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Prime of Life
Ben used to be a cardiothoracic surgeon before he suddenly abandoned his career and became a janitor at a retirement facility. Now, other than dealing with minor problems such as an unhealthy obsession with prime numbers, an inept boss, and a feud between two cantankerous retirees, he lives a relatively stress-free life. There is even hope for romance when an attractive podiatrist shows an interest in him.
But it is not long before his past catches up with him and his carefully protected world begins to unravel. He is forced to face deep issues about life, love, and God head-on, rather than hide behind his cleaning cart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
P. D. Bekendam is a practicing eye surgeon. While he enjoys writing, his true passion is to use his talents to restore sight to the needlessly blind. He welcomes visitors at PDBekendam.blogspot.com
But it is not long before his past catches up with him and his carefully protected world begins to unravel. He is forced to face deep issues about life, love, and God head-on, rather than hide behind his cleaning cart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
P. D. Bekendam is a practicing eye surgeon. While he enjoys writing, his true passion is to use his talents to restore sight to the needlessly blind. He welcomes visitors at PDBekendam.blogspot.com
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 16, 2012
When I rented Prime of Life I mainly got it because the synopsis sounded entertaining and it was free. But boy am I happy I picked this up. While a fair length, this novel really was captivating.
In the beginning I wasn't really sure what to think about Ben. I couldn't wrap my mind around how he was in the position he was and knew there was more to find out. As I read this not only did I fall in love with the characters, I was intrigued how Ben's mind worked and why he did certain things.
As a Christian, the continuous issue of God and religion interested me and I found it a well fitting problem in Ben's life. He is surrounded with other people who don't give as much thought to life as he does. It seems the more he pushed away from God, the closer he was in the end.
I would recommend this to anyone who is willing to endure love, loss, and friendship, mixed in with the cruel humor of the aged and the sadness of a life off track. The ending was fitting and gave a satisfactory closure that few books give.
In the beginning I wasn't really sure what to think about Ben. I couldn't wrap my mind around how he was in the position he was and knew there was more to find out. As I read this not only did I fall in love with the characters, I was intrigued how Ben's mind worked and why he did certain things.
As a Christian, the continuous issue of God and religion interested me and I found it a well fitting problem in Ben's life. He is surrounded with other people who don't give as much thought to life as he does. It seems the more he pushed away from God, the closer he was in the end.
I would recommend this to anyone who is willing to endure love, loss, and friendship, mixed in with the cruel humor of the aged and the sadness of a life off track. The ending was fitting and gave a satisfactory closure that few books give.
August 15, 2012
I found this book under the Christian Fiction section of the Amazon Kindle books. It was another free Kindle Book, and I'm glad it was...I probably wouldn't have picked this to read otherwise.
Let me preface by saying that although this had religious/Christian leanings, I did not feel like I was beaten over the head with religion. Yes, it is discussed...but I did not find it offensive like some Christian Fiction that beat you over the head with religion (even as a Christian, I find it somewhat offensive when this occurs in books).
What I loved about this book was the character development and the characters were characters. I loved their quirky personalities and their struggles were written in a compassionate way.
I would not, however, classify this as a romance novel. Yes, there are love interests in the book...but this really is more of a novel than a romance.
If you are looking for a good book, this is worth your time. If you are looking for lite reading or a romance...this is not it.
Let me preface by saying that although this had religious/Christian leanings, I did not feel like I was beaten over the head with religion. Yes, it is discussed...but I did not find it offensive like some Christian Fiction that beat you over the head with religion (even as a Christian, I find it somewhat offensive when this occurs in books).
What I loved about this book was the character development and the characters were characters. I loved their quirky personalities and their struggles were written in a compassionate way.
I would not, however, classify this as a romance novel. Yes, there are love interests in the book...but this really is more of a novel than a romance.
If you are looking for a good book, this is worth your time. If you are looking for lite reading or a romance...this is not it.
March 13, 2013
I put this book off forever. I just couldn't get myself to read it because it really didn't sound that great. I only got it because it was free. However, when I did pick it up I couldn't put it down. It was funny, neurotic, dysfunctional, crazy and a laugh out loud book all at the same time. I absolutely loved it! It's a must read for everyone.
April 4, 2020
I've given plenty of books a five star rating. But this one was especially good and earned a ten! The main character is quirky, yet I could relate to him. He has had struggles through his life that cause him to go from a successful cardio-thoracic surgeon to a janitor at a retirement home. He's running from his past but it catches up to him. That should just whet your appetite to pick up this novel and give it a read. Ten stars... honest
July 24, 2022
First, this is a Christian book, which is not always clear from the cover or description. But it was a great story with hilarious old people & worth a read!
May 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book it was a really quick read with some really lovable characters. Perfect to take on holidays with you
May 1, 2014
In order to give context to my review I have to explain two things about myself first. 1) I entered the giveaway for this book because it sounded so similar to my life story...I was(am?) a nurse and left the medical field for a "lower level" job well below my original pay grade. I worked in two different nursing homes during my time as a nurse. 2) I read a lot of serious, heavy, and sometimes very depressing books. I suppose I enjoy learning from characters that are able to conquer difficult circumstances.
In light of these points, I initially had a difficult time enjoying the book because 1) the story wasn't my life story, and while Ben and I both left the medical field, we are drastically different people under drastically different circumstances and I wasn't finding the personal therapy session I was hoping for. I quickly realized that was a totally ridiculous expectation on my end, and started enjoying the story for what it was, and not what I wanted it to be. 2) Because I rarely read light-hearted books, I had to remind myself that its ok to branch out of my comfort zone. Once I overcame that, I started to really enjoy the novel.
Reading this light-hearted, quirky adventure was a pleasant, comical, and relaxing experience. I also found it interesting that while the characters and "silly" adventures made it was so "light-hearted", the story grappled with serious, thought provoking issues, questions and struggles. I enjoyed this delicate balance between comedy and drama that Bekendam navigated so well.
The description of nursing home life hit far from the mark of "reality", or at least it was quite different from my years of experience in nursing homes. However, I prefered it this way. This is only a criticism if a reader wants a gritty description of real nursing home life, which I definitely did not want or need.
As for the writing style, I am always telling my husband how much I despise unnecessary description. I really enjoyed this book because Bekendam's writing was to the point and purposeful. He might not win awards or comments for "painting pictures with words" but he thankfully didn't waste my time with boring descriptions neither :) I can't explain how much I appreciated that!
I think most importantly of all, that Bekendam did a tasteful, realistic approach to a hurting man's questions about God and the difficulties that lie in reconciling God's love with the tragedies of life. The message at the end was touching and convicting, without being overwhelming, cheesy, or annoying. I commend Bekendam on portraying his message gently. I found the subtle simplicity to be powerful and he wrote it so well I wouldn't be embarrassed to share it with a non-believer. In fact I'd go so far as to say that this would be one of the very first books I would think to recommend to non-believers because it portrays God's love without being obnoxiously in-your-face or cheesy.
I also enjoyed the multiple points behind the title of book. I think it says a lot about an author's strength as a writer when the title of the book has multiple layers to it.
Overall, a fantastic debut novel! I would gladly revisit this book for when I need a good laugh, and an easy, uplifting, and encouraging read.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads! Thank you!
In light of these points, I initially had a difficult time enjoying the book because 1) the story wasn't my life story, and while Ben and I both left the medical field, we are drastically different people under drastically different circumstances and I wasn't finding the personal therapy session I was hoping for. I quickly realized that was a totally ridiculous expectation on my end, and started enjoying the story for what it was, and not what I wanted it to be. 2) Because I rarely read light-hearted books, I had to remind myself that its ok to branch out of my comfort zone. Once I overcame that, I started to really enjoy the novel.
Reading this light-hearted, quirky adventure was a pleasant, comical, and relaxing experience. I also found it interesting that while the characters and "silly" adventures made it was so "light-hearted", the story grappled with serious, thought provoking issues, questions and struggles. I enjoyed this delicate balance between comedy and drama that Bekendam navigated so well.
The description of nursing home life hit far from the mark of "reality", or at least it was quite different from my years of experience in nursing homes. However, I prefered it this way. This is only a criticism if a reader wants a gritty description of real nursing home life, which I definitely did not want or need.
As for the writing style, I am always telling my husband how much I despise unnecessary description. I really enjoyed this book because Bekendam's writing was to the point and purposeful. He might not win awards or comments for "painting pictures with words" but he thankfully didn't waste my time with boring descriptions neither :) I can't explain how much I appreciated that!
I think most importantly of all, that Bekendam did a tasteful, realistic approach to a hurting man's questions about God and the difficulties that lie in reconciling God's love with the tragedies of life. The message at the end was touching and convicting, without being overwhelming, cheesy, or annoying. I commend Bekendam on portraying his message gently. I found the subtle simplicity to be powerful and he wrote it so well I wouldn't be embarrassed to share it with a non-believer. In fact I'd go so far as to say that this would be one of the very first books I would think to recommend to non-believers because it portrays God's love without being obnoxiously in-your-face or cheesy.
I also enjoyed the multiple points behind the title of book. I think it says a lot about an author's strength as a writer when the title of the book has multiple layers to it.
Overall, a fantastic debut novel! I would gladly revisit this book for when I need a good laugh, and an easy, uplifting, and encouraging read.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads! Thank you!
February 15, 2014
The opening paragraph of Prime of Life caught my attention and the ensuing story kept compelling me to turn just one more page until I came to the final word. Let me share with you that opening paragraph so you'll understand.
"I clean rooms in a retirement home. Four years of college, four of medical school, four more in residency, and another four training in cardiothoracic surgery, and now i spend my days scrubbing toilets and mopping floors."
See what I mean? How in the world do you spend all of that time training to be a heart surgeon and then become a janitor. I definitely had to keep reading to find out. Fairly soon we find out that a horrific event has caused Ben to completely walk away from his old life and assume a new one that is stress free.
Ben is employed at Heritage Gardens which is a retirement community. The characters that reside there are what adds that extra pop to this novel. You can't help but being amused by their antics. They are continually getting into some fix and expecting Ben to bail them out.
All seems to be going well for Ben until one day it isn't. His carefully controlled environment begins to come unraveled when his true identity is discovered and a person from his past unexpectedly shows up. What ensues is a beautifully written story about a life out of control and the Power that can set it right again.
This is Dr. Bekendam's first novel but I am hoping it won't be his last. I loved the story and I'm still smiling over the people that populate the novel. If you like a story that meshes funny and serious I think you'll get a kick out of this one.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
"I clean rooms in a retirement home. Four years of college, four of medical school, four more in residency, and another four training in cardiothoracic surgery, and now i spend my days scrubbing toilets and mopping floors."
See what I mean? How in the world do you spend all of that time training to be a heart surgeon and then become a janitor. I definitely had to keep reading to find out. Fairly soon we find out that a horrific event has caused Ben to completely walk away from his old life and assume a new one that is stress free.
Ben is employed at Heritage Gardens which is a retirement community. The characters that reside there are what adds that extra pop to this novel. You can't help but being amused by their antics. They are continually getting into some fix and expecting Ben to bail them out.
All seems to be going well for Ben until one day it isn't. His carefully controlled environment begins to come unraveled when his true identity is discovered and a person from his past unexpectedly shows up. What ensues is a beautifully written story about a life out of control and the Power that can set it right again.
This is Dr. Bekendam's first novel but I am hoping it won't be his last. I loved the story and I'm still smiling over the people that populate the novel. If you like a story that meshes funny and serious I think you'll get a kick out of this one.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
June 29, 2012
Ben is the janitor at a retirement home and the residents love him. The residents in the home are characters and several of them are constantly getting at each other through a series of pranks. The dialogue is fast paced and witty. Things get really interesting when Betty Boestra, who is only 55 moves into one of the condos in the complex. Jerry, the Professor is always talking to Ben and trying to help him look at himself and perhaps make better life choices for himself. When the residents realize that Ben has a medical degree and has experienced some trauma in his life they are determined to find out what made him leave his former life to come work at Heritage Hills.
Serious financial problems cause all the residents, Ben, Dr. Kentucky, and Betty's niece to work together for a solution to the problem. Ben continues to learn more about himself and face up to some of his problems.
I might add that Ben might be a fantastic cardiothoracic surgeon and a great janitor but he appears to have autistic tendencies that become apparent in his lack of eye contact, love of prime numbers, and the ways that he calms himself.
PD Bekendam has put together a well written novel with a dash of humor and a look at some lessons in life. Keep writing! This was a great way to allow people to become familiar with your writing.
Serious financial problems cause all the residents, Ben, Dr. Kentucky, and Betty's niece to work together for a solution to the problem. Ben continues to learn more about himself and face up to some of his problems.
I might add that Ben might be a fantastic cardiothoracic surgeon and a great janitor but he appears to have autistic tendencies that become apparent in his lack of eye contact, love of prime numbers, and the ways that he calms himself.
PD Bekendam has put together a well written novel with a dash of humor and a look at some lessons in life. Keep writing! This was a great way to allow people to become familiar with your writing.
June 28, 2012
Wow! I read this as a free book on Amazon's Kindle. Often, those books are on the lower side of average. It is a GREAT read! A short synopsis, without giving the story away: Ben is a custodian at a retirement/nursing home facility. You find out throughout the story about a past and a trauma he has completely denied and left behind. He has developed some OCD tendencies to deal with the trauma, so math lovers and nerds with thoroughly enjoy his private thoughts. Through the help of quirky octogenarians, he is able to reconcile with the past and find joy. The book restores your faith in humanity, and a little in God as Ben recognizes angels in his life (this book is not preachy, nor is religion the focus...just restoring Ben's faith in God). The story line keeps you turning pages as you root for Ben to find peace in his life and come to grips with his past. It is a clean read, no language or sex, although, there is romance--in unconventional, humorous ways. I look forward to reading PD Bekendam's next novel. He/She is headed for a great career as a writer.
June 26, 2013
I found and obtained Prime of Life during one of my regular "free Kindle books" searches on Amazon last year in November. I finally got around to reading it, and it turns out it was a great find! The story follows Ben, a janitor at the Heritage Gardens retirement community in Temecula, as he tries and fails to escape his past. Moderately obsessive compulsive, Ben loves prime numbers and absolutely loathes the number four. Mildly obsessive compulsive and depressed myself, I related to Ben perhaps a bit more than the average reader will. But his strength and determination in being aware of his disorder and how to deal with it is inspiring, and I should imagine it would remain so regardless of the reader. If you find numbers, the human mind, or the day-to-day life in a retirement community at all interesting, you will really enjoy this book. Numbers are fun, the human mind is fascinating, and old people are just plain funny! Thanks for a good read, Mr. Bekendam - I'm glad I happened upon your book for free, and I hope my review helps get you some new readers!
May 27, 2013
After his brother, Andrew died on the operating table, Ben left his practice as a cardiothoracic surgeon and moved across the country to work as a janitor in a nursing home. Ben has OCD and is obsessed with prime numbers and washing. The residents come to treat him as they would a member of their own family and aren't above attempting a little matchmaking with a beautiful podiatrist, despairing over his inability to come of his shell. But when a winning lottery ticket is lost, the home in jeopardy of being sold to developers with intentions to turn it into a mall, and a new resident moves in with a surprising tie to an area of his past he wants desperately to put behind, Ben finds himself in various humorous and chaotic situations which exposes the secret he was so desperate to keep hidden. He discovers that with a little help and faith in God, the past isn't something to run away from as perhaps to learn from, and that perhaps he deserves more out of life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2013
Prime story, Prime characters, Prime reading
I’ve just recently seen some films that celebrate older people and older actors. The one that relates most closely to this book would be “Quartet” about the scintillating life in a retirement home for aging opera singers. See it if you can.
Prime of life also presents a delightful cast of elderly characters of various talents and idiosyncracies living in a retirement home who get into a wonderful collaborative scheme with their young “handyman” and a mysterious new tenant to save their retirement home from bankruptcy. (Similar theme in “Quartet”.)
This is a book that will leave you with that satisfied feeling of having spent some valuable time with some very interesting people. Funny and engrossing. A very heartwarming read.
I’ve just recently seen some films that celebrate older people and older actors. The one that relates most closely to this book would be “Quartet” about the scintillating life in a retirement home for aging opera singers. See it if you can.
Prime of life also presents a delightful cast of elderly characters of various talents and idiosyncracies living in a retirement home who get into a wonderful collaborative scheme with their young “handyman” and a mysterious new tenant to save their retirement home from bankruptcy. (Similar theme in “Quartet”.)
This is a book that will leave you with that satisfied feeling of having spent some valuable time with some very interesting people. Funny and engrossing. A very heartwarming read.
June 29, 2012
The story of Ben who abandons his job as a heart surgeon to become a janitor at a retirment home. I could relate to the protagonist's desire to simplify his life and control more of its variables, but in the the end, we're reminded:
1. We don't actually control anything.
2. We can learn a lot from old people.
3. There is a God, and He cares about us.
This was a free loaner book on my Kindle. It was a fast read and well written. It may deserve 3 stars, but I'm sticking with two because I thought it was just "okay" overall.
1. We don't actually control anything.
2. We can learn a lot from old people.
3. There is a God, and He cares about us.
This was a free loaner book on my Kindle. It was a fast read and well written. It may deserve 3 stars, but I'm sticking with two because I thought it was just "okay" overall.
September 24, 2013
I'm so impressed that this author has pledged to use his proceeds "to help to restore sight to the needlessly blind throughout the world". He is a practicing eye surgeon and has written a nice little book. It's a book about dealing with adversity, the value of friends, life lessons learned, and the ultimate lesson is that God exists and does care for us. It was touching and sweet. I couldn't have imagined that a "damaged" surgeon turned janitor and the residents of a retirement home would keep me so interested! Very nice!
July 1, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a cardiothoracic surgeon who found life as a doctor impossible to continue after he failed to save his brother. Ben retreats to work as a janitor in a residential village for the elderly, and the empathy and love he has for the residents is a wonderful skeleton for the tale. Ben's OCD and difficulty with romantic relationships is handled well. It is an extremely well crafted work, funny and touching by turns, with a satisfying ending.
March 28, 2013
97% of the book is good. some parts made me laugh out loud. A few times i wanted to start volunteering at the local retirement home, hoping to meet some interesting people that are like the ones in the book. The 3% is the part toward the ending, where praying to God is essential in life. I didn't expect this at all. Okay, maybe not at all; there are a few hints throughout the book. I'll re-read the 97% of the book again someday.
February 13, 2014
This is a debut novel that I don't know if he will be able to equal. I loved it. I was not sure how I would enjoy this but I am so glad I tried it. This is a story about a doctor that quits and becomes a janitor for a retirement complex. The residents are fun and quirky. He has to decide whether to return to being a doctor or stay a janitor. It is interesting how he decides.
I received this book from first look through worthy publishing for an honest opinion.
I received this book from first look through worthy publishing for an honest opinion.
May 19, 2013
This book is a quirky, lovely book. I had read some reviews that said those readers only liked the book until God began to be mentioned; that the author just slipped this aspect of the story in at the last minute. This is absolutely not the case. I enjoyed the book very much and loved the story.
February 25, 2014
Loved this book!!! It was humorous and loving and sad and happy and everything else you might want in a book! The author was great at giving his characters "character"!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good story.
December 4, 2014
This book is amazingly adorable, I read in one sitting and I don't even feel guilty about it. I recommend this book to anyone who want a light hearted story with an amazing ending!
January 21, 2015
The first 70 pages were good (hence 1 star), but it turned into a proselytising nightmare. The author is a Christian who thinks he knows how atheists think, but he definitely doesn't.
September 24, 2019
Ben used to be a Cardiothoracic surgeon, until the day he accidentally killed a patient on the operating table. Ever since that day he has had no interest in practicing medicine, and moved far away to get a fresh start. It's not like he has any biological family to tie him down. He chooses southern California and becomes a janitor at the local retirement home. While the residents stay busy enough to keep him on his toes, its Podiatrist Lex Kentucky that gets him the most flustered. His life is very orderly, prime numbers fit into his plan perfectly but can his friends help him see that not everything in life is prime?
I work at a retirement home, and I could see some of our residents doing some of the things these guys do. We are also guilty of our name, using 2/3 of the words he hates in a retirement home name. The book is rather lighthearted, and it kept my interest for the most part. This was his first novel, which is surprising because it seemed like an old pro.
I work at a retirement home, and I could see some of our residents doing some of the things these guys do. We are also guilty of our name, using 2/3 of the words he hates in a retirement home name. The book is rather lighthearted, and it kept my interest for the most part. This was his first novel, which is surprising because it seemed like an old pro.
April 7, 2018
This has been on my shelve for a long time already and I seem not to have interest to read it but I suddenly felt the urge to take it home during the New Year's break and it did not disappoint! It's been a while since a got hold of a book that I never want to put down until it's finished.
This book is a reminder that we don't always have a control over every situation in our lives no matter how much we want to. We have to trust in a higher power, something bigger than ourselves. But in spite of whatever may happen, we should never limit ourselves to still experience life to the fullest! A quick and funny read, I found each characters very entertaining. Definitely a good read!
This book is a reminder that we don't always have a control over every situation in our lives no matter how much we want to. We have to trust in a higher power, something bigger than ourselves. But in spite of whatever may happen, we should never limit ourselves to still experience life to the fullest! A quick and funny read, I found each characters very entertaining. Definitely a good read!
February 26, 2021
This book scored! It is funny - and there are times you think you know where it’s going - but then the plot twists away beyond your grasp - and off you go on another part of the rollicking ride. The characters were well-developed and I loved them all - except Junior. I’m glad it was free, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have downloaded it, and I would have missed out on a fun read.
August 28, 2018
I absolutely adored this book. It made me actually laugh out loud (I got a couple funny looks in Starbucks) and I even teared up a little bit. I found myself relating some of the characters in this book to real people I know. I would let anyone borrow my copy because it is that good!
September 25, 2019
This was different.
I enjoyed the antics that the old people at the home were up to.
I also liked how the doctor/janitor live evolved being around them.
would recommend this book for some good laughs
I enjoyed the antics that the old people at the home were up to.
I also liked how the doctor/janitor live evolved being around them.
would recommend this book for some good laughs
April 6, 2023
WOW!
I average reading 8 or more books a month, and this book is the best I have read for years! This author is BRILLIANT in developing the story. I highly recommend this author and book!
I average reading 8 or more books a month, and this book is the best I have read for years! This author is BRILLIANT in developing the story. I highly recommend this author and book!
May 23, 2023
One of the most satisfying books I've read in a long time. Ben's character is endearing and the descriptions of his interactions with the nursing home residents are both vacillate between hilarious and heartwarming.
September 28, 2018
Fun book about a doctor turned janitor facing his past. The residents of the retirement village add some spice to the story. Boop was not very believable, but the other characters were enjoyable.
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