Title: Hurt people, Hurt People

Authors: Ben Young, Edmund Stone, Gage Greenwood, Leigh Kenny

Release Date: September 12^th, 2025

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLHD7MRY

Summary

Hurt is a cycle.

It is said that those who have experienced pain are more likely to inflict pain on others. Within these pages are four examples of the perpetual nature of trauma, and of horrific acts which breed human monsters.

A disgraced med student continues practicing surgery outside of the operating room.
A disfigured woman attempts to overcome her pain with horrifying results.
A working mom learns that running from her past only makes it more dangerous.
A ballet dancer tries to escape the trauma that shadows her.

As one tale bleeds into the next, and suffering begets suffering, they’ll each learn the true meaning behind the old adage…
Hurt people HURT people.

My Review

5/5 Stars

It’s true what they say: hurt people, hurt people. This collection of four stories explores the idea of how trauma can lead a person to accidentally (or not so accidentally) hurt others.

The Surgeon: A med student desperate to help his mother performs facial reconstruction on some unfortunate women.

The Patient: A woman dealing with her recently butchered face, takes to the streets to confront her demons.

Awabama (My favorite in the collection): In an emotional rollercoaster of a story, a Mom tries to handle the trauma of her assault but winds up in an unfortunate situation at her daughter’s sleepover.

Tiny Dancer: A girl who survived the events at a sleepover slaughter tries to bury her demons in dance, but when another girl steals her routine, and her chance at a future, the demons take control.

The collection was impactful because it showed not only the tragic choices the MCs made but also the things that made them human. The things they desperately wanted to do with their lives and the things that they lost because of their trauma. The characters tried their best to cope with it all but sometimes, it’s just not possible.

Real food for thought.