we typically avoid half-star ratings, this debut novel felt especially deserving of a 4.5-star rating. The ending, in particular, offered a powerful and memorable resolution, balancing melancholy and acceptance in a way that brings Dennis’s journey full circle. This poignant close felt like a moment of rare clarity in the often chaotic narrative, nudging the novel closer to perfection.

Ultimately, Crazy by Conscious is a powerful and immersive debut, taking readers through the mind of a man grappling with his past and present. Its multi-faceted prose, dark humor, and deeply personal themes make it a novel that rewards careful reading and reflection. Cooper’s novel is an unforgettable journey, one that sears itself into the mind, urging readers to question the depths of memory, identity, and what it truly means to live. For those willing to embrace its unconventional style, Crazy by Conscious offers a deeply resonant story about the search for meaning, self-acceptance, and the complex beauty of life’s darkest moments.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

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