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The Gaze
ALSO AVAILABLE AT www.javierrobayoauthor.com
As a sophomore in college Samantha Reddick meets Tony Amaya, a brokenhearted young man, whose written words she keeps as a memento of a weekend long affair. The words, written on the back of a paper placemat, become her only solid ground during a tumultuous decade that nearly destroys her, leaving her searching for answers at the bottom of the bottle. Haunted by guilt and the constant menace from a man she once loved, Samantha searches for Tony and inserts herself into his life through an online friend request to his wife, Gwen. Mutual curiosity opens the door to an unexpected friendship that becomes the catalyst of an inner battle between the better woman Samantha longs to be, and the Samantha who despises her own gaze.
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As a sophomore in college Samantha Reddick meets Tony Amaya, a brokenhearted young man, whose written words she keeps as a memento of a weekend long affair. The words, written on the back of a paper placemat, become her only solid ground during a tumultuous decade that nearly destroys her, leaving her searching for answers at the bottom of the bottle. Haunted by guilt and the constant menace from a man she once loved, Samantha searches for Tony and inserts herself into his life through an online friend request to his wife, Gwen. Mutual curiosity opens the door to an unexpected friendship that becomes the catalyst of an inner battle between the better woman Samantha longs to be, and the Samantha who despises her own gaze.
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490 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Javier A. Robayo
4 books50 followersJavier A. Robayo emmigrated from Ecuador in 1988 at the age of 13. He kept journals in Spanish and translated them as a way of learning English during his freshman year in high school. In March of 2012, this practice led to the publication of The Gaze. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters, where he's busily at work on his next novel.
for more, visit www.javierrobayoauthor.com
for more, visit www.javierrobayoauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 15, 2012
This book is certainly one of my very favorites now. It reminded me of reading literature in school and how the story stayed with me for all these years after. The characters and scenes are so well written I felt like a fly on the wall. No, actually, most of the time I felt like the main character, Sam. I could feel the emotions the characters (whether it be Sam or any one of the others) were feeling, which in this book is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. I laughed, cried, bit my nails with anxiety, was angered to the point of wanting to shoot a peticular character, struggled right along with Sam, and even fell in love with Tony. I say this blushing, but I even felt jealous of Gwen, and I don't recall ever feeling jealous of a character before.
Sam has an addiction that she struggles with, and I felt like I shared it with her even though I don't have that problem at all. When she relented to the urge, I felt calmed and soothed like she did. I've read other books with the characters having certain addictions or disorders and I've never felt "relief" as they gave in to their problems like I did in this book.
This book is indeed long, but I feel every scene was needed to create the emotions that the author wanted. Sometimes stating someone is "damaged" in one sentance or one paragraph is not enough. Real people are just not that simple. Most are complex with an entire history making them what they are today. That's what Mr. Robayo did with Sam in this novel.
I cannot wait to read the next book. I am forever a fan of Javier Robayo.
Sam has an addiction that she struggles with, and I felt like I shared it with her even though I don't have that problem at all. When she relented to the urge, I felt calmed and soothed like she did. I've read other books with the characters having certain addictions or disorders and I've never felt "relief" as they gave in to their problems like I did in this book.
This book is indeed long, but I feel every scene was needed to create the emotions that the author wanted. Sometimes stating someone is "damaged" in one sentance or one paragraph is not enough. Real people are just not that simple. Most are complex with an entire history making them what they are today. That's what Mr. Robayo did with Sam in this novel.
I cannot wait to read the next book. I am forever a fan of Javier Robayo.
June 4, 2012
The Gaze is the most original book i have ever read. I have never had a book effect me so much. I've read numerous books in my life but i can easily say this is my favorite and i will cherish its story. Im 17 and my mother and I both loved this book. This is the kind of story that I will read again and i don't do that with very many books. The way this story is written, i was easily able to picture its settings and characters as if I were really there. When I would go to friends' houses, they would get annoyed with me because I would bring this book and pay no attention to them because I couldn't put it down. I feel strongly connected to Samantha because sometimes I felt as though a friend was talking to me about their darkest secrets and I couldnt help but cry when she cried and laugh when she laughed, etc. It astonishes me that so many different people can come from one mind. I cannot wait for more.
June 30, 2012
Javier A Robayo isn't the first male writer to write in first person from the female mind, but crikey, he does it well. I almost have a sneaking suspicion that he's slightly too nice about us women! But he completely grasps the obsessive quality of an all consuming love. A love where reason, and alternative possibilities in life, get persistently pushed to one side in order to maintain a stubborn hold on an impossible ambition. Samantha is a compelling character, because she's real. You may not always like her, you may sometimes want to shake her, but you believe in her compulsion and it drives you on to see how it will end. The online communications between her and the 'other woman' (who is essentially her rival) are detailed and help to build a solid platform from which Mr Robayo can play with Sam's indecision and torment. This helps you to enagage with both women and keeps you hooked. These communications also increase in interest as the book develops and the interaction becomes more risky. Lots of likeable characters, such as the lovable Lewis, Sam's best and very tolerant buddy. Also one or two that the reader is allowed to hate, which is always fun! The central plotline takes a little while to cement itself, as you need to meet all the characters before it can really fly, but again, the settling in of Samantha's complex traits and gradual revelation of her history help enormously to enrich the weave and make her behaviour comprehensible. A well written and distinct novel. Excellent dialogue throughout and a satisfying conclusion. I love a writer that pays his reader well with completion. I'll be back for the sequel.
May 25, 2012
When you read as much as I have, recreationally and professionally, you tend to easily anticipate how a story will unfold. By Chapter 4 of my newest favorite novel, The Gaze, it was clear I would have no way to predict anything in this, most amazing story. By the time I was graced with a glimpse of the caliber of person Lewis Bettford was, I knew I was in trouble, hopelessly smitten with a character I wish to be real with everything in me. And what could I say of Samantha? this hero/anti-hero, who’s a perfect chaos, and an eerily accurate depiction of female thought. Her vulnerability, her strength, her impulsive nature, and her yearning to be better made for a character I will never forget. I won’t forget Gwen either. She’s everything I’ve always wanted to be.
I loved that the novel gave me a glimpse of life in New York, in London, in rural Pennsylvania. There were so many tidbits that strengthened the depth of this novel. I loved the stories within the story. I loved that it held my emotions hostage to the climbs and falls. I cried, I laughed, once or twice I wanted to throw the book against the wall, but Kindles are pricey. Then I cried again, sometimes sobbing, sometimes smiling. The Gaze had it all. I can’t think of a single thing that I found lacking. I found one thing that set me off, stomping around the house in frustrated rage: it ended.
Mr. Robayo’s found a loyal fan in me. So far I’ve read it three times, and I still can’t anticipate what emotion the page will evoke.
Whoever you are, reading this, stop now, and see for yourself. You will find yourself agreeing with me 150% this is one of the best novels ever written.
I loved that the novel gave me a glimpse of life in New York, in London, in rural Pennsylvania. There were so many tidbits that strengthened the depth of this novel. I loved the stories within the story. I loved that it held my emotions hostage to the climbs and falls. I cried, I laughed, once or twice I wanted to throw the book against the wall, but Kindles are pricey. Then I cried again, sometimes sobbing, sometimes smiling. The Gaze had it all. I can’t think of a single thing that I found lacking. I found one thing that set me off, stomping around the house in frustrated rage: it ended.
Mr. Robayo’s found a loyal fan in me. So far I’ve read it three times, and I still can’t anticipate what emotion the page will evoke.
Whoever you are, reading this, stop now, and see for yourself. You will find yourself agreeing with me 150% this is one of the best novels ever written.
August 10, 2012
3.5 Stars.
The Pros: The plot and the writing was excellent. I was engaged in the story from the start, desperate to know just what happened to Samantha and what caused her to drown her sorrows so completely in alcohol. There was just the right mix of drama, trauma, and romance. I really enjoyed the Facebook postings and how they told parts of the story. It was a clever technique and one could relate with the abundance of social media in our everyday lives.
The Cons: It was so long. I felt that some of the self-loathing rants by Sam were repetitive and I found myself kind of loathing her myself at times. And I felt like there was too much description going on, but I am one who doesn't really need to know everything down tot he color of the table linens to paint the picture for the plot, so that just may be me. There were parts I felt were slightly unrealistic, mostly in the colorful dialogue between the Samantha, Tony, and Gwen. I can see Samantha speaking so formally and flowery as she was British and a writer, and to some extent, Tony, because he also had a passion for writing, but some of Gwen's letters back to Sam were just too much. I cannot see someone like her speaking that way, especially to the woman who slept with her man. It felt at times as though Sam and Gwen were the ones in love with each other.
Overall: I am excited to have seen the exert at the end for the next installment and will definitely read on.It was a solid read and I am happy my friend recommended it to me, despite the fact this is not my usual genre. If you like dramatic love-triangles with a bit of danger and humor mixed in, you will like this book.
P.S. I love Lewis.
The Pros: The plot and the writing was excellent. I was engaged in the story from the start, desperate to know just what happened to Samantha and what caused her to drown her sorrows so completely in alcohol. There was just the right mix of drama, trauma, and romance. I really enjoyed the Facebook postings and how they told parts of the story. It was a clever technique and one could relate with the abundance of social media in our everyday lives.
The Cons: It was so long. I felt that some of the self-loathing rants by Sam were repetitive and I found myself kind of loathing her myself at times. And I felt like there was too much description going on, but I am one who doesn't really need to know everything down tot he color of the table linens to paint the picture for the plot, so that just may be me. There were parts I felt were slightly unrealistic, mostly in the colorful dialogue between the Samantha, Tony, and Gwen. I can see Samantha speaking so formally and flowery as she was British and a writer, and to some extent, Tony, because he also had a passion for writing, but some of Gwen's letters back to Sam were just too much. I cannot see someone like her speaking that way, especially to the woman who slept with her man. It felt at times as though Sam and Gwen were the ones in love with each other.
Overall: I am excited to have seen the exert at the end for the next installment and will definitely read on.It was a solid read and I am happy my friend recommended it to me, despite the fact this is not my usual genre. If you like dramatic love-triangles with a bit of danger and humor mixed in, you will like this book.
P.S. I love Lewis.
June 27, 2012
It happens very rearly that a book hits all my emotions and all my "6" senses. "The Gaze" by Javier A. Robayo did exactly that. I am not the kind of reader that reads a book a week, not because I don't want to, but because it's too difficult to find the time to do so. But I do love reading and this book has definitely made it to my top 5 favorite themes. The prologue clearly starts describing that "life is like a rollercoaster", I love the flow of this story and how all the emotions are touched just like a rollercoaster. I love the way the story sucks me in and makes me part of it as if I'm physically living it. This book has made my laugh, cry, scream, love, hate, gasp, and take my breath away. The characters have become my friends, my enemies, and my family. Again, rarely does a book make feel that way. Mr. Javier A. Robayo, you have done a facinating job on you first novel and I can't wait to read more of your stories. You've become one of my favorite authors among Dean Koonts, Susan Grafton, and Nora Roberts! And as I always say, on a scale of 1 to 10, you sir, are an 11! It's my utmost pleasure reading your work.
May 17, 2012
This is a great story - characters with depth and spirit that you can visualize and relate to. The plot flowed very well while weaving the threads of the characters together. An excellent view into the pressures of addiction and the toll it takes as well. Loved it and looking forward to the Next Chapter!!
May 20, 2012
This book should be a best seller...
I really enjoyed it. The characters are absolutely unforgettable. The plot is captivating and who wouldn't want to have a friend like Lewis? I catch myself reading it anew when all I try to do is read a line or two.
I really enjoyed it. The characters are absolutely unforgettable. The plot is captivating and who wouldn't want to have a friend like Lewis? I catch myself reading it anew when all I try to do is read a line or two.
May 21, 2012
Sometimes life seems bigger than we are. If we're not careful, challenges can become problems that loom over us, casting a shadow over the person that we really are, and driving us to do what others would label as just plain crazy.
In Javier A. Robayo's debut novel, "The Gaze", Samantha Reddick, the main character, meets Tony Amaya at a point when he seems to have hit rock bottom in the love arena. The first time she sees him, hunched over a table in the diner she works at, he is sobbing and scrawling his pain across a place mat. Immediately she is intrigued and drawn to him. The two of them are lonely and immersed in their own personal hell, but find temporary comfort in each others arms for a brief weekend. In the years that follow, Samantha is haunted by the memories of their passionate encounter, although she does try to get on with her life. By the time the reader is allowed to catch up with her, she seems to have been almost swallowed whole by her demons, and they begin to take over. This "not so nice" side pushes her to hunt Tony down and friend his wife on Facebook, in the hopes that she will find a way to break them up and have Tony to herself. The phrase, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans" comes to mind as Samantha's idea does not really go as she had hoped.
The book is an unlikely parallel to Samantha's private nature, and the author is careful not to reveal everything at once. As we get to know the story and trust is built, pieces to the puzzle are released a step at a time, and the reader begins to understand why Samantha makes the choices she does.
Mr. Robayo came to the US from Ecuador in 1988, when he was thirteen years old. He didn't know any English, but kept diaries of his experiences as he learned. "The Gaze" is so well written that not only can you NOT tell that English is his second language, but the reader easily gets lost in the story and forgets that anyone but these characters exist.
Readers Beware! Emotions will run high! I found myself so caught up in the drama that I bobbed and weaved through laughter, anger, frustration, and hope. Javier A. Robayo does his job so well that it was easy to root for Samantha to clean up her act while simultaneously wanting to slap some sense into her.
Lewis, the gay bestie from across the pond is a cool drink of comic relief. His one liners like "No, it's the bloody Queen of England" are phrases one might see written across a baby tee or hash tagged on Twitter for all to use on someone not lucky enough to have read "The Gaze", or someone fortunate enough to be "in the know".
The support of Sam's family; Grandmum, Lewis, Alicia, Nathan and Jason Stephen; is admirable. We, as the observers, wish for a safety net like hers; a troupe of loyal, loving people to catch us every time we fall hard, fast, and as often as Samantha does.
Tony Amaya is the man of the hour. In the spirit of writing what you know, Mr. Robayo loosely models his leading man after himself. Both are steel workers, with two adorable young daughters, and a beautiful, loving, and forgiving wife. In fact, Javier's wife graces the cover of "The Gaze", wowing us all with her exquisite eyes, and making all of us "marrieds" long to be so adored by our spouse that we are the object of his life's work.
Readers who are drawn to romance, suspense, and smart writing will be pleasantly surprised by "The Gaze". Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was confronted with the unexpected...and I'm not easily fooled. I've never been so happy to be wrong.
I give this book FIVE OUT OF FIVE BOOKMARKS...one for each of my favorite parts...it was impossible to pinpoint just one.
In Javier A. Robayo's debut novel, "The Gaze", Samantha Reddick, the main character, meets Tony Amaya at a point when he seems to have hit rock bottom in the love arena. The first time she sees him, hunched over a table in the diner she works at, he is sobbing and scrawling his pain across a place mat. Immediately she is intrigued and drawn to him. The two of them are lonely and immersed in their own personal hell, but find temporary comfort in each others arms for a brief weekend. In the years that follow, Samantha is haunted by the memories of their passionate encounter, although she does try to get on with her life. By the time the reader is allowed to catch up with her, she seems to have been almost swallowed whole by her demons, and they begin to take over. This "not so nice" side pushes her to hunt Tony down and friend his wife on Facebook, in the hopes that she will find a way to break them up and have Tony to herself. The phrase, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans" comes to mind as Samantha's idea does not really go as she had hoped.
The book is an unlikely parallel to Samantha's private nature, and the author is careful not to reveal everything at once. As we get to know the story and trust is built, pieces to the puzzle are released a step at a time, and the reader begins to understand why Samantha makes the choices she does.
Mr. Robayo came to the US from Ecuador in 1988, when he was thirteen years old. He didn't know any English, but kept diaries of his experiences as he learned. "The Gaze" is so well written that not only can you NOT tell that English is his second language, but the reader easily gets lost in the story and forgets that anyone but these characters exist.
Readers Beware! Emotions will run high! I found myself so caught up in the drama that I bobbed and weaved through laughter, anger, frustration, and hope. Javier A. Robayo does his job so well that it was easy to root for Samantha to clean up her act while simultaneously wanting to slap some sense into her.
Lewis, the gay bestie from across the pond is a cool drink of comic relief. His one liners like "No, it's the bloody Queen of England" are phrases one might see written across a baby tee or hash tagged on Twitter for all to use on someone not lucky enough to have read "The Gaze", or someone fortunate enough to be "in the know".
The support of Sam's family; Grandmum, Lewis, Alicia, Nathan and Jason Stephen; is admirable. We, as the observers, wish for a safety net like hers; a troupe of loyal, loving people to catch us every time we fall hard, fast, and as often as Samantha does.
Tony Amaya is the man of the hour. In the spirit of writing what you know, Mr. Robayo loosely models his leading man after himself. Both are steel workers, with two adorable young daughters, and a beautiful, loving, and forgiving wife. In fact, Javier's wife graces the cover of "The Gaze", wowing us all with her exquisite eyes, and making all of us "marrieds" long to be so adored by our spouse that we are the object of his life's work.
Readers who are drawn to romance, suspense, and smart writing will be pleasantly surprised by "The Gaze". Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was confronted with the unexpected...and I'm not easily fooled. I've never been so happy to be wrong.
I give this book FIVE OUT OF FIVE BOOKMARKS...one for each of my favorite parts...it was impossible to pinpoint just one.
June 22, 2012
Wow! So many things to say about this book!! First and foremost...this was more of a five-star experience than it was a book! Javier Robayo pulled me into the story with an intriguing setup that became a complex foundation for his characters Samantha and Tony; two relatable individuals who are tender, maddening, exhausting, and downright loveable. And in the mix of the incredible chaos is Gwen. She's one of those too-good-to-be-true friends who we would all love to have in our lives. The author has a keen sense of setting - I could see exactly where his characters were all the time. He also has a knack for writing emotion so you feel it along with his characters. THE GAZE is a love story you won't want to put down until you get to the happily-ever-after. (Side note: Samantha Reddick will make you want to hug her one minute and put her in a headlock the next. I could so relate to this woman. And I discovered a lot of myself in her)
May 18, 2012
I could sit here writing about this book and its main character, Samantha all day. It has taken me some time to put all of my thoughts into a hopefully organized and concise review. I truly enjoyed it, and although I have a multitude of personal reasons why, I will be keeping those to myself for now, so the more technical aspects will have to suffice.
•Characters: My overall impression of Samantha, was that she is something of a walking disaster area, and should come complete with a warning label attached. She is a good person at heart, but creates a great deal of trouble for herself. She demonstrates both weakness and strength, simultaneously. Her strength is evident in the fact that she is still alive and kicking, against all odds, and her weakness is shown by her drinking habits and self-destructive nature. Despite all of her myriad flaws as a human being, I still wanted to get to know her. I was still concerned about how things would turn out for her, and her character touched me in a way that few fictional characters do. She is one of those rare few characters that make you wish they were real.
Tony’s role is the story is of enormous importance, but his actual time as an active participant in dialogue is very short by comparison to that of some other characters. He’s a good, honorable man, but subject to making the same mistakes that the rest of us mere mortals often do.
Gwen, oh what to say about Gwen? She is everything that anyone could ever hope to find in a friend. I won’t say too much for fear of adding spoilers, but if you read the book and find yourself questioning her actions and reactions, take a moment and really think about her position. She may, on the surface, seem too good to be believable, but if you examine her character at a greater depth, everything becomes clear. I’m sorry if I am being vague, but I really don’t want to spoil anything because I know how much tension her interaction with Samantha created for me while reading, and I wouldn’t want to deprive another reader of that facet of the story.
Lewis is, by far, my favorite character in the book. His dialogue with Samantha felt so natural and so right, that it was like they were real people, people that I would gladly go meet for a drink or two. I look forward to reading his book in the future. Lewis is, in short, Samantha’s rock. But he isn’t afraid to tell her how it is, without all of the sugar coating.
There are several more characters, including the villain, Brooks, but I won’t go into any depth on them. I will simply say that they were all well rounded and fleshed out to the degrees necessary for their parts in the story.
•Plot: The plot takes a number of twists and turns. While I saw some of them coming, there were others that took me entirely by surprise. In the beginning portion of the book, I was sitting there with a million questions running through my head. There are many events that are hinted at in those first chapters and those hints made it difficult for me to put the book down, without first knowing the answers. The answers came a piece at a time, slowly unfolding from Samantha's mind as memories and flashbacks. I know some people hate flashbacks, but these were very well done. There wasn't a moment where I was confused about the time frame. It was always perfectly clear and the transitions were smooth. By the final chapters, I was completely up to speed on exactly who Samantha was, and all of the events that made her that way.
•Dialogue: An area where a lot of authors fall flat. As I mentioned above, the dialogue between Lewis and Samantha was excellent and this held true for the entire cast of characters throughout the book. There wasn't a single point where I felt that a conversation wasn't completely realistic.
•Overall Summation: To say that it was a good read, would be an understatement. I laughed, I cried (which I hate doing), but more than anything, it made me think. It spawned a lot of self-analyzation, and a storm of memories. I could relate myself, or someone I knew, to every single character in the book, even Brooks, in some way. I don't usually have a huge emotional response to the characters in a book, but these made me wish that they were real (except for Brooks, him I would push into a fire), because they come across so genuine on the pages. As I read, I found myself wanting to know more about them, and that is what pulled me through the whole book, that need to see what happened to them.
•The Bad: My only issue with the whole book was the length. I felt it got a little slow at some points, but it wasn't terrible and it was necessary. I don't think Mr. Robayo could have achieved the same depth in his characters, if the book were shorter, but at the same time I wanted to hurry up and get to the end. I wanted to know how everything ultimately turned out and even while I was frustrated with the length of it, everything that happened was necessary to the over all progression and flow of the story. So I guess I can't really say the length is bad, only my impatience with myself, for not reading fast enough to satisfy my curiosity on a schedule equal to that of my patience levels.
I think that last sentence may be the most conflicted thing I have ever written, but it should speak volumes about my feelings towards this book. It is a five star read, and I highly recommend it. I will in fact, be shipping a paperback copy to a friend of mine. She's my Gwen and my Lewis, all rolled into one and this story made me think of her.
•Characters: My overall impression of Samantha, was that she is something of a walking disaster area, and should come complete with a warning label attached. She is a good person at heart, but creates a great deal of trouble for herself. She demonstrates both weakness and strength, simultaneously. Her strength is evident in the fact that she is still alive and kicking, against all odds, and her weakness is shown by her drinking habits and self-destructive nature. Despite all of her myriad flaws as a human being, I still wanted to get to know her. I was still concerned about how things would turn out for her, and her character touched me in a way that few fictional characters do. She is one of those rare few characters that make you wish they were real.
Tony’s role is the story is of enormous importance, but his actual time as an active participant in dialogue is very short by comparison to that of some other characters. He’s a good, honorable man, but subject to making the same mistakes that the rest of us mere mortals often do.
Gwen, oh what to say about Gwen? She is everything that anyone could ever hope to find in a friend. I won’t say too much for fear of adding spoilers, but if you read the book and find yourself questioning her actions and reactions, take a moment and really think about her position. She may, on the surface, seem too good to be believable, but if you examine her character at a greater depth, everything becomes clear. I’m sorry if I am being vague, but I really don’t want to spoil anything because I know how much tension her interaction with Samantha created for me while reading, and I wouldn’t want to deprive another reader of that facet of the story.
Lewis is, by far, my favorite character in the book. His dialogue with Samantha felt so natural and so right, that it was like they were real people, people that I would gladly go meet for a drink or two. I look forward to reading his book in the future. Lewis is, in short, Samantha’s rock. But he isn’t afraid to tell her how it is, without all of the sugar coating.
There are several more characters, including the villain, Brooks, but I won’t go into any depth on them. I will simply say that they were all well rounded and fleshed out to the degrees necessary for their parts in the story.
•Plot: The plot takes a number of twists and turns. While I saw some of them coming, there were others that took me entirely by surprise. In the beginning portion of the book, I was sitting there with a million questions running through my head. There are many events that are hinted at in those first chapters and those hints made it difficult for me to put the book down, without first knowing the answers. The answers came a piece at a time, slowly unfolding from Samantha's mind as memories and flashbacks. I know some people hate flashbacks, but these were very well done. There wasn't a moment where I was confused about the time frame. It was always perfectly clear and the transitions were smooth. By the final chapters, I was completely up to speed on exactly who Samantha was, and all of the events that made her that way.
•Dialogue: An area where a lot of authors fall flat. As I mentioned above, the dialogue between Lewis and Samantha was excellent and this held true for the entire cast of characters throughout the book. There wasn't a single point where I felt that a conversation wasn't completely realistic.
•Overall Summation: To say that it was a good read, would be an understatement. I laughed, I cried (which I hate doing), but more than anything, it made me think. It spawned a lot of self-analyzation, and a storm of memories. I could relate myself, or someone I knew, to every single character in the book, even Brooks, in some way. I don't usually have a huge emotional response to the characters in a book, but these made me wish that they were real (except for Brooks, him I would push into a fire), because they come across so genuine on the pages. As I read, I found myself wanting to know more about them, and that is what pulled me through the whole book, that need to see what happened to them.
•The Bad: My only issue with the whole book was the length. I felt it got a little slow at some points, but it wasn't terrible and it was necessary. I don't think Mr. Robayo could have achieved the same depth in his characters, if the book were shorter, but at the same time I wanted to hurry up and get to the end. I wanted to know how everything ultimately turned out and even while I was frustrated with the length of it, everything that happened was necessary to the over all progression and flow of the story. So I guess I can't really say the length is bad, only my impatience with myself, for not reading fast enough to satisfy my curiosity on a schedule equal to that of my patience levels.
I think that last sentence may be the most conflicted thing I have ever written, but it should speak volumes about my feelings towards this book. It is a five star read, and I highly recommend it. I will in fact, be shipping a paperback copy to a friend of mine. She's my Gwen and my Lewis, all rolled into one and this story made me think of her.
July 6, 2012
THE GAZE...what can I say except READ IT! I am positively amazed at the way Robayo is able to create impeccable suspense! There were so many twists and turns that I kept trying to figure out who, what, when, where,why and how! I was taken by surprise every time I turned a page, especially the last 100 or so pages of the book. My heart was literally racing at times. I laughed (especially at Lewis...LOVED him), cried, reflected, reminisced, screamed in my own mind...even had a monologue with myself. (Hope I am not just losing it!)
Characters: I fell in love, head-over-heals, with all four of the main characters: Samantha, Tony, Gwen (Tony's wife), and Lewis who is Samantha's long-life best friend. I had ambivalent feelings for the villain of the story, Brooks. I say that because his character is, like all the others, built so convincingly that I abhorr the person he is, but I love the way he is the epitome of villainy. It's like loving the most wicked character in a movie because he plays his part so well. There are other characters that play important parts in the lives of the above mentioned and, of course, they are also very genuine.
Setting: Well-detailed but not overly descriptive where you're yawning through the pages. Set in different states as well as London...loved learning some new Brit terms...thanks, Mr. Robayo.
Plot: Yes! SO well-developed! The author uses dialogue a great deal to develop the story line. Robayo is brilliant to create the plot by incorporating what millions of us love...Facebook. Samantha "friends" Gwen on Facebook and they develop a true friendship. Gwen is unbelievably a friend that I fell in love with as a friend...strange, huh? Well, considering that I met my husband online and we chatted for several months before meeting in person, I was completely sold by Gwen and Samantha's developing online friendship. I found myself being giddy with them! A little weird? Not really because they were so authentic to me.
SO much more could be said, but I don't want to give away too much of the story. I would LOVE to discuss the book with anyone who has (or does) read it. (Friend me on Goodreads.)
I even created a new shelf for this book called "Favorites" so that when people look at my "books" on Goodreads, they might look to see my absolute favorites and perhaps want to read THE GAZE.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has suspense, romance, humor, thought-provoking phrases, and FRESH and unique similes, metaphors, and personification. I absolutely LOVED the author's use of different literary devices. It takes a true gift to write as this man does.
Javier Robayo, you are now among my top three authors, and I will not waste one minute to purchase your next book...The Next Chapter.
NOTE: I purchased this book after entering for the giveaway three times but failing to win. I'm so glad I took the chance! Money well-spent!
Characters: I fell in love, head-over-heals, with all four of the main characters: Samantha, Tony, Gwen (Tony's wife), and Lewis who is Samantha's long-life best friend. I had ambivalent feelings for the villain of the story, Brooks. I say that because his character is, like all the others, built so convincingly that I abhorr the person he is, but I love the way he is the epitome of villainy. It's like loving the most wicked character in a movie because he plays his part so well. There are other characters that play important parts in the lives of the above mentioned and, of course, they are also very genuine.
Setting: Well-detailed but not overly descriptive where you're yawning through the pages. Set in different states as well as London...loved learning some new Brit terms...thanks, Mr. Robayo.
Plot: Yes! SO well-developed! The author uses dialogue a great deal to develop the story line. Robayo is brilliant to create the plot by incorporating what millions of us love...Facebook. Samantha "friends" Gwen on Facebook and they develop a true friendship. Gwen is unbelievably a friend that I fell in love with as a friend...strange, huh? Well, considering that I met my husband online and we chatted for several months before meeting in person, I was completely sold by Gwen and Samantha's developing online friendship. I found myself being giddy with them! A little weird? Not really because they were so authentic to me.
SO much more could be said, but I don't want to give away too much of the story. I would LOVE to discuss the book with anyone who has (or does) read it. (Friend me on Goodreads.)
I even created a new shelf for this book called "Favorites" so that when people look at my "books" on Goodreads, they might look to see my absolute favorites and perhaps want to read THE GAZE.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has suspense, romance, humor, thought-provoking phrases, and FRESH and unique similes, metaphors, and personification. I absolutely LOVED the author's use of different literary devices. It takes a true gift to write as this man does.
Javier Robayo, you are now among my top three authors, and I will not waste one minute to purchase your next book...The Next Chapter.
NOTE: I purchased this book after entering for the giveaway three times but failing to win. I'm so glad I took the chance! Money well-spent!
May 17, 2012
Confession, I am a bit of a book snob. I only read books that have a 4 or 5 star average, and that's ONLY if I like the reviews. You won't find me gushing over Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey. I typically like novels with depth, twists and turns, turmoil and some personal growth, like The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Red Tent, or even the newest Nicholas Sparks novel, when I'm in the mood for romance. So, it was completely out of character for me to give a budding new author time out of my life to read his first novel. I am so grateful that I did!
Javier Robayo's style of writing is comparable to Nicholas Sparks, Erich Segal (Love Story), and even Danielle Steel, back when her writing was at its best. Mr. Robayo has this rare ability to describe the surroundings with such depth and clarity. I think when an author can so effectively pull you into a story and make you feel like you are a witness to what is happening they are on their way to Best Seller status.
The Gaze has just the right mix of tragedy, turmoil, love, and humor, along with a wicked side, that is sure to put you in touch with your "minxy" side. The characters are so intriguing; you will find yourself wishing you could be friends with them in real life. Samantha has this aura about her that, in spite of her tragedies, you will want to be just like her. Tony is the absolute epitome of a blue collar worker, trying to make the best of life, sometimes struggling to do what is right, but forever the heartthrob we women look for in a leading character. Tony's wife, Gwen, is a pocketful of sass and sunshine. I loved her to pieces and I hope to know more about her past in future novels. Lewis, well, he is just every girls dream for a best friend...always there when you need him, and even sometimes when you think you don't.
Pick up The Gaze today, I promise you will not be disappointed in this debut novel. Also, I understand that Mr. Robayo is currently writing a follow up novel to The Gaze. I will definitely be one of the first ones in line to read that one for sure! Best of wishes on your road to success, Mr. Robayo!
Javier Robayo's style of writing is comparable to Nicholas Sparks, Erich Segal (Love Story), and even Danielle Steel, back when her writing was at its best. Mr. Robayo has this rare ability to describe the surroundings with such depth and clarity. I think when an author can so effectively pull you into a story and make you feel like you are a witness to what is happening they are on their way to Best Seller status.
The Gaze has just the right mix of tragedy, turmoil, love, and humor, along with a wicked side, that is sure to put you in touch with your "minxy" side. The characters are so intriguing; you will find yourself wishing you could be friends with them in real life. Samantha has this aura about her that, in spite of her tragedies, you will want to be just like her. Tony is the absolute epitome of a blue collar worker, trying to make the best of life, sometimes struggling to do what is right, but forever the heartthrob we women look for in a leading character. Tony's wife, Gwen, is a pocketful of sass and sunshine. I loved her to pieces and I hope to know more about her past in future novels. Lewis, well, he is just every girls dream for a best friend...always there when you need him, and even sometimes when you think you don't.
Pick up The Gaze today, I promise you will not be disappointed in this debut novel. Also, I understand that Mr. Robayo is currently writing a follow up novel to The Gaze. I will definitely be one of the first ones in line to read that one for sure! Best of wishes on your road to success, Mr. Robayo!
Read
December 17, 2012It has taken me a few weeks to write this review, although I devoured the book inside of 48 hours. I was introduced to Mr. Robayo by a mutual friend, so thought I would give him a read. I have never been so pleasantly surprised and amazed as I was by reading "The Gaze". I was so panoptically drawn in to the lives of these multi-faceted characters that like the author and other reviewers, I couldn't wait to see what was happening to "my friends" next. Robayo's real gift in this book is his beautiful writing style, his expertise in moving from one dialect to another, his incredible vocabulary (I love it when I have to look up a word!), and his genuine connection to his characters. I haven't read alot in the romance genre written by men and I marvel at Javier's ability to so accurately portray some of the more "hormonally unstable" moments of the feminine psyche! Don't let that sentence fool you, this was not just a romance, it was a vision of a flawed character who had a tragically, and miraculously complicated roller coaster of a life. The international flair, the mystery and thriller aspects were as brilliant as the romance. I took exception with Robayo's mention of romance writers, albeit good ones, because I felt he should have put himself in his own mind in the class of much more nuanced writers like Anita Shreve, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabelle Allende, Jhumpa Lahiri and the like. I can not wait to crack "the Next Chapter". Quite simply, I fell in love with the characters. I need to know how my friends are doing, regardless of which one is telling the story! Bravo, Mr. Robayo. You have put yourself on the map, with this wonderfully emotional hot mess of characters!
August 7, 2012
Javier Robayo has written a masterpiece in 'The Gaze', one that is already showing as a top-grossing, all-engrossing, unforgettable movie in my mind, and I'm almost positive those who've read it feel the same way. Think 'Gone With The Wind' on steroids.Think...well...no...don't think. There isn't a movie in the annals that can match a film made from 'The Gaze'. There is no equal in the book world that could have been made into such a movie. Author Robayo has given screenwriters everywhere a screenwriter's dream. Even his English dialogue in the British vernacular is spot-on. From dialogue to detail, to every stray hair tucked behind an ear, to a thousand-mile stare and that gaze boring deep into the soul, it's all there. Just put it in screenplay form and voilà!
Of course, the ideal is to have real people from which to mold realistic on-screen characters as you have that person's history and demeanor right in front of you. Nothing has to be fashioned from imagination. Author Robayo's characters in no way fly in the face of that. They ARE real people. Instead of living next door, they have moved into the one little cul-de-sac in your mind that has no picket fence of disbelief. You are compelled, even after finishing the book, to observe these fascinating, deeply complex people from behind your elegant sheers in the front window. How does he do that? I'm a writer and damned if I know.
Having read hundreds, perhaps thousands, of books in my life, never has there been one this impactful, this vastly memorable, this addictive...for me. Author Robayo has given us something magical, something so rare there is naught with which to compare it. The plot twists, story line, pace and flow are flawless. Clearly, parts of his own fascinating life are woven in, but you'll never see the seams. In my mind this is an utterly, profoundly fascinating read.
I've been researching lately how profoundly we are what we think, and how we are builders of our own worlds. On Javier Robayo's website, he occasionally tosses up yet another famous actor, his dream choice to play a character in his book for the film to come. He clearly has a big dream, as most of us do, but in his case, the dream is destined to become real. He has the incredible chops, so he has already finely fashioned his future. What a fine inspiration to writers everywhere! If the unique quality of your work matches the vast expanse of your dream, you will have found the secret to it all. As simple as that.
Buy the book. Savor it, like I did. Then buy 'The Next Chapter'. He has already written it, both literally and figuratively. Start saving your money to take everyone you know to the movies. The day 'The Gaze' premiers will be one fine day, indeed. Coming soon, to a theater and theatre near you.
--Jo VonBargen 2012
Of course, the ideal is to have real people from which to mold realistic on-screen characters as you have that person's history and demeanor right in front of you. Nothing has to be fashioned from imagination. Author Robayo's characters in no way fly in the face of that. They ARE real people. Instead of living next door, they have moved into the one little cul-de-sac in your mind that has no picket fence of disbelief. You are compelled, even after finishing the book, to observe these fascinating, deeply complex people from behind your elegant sheers in the front window. How does he do that? I'm a writer and damned if I know.
Having read hundreds, perhaps thousands, of books in my life, never has there been one this impactful, this vastly memorable, this addictive...for me. Author Robayo has given us something magical, something so rare there is naught with which to compare it. The plot twists, story line, pace and flow are flawless. Clearly, parts of his own fascinating life are woven in, but you'll never see the seams. In my mind this is an utterly, profoundly fascinating read.
I've been researching lately how profoundly we are what we think, and how we are builders of our own worlds. On Javier Robayo's website, he occasionally tosses up yet another famous actor, his dream choice to play a character in his book for the film to come. He clearly has a big dream, as most of us do, but in his case, the dream is destined to become real. He has the incredible chops, so he has already finely fashioned his future. What a fine inspiration to writers everywhere! If the unique quality of your work matches the vast expanse of your dream, you will have found the secret to it all. As simple as that.
Buy the book. Savor it, like I did. Then buy 'The Next Chapter'. He has already written it, both literally and figuratively. Start saving your money to take everyone you know to the movies. The day 'The Gaze' premiers will be one fine day, indeed. Coming soon, to a theater and theatre near you.
--Jo VonBargen 2012
July 24, 2017
When she was a student waiting tables Samantha Reddick meets Tomy Amaya, who is grieving for his lost love Gwen, and spend one day together, the day that will mark her forever. With time she becomes an alcoholic, selfish, shallow and self-centered person. Her close friend Lewis is the only good thing she has. He is always there for her. A friend everybody should have. After more than 10 years, she has never forgotten Tony and decides to search him on social networks. She finds out that he did marry Gwen and has two girls and totally devoted to them. She manages to start interacting with her with the idea of using her as a springboard to get to Tony, until she finds out that she really appreciates her. Their friendship will evolve leading to events that will put the three main characters in a very difficult situation. It is a very long book, with very little action, it is mainly dialogue, but so smartly written that it is difficult to imagine that a man wrote this book; he has so much knowledge of the woman's mind. The development of the characters is superb and I could not believe that after reading more than 500 pages I was still eager to learn more.
June 29, 2012
Nope, not my kind of book. Vvveeerrryyy long, too many twists & pretentious writing. The last 20 pages were the only redeeming factor of this book.
shortlist
August 18, 2017Javier Robayo has kindly sent me a copy of this to review! I am tres excited from all the five star reviews~ *_*
stopped on page 41, will continue again
stopped on page 41, will continue again
June 22, 2014
(Not suitable for readers under 18)
The Gaze is a well-written, poignant character study about the complex and tragic Samantha Reddick, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is enslaved to her demons and vices.
We're introduced to twenty-year-old Samantha when a customer at the diner she waitresses at catches her attention as he intensely writes on a paper placemat. Curious, she boldly sits across from him and inquires about what he's writing, which he declines to share. She gives up and returns to work. When the man leaves the diner just as her shift ends, she sees the placemat has been left behind. Samantha also learns from his bill that his name is Tony Amaya.
Samantha responds to the indirect invitation and reads what Tony had written: a moving poem about his lost love, Gwen. In it, he declares his undying love for her. Much is revealed about Samantha in her response to this poem. Impulsively, she runs after Tony and asks for a ride home. This action leads to becoming a one-night stand.
Over a decade later— years that had been wrought with heartache, abuse, and addiction— Samantha hunts down her obsession, Tony Amaya, on Facebook and befriends his wife, Gwen. As this unnerving friendship develops, the reader learns why it is that Samantha can't stand her own gaze.
Before delving into my analysis of characterization, I'd like to point out that British Samantha's first person narrative is created by Ecuadorian Javier A. Robayo. The narrative reads so feminine that I had to keep reminding myself a male wrote it. This a major achievement alone.
You may have picked up in my summary that this story frustrated me, or more precisely, the characters frustrated me, which is also a testament to Robayo's genius. I wanted to pluck almost all of them off the page at different times and give them a good shake for their poor choices, choices that I've unfortunately witnessed people I know make. Robayo's characters are flawed, broken, and deceive themselves in their true motives, just as real flesh-and-blood people do. But despite their deficiencies, they also possess enduring and noble qualities. These traits are portrayed especially well in Samantha's relationship with her childhood friend, Lewis. Everyone should have a friend like Lewis.
Along with demonstrating the complexity of the human mind and heart in his characters, Robayo also masters their dialogue. It's very natural and believable. Writing dialogue in another dialect can be disastrous, but Robayo pulls this challenge off brilliantly. The English come across authentic. I especially enjoyed exchanges between Samantha and the very witty Lewis.
Due to sexual content and adult situations, I do not recommend this novel for anyone under the age of 18. For adults who enjoy an exceptional character study, you'll appreciate this tale of human failure and triumph told from the perspective of "the other woman," and I predict you'll become an ardent Javier A. Robayo fan, too.
The Gaze is a well-written, poignant character study about the complex and tragic Samantha Reddick, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is enslaved to her demons and vices.
We're introduced to twenty-year-old Samantha when a customer at the diner she waitresses at catches her attention as he intensely writes on a paper placemat. Curious, she boldly sits across from him and inquires about what he's writing, which he declines to share. She gives up and returns to work. When the man leaves the diner just as her shift ends, she sees the placemat has been left behind. Samantha also learns from his bill that his name is Tony Amaya.
Samantha responds to the indirect invitation and reads what Tony had written: a moving poem about his lost love, Gwen. In it, he declares his undying love for her. Much is revealed about Samantha in her response to this poem. Impulsively, she runs after Tony and asks for a ride home. This action leads to becoming a one-night stand.
Over a decade later— years that had been wrought with heartache, abuse, and addiction— Samantha hunts down her obsession, Tony Amaya, on Facebook and befriends his wife, Gwen. As this unnerving friendship develops, the reader learns why it is that Samantha can't stand her own gaze.
Before delving into my analysis of characterization, I'd like to point out that British Samantha's first person narrative is created by Ecuadorian Javier A. Robayo. The narrative reads so feminine that I had to keep reminding myself a male wrote it. This a major achievement alone.
You may have picked up in my summary that this story frustrated me, or more precisely, the characters frustrated me, which is also a testament to Robayo's genius. I wanted to pluck almost all of them off the page at different times and give them a good shake for their poor choices, choices that I've unfortunately witnessed people I know make. Robayo's characters are flawed, broken, and deceive themselves in their true motives, just as real flesh-and-blood people do. But despite their deficiencies, they also possess enduring and noble qualities. These traits are portrayed especially well in Samantha's relationship with her childhood friend, Lewis. Everyone should have a friend like Lewis.
Along with demonstrating the complexity of the human mind and heart in his characters, Robayo also masters their dialogue. It's very natural and believable. Writing dialogue in another dialect can be disastrous, but Robayo pulls this challenge off brilliantly. The English come across authentic. I especially enjoyed exchanges between Samantha and the very witty Lewis.
Due to sexual content and adult situations, I do not recommend this novel for anyone under the age of 18. For adults who enjoy an exceptional character study, you'll appreciate this tale of human failure and triumph told from the perspective of "the other woman," and I predict you'll become an ardent Javier A. Robayo fan, too.
September 5, 2012
First reads giveaway
The Gaze
Javier A Robayo
3 1/2 Stars
First off let me say that I really liked parts of this book, and JR is an excellent writer. I do not give books 4-5+ stars unless the book was inspirational, or unbelievable, change-your-life-heart stopping-holy-cow kind of book. This story was a 3 1/2 because around page 300 I was hooked and could not put it down. The characters actually were interesting but it was like it was two different books...the first half I was dreading finishing the next chapter....the second half of the book I was invested in the characters and wanted to know how it ended.
For me I was really confused with the beginning, it was choppy and the flow of the story just made me off balance. But like I said, page 297-512 the story was amazing!
This is a story of a woman named Samantha who starts off working in a diner and she encounters a customer named Tony who looks like he is suffering a personal problem and he is writing word on a place-mat and she is drawn to him immediately and she follows him out of the restaurant. She has seen the emotion of the words he has written and needs an explanation. One thing leads to another and Tony gives her a ride back to her place and next thing you know they sleep together. its fireworks and amazing and then they decide that it was just sex and Sam encourages Tony to find this women he wrote beautiful sentiments about and claim him for himself!
Years pass and Sam (who is a literary agent) has a life that is in total disrepair and she is struggling with many issues of abuse (alcohol, relationship and impulsiveness) Through a series of events she starts looking for Tony (Author) on Facebook and proceeds to stalk him and his wife Gwen (the woman he was distraught about). She befriends them and pretends to be someone who found his writings and wants to know what they are up to all these years. A new relationship starts and events unfold to show you how damaged we all can be.
I will not continue with the outcome because it does catch you and you will want to read the rest of the book and make your own conclusions. At times I really did not like the character of Sam and I had to find something redeeming about her so I kept hoping she would become a complete person. She is very petulant and I am kind of tired of reading about these kind of characters. Overall I think that JR answers the questions and shows you that you can not go home again and that you have to come clean and get over yourself.
The Gaze
Javier A Robayo
3 1/2 Stars
First off let me say that I really liked parts of this book, and JR is an excellent writer. I do not give books 4-5+ stars unless the book was inspirational, or unbelievable, change-your-life-heart stopping-holy-cow kind of book. This story was a 3 1/2 because around page 300 I was hooked and could not put it down. The characters actually were interesting but it was like it was two different books...the first half I was dreading finishing the next chapter....the second half of the book I was invested in the characters and wanted to know how it ended.
For me I was really confused with the beginning, it was choppy and the flow of the story just made me off balance. But like I said, page 297-512 the story was amazing!
This is a story of a woman named Samantha who starts off working in a diner and she encounters a customer named Tony who looks like he is suffering a personal problem and he is writing word on a place-mat and she is drawn to him immediately and she follows him out of the restaurant. She has seen the emotion of the words he has written and needs an explanation. One thing leads to another and Tony gives her a ride back to her place and next thing you know they sleep together. its fireworks and amazing and then they decide that it was just sex and Sam encourages Tony to find this women he wrote beautiful sentiments about and claim him for himself!
Years pass and Sam (who is a literary agent) has a life that is in total disrepair and she is struggling with many issues of abuse (alcohol, relationship and impulsiveness) Through a series of events she starts looking for Tony (Author) on Facebook and proceeds to stalk him and his wife Gwen (the woman he was distraught about). She befriends them and pretends to be someone who found his writings and wants to know what they are up to all these years. A new relationship starts and events unfold to show you how damaged we all can be.
I will not continue with the outcome because it does catch you and you will want to read the rest of the book and make your own conclusions. At times I really did not like the character of Sam and I had to find something redeeming about her so I kept hoping she would become a complete person. She is very petulant and I am kind of tired of reading about these kind of characters. Overall I think that JR answers the questions and shows you that you can not go home again and that you have to come clean and get over yourself.
November 20, 2012
Samantha (Sam) Reddick is working as a waitress when a chance meeting with a stranger changes her life. Intrigued by words he has wrote on his placement mat, when he leaves Sam is overwhelmed by a sudden impulse to run after him, to return his written work. Sam finds she wants to learn more about this man’s story. The writing is so passionate and was a declaration of his love for a woman called Gwen. Who is this mysterious girl that has captured his heart that has compelled him to write his feelings on a placement mat?
Knowing that the stranger called Tony is in love with someone else Sam still spends a passionate night with him. Knowing the relationship is not going to go anywhere because his heart belongs to another, they part after that one night and they go their separate ways. Sam is left with one question that will burn away at her over the following years, what would it take to be loved the way he loved Gwen?
Over the years Sam becomes obsessed about Tony and his story. Wanting to know why and what was so special about Gwen and to why Tony would choose Gwen over her. When she looks Tony up on the social networking site facebook, she also finds Gwen. When she becomes friends with Gwen through facebook and they become close will she get the answers she as been looking for?
The Gaze is one of those brilliant books that draws you in from page one. The main character Sam is a lost soul who has hidden depths and the more you read on in the story the more the reader learns more about what is going on deep down with Sam emotionally, and the cause of this. This is a rather long story, but it does keep the reader entertained and in suspense throughout the story. There is no way that the reader can predict what will happen next or to what the outcome of the story will be. The Gaze managed to capture my gaze from beginning to end. An excellent written storyline, that comes to a very satisfying ending.
Knowing that the stranger called Tony is in love with someone else Sam still spends a passionate night with him. Knowing the relationship is not going to go anywhere because his heart belongs to another, they part after that one night and they go their separate ways. Sam is left with one question that will burn away at her over the following years, what would it take to be loved the way he loved Gwen?
Over the years Sam becomes obsessed about Tony and his story. Wanting to know why and what was so special about Gwen and to why Tony would choose Gwen over her. When she looks Tony up on the social networking site facebook, she also finds Gwen. When she becomes friends with Gwen through facebook and they become close will she get the answers she as been looking for?
The Gaze is one of those brilliant books that draws you in from page one. The main character Sam is a lost soul who has hidden depths and the more you read on in the story the more the reader learns more about what is going on deep down with Sam emotionally, and the cause of this. This is a rather long story, but it does keep the reader entertained and in suspense throughout the story. There is no way that the reader can predict what will happen next or to what the outcome of the story will be. The Gaze managed to capture my gaze from beginning to end. An excellent written storyline, that comes to a very satisfying ending.
December 28, 2014
Applause to Javier Robayo for the Gaze
From the first line of THE GAZE I was pulled in. I loved this author’s writing style and the way he told this story. As I read I felt more like I was having a relaxed conversation with an old friend than reading a book. I love a good story with an interesting setting and plot, but what really makes a book a true joy to read is the characters.
And Javier Robayo nailed it all!
His characterization was wonderful. Each character had interesting quirks and habits that were unique and stood out. Even if he hadn’t made it a point to tell me who was in a scene or who was speaking, I would’ve been able to tell just by his wording or the characters actions. I enjoyed the unique character descriptions and the insights to the characters emotions—yes, you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress or wear their hair!
In the beginning I admit that I fluctuated in my feelings about Sam because she could so easily pull many emotions from me as I read. I went from liking her to disliking her to becoming suspicious and then taking pity on her before I became intrigued by her past as well as her current life and what would become of her future. I don’t want to go into much more detail than that because I’m mean that way…lol, plus I want you to form your own opinions.
As for Gwen and Lewis to name a few…loved them both. This book was full of great characters, was a truly great read, and above all a great book!
You, Mr. Robayo, have written a winner!
From the first line of THE GAZE I was pulled in. I loved this author’s writing style and the way he told this story. As I read I felt more like I was having a relaxed conversation with an old friend than reading a book. I love a good story with an interesting setting and plot, but what really makes a book a true joy to read is the characters.
And Javier Robayo nailed it all!
His characterization was wonderful. Each character had interesting quirks and habits that were unique and stood out. Even if he hadn’t made it a point to tell me who was in a scene or who was speaking, I would’ve been able to tell just by his wording or the characters actions. I enjoyed the unique character descriptions and the insights to the characters emotions—yes, you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress or wear their hair!
In the beginning I admit that I fluctuated in my feelings about Sam because she could so easily pull many emotions from me as I read. I went from liking her to disliking her to becoming suspicious and then taking pity on her before I became intrigued by her past as well as her current life and what would become of her future. I don’t want to go into much more detail than that because I’m mean that way…lol, plus I want you to form your own opinions.
As for Gwen and Lewis to name a few…loved them both. This book was full of great characters, was a truly great read, and above all a great book!
You, Mr. Robayo, have written a winner!
November 1, 2012
I really really enjoyed this story. I decided to read this book because the author went to the same college I did and I suspected glimpses of the school and my home state may surface in his novel. I was not disappointed!
The story is full of unexpected revelations and plot lines. I appreciated that. Also, I found this to be a modern day love story as social media figures heavily into the novel.
I had a love/hate relationship with the main character. She played the victim so well it was annoying. Also, I didn't always find her believable... infertile, survivor guilt, battered woman... all these things and more just seemed like too much.
I also didn't buy the ending - no way would Gwen forgive her - no BLOODY way, LMS!! Haha!
One thing I agree with from other reviews, the author does write well in the female voice. I appreciated this, it is not easy.
That being said, I did give the book 4 stars... I could not put it down and purchased the kindle version of the sequel before I finished this book!!
The story is full of unexpected revelations and plot lines. I appreciated that. Also, I found this to be a modern day love story as social media figures heavily into the novel.
I had a love/hate relationship with the main character. She played the victim so well it was annoying. Also, I didn't always find her believable... infertile, survivor guilt, battered woman... all these things and more just seemed like too much.
I also didn't buy the ending - no way would Gwen forgive her - no BLOODY way, LMS!! Haha!
One thing I agree with from other reviews, the author does write well in the female voice. I appreciated this, it is not easy.
That being said, I did give the book 4 stars... I could not put it down and purchased the kindle version of the sequel before I finished this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 31, 2012I think the author is good at character development, but I don't personally enjoy weak characters. This protagonist is a weakling, a crybaby, an alcoholic, a whore, and has low self-esteem. She also has money, as well as very good friends with money, making her a spoiled brat too! This book is all about unrequited love and running from the past, but with a main character that I just wanted to slap. Not really my kind of book, but it was adequately written.
October 16, 2013
The Gaze is the story of Samantha, a young woman tormented by her dark past. She follows her heart to all the wrong places, but finds love, friendship, and redemption along the way. An uncommon love story full of twists and turns. Recommended to open-minded people who like long reads.
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