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A White Coat Is My Closet
Zack Sheldon doesn't have time to be lonely. He's in his last year as a pediatric resident, almost married to the job, and busy with the joys and sorrows that come with providing medical care to children. Professionally, he's confident, accomplished, and respected. But personally he's too insecure to approach a sexy man like Sergio Quartulli, or even to imagine that Sergio might be attracted to him.
Zack spots Sergio from across the gym, and then a chance meeting poolside somehow turns into a date. Before Zack knows it, they've become a couple, but Zack's white coat is his closet at the hospital, and committing to a relationship with Sergio makes it difficult for Zack to continue hiding behind it. On the other hand, he grew up in a small town where being gay was shameful, and he works in an environment that can sometimes be homophobic, so it's hard for him to open up about who he really is. Before Zack can make a choice on his own terms, circumstances force him to make a decision. He can continue to hide, or he can step out from behind his white coat and risk everything for love.
©2013 Jake Wells (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press
Zack spots Sergio from across the gym, and then a chance meeting poolside somehow turns into a date. Before Zack knows it, they've become a couple, but Zack's white coat is his closet at the hospital, and committing to a relationship with Sergio makes it difficult for Zack to continue hiding behind it. On the other hand, he grew up in a small town where being gay was shameful, and he works in an environment that can sometimes be homophobic, so it's hard for him to open up about who he really is. Before Zack can make a choice on his own terms, circumstances force him to make a decision. He can continue to hide, or he can step out from behind his white coat and risk everything for love.
©2013 Jake Wells (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press
Audiobook
First published October 24, 2013
7 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Jake Wells
3 books21 followersHe’s adventured through the far corners of the world, has a successful career practicing medicine, and shares his life with an amazing partner. Though eating chocolate continues to play a prominent role in his dreams, the icing on the cake has been writing about falling in love in a world where equality is only beginning to be embraced.
When he’s not playing doctor, Jake can usually be found traipsing local hiking trails with his dogs near his West Coast home, in the kitchen trying to replicate some sumptuous dish he saw on one of the cooking channels, or sipping a glass of fine red wine with his friends.
When he’s not playing doctor, Jake can usually be found traipsing local hiking trails with his dogs near his West Coast home, in the kitchen trying to replicate some sumptuous dish he saw on one of the cooking channels, or sipping a glass of fine red wine with his friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 11, 2013
Ok, where to start...I'm sure this will be rambling and I apologize in advance for that. I'll try and get all my thoughts down. I was really looking forward to this book and pre-ordered it, sorry to say, it didn't work for me.
At the start I get a pretty unfavorable opinion of Zach. Yes, he's an awesome doctor and an all around good guy, but despite having very low self esteem and constantly thinking he doesn't measure up ( in relation to other men, men he wants to date) he's IMO a snob and condescending. Some of what was said was def. not PC.
A lot of time is spent on how people look in this book! how hot they are, how they are built, how good looking they are...etc.
Now, his thoughts are probably very realistic, but he thinks he can't possibly land one of the hot muscle bound guys he wants, but he looks down on overweight men, or ones that don't measure up to his expectations.
Then this book has far too many unimportant details, each medical procedure is told and explained in great detail, the looks of the father of a child being born is described, a random waitress gets a page, the amount of weight added to his reps at the gym take up half a page, benign conversations that add nothing are told word for word, that just made an already long story much longer and had me skimming and wondering what it was about, why was it included? Was this going to be important later one? No, it wasn't.
Now, Zach is in the closet, it's so ingrained in him, he can't really just stop.
“Deep down, I really did feel ashamed. I would have loved nothing more than to be able to say I was proud of being gay, but I knew that was a lie. The best I could do was to say that for many years, I had been trying to accept it.”
“Decide to stop feeling ashamed. Easier said than done. Sometimes my shame felt so deeply engrained, it didn’t even require conscious thought. It was just there. Wired into me. Influencing every emotion that entered my brain.”
Again, although this is important, it's still repeated and repeated over and over again without me really seeing when and how Zach changes.
Yes, he was an ass to Sergio and the thought of losing him has him reevaluating but I was only told he's changing, didn't really see any of it. ( and on a side note, Sergio's heart was in the right place, but when you know your partners in the closet, is that how you go to their workplace? )
Then of course there is the homophobic rant at a restaurant, the homophobic doctor..etc..
And of course then the BIG situation happens and Zach sees the light and all of a sudden he sees that everything he's believed, thought and feared wasn't as important as he always thought it was.
Yeah, so, as a romance it didn't work for me at all, because I really didn't see it, I know we are told a few things, and see a few dates, but except for knowing that Zach thinks Sergio is hotter than hell I didn't feel their love/relationship at all, probably because the story was so bogged down by so many other things. Oh and there are no on page sex scenes, despite everything else in this book being described in great detail, didn't bother me, but figured I mention it.
The highlight for me was Zach's interactions with his small patients. Finally I decided to see this story more as one of Zach finding his way out of the closet and his life as a doctor. A bit more of a 'coming of age' for lack of a better term, maybe a 'coming into ones self' then it's an ok read, but as a love story it didn't work for me, and even his coming out felt a little forced, he did chose to come out, but again, it felt like life forced his hand and not that he made a conscious choice.
So, while I'm sure there are people that will love this story, I didn't. It needed editing to keep from dragging with tons of unimportant details, and honestly the Zach we are shown, especially in the beginning didn't endear him to me and probably colored my perception of him.
At the start I get a pretty unfavorable opinion of Zach. Yes, he's an awesome doctor and an all around good guy, but despite having very low self esteem and constantly thinking he doesn't measure up ( in relation to other men, men he wants to date) he's IMO a snob and condescending. Some of what was said was def. not PC.
A lot of time is spent on how people look in this book! how hot they are, how they are built, how good looking they are...etc.
Now, his thoughts are probably very realistic, but he thinks he can't possibly land one of the hot muscle bound guys he wants, but he looks down on overweight men, or ones that don't measure up to his expectations.
Then this book has far too many unimportant details, each medical procedure is told and explained in great detail, the looks of the father of a child being born is described, a random waitress gets a page, the amount of weight added to his reps at the gym take up half a page, benign conversations that add nothing are told word for word, that just made an already long story much longer and had me skimming and wondering what it was about, why was it included? Was this going to be important later one? No, it wasn't.
Now, Zach is in the closet, it's so ingrained in him, he can't really just stop.
“Deep down, I really did feel ashamed. I would have loved nothing more than to be able to say I was proud of being gay, but I knew that was a lie. The best I could do was to say that for many years, I had been trying to accept it.”
“Decide to stop feeling ashamed. Easier said than done. Sometimes my shame felt so deeply engrained, it didn’t even require conscious thought. It was just there. Wired into me. Influencing every emotion that entered my brain.”
Again, although this is important, it's still repeated and repeated over and over again without me really seeing when and how Zach changes.
Yes, he was an ass to Sergio and the thought of losing him has him reevaluating but I was only told he's changing, didn't really see any of it. ( and on a side note, Sergio's heart was in the right place, but when you know your partners in the closet, is that how you go to their workplace? )
Then of course there is the homophobic rant at a restaurant, the homophobic doctor..etc..
And of course then the BIG situation happens and Zach sees the light and all of a sudden he sees that everything he's believed, thought and feared wasn't as important as he always thought it was.
Yeah, so, as a romance it didn't work for me at all, because I really didn't see it, I know we are told a few things, and see a few dates, but except for knowing that Zach thinks Sergio is hotter than hell I didn't feel their love/relationship at all, probably because the story was so bogged down by so many other things. Oh and there are no on page sex scenes, despite everything else in this book being described in great detail, didn't bother me, but figured I mention it.
The highlight for me was Zach's interactions with his small patients. Finally I decided to see this story more as one of Zach finding his way out of the closet and his life as a doctor. A bit more of a 'coming of age' for lack of a better term, maybe a 'coming into ones self' then it's an ok read, but as a love story it didn't work for me, and even his coming out felt a little forced, he did chose to come out, but again, it felt like life forced his hand and not that he made a conscious choice.
So, while I'm sure there are people that will love this story, I didn't. It needed editing to keep from dragging with tons of unimportant details, and honestly the Zach we are shown, especially in the beginning didn't endear him to me and probably colored my perception of him.
October 28, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
A story about a doctor? A story about a Pediatrician in the training? These alone made me stand up and wished I had this in my hands. Now that I have read it, it more than lived up to my expectations especially after finding out the author himself is a doctor. I was wondering how he would be able to transfer his medical knowledge across into an MM romance novel. Many authors have attempted and quite a few had lived up to their research. From a doctor himself? This had better be different!
You bet it was different! It was not only an outstanding piece of work, it can open the eyes of the unknowing just what it takes to live the life of a physician, be embroiled within the politics of hospital life, and get the personals out of the way.
Before I go forward with a review, readers should be pre-warned:
First of all, this is a pretty lengthy book. However, as I am also right in the middle of something longer, and have read longer, I am not deterred about page numbers.
Second, it is important to take note that although this is an MM romance, there is nothing erotic about this story. Think ZERO (0) heat rating but with the romance ever so present.
Now off to the story and review!
I just have a happy face every time I see a blurb involving anyone who is involved in the medical world. I have a background in one and married another, so I do tend to have a need to get some romance within that highly intellectual and sometimes, snobbish, world.
Zack is a literal product of his parents' upbringing. He comes from an environment where sports was a huge issue and no one really talked about homosexuality. It was a hugely boring type of life, I would say, but it is typical of small towns and smaller cities around the world. Simply because he is a physician does not erase the environmental factors in Zack's psyche and unfortunately, this carries over to his personal life. His lack of physical self-esteem carries over to his attempted relationships. Fortunately for him, he does have a steady set of friends. But these too were divided. He had his straight friends and he had his gay friends and they never, ever mingled. Sad really, and Zack knew it.
Comes out of nowhere is Sergio. A gorgeous and highly independent Italian. He may not be a doctor, but this man had just the right dose of medical loving and understanding that Zack needed relationship-wise. His coming into Zack's life overturned the other's life.
Their romance started off on shaky ground. Their backgrounds were different, their self-esteems were poles apart, but their attraction to each other was pretty strong. Soon a wobbly love sparks and before long, they were quite involved. The only thing going against them was Zack's personal fears.
Life in the hospital where Zack interned is a typical one found all over the world, regardless of its socio-economic class or high-tech equipments and number of specialists. Thing is, if one were found weak, those in the upper ranks are sure to bite down and try to step over. Most succeed, some fail. Thing is, an intern has to fight their way through the politicking and backbiting to survive and get the best training. Is this hard to imagine? One must have to go through these very halls to successfully transfer this over text. When interns, things can get really rough and this has the most unfortunate statistics from health to personal life.
I absolutely loved the way Jake Wells was able to write in full detail the psyche of an intern. Their ability to work endlessly for thirty-six plus hours and still be sharp in mind is amazing to observe. I have seen these men and women be so deep in REM sleep and when the alert calls, they can spout off doses and emergency actions with eyes closed.
I was also very happy with the way the author was able to show how these doctors could shed off their doctor-personas like an off-on switch. These men and women are like two different people and it can confuse the unfamiliar. Personally, I have seen some who would get upset when their doctor-friends would switch to the physician facade and then are suddenly seen as snobby, rude, lacking in empathy and other misunderstood behaviors. Hahahahha, if they only knew that behind the locked doors these snobbish doctors break down and cry when they lose a patient! - This last bit brings me to Christopher and he is the embodiment of all those little ones we lose everyday. His character was so beautifully written, I kept tearing up. There were also a lot of funny moments so this is not really all that pure drama.
So how did I find this book? Isn't it obvious? I absolutely LOVED this. The fact this is a Zero Heat Rating just made it an even better story for me. Why? Well, this is a story about a man and his life inside and outside of the hospital halls. It is a story of a doctor's partner, be they man or woman, one who has to have that strength to stay on and be that one to be relied on behind the closed doors.
Note: "All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to Youth Services, because sometimes success in life starts with being given a chance." (from A White Coat Is My Closet)
A story about a doctor? A story about a Pediatrician in the training? These alone made me stand up and wished I had this in my hands. Now that I have read it, it more than lived up to my expectations especially after finding out the author himself is a doctor. I was wondering how he would be able to transfer his medical knowledge across into an MM romance novel. Many authors have attempted and quite a few had lived up to their research. From a doctor himself? This had better be different!
You bet it was different! It was not only an outstanding piece of work, it can open the eyes of the unknowing just what it takes to live the life of a physician, be embroiled within the politics of hospital life, and get the personals out of the way.
Before I go forward with a review, readers should be pre-warned:
First of all, this is a pretty lengthy book. However, as I am also right in the middle of something longer, and have read longer, I am not deterred about page numbers.
Second, it is important to take note that although this is an MM romance, there is nothing erotic about this story. Think ZERO (0) heat rating but with the romance ever so present.
Now off to the story and review!
I just have a happy face every time I see a blurb involving anyone who is involved in the medical world. I have a background in one and married another, so I do tend to have a need to get some romance within that highly intellectual and sometimes, snobbish, world.
Zack is a literal product of his parents' upbringing. He comes from an environment where sports was a huge issue and no one really talked about homosexuality. It was a hugely boring type of life, I would say, but it is typical of small towns and smaller cities around the world. Simply because he is a physician does not erase the environmental factors in Zack's psyche and unfortunately, this carries over to his personal life. His lack of physical self-esteem carries over to his attempted relationships. Fortunately for him, he does have a steady set of friends. But these too were divided. He had his straight friends and he had his gay friends and they never, ever mingled. Sad really, and Zack knew it.
Comes out of nowhere is Sergio. A gorgeous and highly independent Italian. He may not be a doctor, but this man had just the right dose of medical loving and understanding that Zack needed relationship-wise. His coming into Zack's life overturned the other's life.
Their romance started off on shaky ground. Their backgrounds were different, their self-esteems were poles apart, but their attraction to each other was pretty strong. Soon a wobbly love sparks and before long, they were quite involved. The only thing going against them was Zack's personal fears.
Life in the hospital where Zack interned is a typical one found all over the world, regardless of its socio-economic class or high-tech equipments and number of specialists. Thing is, if one were found weak, those in the upper ranks are sure to bite down and try to step over. Most succeed, some fail. Thing is, an intern has to fight their way through the politicking and backbiting to survive and get the best training. Is this hard to imagine? One must have to go through these very halls to successfully transfer this over text. When interns, things can get really rough and this has the most unfortunate statistics from health to personal life.
I absolutely loved the way Jake Wells was able to write in full detail the psyche of an intern. Their ability to work endlessly for thirty-six plus hours and still be sharp in mind is amazing to observe. I have seen these men and women be so deep in REM sleep and when the alert calls, they can spout off doses and emergency actions with eyes closed.
I was also very happy with the way the author was able to show how these doctors could shed off their doctor-personas like an off-on switch. These men and women are like two different people and it can confuse the unfamiliar. Personally, I have seen some who would get upset when their doctor-friends would switch to the physician facade and then are suddenly seen as snobby, rude, lacking in empathy and other misunderstood behaviors. Hahahahha, if they only knew that behind the locked doors these snobbish doctors break down and cry when they lose a patient! - This last bit brings me to Christopher and he is the embodiment of all those little ones we lose everyday. His character was so beautifully written, I kept tearing up. There were also a lot of funny moments so this is not really all that pure drama.
So how did I find this book? Isn't it obvious? I absolutely LOVED this. The fact this is a Zero Heat Rating just made it an even better story for me. Why? Well, this is a story about a man and his life inside and outside of the hospital halls. It is a story of a doctor's partner, be they man or woman, one who has to have that strength to stay on and be that one to be relied on behind the closed doors.
Note: "All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to Youth Services, because sometimes success in life starts with being given a chance." (from A White Coat Is My Closet)
November 19, 2013
I had such high hopes for this book! It's written by a doctor, about a doctor, and all the medical details are spot on (which is certainly refreshing!). It even had the stereotypical asshole surgeon, well known to all of us in the medical community. It involves a closeted man struggling with feelings of shame and inferiority because he is gay. He is conflicted about coming out, or continuing to lead a double life. The book is free of annoying typos and clearly well-proofread. So far, everything I could want to read.
But then I started reading it.
Zach is a third year pediatric resident. He works long hours, and barely has time outside of the hospital to spend with his friends. The first time we see him get together with them, the dialogue is all clever trash talking and witty repartee, and Zach tells long winded, stilted stories that supposedly keep the other men rapt. No one talks like that. And the dialogue never gets better throughout the book.
We also have the set up that Zach is raised in a small rural community with extremely conservative values, which are shared by his parents and brothers, so he always feels inferior, and less than a man, because he is gay. We are reminded of this over and over throughout the book, ad nauseum. And yet, Zach makes comments about how surprised he is that his average looking friends manage to find hook ups, and when he is looking for men himself, they have to be incredibly hot or he won't look twice. He comes across as shallow and superficial, and it is hard for me to reconcile his supposedly very low self esteem with the standards he sets for physical characteristics in men he would consider dating. Then we see him in the hospital, and he is beyond confident. He is subtly suggested to be more intelligent than his colleagues, more caring and devoted than his colleagues, adored by patients and their families and respected by everyone in the hospital from the janitorial staff to attending physicians (with the exception of the asshole surgeon). I know the author was trying to set up the dichotomy of professional confidence vs personal insecurity, but I just didn't buy it.
There were just so many missed opportunities with this book! A gay pediatrician is of course going to run into homophobia, not to mention accusations of pedophilia, and being out is never going to be the cakewalk it turned into here! I was hoping to read about that. I wanted to see the evolution of self acceptance, and instead it was all "I hate myself" until the critical moment when it became "I'm coming out and I love myself and everyone else loves me too!" without anything in between. And endless self-analysis and repeating the same things over and over with different words. The story could have improved with a more brutal editor.
I have definitely read worse books. I started skimming at the end, but didn't DNF this one. But I was truly disappointed, because I hoped for an awful lot more. I really do want to see more from this author because of his background, but he has a long way to go before he becomes a polished writer.
But then I started reading it.
Zach is a third year pediatric resident. He works long hours, and barely has time outside of the hospital to spend with his friends. The first time we see him get together with them, the dialogue is all clever trash talking and witty repartee, and Zach tells long winded, stilted stories that supposedly keep the other men rapt. No one talks like that. And the dialogue never gets better throughout the book.
We also have the set up that Zach is raised in a small rural community with extremely conservative values, which are shared by his parents and brothers, so he always feels inferior, and less than a man, because he is gay. We are reminded of this over and over throughout the book, ad nauseum. And yet, Zach makes comments about how surprised he is that his average looking friends manage to find hook ups, and when he is looking for men himself, they have to be incredibly hot or he won't look twice. He comes across as shallow and superficial, and it is hard for me to reconcile his supposedly very low self esteem with the standards he sets for physical characteristics in men he would consider dating. Then we see him in the hospital, and he is beyond confident. He is subtly suggested to be more intelligent than his colleagues, more caring and devoted than his colleagues, adored by patients and their families and respected by everyone in the hospital from the janitorial staff to attending physicians (with the exception of the asshole surgeon). I know the author was trying to set up the dichotomy of professional confidence vs personal insecurity, but I just didn't buy it.
There were just so many missed opportunities with this book! A gay pediatrician is of course going to run into homophobia, not to mention accusations of pedophilia, and being out is never going to be the cakewalk it turned into here! I was hoping to read about that. I wanted to see the evolution of self acceptance, and instead it was all "I hate myself" until the critical moment when it became "I'm coming out and I love myself and everyone else loves me too!" without anything in between. And endless self-analysis and repeating the same things over and over with different words. The story could have improved with a more brutal editor.
I have definitely read worse books. I started skimming at the end, but didn't DNF this one. But I was truly disappointed, because I hoped for an awful lot more. I really do want to see more from this author because of his background, but he has a long way to go before he becomes a polished writer.
November 18, 2013
Jake Wells A WHITE COAT IS MY CLOSET.
Dreamspinner Press
I had trouble starting this review. After considerable thought, the best way I could come up with is to make a polite request to my favorite stories, Bareback, Into This River I Drown, The Locker Room, The Strongest Shape, and Brokeback Mountain, to please move over a little bit on my shelf and make room for Jake Wells' novel, A White Coat is My Closet.
More... Jake's novel about a young pediatric resident dealing with the intensity of his experience at the hospital where he works grueling hours, while simultaneously falling in love and finding his place in society as a gay man, was more than a romance. And don't get me wrong-a romance, in itself, is enough to fully satisfy me-but A White Coat is My Closet also opened my eyes to truths of the lives of health care providers that I will not soon forget.
More... It is one of possibly three books I have read in the recent past that have brought me to a sufficiently intense emotional level that I shed tears. And I didn't cry over the romance, although I very well could have as it was touching. I teared up at the humanity that the young doctor, Zack, embodies as he makes his journey into full selfhood in his career, as well as his personal life.
More...The inspired words Dr. Zack speaks to the mother of a seriously ill boy in the story also comforted the mother in me, as his words compassionately addressed the deepest fear of any parent. They are words I will keep in my mind.
In his compelling novel, Jake Wells explores the themes of friendship and other less-than-friendly relationships, self-doubt and shame, as well as the importance of meeting the expectations of society. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2013
Don't know if it's because I have young kids, but tears poured from my eyes on multiple occasions. Zack is one of those characters who hooks you in with his compassion and caring and yet displays a humanness with his personal struggles that everyone can relate too. He's not superman, but he does some superhuman deeds. And at the same time is but an imperfect man.
Real, is how the book comes off. It seems like an inside look into the high intensity/ high stress life of a Pediatrician and doesn't stop short there, rather it digs into the navigating of a romance with real world fears and an all-consuming love.
Great stuff!
Any book that seesaws my emotions forth and back this many times deserves 5 stars!!
A White Coat Is My Closet
-Daniel Torres
Real, is how the book comes off. It seems like an inside look into the high intensity/ high stress life of a Pediatrician and doesn't stop short there, rather it digs into the navigating of a romance with real world fears and an all-consuming love.
Great stuff!
Any book that seesaws my emotions forth and back this many times deserves 5 stars!!
A White Coat Is My Closet
-Daniel Torres
November 5, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, really. But there is only soooo much "I think I'm not perfect but my friends think I'm perfect, and really I do a lot of amazing things in my life without thinking that I am, and oh I'm not good looking but I've never had problems with people thinking that I'm good looking, and oh woe is me in my perfect little life were my one flaw is I'm still in the closet, kinda. Please let me tell you about how I think I'm not a perfect human being by telling you all the good things I do in life" one can take.
I am not kidding you, that is the ENTIRE TONE of the book. The story is pretty good, but the narration just made me want to hit something.
This book should have been written in 3rd person. Then it would have felt less like a book of looking into one's self idolization.
I am not kidding you, that is the ENTIRE TONE of the book. The story is pretty good, but the narration just made me want to hit something.
This book should have been written in 3rd person. Then it would have felt less like a book of looking into one's self idolization.
December 4, 2013
The product description told me this was going to be a story about a doctor struggling with his sexuality so I was expecting a easy read. Oh no, this book is full of carefully crafted personalities that put together take your on a journey that is so much more than a doctor and his sexuality.
I laughed and cried and related to the characters in a way I never expected, they are so believable you feel as if you actually know them.
I read did enjoy this story and was captivated from the beginning. It is full of words that have such meaning you feel the force of them as if you've been punched and educated at the same time
Jake Wells is extremely talented and has managed to write a amazing story that I defy anyone to not to be profoundly moved by yet at the same time find parts that are so funny and uplifting you can not stop smiling.
Highly Recommended!
I laughed and cried and related to the characters in a way I never expected, they are so believable you feel as if you actually know them.
I read did enjoy this story and was captivated from the beginning. It is full of words that have such meaning you feel the force of them as if you've been punched and educated at the same time
Jake Wells is extremely talented and has managed to write a amazing story that I defy anyone to not to be profoundly moved by yet at the same time find parts that are so funny and uplifting you can not stop smiling.
Highly Recommended!
November 5, 2013
This is on my top 10 best books I've read this year. This book made me laugh AND cry several times. I was pleased there wasn't any graphic love scenes but he could have turned up the Romance a bit more. I appreciate that there was a lot of technical medical info in the story but there were a few times it was a bit much for me. The story was an excellent one and I really loved the storyline of one of the little patients - made me cry. All in all, a great book.
October 28, 2013
5+ stars! When I read it was a medical drama, I was here we go, a bunch of misinformation....again! And I feared I was going to have to point out errors....NOT! I kept reading and saying to myself, this author must be a doctor or have some serious medical knowledge! Only someone who has gone through residency knows about the one person who dumps but doesn't like to be dumped on....you know that lazy ass person that begrudges you having a good night or day and does nothing to help you get out even close to time, and heaven forbid before time! ( just in case you want to know how we dealt with it Jake Wells, let me know, lol!). I so loved this book, but wait, the part where Dr Klein was in the OR, and Moses suggested pushing his stool in.....I'm crackin' up even now! That has to be one of the most hilarious things I've read in a book!
What I really appreciated was how the author brought up the issue of people becoming so task-oriented that they forget the bigger picture and that's creating an environment that focuses on not only the care of the patient, but their comfort as well. And if that means allowing something that may not be strictly regulation but will do no harm, so be it. Because 'DO NO HARM' means by both omission and commission, and in this case separating a sick boy from his talisman, his comfort. Too much I see this happening, but we need to remind each other all the times.
The story was so real! In some parts there may have been a tad bit too much editorializing but this was far and few between.
It demonstrated that it's ok for a physician to care about their patients and when you work with kids, or the geriatric population with which I work, attachments can really aid in healing. That touch, that extra mile, something simple as maybe swiping a favourite dessert.
Did I say I loved this book? And all of this was wrapped around a story of a young chap who couldn't come to terms with who he was. I felt it was entwined subtly but still out there for all to see. Wonderful love story, lovely supporting characters.
Someone out there will probably say something about the dialogues between the hospital staff and say it's not believable. TRUST ME ON THIS! Sarcasm and cynicism will go a loooong way to make the long days and even longer nights bearable. It's a course we have to take if we are not going to be thin-skinned!
Ok, what's next?
What I really appreciated was how the author brought up the issue of people becoming so task-oriented that they forget the bigger picture and that's creating an environment that focuses on not only the care of the patient, but their comfort as well. And if that means allowing something that may not be strictly regulation but will do no harm, so be it. Because 'DO NO HARM' means by both omission and commission, and in this case separating a sick boy from his talisman, his comfort. Too much I see this happening, but we need to remind each other all the times.
The story was so real! In some parts there may have been a tad bit too much editorializing but this was far and few between.
It demonstrated that it's ok for a physician to care about their patients and when you work with kids, or the geriatric population with which I work, attachments can really aid in healing. That touch, that extra mile, something simple as maybe swiping a favourite dessert.
Did I say I loved this book? And all of this was wrapped around a story of a young chap who couldn't come to terms with who he was. I felt it was entwined subtly but still out there for all to see. Wonderful love story, lovely supporting characters.
Someone out there will probably say something about the dialogues between the hospital staff and say it's not believable. TRUST ME ON THIS! Sarcasm and cynicism will go a loooong way to make the long days and even longer nights bearable. It's a course we have to take if we are not going to be thin-skinned!
Ok, what's next?
November 2, 2013
Note: "All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to Youth Services, because sometimes success in life starts with being given a chance." (from A White Coat Is My Closet)
JUST JEN's REVEW
I really loved this story. Although, this story has a great romance it is truly about a man trying to come to terms with his sexuality and accept who he is. It is a story of a man living a double life, one in the confines of the hospital and the other on the outside of the hospital. Zach is always doubting himself outside the realm of his professional life. He lacks confidence and has low self-esteem. His best friend, Declan, knows Zach is a great person but getting him to see it is hard work. Enter the hot confident Italian, Sergio. He is just what Zach wants but Sergio will not be forced to hide in Zach's closet with him. As their relationship progresses, life's tragedies force Zach to realize you can't hide forever.
There isn’t a lot of steamy sex in this book at all, but there is such a sweet romance that I found myself really not missing the heat. The characters are strongly written. What I loved was the fact that I have read several stories where the character is in the medical field and because the author truly lacks knowledge of that profession the story falls short. That was not the case in this book. Jake Wells does an amazing job creating the life of a pediatric resident. There were so many times during this story that I felt like I was in the hospital with Zach. I laughed so hard and I cried big tears while reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey of Zach. I can't wait to read what Jake Wells has for us next.
FAVORITE QUOTE
I just think this is one of the most powerful statements in this book.
"Look, Zach. The world is a complicated place. It's woven together in an intricate, confusing pattern. Sometimes it's easy to get lost in the significant details. But at the end of the day, the testimony of a person's character is their integrity and their capacity to love. Who they love really says nothing about who they are."
JUST JEN's REVEW
I really loved this story. Although, this story has a great romance it is truly about a man trying to come to terms with his sexuality and accept who he is. It is a story of a man living a double life, one in the confines of the hospital and the other on the outside of the hospital. Zach is always doubting himself outside the realm of his professional life. He lacks confidence and has low self-esteem. His best friend, Declan, knows Zach is a great person but getting him to see it is hard work. Enter the hot confident Italian, Sergio. He is just what Zach wants but Sergio will not be forced to hide in Zach's closet with him. As their relationship progresses, life's tragedies force Zach to realize you can't hide forever.
There isn’t a lot of steamy sex in this book at all, but there is such a sweet romance that I found myself really not missing the heat. The characters are strongly written. What I loved was the fact that I have read several stories where the character is in the medical field and because the author truly lacks knowledge of that profession the story falls short. That was not the case in this book. Jake Wells does an amazing job creating the life of a pediatric resident. There were so many times during this story that I felt like I was in the hospital with Zach. I laughed so hard and I cried big tears while reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey of Zach. I can't wait to read what Jake Wells has for us next.
FAVORITE QUOTE
I just think this is one of the most powerful statements in this book.
"Look, Zach. The world is a complicated place. It's woven together in an intricate, confusing pattern. Sometimes it's easy to get lost in the significant details. But at the end of the day, the testimony of a person's character is their integrity and their capacity to love. Who they love really says nothing about who they are."
October 30, 2013
I read a ton but very seldom take the time to review books…..in this case, I felt I had too.
I really loved this book and was impressed by every component of it. I thought the love story was heartfelt and well told, I thought the medical part of it was compelling and realistic without being either exaggerated or tedious, and I thought the relationship Zack (the main character and apparently my namesake!) had with his patients was genuinely touching.
Irrefutably, Zack had self-esteem issues but I think the author did an incredible job of describing why they occurred and successfully lead the reader through experiences that illustrated how Zack learned to deal with them. We sometimes begin our journey in life carrying a lot of baggage. To be successful, we learn to cope, we meet challenges, we wrestle with our inadequacies and, with luck, we ultimately grow. By reading this book, I felt like as was able to accompany Zack on a part of his journey.
I loved Sergio, appreciated how he supported Zack, and was moved by the fact that Zack, wanting to feel more deserving of Sergio’s affection, was motivated to confront his personal issues more assertively.
In addition, having lived through my twenties, I thoroughly enjoyed the dialog that occurred between Zack and his peers. I don’t think any of it was intended to be offensive. I think they were irreverent, hormone fueled, body conscious, gay men. Their conversations were humorous and sharp witted but most importantly; believable.
Finally, back in the day, when the television series ER was fresh and innovative, I really enjoyed it. I think this book successfully incorporates a realistic medical drama into an unbelievably satisfying love story; complete with angst, tears and laughter.
To summarize, I HIGHLY recommend it!
I really loved this book and was impressed by every component of it. I thought the love story was heartfelt and well told, I thought the medical part of it was compelling and realistic without being either exaggerated or tedious, and I thought the relationship Zack (the main character and apparently my namesake!) had with his patients was genuinely touching.
Irrefutably, Zack had self-esteem issues but I think the author did an incredible job of describing why they occurred and successfully lead the reader through experiences that illustrated how Zack learned to deal with them. We sometimes begin our journey in life carrying a lot of baggage. To be successful, we learn to cope, we meet challenges, we wrestle with our inadequacies and, with luck, we ultimately grow. By reading this book, I felt like as was able to accompany Zack on a part of his journey.
I loved Sergio, appreciated how he supported Zack, and was moved by the fact that Zack, wanting to feel more deserving of Sergio’s affection, was motivated to confront his personal issues more assertively.
In addition, having lived through my twenties, I thoroughly enjoyed the dialog that occurred between Zack and his peers. I don’t think any of it was intended to be offensive. I think they were irreverent, hormone fueled, body conscious, gay men. Their conversations were humorous and sharp witted but most importantly; believable.
Finally, back in the day, when the television series ER was fresh and innovative, I really enjoyed it. I think this book successfully incorporates a realistic medical drama into an unbelievably satisfying love story; complete with angst, tears and laughter.
To summarize, I HIGHLY recommend it!
January 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book; it's much more than just an MM romance. The author, Jake Wells, is a doctor. If that hadn't been explained in the 'acknowledgements', it would be clear from reading the book. The medical setting is portrayed with such confidence and accuracy that it is clear that this is the work of someone who knows their stuff! There's a lot of medical detail but none is left unexplained, it all adds to the richness of the story. Also, fair warning... much of the medical plot revolves around very young children in desperate medical situations. There's huge scope for tears, so have the tissues standing by.
The main plot concerns Dr Zack Sheldon, an accomplished physician who struggles with his sexuality - he's deeply in the closet and leads a double life in a way that will be familiar to many people. His world is turned upside down when he meets and falls in love with Sergio. Their developing relationship and the tensions that are created by Zack's inability to be open, are handled really well. Again, there's much here that will strike a chord with many people.
There are sections of this book that really impressed me. The opening chapter is gripping. There's a confrontation in a restaurant part way through that dealt with homophobic abuse in a way that left me punching the air and cheering for Zack. I'm doing my best to avoid spoilers but the climax of the book is simply brilliant; I couldn't put it down. All in all, it's a really good mix of high drama and emotion.
Zack Sheldon is a wonderful character. Strip away all the banter, and you find a gay man struggling with his own identity. Full of insecurities, fear and self-doubt; he's portrayed in a very honest way.
The main plot concerns Dr Zack Sheldon, an accomplished physician who struggles with his sexuality - he's deeply in the closet and leads a double life in a way that will be familiar to many people. His world is turned upside down when he meets and falls in love with Sergio. Their developing relationship and the tensions that are created by Zack's inability to be open, are handled really well. Again, there's much here that will strike a chord with many people.
There are sections of this book that really impressed me. The opening chapter is gripping. There's a confrontation in a restaurant part way through that dealt with homophobic abuse in a way that left me punching the air and cheering for Zack. I'm doing my best to avoid spoilers but the climax of the book is simply brilliant; I couldn't put it down. All in all, it's a really good mix of high drama and emotion.
Zack Sheldon is a wonderful character. Strip away all the banter, and you find a gay man struggling with his own identity. Full of insecurities, fear and self-doubt; he's portrayed in a very honest way.
December 4, 2013
Authentic
Meet Zack. He’s a pediatrician. Actually he’s a recently graduated physician now in his senior year of a high-powered pediatric residency program. He’s smart. He’s compassionate. He loves kids. But Zack has a secret. He’s gay.
So begins the novel A White Coat is My Closet by new author Jake Wells. In it we get to see the story of a professionally confident doctor juxtaposed with a low self-esteem closeted gay man who’s not out to more than a few close friends. He essentially lives two lives. Can he keep his worlds from colliding?
A large part of this story is an unvarnished look at what its like to be a pediatric resident. Coming from a similar background I can attest that all the details from the neonatal resuscitation to the interpersonal relations with other residents are accurate. This is the real deal folks. Add to that a man coming to terms with who he is and who he wants to be and I think you have a compelling read.
Don’t pick up this book if you are looking for en episode of ER or Grey’s Anatomy with gay erotica mixed in.
Buy this book if you want to read about a man maturing professionally, growing personally, finding love and making some tough decisions.
If this is complete fiction the author is a genius. The more plausible answer is that he put quite a bit of himself in the story and it might be more autobiographical than he admits.
A White Coat is My Closet is head and shoulders above the usual entries in the gay romance category and should not be missed. It will make you angry. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. In the end it will make you smile. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
Meet Zack. He’s a pediatrician. Actually he’s a recently graduated physician now in his senior year of a high-powered pediatric residency program. He’s smart. He’s compassionate. He loves kids. But Zack has a secret. He’s gay.
So begins the novel A White Coat is My Closet by new author Jake Wells. In it we get to see the story of a professionally confident doctor juxtaposed with a low self-esteem closeted gay man who’s not out to more than a few close friends. He essentially lives two lives. Can he keep his worlds from colliding?
A large part of this story is an unvarnished look at what its like to be a pediatric resident. Coming from a similar background I can attest that all the details from the neonatal resuscitation to the interpersonal relations with other residents are accurate. This is the real deal folks. Add to that a man coming to terms with who he is and who he wants to be and I think you have a compelling read.
Don’t pick up this book if you are looking for en episode of ER or Grey’s Anatomy with gay erotica mixed in.
Buy this book if you want to read about a man maturing professionally, growing personally, finding love and making some tough decisions.
If this is complete fiction the author is a genius. The more plausible answer is that he put quite a bit of himself in the story and it might be more autobiographical than he admits.
A White Coat is My Closet is head and shoulders above the usual entries in the gay romance category and should not be missed. It will make you angry. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. In the end it will make you smile. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
November 15, 2013
Zack Sheldon is an accomplished Pediatrician, of that there is no doubt, it’s his own self doubt that is the issue. He hides behind his title at work for fear of the ramifications if he comes out publically. In fact, only his closest friends and the guys he dates know he’s gay, he hasn’t even told his family.
Sergio is the object of Zack’s affection first at the gym then at the pool. Zack is completely stupefied that someone so sexy could be into him. Soon enough the two are in a relationship, to spite Zack’s subconscious efforts to drive Sergio away. Not only is Zack eventually forced out of the closet, his door is ripped off the hinges. His concerns don’t go unwarranted, sadly, but it’s Sergio that ends up on the receiving end of it.
This was a difficult read, it’s hard to immerse yourself into a book when you almost immediately dislike the main character. Zack had some serious issues with self loathing and deprecation. He and Sergio have their HEA in the end, the painful part was getting there. Zack’s inner monologue would have worked within the story if it were an occasional thing, or a passing thought, but it was so repetative I felt like I was being smacked over the head with it… repeatedly. Overly descriptive stories of his interactions with patients weighed the story down as well. The romance aspect between Zack and Sergio didn’t flow well either, it seemed forced.
While this wasn’t the book for me, it may well work for you.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
Sergio is the object of Zack’s affection first at the gym then at the pool. Zack is completely stupefied that someone so sexy could be into him. Soon enough the two are in a relationship, to spite Zack’s subconscious efforts to drive Sergio away. Not only is Zack eventually forced out of the closet, his door is ripped off the hinges. His concerns don’t go unwarranted, sadly, but it’s Sergio that ends up on the receiving end of it.
This was a difficult read, it’s hard to immerse yourself into a book when you almost immediately dislike the main character. Zack had some serious issues with self loathing and deprecation. He and Sergio have their HEA in the end, the painful part was getting there. Zack’s inner monologue would have worked within the story if it were an occasional thing, or a passing thought, but it was so repetative I felt like I was being smacked over the head with it… repeatedly. Overly descriptive stories of his interactions with patients weighed the story down as well. The romance aspect between Zack and Sergio didn’t flow well either, it seemed forced.
While this wasn’t the book for me, it may well work for you.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
November 4, 2013
I have to buy this book just because of the blurb. that was the first impuls. the second and more important, it was written by a doctor. so maybe... just maybe for the first time there is going to be something real and not just a lot of nice crap about doctors and nurses and patients. and this book didn't disappoint me. NOT AT ALL.
i read some reviews about zero explicit sex scenes, about zero hotness between main characters and sometimes it is completely alright. i think what i fell love with in this book was the writing style. it's not a book about romance between two characters. it's a book about a doctor struggling with his job, his ups and downs, him meeting a great guy and him finally seeing himself in a better light. and i love every second of it.
i was extremely greatful for medical stuff. it was like coming home for me. i knew the little angel Christopher is destinated to die the moment Zack admit him and reveal his diagnosis. and i was anxiciously waiting that dreading moment and in the end i cried like a total loser, because i just couldn't help myself.
i like Zack as a person. i like the writing. i like the story. i like the secondary characters. and i will definitely buy this book as a paperback. i just have to have it on my bookshelf.
i read some reviews about zero explicit sex scenes, about zero hotness between main characters and sometimes it is completely alright. i think what i fell love with in this book was the writing style. it's not a book about romance between two characters. it's a book about a doctor struggling with his job, his ups and downs, him meeting a great guy and him finally seeing himself in a better light. and i love every second of it.
i was extremely greatful for medical stuff. it was like coming home for me. i knew the little angel Christopher is destinated to die the moment Zack admit him and reveal his diagnosis. and i was anxiciously waiting that dreading moment and in the end i cried like a total loser, because i just couldn't help myself.
i like Zack as a person. i like the writing. i like the story. i like the secondary characters. and i will definitely buy this book as a paperback. i just have to have it on my bookshelf.
Read
December 7, 2013This book's very well-written and I liked Zack, didn't see him as a snob or condescending person at all.
But overall the story was way too detailed for me. It was like every small and meaningless conversation Zack has ever had with anyone - friends, co-workers or mere acquaintances - had been described in great details. At first it was interesting and I thought helped me to get to know Zack better, but later on it was like the main storyline was drowning in it.
Too much medical stuff :/ I know the MC's supposed to be a doctor, so I've been ready for some medical details, but not the whole chapters, solely dedicated to describing the process of delivery, sick and dying children, discussing treatments, routine hospital life - it's not at all what I want to read in my escapist mm romance books, sorry. So I skimmed and skimmed and skimmed.
Sergio seemed like a nice guy, but I'd like to know more about him. As it was he's been almost like a plot device, created to help Zack on his road from the closet to self-acceptance. The whole romance certainly took a back seat, compared to the other aspects of this book.
Not for me, sorry :/
But overall the story was way too detailed for me. It was like every small and meaningless conversation Zack has ever had with anyone - friends, co-workers or mere acquaintances - had been described in great details. At first it was interesting and I thought helped me to get to know Zack better, but later on it was like the main storyline was drowning in it.
Too much medical stuff :/ I know the MC's supposed to be a doctor, so I've been ready for some medical details, but not the whole chapters, solely dedicated to describing the process of delivery, sick and dying children, discussing treatments, routine hospital life - it's not at all what I want to read in my escapist mm romance books, sorry. So I skimmed and skimmed and skimmed.
Sergio seemed like a nice guy, but I'd like to know more about him. As it was he's been almost like a plot device, created to help Zack on his road from the closet to self-acceptance. The whole romance certainly took a back seat, compared to the other aspects of this book.
Not for me, sorry :/
November 3, 2013
Amazing, beautifully written. I love this book. Pick it up and you won't put it down. Take the journey with Zack into the high stress world of a pediatric residency. Feel his sleep deprived hours, meet the critically ill children he cares for. This is a heart warming insight into the fast pace life of a resident. The little time Zack has for himself he struggles with coming to terms with his own sexuality, then in walks Sergio with his head-turning masculine good looks. Zack is hooked. They fall head over heels for each other. This is a real love story. There are so many emotional ups and downs. You will cry and laugh out loud. I fell in love with these characters, you will too. Great book Jake Wells, I'll be waiting for the next one.
January 2, 2014
The author of this book is going to donate all his proceeds from it for a just cause--that alone piqued my interest. Now that I've read it, I don't regret buying it for that very reason, but unfortunately, I liked this book much less than I thought I would.
Mandy expressed my feelings about this book perfectly in her review, so I don't have much to add.
Long winding musings, page after page filled with meaningless blabla, this book was the smack-dab example of telling, not showing.
The second star is for the moving,heartfelt and literally tear-inducing fate of little Christopher and for Zach's interactions with his small patients.
October 27, 2013
a beautiful story about the struggles of what many gay men go through -- to be the " best little boy in the world ". Being very good at one's profession and with one's talent, yet at the same time having the constant internal struggle with one's sexual identity. This is a story of Zack's journey into life, his profession and giving us insight into his relationship with his colleagues, patients and friends ( warning: kids and hospitals make me cry ). Finally, this is a wonderful story about falling in love and the ultimate choices one has to make for the sake of love.
October 30, 2013
Really great read. Amazing character development and resolution. Have a box of tissues near buy though, the main character works in pediatrics.
November 1, 2013
Dry writing, lots of telling, superfluous details buried what could have been a great story. Full review on booklikes.
October 28, 2013
Excellent book. Very good character development. I was sorry to see it end.
November 26, 2014
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
This is a very LONG story which is more of a story about an MC who is a pediatric resident in a large hospital than it is about a romance. Each of Zach’s daily trials and tribulations are explained in minute detail as he works his way through one medical situation after another. As a very minor subplot, he’s attracted to Sergio, a man of Italian descent, while at the local gym. When he meets him the second time, their attraction is evident, and they begin to date. Their sex scenes, when they finally happen, are off page.
Zack is deeply closeted because he fears that he will lose his job if the fact that he is gay becomes known. He feels that he’ll be in more jeopardy because he’s going to be a pediatrician working with children and that no one will entrust their children to his care. He’s also afraid that he will lose the respect of his parents. Though he’s had a close relationship with them, he’s never revealed his homosexuality because he was raised to be “a man’s man” and he just knows that he can’t fit that image in their eyes if he tells them the truth.
There’s a great deal of detail about one young child, Christopher, who is suffering from a very malignant form of cancer. Not only does Zack spend hours with the child as his doctor, but he also spends time just because he’s a caring and compassionate man. By the time the child dies, my tears were freely flowing.
During the last hour and a half of the audiobook, there’s a tragedy involving Sergio, and there’s finally more about the men and their relationship than about the detailed medical procedures, though the level of detail is still present. When Zack finally comes out to the staff in the hospital, he finds comfort and solace in the fact that his friends remain his friends and that he has more support among the staff in the hospital than he could ever have guessed.
The narration was okay, but other than a light Italian accent for Sergio, I found the other voices to be the same. So for example, when Zack was with his friend Declan there was no difference in the vocalization. I’m not sure, however, that any narrator could have made this long audiobook any more interesting or appealing. The romance itself could fit in a short story, and although I appreciate the fact that Zack needed time to realize how deeply he loved Sergio and time to come to terms with revealing himself to his family, and the author took time to demonstrate how caring, concerned and committed Zach was to the care of his patients and support of his coworkers, the level of minutiae in the story was not something I appreciated. I found that level of detail boring. If this was not an audiobook, I may have skipped ahead, but that choice isn’t there in audio format.
If you like your M/M romances to be understated, with no explicit sex, and if you enjoy detail, then you should enjoy this story. If you need a book for a long road trip, at over 13 hours, this one is an option.
This is a very LONG story which is more of a story about an MC who is a pediatric resident in a large hospital than it is about a romance. Each of Zach’s daily trials and tribulations are explained in minute detail as he works his way through one medical situation after another. As a very minor subplot, he’s attracted to Sergio, a man of Italian descent, while at the local gym. When he meets him the second time, their attraction is evident, and they begin to date. Their sex scenes, when they finally happen, are off page.
Zack is deeply closeted because he fears that he will lose his job if the fact that he is gay becomes known. He feels that he’ll be in more jeopardy because he’s going to be a pediatrician working with children and that no one will entrust their children to his care. He’s also afraid that he will lose the respect of his parents. Though he’s had a close relationship with them, he’s never revealed his homosexuality because he was raised to be “a man’s man” and he just knows that he can’t fit that image in their eyes if he tells them the truth.
There’s a great deal of detail about one young child, Christopher, who is suffering from a very malignant form of cancer. Not only does Zack spend hours with the child as his doctor, but he also spends time just because he’s a caring and compassionate man. By the time the child dies, my tears were freely flowing.
During the last hour and a half of the audiobook, there’s a tragedy involving Sergio, and there’s finally more about the men and their relationship than about the detailed medical procedures, though the level of detail is still present. When Zack finally comes out to the staff in the hospital, he finds comfort and solace in the fact that his friends remain his friends and that he has more support among the staff in the hospital than he could ever have guessed.
The narration was okay, but other than a light Italian accent for Sergio, I found the other voices to be the same. So for example, when Zack was with his friend Declan there was no difference in the vocalization. I’m not sure, however, that any narrator could have made this long audiobook any more interesting or appealing. The romance itself could fit in a short story, and although I appreciate the fact that Zack needed time to realize how deeply he loved Sergio and time to come to terms with revealing himself to his family, and the author took time to demonstrate how caring, concerned and committed Zach was to the care of his patients and support of his coworkers, the level of minutiae in the story was not something I appreciated. I found that level of detail boring. If this was not an audiobook, I may have skipped ahead, but that choice isn’t there in audio format.
If you like your M/M romances to be understated, with no explicit sex, and if you enjoy detail, then you should enjoy this story. If you need a book for a long road trip, at over 13 hours, this one is an option.
November 21, 2013
To read my full review, please visit http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
The first chapter is so exciting! The story starts out with Zach helping to develop a body into the world and mediate any complications. There are a lot of medical terms and procedures, but the chapter also conveys a rush and anticipation. The hospital setting is an integral part of the story and this medical novel clearly shows the pecking order in the hospital. Personality, I love the details and medical terms used in the story, especially since everything is explained so readers without a medical background can understand them. Being a doctor, you really spend a lot of time in the hospital and that is a big part of a doctor's day to day life, so I'm glad the story shows Zach being a doctor the majority of the book.
Zach and Sergio's first few meetings are awkward and uncomfortable for me because I don't know where or how this couple will end up. Zach is completely infatuated with Sergio's looks and physique, even though those things don't define a person. He's socially awkward and shy and tends to put himself down a lot. I love him as a doctor but how he handles his personal life doesn't endear me to him at all. He's very bias against men that are not the stereotypical hot stud. He cleanly splits his "straight" life at work and "gay" life at home. His friends from his two worlds don't mix. None of those things endear me to him.
Sergio, on the other hand, is super guarded and seems like he has something to hide or be wary of. It makes me suspect he had a bad love experience or a something against Italian and American relationships. However, that didn't turn out to be the case, so I didn't grasp this character's personality until later into the story.
On the downside, I think the jokes are a little too frequent or too strong and they distract me from the story and seem unrealistic. Even though some of them are funny and I actually laughed out loud, having jokes in the majority of character dialogues is a little much. I keep thinking people don't talk like that in real life.
Overall, this is a moving story (translation: I cried a lot through it). I'm totally committed to Zach's and Sergio's relationship by the end. This book is amazing and I'll probably reread in the near future to experience the drama, emotional tension, and hospital crises again (with the romance taking a backseat). Highly recommended.
*Review Copy Received in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
The first chapter is so exciting! The story starts out with Zach helping to develop a body into the world and mediate any complications. There are a lot of medical terms and procedures, but the chapter also conveys a rush and anticipation. The hospital setting is an integral part of the story and this medical novel clearly shows the pecking order in the hospital. Personality, I love the details and medical terms used in the story, especially since everything is explained so readers without a medical background can understand them. Being a doctor, you really spend a lot of time in the hospital and that is a big part of a doctor's day to day life, so I'm glad the story shows Zach being a doctor the majority of the book.
Zach and Sergio's first few meetings are awkward and uncomfortable for me because I don't know where or how this couple will end up. Zach is completely infatuated with Sergio's looks and physique, even though those things don't define a person. He's socially awkward and shy and tends to put himself down a lot. I love him as a doctor but how he handles his personal life doesn't endear me to him at all. He's very bias against men that are not the stereotypical hot stud. He cleanly splits his "straight" life at work and "gay" life at home. His friends from his two worlds don't mix. None of those things endear me to him.
Sergio, on the other hand, is super guarded and seems like he has something to hide or be wary of. It makes me suspect he had a bad love experience or a something against Italian and American relationships. However, that didn't turn out to be the case, so I didn't grasp this character's personality until later into the story.
On the downside, I think the jokes are a little too frequent or too strong and they distract me from the story and seem unrealistic. Even though some of them are funny and I actually laughed out loud, having jokes in the majority of character dialogues is a little much. I keep thinking people don't talk like that in real life.
Overall, this is a moving story (translation: I cried a lot through it). I'm totally committed to Zach's and Sergio's relationship by the end. This book is amazing and I'll probably reread in the near future to experience the drama, emotional tension, and hospital crises again (with the romance taking a backseat). Highly recommended.
*Review Copy Received in exchange for an honest review*
November 13, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
3.5 Stars
This has got to be one of the most difficult books I have ever tried to rate and review.
Zack is a pediatric doctor who comes across as compassionate and driven. He is in the closet at work and with his family and can only really be his true self with close friends. He hasn’t had a great deal of success with relationships and is certainly lacking self esteem where other men are concerned. On the flip side of this he can be quite derogatory about other men he sees and I found I didn’t like this character trait.
Sergio is the handsome man that Zack has spied at the gym and then meets by the pool. He is fun, outgoing and completely happy in his skin. He is definitely not in the closet. He also seemed to have endless patience with Zack who didn’t always treat him that well.
You cannot fail to be impressed with the attention to detail where the medical procedures are concerned. There is an immense amount of knowledge but I must admit some of it went straight over my head as I have no experience in such things. Sometimes it felt more like listening to a lecture rather than a story.
The romance is slow. Very, very slow. I would describe the story more of a diary about Zack with added romance in it when Sergio becomes part of Zack’s life. It’s a rundown of Zack’s day to day life and a lot of it doesn’t involve Sergio at all. A lot of the story takes place at the hospital and there are some very funny parts when listening to Zack’s inner musings.
This is a stark look at the life of a man who’s upbringing and adult life have always pointed to the fact that it is not ok to be different. His fear of their bigotry is far stronger in the beginning than his desire to be happy. Sergio is the one thing in the world that may push him to alter his thoughts and enable enough bravery to become more open. Their conversation outside the restaurant is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
When Zack’s private life crashes in on his work life he is left with no choice but to stand up for what matters and for me the story really picked up, it felt like Zack finally came into his own. The epilogue felt right and I was pleased to see happiness finally for Zack and Sergio.
My View – Narration:
I’m not sure Randy Fuller was the right narrator for this story but he certainly spoke clearly for thirteen and a half hours. His voice is very deep and flat and there was not much cadence in his tone in the conversations. He reminded me of the voice you hear on TV shows that are loud and echo.
3.5 Stars
This has got to be one of the most difficult books I have ever tried to rate and review.
Zack is a pediatric doctor who comes across as compassionate and driven. He is in the closet at work and with his family and can only really be his true self with close friends. He hasn’t had a great deal of success with relationships and is certainly lacking self esteem where other men are concerned. On the flip side of this he can be quite derogatory about other men he sees and I found I didn’t like this character trait.
Sergio is the handsome man that Zack has spied at the gym and then meets by the pool. He is fun, outgoing and completely happy in his skin. He is definitely not in the closet. He also seemed to have endless patience with Zack who didn’t always treat him that well.
You cannot fail to be impressed with the attention to detail where the medical procedures are concerned. There is an immense amount of knowledge but I must admit some of it went straight over my head as I have no experience in such things. Sometimes it felt more like listening to a lecture rather than a story.
The romance is slow. Very, very slow. I would describe the story more of a diary about Zack with added romance in it when Sergio becomes part of Zack’s life. It’s a rundown of Zack’s day to day life and a lot of it doesn’t involve Sergio at all. A lot of the story takes place at the hospital and there are some very funny parts when listening to Zack’s inner musings.
This is a stark look at the life of a man who’s upbringing and adult life have always pointed to the fact that it is not ok to be different. His fear of their bigotry is far stronger in the beginning than his desire to be happy. Sergio is the one thing in the world that may push him to alter his thoughts and enable enough bravery to become more open. Their conversation outside the restaurant is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.
When Zack’s private life crashes in on his work life he is left with no choice but to stand up for what matters and for me the story really picked up, it felt like Zack finally came into his own. The epilogue felt right and I was pleased to see happiness finally for Zack and Sergio.
My View – Narration:
I’m not sure Randy Fuller was the right narrator for this story but he certainly spoke clearly for thirteen and a half hours. His voice is very deep and flat and there was not much cadence in his tone in the conversations. He reminded me of the voice you hear on TV shows that are loud and echo.
January 11, 2014
It has romance and it is Zach's love of Sergio that triggers it, but this is more a coming out story than a straight romance.
The focus is on what has made Zach the man he is and the life he has forged at the hospital. We see why Zach has remained in the closet and his struggles to live up to expectations, including his own.
I loved the easy love of Sergio and the totally nurturing personality of Zach. Including the detailed stories of patients like 5 year old Christopher really added interest to the story and also provides so much insight into Zach.
It is obvious the author has inside knowledge the medical world (his bio advises he has a successful career practising medicine) which really comes across in the realism within the story. There is detail of the life for staff inside the hospital but it also doesn't shy away from providing details of illness and their treatments, but done in such a way that the reader is not left confused.
A nice blend of story, characters and dramatic moments.
3.5 stars
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
The focus is on what has made Zach the man he is and the life he has forged at the hospital. We see why Zach has remained in the closet and his struggles to live up to expectations, including his own.
I loved the easy love of Sergio and the totally nurturing personality of Zach. Including the detailed stories of patients like 5 year old Christopher really added interest to the story and also provides so much insight into Zach.
It is obvious the author has inside knowledge the medical world (his bio advises he has a successful career practising medicine) which really comes across in the realism within the story. There is detail of the life for staff inside the hospital but it also doesn't shy away from providing details of illness and their treatments, but done in such a way that the reader is not left confused.
A nice blend of story, characters and dramatic moments.
3.5 stars
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
January 4, 2016
White Coat is not a fast or light read, but in the end it is well worth the effort. I spent much of the book with a smile on my face. If you like banter between your characters, this book if full of it. I repeatedly found myself chuckling at the absurdity of said banter, but it was all in good fun. Trust me when I tell you that making me laugh, especially repeatedly, is not an easy thing to do. I think one of the reasons I liked the banter is that it wasn’t what I usually refer to “lowest common denominator humor” it was intelligent, light-hearted, self-effacing, and the kind of barbs I could see myself trading with family and friends. However, this is not a comedy by any stretch of the imagination. White Coat takes on some serious issues from pediatric cancer to homophobia and bigotry to self-loathing to the meaning of friendship and, of course, love. Wells had me alternately laughing and crying, smiling and screaming.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
January 14, 2014
I had a lot of challenges with this book. I liked the premise, and really loved some of the ancillary characters.
Here are my challenges:
Zack: States he's not cocky, yet he's completely conceited in his personal life. He's great with the patients and his interactions are awesome. The beginning of the book, though, was difficult to believe.
Sergio: English not good? Really? All of the dialogue from Sergio's side was clean.
The descriptions in the beginning. This supports my impression of Zack's shallowness: He describes everyone's physical features with great detail. Much of it was unnecessary.
The editing needed some tightening up. There was too much generalization. One statement when Sergio and Zack first met that jumped out at me was, "I never knew when he..." Really? You just met him. It's too soon for "never".
I think some strong editing and a revision would really make this stand out.
Here are my challenges:
Zack: States he's not cocky, yet he's completely conceited in his personal life. He's great with the patients and his interactions are awesome. The beginning of the book, though, was difficult to believe.
Sergio: English not good? Really? All of the dialogue from Sergio's side was clean.
The descriptions in the beginning. This supports my impression of Zack's shallowness: He describes everyone's physical features with great detail. Much of it was unnecessary.
The editing needed some tightening up. There was too much generalization. One statement when Sergio and Zack first met that jumped out at me was, "I never knew when he..." Really? You just met him. It's too soon for "never".
I think some strong editing and a revision would really make this stand out.
Read
October 14, 2014If I was basing my rating on the romance aspect of this book then I would have given it a 3.5. I loved Zack and Sergio and loved how Sergio pushed Zack to be more comfortable with himself and not to always worry how others would see him. Zack was so worried that others would judge him for being gay and when Sergio was shot all of Zack's friends and co-workers stood by Zack and showed him that it didn't matter. What mattered to everyone was what kind of person Zack was and they all had Zack's back.
The thing that really made this book for me was Zack's relationship with his patients,especially Christopher. Zack and Christopher's relationship had me in tears and that other doctors told Christopher how extraordinary
he was just made it hit home more.
Because of the great job Jake Wells did with the Doctor aspect of Zack as well as the ending when Sergio go shot,I jumped my rating up to 4.5
The thing that really made this book for me was Zack's relationship with his patients,especially Christopher. Zack and Christopher's relationship had me in tears and that other doctors told Christopher how extraordinary
he was just made it hit home more.
Because of the great job Jake Wells did with the Doctor aspect of Zack as well as the ending when Sergio go shot,I jumped my rating up to 4.5
December 6, 2013
This was an interesting book. Not quite a romance, not quite a coming out story. It's a book trapped between the two.
A lot of the relationship between Sergio and Zack was in the background, not talked about. This was more about Zack and his job then the gay romance. The timeline of the story was quite disjointed, two weeks here, 3 months there. The biggest disparity was the final chapter, it started out going three years into the future and then going back three years to finish the climax. Overall a good read but it was tough to get through.
Pros
Good background.
Good character development
The fact that sex was part of their relationship but not the only thing
Cons
Timeline
The Christopher subplot was forgotten about for a while, it was a pivotal part of the story, then not mentioned for a few chapters
The rolls of fat comment was irritating.
A lot of the relationship between Sergio and Zack was in the background, not talked about. This was more about Zack and his job then the gay romance. The timeline of the story was quite disjointed, two weeks here, 3 months there. The biggest disparity was the final chapter, it started out going three years into the future and then going back three years to finish the climax. Overall a good read but it was tough to get through.
Pros
Good background.
Good character development
The fact that sex was part of their relationship but not the only thing
Cons
Timeline
The Christopher subplot was forgotten about for a while, it was a pivotal part of the story, then not mentioned for a few chapters
The rolls of fat comment was irritating.
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