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Paradise Cove
Reader Views gives Paradise Cove 5 stars. Read the review under "Editorial Reviews."
This story is a journey of self-discovery and pushing limits for the sake of love and justice. Terry Thompson is a lawyer specializing in LGBTQ+ issues by day and the leader of a gay SCUBA club by night. His passion for SCUBA diving is only matched by his passion for social justice.
Terry discovers the Paradise Cove resort in West Augustina, a very conservative country in the Caribbean Sea. Terry forms bonds with several people at the resort and falls in love. People in West Augustina are in dire need of HIV medicines, but the corrupt government will not provide medications at a reasonable cost. Terry is resolved to address this injustice, any way he can. In time, an HIV vaccine and cure is developed but the government refuses to allow it in the country. This institutional bigotry and homophobia drives Terry to forge a path he never thought he would take, pushing him beyond his limits. The climax is a wrenching reality check that takes a group of people to their limits, where everyone is forever changed.
This second edition is an expansion of the well-received (4.9 stars) first edition. If you enjoyed the first edition, you will love the second edition.
This story is a journey of self-discovery and pushing limits for the sake of love and justice. Terry Thompson is a lawyer specializing in LGBTQ+ issues by day and the leader of a gay SCUBA club by night. His passion for SCUBA diving is only matched by his passion for social justice.
Terry discovers the Paradise Cove resort in West Augustina, a very conservative country in the Caribbean Sea. Terry forms bonds with several people at the resort and falls in love. People in West Augustina are in dire need of HIV medicines, but the corrupt government will not provide medications at a reasonable cost. Terry is resolved to address this injustice, any way he can. In time, an HIV vaccine and cure is developed but the government refuses to allow it in the country. This institutional bigotry and homophobia drives Terry to forge a path he never thought he would take, pushing him beyond his limits. The climax is a wrenching reality check that takes a group of people to their limits, where everyone is forever changed.
This second edition is an expansion of the well-received (4.9 stars) first edition. If you enjoyed the first edition, you will love the second edition.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 7, 2024
“Paradise Cove” by Gary Fitzgerald chronicles the adventures of the Dory SCUBA Club, a group of enthusiasts who embark on diving vacations. Led by Terry, the leader of a gay SCUBA diving club, the members, including Theo, Dave, Hanna, Emma, Ed, Robert, Steve, Joe, Rhonda, Toby, and Jerri, seek new travel experiences. When scouting for destinations, Terry encounters Naledi who suggests Paradise Cove in West Augustina as a potential visit.
On this vacation, they discover that most islanders, including Terry’s friend Carlos, are HIV positive. As the group attempts to help, they face a hostile and corrupt government that opposes HIV programs; stating that the carriers of HIV are receiving punishment from God for their sins. This book unfolds the challenges and endeavors of the Dory group in their mission.
I admired how the Dory Club used its platform not only to have fun and strengthen bonds but also to lend a helping hand. For example, when Terry visited Paradise Cove, he discovered Carlos couldn’t afford his HIV medications due to their high cost. So, he solicited help from members of the club, and they donated medications to Carlos.
What I commend in this book is Fitzgerald’s writing prowess. Each scene is perfectly described with the right words; it’s obvious the author had a well-thought-out storyline before starting. I didn’t find it difficult to comprehend; I felt like the whole scenario in the book was playing in my mind as I read it through.
Fitzgerald demonstrated remarkable skill in shaping characters. Naledi stands out as my preferred character in the novel, bringing hope to the island nation. Her encounter with Terry paved the way for the gay community’s visit, igniting renewed optimism during the splash week. The book’s plot unfolds in chronological order, with the setting spanning both the United States and the Caribbean.
Honestly, I enjoyed reading this book. The author did justice to the title, and the plot was masterfully crafted. I recommend this book to the LGBTQ community, as well as to anyone who enjoys fiction dealing with social change.
On this vacation, they discover that most islanders, including Terry’s friend Carlos, are HIV positive. As the group attempts to help, they face a hostile and corrupt government that opposes HIV programs; stating that the carriers of HIV are receiving punishment from God for their sins. This book unfolds the challenges and endeavors of the Dory group in their mission.
I admired how the Dory Club used its platform not only to have fun and strengthen bonds but also to lend a helping hand. For example, when Terry visited Paradise Cove, he discovered Carlos couldn’t afford his HIV medications due to their high cost. So, he solicited help from members of the club, and they donated medications to Carlos.
What I commend in this book is Fitzgerald’s writing prowess. Each scene is perfectly described with the right words; it’s obvious the author had a well-thought-out storyline before starting. I didn’t find it difficult to comprehend; I felt like the whole scenario in the book was playing in my mind as I read it through.
Fitzgerald demonstrated remarkable skill in shaping characters. Naledi stands out as my preferred character in the novel, bringing hope to the island nation. Her encounter with Terry paved the way for the gay community’s visit, igniting renewed optimism during the splash week. The book’s plot unfolds in chronological order, with the setting spanning both the United States and the Caribbean.
Honestly, I enjoyed reading this book. The author did justice to the title, and the plot was masterfully crafted. I recommend this book to the LGBTQ community, as well as to anyone who enjoys fiction dealing with social change.
October 5, 2023
Paradise Improved
An idyllic Caribbean setting provides the backdrop for a story of romance and intrigue. Terry Thompson (TT), leader of a LGBTQ+ scuba club and his associates are challenged by the callous bigotry and corruption of the government of West Augustine where AIDS is ravaging the local population. Can they make a positive difference?
An idyllic Caribbean setting provides the backdrop for a story of romance and intrigue. Terry Thompson (TT), leader of a LGBTQ+ scuba club and his associates are challenged by the callous bigotry and corruption of the government of West Augustine where AIDS is ravaging the local population. Can they make a positive difference?
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews