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Did you enjoy the book?
A Novel by William H. Coles
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I really liked this book because of the morals involved. It made me stop and wonder about some actions that I may have taken in my personal and professional life that may have been harmful to others. Sometimes something that can be insignificant to you can be harmful to others. Definitely, something I am going to start taking note of. There was not anything I disliked about the book because it flowed smoothly and kept my attention the entire time I was reading.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery with a lot of action. The book is easy to understand and has no erotic content and very little profanity. The characters are varied and include the elite, poor, and homeless.
This is a well-written and error-free book. I did not find any grammatical nor typographical errors so believe it to have been professionally edited. I give it 4 out of 4 stars. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
McDowell, written by William H. Coles, was absolutely captivating throughout. It presents the characters and scenes in a way that makes them truly believable, and makes one forget it is a fictional read. The way it made me feel, as I read the beginning, contradicted how I felt by the ending. I found myself deeply drawn into the text and couldn’t wait to continue on to each chapter to find out what conflict would arise next. The story was very well-written, leaving no room for confusion, without being overly redundant.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The writing style was fantastic and it kept me wanting more. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
It was an honor and privilege to write this review for the novel, McDowell. The author, William H. Coles, is a literary genius who created a dramatic story about a surgeon’s adventures through a tumultuous life. The book was very believable, especially considering the author’s background of ophthalmic surgery. He allowed the reader to experience the main character, Hiram McDowell’s, vulnerable life ridden with constant decision-making and significant trials accompanying such a prominent profession.
McDowell is enjoyable and comes highly recommended, particularly to the reader who struggles with a distorted self-image and empathy. Consequently, it gained a four out of four rating. The flow of the book made for an easy read, especially when the beginning of the chapters revealed some pointed script of what was to come. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
enjoyed the variety of characters and locales throughout the book. Hiram interacts with many work colleagues, family, and then strangers who become friends in the second half of the book.
There is something for just about everyone included in McDowell. I would recommend this book to all readers. There was nothing I disliked about it.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The author’s style is very fast and easy to read. The editing was very good. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I rated McDowell, by William H. Coles, 4 out of 4 stars. This is a fascinating and thought-provoking novel. The plot and character development are exceptional, as is the writing and editing.
This novel would appeal to the reader who is fascinated by character study and development, and a nuanced examination of ethics and success in our modern world.
Mr. Coles is a first rate writer and accurate observer of the human condition. Despite my early misgivings I soon found myself not only engrossed in the narrative, but also engaging in serious introspection.
This novel actually made me feel better about myself. Perhaps I can find forgiveness for the selfish misdeeds of my earlier years, put the past behind me and be a better father and husband. Whatever stage in your career or family life you will benefit from reading this insightful novel. Read the entire review here…
McDowell is complex and tackles many facets of one man’s life. The book is entertaining, engaging, and reads like a thriller movie. It is told from several different viewpoints and the narrative skips back and forth to provide varying perspectives of a man you love to hate. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to get through the book while reading part one. Certainly not because it wasn’t interesting or lacked plot. It was simply because Hiram McDowell is the kind of man who leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I disliked this character in every way. But this is a fast-paced book with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing and keep you entertained. I truly enjoyed this read, which was exceptionally edited, and give the book 4 out of 4 stars.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
McDowell provides a deep dive into the psyche of a textbook narcissist who may have one element in his particular makeup that most with the same personality flaw usually lack: a soul. If Dr. Hiram McDowell is to ever transform himself – if he is to truly evolve – he must accept the existence of his soul or forever banish it from his consciousness. I strongly suggest that you read McDowell to find out which path the good doctor chooses. Coles’ story gets a well-deserved 4 stars out of 4 from this reviewer.Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I give McDowell by William H. Coles four out of four stars. This book was unlike any other book I have read. It’s uniqueness as well as how the author was able to change my mind is why I liked it so much.
Somewhere along the way, I don’t even know where it happened; I started to realize I maybe didn’t hate him anymore. His actions begin to change, I think without even McDowell realizing it. And he also seems to for once be actually happy. I found myself rooting fore him to redeem himself, although he had a long way to go. The ending was a surprise to me- however it seems like the only thing that could happen in order for the reader to view him as a sympathetic character in the end. This book would appeal to readers who like a slow burn novel that pits you against a character, but then eventually, maybe changes your mind a little bit. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
One of the things I liked most about the book is the way the author uses dialogue to tell the story. The dialogue conveys both straightforward and nuanced information about the characters. For example, when Hiram’s daughter Sophie accuses him of abandoning her as a child, she says, “You’re not like most people.” This comment presents an accurate and insightful description of Dr. McDowell. It aids the reader in understanding both his strengths and his weaknesses.
The book is well edited. I believe McDowell would appeal to a wide range of readers. I read the book over a period of a few days because it held my interest, and the ending was definitely not predictable. I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. McDowell by Willaim H Coles was a gripping book about the life of a man who you hated at first. Although his intentions were unusually not honorable, Hiram McDowell was a man learning to change. This quality made him an endearing character and made me want to keep reading. The book was well edited and moved at a smooth pace. The story knit together the lives of everyone he touched in some way and those who touched him as he became a changed man.
What I liked most about this book is how it gives hope that even the most difficult, horrible people can learn to be a better version of themselves. Hiram was by no means a perfect man, but he started to have a changed perspective due to his experiences and the people he encountered. After everything went south for him, he was so sure that everyone in his life had conspired against him. He expresses, “I’m angry all the time. I can’t get rid of it.” Later in the book, we can see that he is more relaxed, selfless, joyful, and peaceful. He learned to get rid of his anger.Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
McDowell is a novel by William H. Coles. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Coles, but it certainly won’t be the last. Not only is this book exceptionally well-edited, it is a clever, well-written novel with an original plot. I was so intrigued, that as soon as I finished the book, I immediately started reading it all over again.
If you like powerful dramatic stories with complex characters, where the lines of good and evil are blurred, then you will enjoy this book. After reading the book twice, I am still not sure if McDowell is a terrible person or is terribly misunderstood. I suggest you read the book and make your own judgment. As you can see, this novel left a lasting impression, and consequently, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I am giving McDowell 4 out of 4 stars. At the beginning of the book I immediately disliked the character of McDowell. He is rude, selfish and entitled. He is always thinking everyone should bow down to him and he is only ever thinking of himself. His character is written well though and although I didn’t like how the character acted personally it would make sense that a successful, wealthy surgeon would think so highly of himself. I also didn’t find any instances of typos, it was exceptionally well edited.
The characters are well thought out and well written. I enjoyed learning how all of the characters grow through their experiences and make much needed changes to their lives to become better people. I loved the story and being able to follow around multiple characters to see how they react to situations they are put in.Read the entire review here…
McDowell by William H. Coles is the story of Dr. Hiram McDowell. A celebrated surgeon, Dr. McDowell is single-minded in getting what he wants. His climb to the top is not without casualties and is not without some questionable practices. Cold and calculating, there is no denying his brilliance but when tragedy strikes, his world comes tumbling down. Grief and anger put him on a criminal path that will see his life of privilege and wealth all but destroyed. Can Hiram rebuild his life? On the run, Hiram embarks on a journey that will change the very core of him, change the way he lives, but is it enough to rebuild life as he knew it or will he become a different man? This could be Dr. McDowell’s one chance at redemption but will he take it?
McDowell by William H. Coles is a brilliantly written masterpiece of literary fiction. A story that could so easily be true, riveting to read. The emotion pours off almost every page and you can feel it; you can feel the sadness, the humor, the anger at the main character to start with. In the beginning, you really do not like Dr. McDowell and his fall from grace will make you happy but that is the turning point of this story. From there on, the action really picks up the pace and takes you on a journey you will never forget. This book is for everybody. It is full of lessons on life and attitude. We can all learn something here and every reader will take away something different from this book. The characterization is excellent and William H. Coles has created a main protagonist that you absolutely hate from the start but grow to love. Be prepared for an intense read; there is so much going on but every single word is relevant.
This is the story of a man named McDowell, who had everything he ever wanted. Whatever he wanted, he achieved and he was proud of it. Envied by his peers, he was arrogant and selfish, but not with his family. He truly loved them and wanted the best for them, so when his grandson commits murder and then fails to commit suicide, McDowell’s life comes to crashing to a halt. His grandson, Jeremy, is now paralyzed and living a life worse than death. However, when his grandson dies under suspicious circumstances, McDowell is arrested and is now awaiting his sentence. But he is not a quitter; he is a fighter and does his best to escape his fate. He runs away from prison and starts a journey in which he learns his flaws and faults. He learns what life is in the hardest of ways and discovers that he is not as invincible as he thought he was.
McDowell by William H. Coles is the thrilling tale of a man who thought he had it all until his life came crashing down and suffocated him. McDowell is a powerful and compelling story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and wanting to know more. His character development was intense; he had a complete 360-degree change in his personality and, surprisingly, it didn’t sound forced. The author brought about the change slowly and gradually so that his transition from an arrogant man to a humble one was believable. His change was almost spiritual in nature, which added another dimension to the story and made it even more interesting. Apart from McDowell himself, I enjoyed how the story flowed seamlessly and compellingly. The pace was fast, the characters were believable and the overall atmosphere was perfect for keeping me invested in the story until the very end.
McDowell by William H. Coles is a family saga that follows the life of a selfish and arrogant surgeon, who suffers an epic fall from grace, and the path he travels to redemption. McDowell cares for no one but his children. But then he loses everything when his grandson commits multiple murders and fails in his suicide attempt, which leaves him paralyzed mentally. But the boy dies in very unusual circumstances and McDowell gets a conviction for second-degree murder. He is jailed. Now watch as he escapes and lives as a fugitive, pursued by the authorities and a reporter who is just too eager to interview him before the police catch up with him. Watch as he learns the virtues of humanity the hard way, by taking a path trodden by those he despised when he was powerful and rich. It’s a story that follows a man’s transformation, and his somewhat spiritual odyssey to a life that has meaning.
William H. Coles has created a compelling character in McDowell, a character forced to embrace the essence of humanity by harsh circumstances. Can he really find redemption? It is fascinating how the character evoked powerful emotions in me and how those emotions evolved as I read on. At the beginning of the story, I detested this character, but his inner journey brought me around and, instead of a sense of revulsion for the man he was, I learned to look at him with sympathy. Here is a story that is character-driven and that explores what is essential in human nature. It is a story that is filled with powerful lessons while entertaining readers hugely. I was completely drawn into the dynamics of the story and read through it non stop. Great story, awesome characters, impeccable plot lines.
McDowell by William H. Coles is a novel that follows the rise and fall of a man, surgeon Hiram McDowell. McDowell climbs quickly in his career and gains the respect of his peers and the community. But he is not in the good graces of most of his colleagues, thanks to his callousness and pride. His success gets him into the President’s circle, but a tragedy that leads to a conviction destroys everything. McDowell finds himself running from the authorities, losing both his reputation and his wealth. Can he find redemption? Can he rebuild his life again?
This novel is well-written, focused, and features a well-imagined and multidimensional protagonist. The writing is superb and I enjoyed the author’s ability to explore human nature, writing deftly on the sentiments and the emotions of the characters. The protagonist is a gifted person with a tragic flaw — his pride. His level of success is captured in vivid prose that describes the moment of his induction: “The night of Hiram’s induction into the College, the auditorium bristled with a formal festivity. Dignitaries sat in black robes in chairs lined in four rows on the stage. As the new president, Hiram stood tall, his hands resting on a flag-draped podium facing the audience, his image gleaming from four giant screens suspended from the auditorium ceiling and projecting to the seven thousand plus surgeons and families in the audience.” William H. Coles is a master entertainer and while the novel makes for a delightful read, it also offers powerful lessons on humility, integrity, and humanity. One of those thrillers for readers who enjoy novels with strong characters.
I became a strong fan of William H. Coles after reading his novels The Surgeon’s Wife, The Spirit of Want, and Guardian of Deceit, so when I stumbled on McDowell, I knew it would be another spellbinding and well-written story. I wasn’t wrong. It is the same powerful and unique literary voice, focused and steady. With his unique style and signature, Coles creates another compelling character in Hiram McDowell, a successful and respectable surgeon, a man with a dubious character that quickly drives his peers to resentment and makes them want to destroy him. Becoming a member of the President’s cabinet is something very coveted, but a crime is about to sink McDowell. Can he muster up enough fight to restore a reputation that is so badly damaged?
William H. Coles has the unique style of inventing characters from the medical world and he writes so well about them that readers feel as though they are watching medical professionals confronting the challenges of their profession. The characters are sophisticated and elaborate, each with a solid background and a personality that is well defined. The prose is always impeccable, with descriptions that hit home with stunning clarity. Just in the opening lines, the protagonist is introduced in action and elements of the setting are captured in a vivid picture: “The sky cleared briefly before daybreak. The sharp bitter winds eased somewhat, but the negative forty-degree temperatures penetrated to the bone. Hiram McDowell lifted the flap of a one-man tent to look in on Erick Woolf, who turned his head, his beard tinged in frost-white from his labored breathing; Woolf lifted his goggles, his pale blue eyes opaque with fatigue.” McDowell is suspenseful and hugely entertaining, a novel that explores human nature and confronts readers with the dilemmas of the protagonist. This author knows what it takes to rattle the nerves of the reader.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys being challenged to consider the consequences of their actions to the world around them. The author doesn’t lay out the answers for the reader. Instead, snippets of facts and decisions made lend the reader to make their own conclusions about right and wrong. These small steps are woven together to create a picture of life and how it may not always be what it seems. This novel takes a hard look at journalism and how the media can emphasize or influence facts to paint the scenario they wish to convey.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
In his “Critique of Pure Reason,” Kant says, “All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason.” In the second half of McDowell by William H. Coles, the protagonist tries to buy Kant’s work at a bookstore, but the proprietor refuses to sell it to him because, according to her, he is not ready. I believe this is the premise of McDowell. It’s a man’s journey to reason from a life of carnal self-indulgence to a deeper spiritual understanding of the purpose of life.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I rated this book a 4 out of 4 stars. The book’s editing was perfect in my opinion. What I liked most about this novel was the element of realism in the story. So full of substance, Coles’s imaginative brain could not have picked a better way to portray Hiram McDowell. His complex nature from start to finish and the way he interacted with the side characters was, although brutish at first, very humble as the story progressed. The maturation process wasn’t just specific to McDowell, the side characters also had their own way of coming in to their own as people. Read the entire review here…