I had never heard of this case before reading but I have learned so much. This book truly opened my eyes to the broken systems for adults with developmental disabilities and how Guy was failed. The evidence was laid out and explained and I go to walk through the case from start to finish. This book is a very important read in today’s world and I fee it did a great justice for a Guy’s memory. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review will be posted on Instagram and Amazon on pub day and links added to NetGalley.

Blame is a story brilliantly written about the life and death of Guy Mitchell, a 38 year old man with intellectual disabilities. Before reading, I had never heard of Guy's story, but I can't help but feel as though while reading this book, I had been seated at the juror's table - the author played the part of judge, lawyer, and witness. This was done through jaw dropping testimonies, in depth descriptions and definitions, and insightful stories written with the people most important to Guy in mind. Through this lens, the author takes you on a journey through the life of Guy; his family, his friends, his support system and all those who were touched by his story. Blame is a tragic tale about death, but woven throughout is glimpses of hope. Hope of better support system for vulnerable adults, hope that Guy's death could awaken empathy and change in those with power, but also hope in community and being kind to one another. Guy's story will stay with me, as I am sure it will stay with you.

A big high five to you Guy!

The level of detail and research in Blame, by Dustin Galer, places you smack in the middle of the story of this tragedy from the first page and keeps you firmly there until the last. The mark of a good read for me is the overwhelming need to share the story with anyone who will listen and Blame gave me that feeling and opportunity on multiple occasions.

While bureaucracy and red tape are rampant throughout most, if not all, structures, I would argue the impacts have rarely been seen to the degree outlined by Galer in describing the tragic and preventable death of Guy Mitchell. At the most basic level, the needs of Guy and his fellow residents of the Santor home were not met, leading to issues that could and should have raised red flags before the eventual outcome that serves as the plot of this story.

Galer's ingenious structuring of this book takes readers through the major points of Guy's life, weaving together the story of his earlier life with his parents and mother, the decision to enter Guy into the Choices program of which the Santors were part, the breakdowns in the systems that were meant to be of service to Guy and his family, and how this all might have been preventable. Conversational and accessible, this is a must-read for all.

This book was an easy read in that it was very relational, which are the books I love. However, it was hard to read because of the abuse and neglect that Guy as well as other disabled adults experienced. Having worked in the social work field for years, it breaks my heart the neglect given to those who can't fight for themselves. It was a book that stuck with me long after I finished reading.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by netgalley. I wasn't obligated to write a review. All opinions were strictly my own.