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Different Spheres
Gil Donaldson returned to his hometown of Boulder, Colorado, after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis cut short his teaching career and his love life on the East Coast. Waking one morning to find that his vision has gone blurry, which makes driving himself to the hospital out of the question, Gil solicits the help of his slightly-reclusive neighbor, Warren Masters, to take him to the ER.
The two men become friends over the course of Gil’s recovery from his latest relapse, and while Gil recognizes he’s attracted to the other man, he refuses to act on it. Gil doesn’t like relying on anyone else to ensure his emotional or physical health, and he’s grown used to being alone, or at least that’s what he tells himself. Warren is a man of few words, but he’s there whenever Gil needs him, and he has only one request for them to be together.
The two men become friends over the course of Gil’s recovery from his latest relapse, and while Gil recognizes he’s attracted to the other man, he refuses to act on it. Gil doesn’t like relying on anyone else to ensure his emotional or physical health, and he’s grown used to being alone, or at least that’s what he tells himself. Warren is a man of few words, but he’s there whenever Gil needs him, and he has only one request for them to be together.
47 pages, ebook
First published February 22, 2012
108 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
133 books533 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 23, 2012
Oh, I want to HUG this book *sigh*. I love it for these reasons:
1) It features a 'minority' sub-group in M/M romance. Gil Donaldson suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS). It adds nuance to the story. It's great not to have someone who's perfect (as it comes often in other stories).
2) Both Gil and Warren (his kind neighbour) are in the 'later' side of age. Not THAT old, but Gil is 44 years old single man (having his partner left him seven years ago after he was diagnosed with the disease) while Warren is a retired firefighter (I assume he's in late 40s). Thus, there's maturity in a way they build relationship. There's no quick lust and jump in between the sheet.
3) In addition, due to his disease, Gil approaches the next step of their friendship with tentativeness. He doesn't want to be dependent on Warren -- having accustomed of being quite independent by himself. So the progress is well-built and there are so, SO MUCH tenderness ...
Definitely a gem of a short story.
1) It features a 'minority' sub-group in M/M romance. Gil Donaldson suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS). It adds nuance to the story. It's great not to have someone who's perfect (as it comes often in other stories).
2) Both Gil and Warren (his kind neighbour) are in the 'later' side of age. Not THAT old, but Gil is 44 years old single man (having his partner left him seven years ago after he was diagnosed with the disease) while Warren is a retired firefighter (I assume he's in late 40s). Thus, there's maturity in a way they build relationship. There's no quick lust and jump in between the sheet.
3) In addition, due to his disease, Gil approaches the next step of their friendship with tentativeness. He doesn't want to be dependent on Warren -- having accustomed of being quite independent by himself. So the progress is well-built and there are so, SO MUCH tenderness ...
Definitely a gem of a short story.
July 14, 2013
Another little Cari Z novella...all my stalking of the author's previous work is paying off in leaps and bounds!! 4.5 stars
This little novella features Gil an academic, whose teaching career has been cut short by MS. His old lover left him as soon as the disease was diagnosed, so Gil has been quietly going about his business as best he can....unfortunately, the disease is getting stronger, and Gil is having great difficulty in doing the everyday things that you and I take for granted, some days are obviously worse than others.
On one of these 'worse' days, he wakes up to discover that he cannot see properly, and in a panic, calls on his next door neighbour Warren, and asks him to take him to the hospital. Warren has been living next door to Gil for around 6 months, but they are hardly the best of neighbours...they barely know each other. What follows from that hospital visit is a nice little friends to lovers story...does it have a Happy Ever After, well you'll have to find out!! Recommended.
April 29, 2012
For such a short book, this story holds a lot of punch.
I enjoyed this story because of how it was told. Gil is in need of help and Warren is more than willing to give it and more. I liked the way Gil was not ashamed to ask for help and I liked the way Warren was not affected or disgusted by Gil's illness.
Their relationship is sweet in the sense it slowly blossoms. They start out as neighbors then turn to friends then turn to lovers who are more than willing to put up with each other's faults. And we actually get to see their development. I cried a bit when Warren talked about his past relationship and was both saddened and appalled by Gil's.
I just wished we could have seen more of the feelings Warren was hiding from Gil. But I do believe the way it was handled was done quite well and sincerely hope there will be more of Gil and Warren to come because I loved these boys and their story. Definitely recommended.
I enjoyed this story because of how it was told. Gil is in need of help and Warren is more than willing to give it and more. I liked the way Gil was not ashamed to ask for help and I liked the way Warren was not affected or disgusted by Gil's illness.
Their relationship is sweet in the sense it slowly blossoms. They start out as neighbors then turn to friends then turn to lovers who are more than willing to put up with each other's faults. And we actually get to see their development. I cried a bit when Warren talked about his past relationship and was both saddened and appalled by Gil's.
I just wished we could have seen more of the feelings Warren was hiding from Gil. But I do believe the way it was handled was done quite well and sincerely hope there will be more of Gil and Warren to come because I loved these boys and their story. Definitely recommended.
July 5, 2015
There were so many reasons for me to love this, I wanted to love it, actually feel bad that I couldn't. Older characters; one mid-fourties the other I believe early fifties. Building friendship rather than insta-insta. And instead of typical characterisation, the main character has MS.
Cari Z. appears to have researched MS, it's well written. But perhaps limited by the short-story format neglected the building friendship. I didn't want to read that their meeting became a habit or after ten days of this I needed to see them spending the time together for it to mean anything.
As a result all I know of Warren is he's a retired fire-fighter who now does metal sculptures. He never steps out of his stereotype.
I was surprised to learn that helping with the dishes was an act more intimate than mere neighbours and friends
And Gil, wasn't the most endearing, the fact his name makes me visualise 'Gil Grissom' is no-one's issue but mine -
But his way of talking goes from quirky to alienating. His love of words reminded me of a lecturer I once had; very intelligent with the unfortunate habit of coming across pompous. While I found him interesting I'd not wish to speak with him at length and most others had a negative reaction. I couldn't escape the impression that in real life Gil's manner would not be making him any friends. Cari obviously loves her polysyllabic words, it filtered from Gil's speech into the main text. It stopped the flow of the story like a student trying to hard to impress. Even the sister's cat is named for Iphigenia.
Then after all the unseen bonding Gil wakes up to an insensible, pained blur, Warren miraculously appears, un-summoned, and this is the time chosen for the relationship to develop!
Such enthusiasm. Romance is dead. It was mistimed and worded to be unappealing.
The basis is good and as a longer story this has the potential to be something great, but as much as I liked the set-up too much is off page for me to feel much of anything.
-- --
Also I know it's a standard cover but WTF?!?!
It's a dead person with only half a chest and one big boob, being cuddled by another guy! It's wrong. Every-time I happen upon it I think WTF?!
Cari Z. appears to have researched MS, it's well written. But perhaps limited by the short-story format neglected the building friendship. I didn't want to read that their meeting became a habit or after ten days of this I needed to see them spending the time together for it to mean anything.
As a result all I know of Warren is he's a retired fire-fighter who now does metal sculptures. He never steps out of his stereotype.
I was surprised to learn that helping with the dishes was an act more intimate than mere neighbours and friends
And Gil, wasn't the most endearing, the fact his name makes me visualise 'Gil Grissom' is no-one's issue but mine -
But his way of talking goes from quirky to alienating. His love of words reminded me of a lecturer I once had; very intelligent with the unfortunate habit of coming across pompous. While I found him interesting I'd not wish to speak with him at length and most others had a negative reaction. I couldn't escape the impression that in real life Gil's manner would not be making him any friends. Cari obviously loves her polysyllabic words, it filtered from Gil's speech into the main text. It stopped the flow of the story like a student trying to hard to impress. Even the sister's cat is named for Iphigenia.
Then after all the unseen bonding Gil wakes up to an insensible, pained blur, Warren miraculously appears, un-summoned, and this is the time chosen for the relationship to develop!
And if you take me, you'll be doing most of the work anyway.
Such enthusiasm. Romance is dead. It was mistimed and worded to be unappealing.
The basis is good and as a longer story this has the potential to be something great, but as much as I liked the set-up too much is off page for me to feel much of anything.
-- --
Also I know it's a standard cover but WTF?!?!
It's a dead person with only half a chest and one big boob, being cuddled by another guy! It's wrong. Every-time I happen upon it I think WTF?!
February 26, 2012
Reviewed for heartsonfirereviews.com
Poor Gil. Ten years ago he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and when he has a relapse, he calls his sister Tally. When this relapse occurs, complete with double vision, Tally is on her first child-free, non-work related vacation with her husband. There is no way Gil is going to bother her. So, he goes next door to Warren’s house, his new (for six months) neighbor to get a ride to the hospital. Warren not only drives him to the hospital, he checks him in, waits for him and makes sure he has what he needs.
Gil lost so much with the progression of his disease. His was an active, traveling life during summer break from his teaching at institutions such as Harvard. He had a partner who shared his love of such things, and had a great life. A life that was completely changed with this disease. His partner turned out to be a complete selfish tool, and Gil couldn’t even stay on the coast after a while due to his illness. So to say that Gil is hesitant about getting involved with anyone is putting it lightly.
What this story shows is the blossoming of a friendship, with no pressure and no expectations. It is a slow build, and a precious glimpse into the lives of a mature (44 year old) man, living with a progressive disease and how that affects perceptions. Warren is 50, and had lost a partner to a heart attack. When he tells Gil about the last words of his lover, Nate, before he died, I cried. It was just so, real life and hurting.
This is a short book that I didn’t want to be any longer than what it was. While I would love a follow up sequel to revisit Warren and Gil, I felt this ended at such a beautiful place that anything else wouldn’t work.
Definitely recommended for those of us who aren’t perfect, who aren’t 18 and who know how difficult opening up can be.
Poor Gil. Ten years ago he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and when he has a relapse, he calls his sister Tally. When this relapse occurs, complete with double vision, Tally is on her first child-free, non-work related vacation with her husband. There is no way Gil is going to bother her. So, he goes next door to Warren’s house, his new (for six months) neighbor to get a ride to the hospital. Warren not only drives him to the hospital, he checks him in, waits for him and makes sure he has what he needs.
Gil lost so much with the progression of his disease. His was an active, traveling life during summer break from his teaching at institutions such as Harvard. He had a partner who shared his love of such things, and had a great life. A life that was completely changed with this disease. His partner turned out to be a complete selfish tool, and Gil couldn’t even stay on the coast after a while due to his illness. So to say that Gil is hesitant about getting involved with anyone is putting it lightly.
What this story shows is the blossoming of a friendship, with no pressure and no expectations. It is a slow build, and a precious glimpse into the lives of a mature (44 year old) man, living with a progressive disease and how that affects perceptions. Warren is 50, and had lost a partner to a heart attack. When he tells Gil about the last words of his lover, Nate, before he died, I cried. It was just so, real life and hurting.
This is a short book that I didn’t want to be any longer than what it was. While I would love a follow up sequel to revisit Warren and Gil, I felt this ended at such a beautiful place that anything else wouldn’t work.
Definitely recommended for those of us who aren’t perfect, who aren’t 18 and who know how difficult opening up can be.
February 8, 2016
5 stars are NOT enough for this sweet, funny, heart warming short novella. I"m not sure what I expected but what I got, from the start is the very clever and funny POV of Gil, who have been diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and have been struggling with the growing effects it has on him after managing the illness for the past 7 years.
As much as Gil is depressed with the situation he is in, and as much as it is heart breaking, the way he sees everything around him, how he describes everything and the words he uses (as a literature professor) is hilarious! Even when he is so down, he still managed to put a smile on my face with his observations.
Warren have been Gil's neighbor for the past 6 months but they never really talked before the morning Gil awakens without his sight, having no one else to turn to expect for his next door neighbor (his sister being away on a cruse). Warren offers his help and friendship in his silent way and won't accept no for an answer when what he is offering is more than Gil would have asked or expected.
What forms between the two for the next two weeks is a quiet friendship / companionship when neither man is willing to say the words that are obvious between them. But once they are out, when Warren actually utters what's in his heart, it's so touching and lovely it's no wonder all Gil could do is accept the love Warren was offering.
A MUST read. Sweet, tender, loving and yet heart breaking all the same.
More Reviews HERE
As much as Gil is depressed with the situation he is in, and as much as it is heart breaking, the way he sees everything around him, how he describes everything and the words he uses (as a literature professor) is hilarious! Even when he is so down, he still managed to put a smile on my face with his observations.
Warren have been Gil's neighbor for the past 6 months but they never really talked before the morning Gil awakens without his sight, having no one else to turn to expect for his next door neighbor (his sister being away on a cruse). Warren offers his help and friendship in his silent way and won't accept no for an answer when what he is offering is more than Gil would have asked or expected.
What forms between the two for the next two weeks is a quiet friendship / companionship when neither man is willing to say the words that are obvious between them. But once they are out, when Warren actually utters what's in his heart, it's so touching and lovely it's no wonder all Gil could do is accept the love Warren was offering.
A MUST read. Sweet, tender, loving and yet heart breaking all the same.
More Reviews HERE
July 11, 2013
Aaaand another short story by Cari Z. that I loved!!
This one is about Gil, professor for writing and poetics, and you notice his love for words in every sentence. It's his perspective we get and because of that the vocabulary, the imagery, and the phrasings are colourful, complex, dictionary-worthy, and adorably fitting. I love it when you can feel a character in the way a story is written and Gil's character is a fundamental part of every aspect here.
Gil has multiple sclerosis and after a relapse leaves him with blurry eyesight, he asks his reclusive neighbour Warren to drive him to the nearest hospital. From then on, Gil and Warren begin to form a friendship that allows both men to forget about their earlier, often alone and sometimes lonely way of living. The attraction is there, too, but Gil has lost several lovers, including a husband, to different circumstances and his disease. Trust doesn't come easy for him, and dependency is the last thing he thinks he needs. Or is it?
I really loved this story - it could have been a bit longer for my taste, but that's the only drawback I can find. A close family member of mine has MS and I was happy to see this topic be part of a romance story. Thanks, Cari Z.!
This one is about Gil, professor for writing and poetics, and you notice his love for words in every sentence. It's his perspective we get and because of that the vocabulary, the imagery, and the phrasings are colourful, complex, dictionary-worthy, and adorably fitting. I love it when you can feel a character in the way a story is written and Gil's character is a fundamental part of every aspect here.
Gil has multiple sclerosis and after a relapse leaves him with blurry eyesight, he asks his reclusive neighbour Warren to drive him to the nearest hospital. From then on, Gil and Warren begin to form a friendship that allows both men to forget about their earlier, often alone and sometimes lonely way of living. The attraction is there, too, but Gil has lost several lovers, including a husband, to different circumstances and his disease. Trust doesn't come easy for him, and dependency is the last thing he thinks he needs. Or is it?
I really loved this story - it could have been a bit longer for my taste, but that's the only drawback I can find. A close family member of mine has MS and I was happy to see this topic be part of a romance story. Thanks, Cari Z.!
June 11, 2022
Lovely little short story about two men in their 40s, one with MS, falling quietly in love. Gil Donaldson is a literature professor whose husband divorced him after Gil was diagnosed. Warren Masters is a retired firefighter who lost his boyfriend to a heart attack after fourteen years together. Their neighborly relationship starts turning into more when Gil wakes up one morning to find his vision all screwed up, and calmly goes next door to ask Warren for a ride to the hospital.
Gil is intellectual, acerbic, and quite used to managing his own life, but he finds Warren's quiet presence comforting. The daily rituals of sharing meals, reading together, and going for a drive just to enjoy Gil's beloved Alfa Romeo just seem more satisfying with Warren around. It's a comfort that the author conveys to the reader so well that I've re-read this when I needed that literary warm blanket feeling. Totally satisfying to see Gil's sister give him a metaphorical whack on the back of the head for not taking things further with Warren, and heartwarming when they finally do.
Gil is intellectual, acerbic, and quite used to managing his own life, but he finds Warren's quiet presence comforting. The daily rituals of sharing meals, reading together, and going for a drive just to enjoy Gil's beloved Alfa Romeo just seem more satisfying with Warren around. It's a comfort that the author conveys to the reader so well that I've re-read this when I needed that literary warm blanket feeling. Totally satisfying to see Gil's sister give him a metaphorical whack on the back of the head for not taking things further with Warren, and heartwarming when they finally do.
March 16, 2012
4 1/2 stars!
Cari Z’s DIFFERENT SPHERES is what a short story should be: a complete story, with well-developed characters, a plot that flows, begins at the beginning and ends as it should. There is a special talent for writing short stories and Ms Z has that talent in spades.
I loved this little story and recommend it to anyone who is unafraid to read about people falling in love who are not perfect, not young, not beautiful, but have little to lose by trying.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 17, 2012)
Cari Z’s DIFFERENT SPHERES is what a short story should be: a complete story, with well-developed characters, a plot that flows, begins at the beginning and ends as it should. There is a special talent for writing short stories and Ms Z has that talent in spades.
I loved this little story and recommend it to anyone who is unafraid to read about people falling in love who are not perfect, not young, not beautiful, but have little to lose by trying.
Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... (March 17, 2012)
March 5, 2012
I really, really loved this. I loved the characters and that they were both older men, I loved that it dealt with MS, which was well done and something we don't see too much of in m/m romance (or any romance for that matter). I really enjoyed reading about these two...wouldn't mind getting to read more too!
April 20, 2012
Very good short m/m romance about a professor who has MS and needs to ask his next-door neighbor for a ride to the hospital when he has a relapse.
June 25, 2012
I really liked this short story of Gil and Warren - two men who have been hurt in the past and who have issues and to overcome. But they do in a most satisfying way!
April 16, 2012
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Why oh why is this book not a full-length novel? I absolutely loved every second I spent reading this book! Both of the main characters, Gil and Warren, were refreshingly written and unique heroes. Gil has had multiple sclerosis for years, and continues to fight for his independence and Warren is a retired fireman who lost his partner two years ago to a heart attack. I loved watching the friendship and attraction develop between them, and truly believe that they were really made for each other. I also appreciated that neither hero is physically perfect, nor are they young men. Gil is in his forties and Warren in his fifties, and because they were more mature, both of them were more settled and comfortable within their skin.
The story itself is very fast-paced and full of sweet moments from watching Gil and Warren develop a strong connection between them. I loved the camaraderie and honesty between them, and even their determination to work through Gil’s physical challenges from his illness. I quickly found myself rallying behind these two heroes with the hope that they would find their happy ending together. It’s so easy to like and respect these two men and reading about them and their evolving relationship together was a pure pleasure. My big gripe is that the book is too short! I hope that the author takes pity on this reader and writes more about these two amazing heroes, because I’m definitely craving to read more about them! If you are looking for a creative, refreshing read with two well written and unique heroes, then Different Spheres is definitely the book for you! I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading more books my Cari Z. in the future.
Why oh why is this book not a full-length novel? I absolutely loved every second I spent reading this book! Both of the main characters, Gil and Warren, were refreshingly written and unique heroes. Gil has had multiple sclerosis for years, and continues to fight for his independence and Warren is a retired fireman who lost his partner two years ago to a heart attack. I loved watching the friendship and attraction develop between them, and truly believe that they were really made for each other. I also appreciated that neither hero is physically perfect, nor are they young men. Gil is in his forties and Warren in his fifties, and because they were more mature, both of them were more settled and comfortable within their skin.
The story itself is very fast-paced and full of sweet moments from watching Gil and Warren develop a strong connection between them. I loved the camaraderie and honesty between them, and even their determination to work through Gil’s physical challenges from his illness. I quickly found myself rallying behind these two heroes with the hope that they would find their happy ending together. It’s so easy to like and respect these two men and reading about them and their evolving relationship together was a pure pleasure. My big gripe is that the book is too short! I hope that the author takes pity on this reader and writes more about these two amazing heroes, because I’m definitely craving to read more about them! If you are looking for a creative, refreshing read with two well written and unique heroes, then Different Spheres is definitely the book for you! I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading more books my Cari Z. in the future.
July 6, 2014
Wonderful short story about how someone can find lasting love in dire circumstances.
Gil is a 40 something-old male with MS who wakes up one morning with double vision, weakness and other symptoms of a relapse of the disease. With his sister out of town on vacation, Gil has to ask his new neighbor Warren to take him to the hospital. Over the upcoming weeks, they spend every day together, getting to know and fall for each other.
What a great short story. Gil, during a time of stress and loss from his disease, finds not only a great friend, but a companion and lover, too. And Warren. Wow, what a wonderful guy. You could just feel his quiet strength when he was there for Gil from the beginning. You had to believe that he needed Gil as much as Gil needed him.
Another great story from this author. Looks like I'm going to have to make a "Cari Z" shelf on my NOOK.
Gil is a 40 something-old male with MS who wakes up one morning with double vision, weakness and other symptoms of a relapse of the disease. With his sister out of town on vacation, Gil has to ask his new neighbor Warren to take him to the hospital. Over the upcoming weeks, they spend every day together, getting to know and fall for each other.
What a great short story. Gil, during a time of stress and loss from his disease, finds not only a great friend, but a companion and lover, too. And Warren. Wow, what a wonderful guy. You could just feel his quiet strength when he was there for Gil from the beginning. You had to believe that he needed Gil as much as Gil needed him.
Another great story from this author. Looks like I'm going to have to make a "Cari Z" shelf on my NOOK.
June 3, 2012
A great short read that I wished I had more of to read. Gil was witty and so down to earth. I loved that Gil had a pretty positive attitude even after 10 years of living with MS and didn't let it change him overly much. Warren was a real sweetheart and frankly I wish all neighbors could be like him. While reading the story I found I would love to read the story from Warren's perspective of this all. It seems like a fun read.
February 24, 2012
Hoping for a sequel...
February 24, 2012
This was a really lovely little story but I really wanted it to be longer.
June 25, 2012
An achingly beautiful short story about an older couple hooking up while one deals with MS. Neighbors to lovers, loved it!
May 22, 2012
Небольшая, но очень трогательная история.
November 4, 2015
Really sweet friends to lovers romance. I like Cari Z's writing a lot.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews