A.J. Jacono is making his mark in the literary world with his debut novel, *Yes, Yes*, set to be released on 23rd February 2027 by Crooked Lane Books. This speculative fiction work has been described as a “cautionary tale” that explores the perils of escaping from uncomfortable emotions. Jacono, who is also the founder of the literary journal *The Spotlog Review* and a co-owner of the New York City bookstore and bar *Bibliotheque*, is keen to delve into the implications of self-avoidance in emotional experiences.
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The narrative of *Yes, Yes* revolves around Maria Bailey, a ruthless CEO and narcissist, who finds herself living with her son Kai and his girlfriend Emma after a downward spiral into depression. Set in the confines of the young couple’s modest apartment, Maria’s domineering and emotionally abusive nature begins to strain the relationships within the household. As tensions escalate, Jacqueline’s portrayal of familial dynamics offers a sharp commentary on the impact of unaddressed mental health issues.
Faced with increasing despair over his mother’s behaviour, Kai takes drastic measures. On discovering Dr. Findley, a neurosurgeon who promises to eliminate all negative emotions from Maria, both mother and son decide to undergo the radical procedure. The surgery appears to be a success initially, leading to a brief period of upbeat behaviour from Maria. However, the narrative poignantly warns that the exclusivity of positive emotions can also usher in unforeseen challenges.
As the story unfolds, the unintended consequences of Maria’s surgery become evident. When her newfound happiness spirals into something darker, Kai is left to confront the aftermath of both his mother’s previous actions and the repercussions of the surgery. This juxtaposition of Maria’s emotional transformation serves as a profound exploration of the complexities surrounding mental health.
According to Jacono, the essence of *Yes, Yes* extends beyond mere entertainment. He articulates that the novel scrutinises society’s tendency to dismiss difficult feelings instead of confronting them. “To me, *Yes, Yes* is an examination of the human inclination to reject feelings that are difficult to bear through,” he remarked. “At the same time, it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of running away from our toughest emotions.”
Through his narrative, Jacono aims to encourage readers to confront their own emotional landscapes. The author believes that embracing the full range of emotions, no matter how challenging they may be, is crucial for leading fulfilling lives. He reflects, “Writing this book helped me realise that we all have an obligation to experience the complete spectrum of emotions to lead beautiful, meaningful lives.”
*Yes, Yes* is also drawing comparisons to popular cultural references, being described by its publisher as “Black Mirror meets *Succession*.” This fusion of speculative elements with a narrative exploring familial power dynamics suggests that the novel will resonate with fans of literary thrillers.
As anticipation builds for its release, *Yes, Yes* is already available for pre-order, inviting readers into Jacono’s thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. This debut novel is poised to shine a light on critical issues surrounding emotional health and the unravelling of complex relationships, ultimately encouraging a consideration of the deep-seated emotions that shape our lives.
Jacono’s work is a testament to the power of literature as a medium for reflection and understanding. He hopes to inspire readers not just to engage with the text but to reflect on their emotional journeys as well. As the release date approaches, it is clear that *Yes, Yes* aims to play a significant role in initiating conversations about mental health and the necessity of confronting one’s feelings.