McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I never thought I would enjoy this book as much as I did! Although Hiram was first depicted as an unlikeable man, he was later on shown to have positive human qualities. The book is a testament to the complexity of a person. It is also a testament to the influence one human life can make on other people’s lives. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars because of its excellence in many areas.
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I will rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Coles story is an admirable work woven around diverse characters with very strong and unidentical representation, who never fail to keep pace with the run. Mcdowell’s progress along with its attributes, those of agony, apathy, fear, dislawfullness, obligations, accusations and many more amidst of ego, arrogance, self esteem, care, the never to give up human attitude with floating bits of likes and dislikes. Above all the
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org It is a common practice that the main character of a fictional story should at least try to be likable. However, sometimes you find a protagonist so despicable that you eagerly wait for his suffering without an ounce of mercy. If you are reading a work of an expert writer, you will gradually turn this initial contempt into tentative understanding and sadness when his end does come. This was what I felt after finishing McDowell, and
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Ever felt guilty for doing something bad and wanted to make things right just to erase that guilt? The story of one Hiram McDowell in McDowell by William H. Coles follows. The intriguing novel comprises of two parts with a total of 72 chapters. What I liked about this book is that we are taught the good morals of caring for others, being kind-hearted and selflessness. Character development and both feelings and thoughts were nicely expressed
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Sympathizing with the villain might seem far-fetched for a lot of readers but in the book McDowell, the readers’ beliefs about antagonists might be challenged. McDowell is a book about the main character of the book’s same name, Hiram McDowell, and how his actions affected the lives of those he met along his life. I give this story a 4 out of 4 stars. It is well-written, the characters and the plot are really good and
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell seeks an answer to the question, “Can there be redemption for irredeemable?” It looks at one man’s fall out of grace and his journey toward redemption. It is a rather arduous journey, as one has to recognize one’s wrongdoing to make a change. Hiram McDowell develops new relationships that aid him in reevaluating his past in new light and seeing what is genuinely important. This story is most especially for those who love crime and mystery
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles is an extraordinary author and his style made the book a pleasure to read. He used many imagery techniques to help develop his settings and characters, but allowed our imaginations to take control. In only the first few chapters, I could see that this was going to be an enjoyable read, as the characters all had in depth, backstories making sure that the reader could personally connect with them. In the prologue, the reader was
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I celebrate the crafting of this novel. In literary instruction, we’re told to ensure that our protagonists grow between the beginning and ending of novels. This central character does. Supporting his story are supporting figures that are well outlined, written, and motivated by relevant backstories. Every minor bit ties in with the major plot. The short chapters move the book along and it engages the mind, philosophically. The success of this narrative is the unpredictable main
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rate McDowell 4 out of 4 stars. I like how the author entails the different culture and traditions from different places. I would highly recommend this book to those who like character development story, and about the life of a person. There are a lot of moral lessons that this book can give to the readers. Every one of us is capable of making mistakes at the same correcting those mistakes. Sometimes in life, we
Read more …

McDowell First understand this. Dr. Hiram McDowell was once a despicable individual. As Charles Dicken’s wrote in the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” this must be understood or no good can come from this story. William H. Coles has written this tale of a shabby protagonist to show how free will and hubris can ruin a person’s life. From the very first page of the novel we see this talented doctor failing to come to the aid of others in need
Read more …

McDowell An Extraordinary – and Entertaining – Work of Fiction! Coles is the winner of nearly 40 awards for his fiction, and I can see why. After reading McDowell and listening to a few of his short stories on his website, I believe he must be one of the most talented and prolific writers of our time. McDowell grabs your attention immediately, as Hiram McDowell is attempting to scale a snowy mountain peak in Nepal. Near the summit, his fellow-climber falls
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is one of those books that will leave you pondering. You’ll laugh, cry, feel hatred, judgmental, and even revise your initial judgment of the main character. William H. Cole’s McDowell is a fascinating story. It is an in-depth portrayal of the principle of cause and effect. Of what you do today might haunt you tomorrow. This set me thinking about the lives we lead. Which I believe is the primary purpose of this story to
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William H. Coles is a fantastic read. The characters, both primary and secondary, are so well written and developed that they were what drove the plotline. Hiriam McDowell is a top surgeon that has all the comforts that anyone could desire, but he lacks compassion for not only his colleagues but his family as well. Can Hiriam learn to have empathy for others? It might take a big change in his life, but I
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org There are a series of things I loved about the book, McDowell. Starting from how it teaches that immediate judgement of a person is not the best way to go about things. When the matter arises, we must listen to both sides then later present our judgement so as to prevent being bias. Also the case that success doesn’t have to always be about money. It should be about making a change as well as earning
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I liked the outstanding character development in this book. Hiram McDowell is a flawed man. Most books have one-dimensional characters, either all good or all bad. McDowell is very multi-dimensional. He is very bad, self-centered, and selfish. But there is also a good side to him. He does love his children, even if he is not good at showing it. His hospital in Nepal does do good work. But he sees nothing wrong in using the
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This novel reminds me of the literary classics where colorful and versatile pictures are depicted of the contemporary societies and where the main character undergoes a profound transformation. I also liked the epigraphs at the beginning of specific chapters. I think the author is a master of creating authentic ambiances with dialogues and style (e.g., the professional language used on the ethics board meeting; the slang spoken in the streets of Seattle). I highly appreciate the
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book was a very satisfying read for me, because the details and story development are written very precisely, with little to no “fluff” or unnecessary information. I was able to turn the pages quickly and without confusion as to what was going on. Although I was never confused, I also never knew what was going to happen next, and thoroughly enjoyed the unpredictability of the plot. I think that the author accurately depicted the difficult
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Have you ever read a healthy story that’s gripping right from the beginning? Well, McDowell by William H. Coles is one of those stories. This is one of the great art of writing that the author gifted to the readers. The suspense in the story was intense and the ending of the story aroused shock and grief. The plot and characters are well developed. Though the plot portrayed gross output, the author was careful not to
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a book everyone will love to read. The book has, a structure that you can’t even predict what will happen next, so as you read, event comes as a surprise which makes the reading interesting in the book, the author tried to use words, that makes the story looks real. What I love about the book is the plot telling about the life of Hiram McDowell and, others around him. And I also like
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I like the most about this book is how it can bring a catharsis to any reader. Hiram accomplishes a great way to involve the readers from his behavior, actions, and experiences. He can encourage the readers to discourage by making things complicated. The story is professionally edited and well-written. It hits the emotional quotient of the reader, and it maintains the connection between the characters and the reader. I rate McDowell 4 out of 4
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I liked about this book is that we are taught the good morals of caring for others, being kind-hearted and selflessness. Character development and both feelings and thoughts were nicely expressed by the author and the story flowed very well. Considering that McDowell is full of mature content, I would recommend this book to adults who love fiction novels. The book was professionally edited though I noticed some important scenes were very brief and needed
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I rated this book 4 out of 4 stars. The prologue is intriguing in my opinion and the plot is so good to be rated. The characters have their own unique lines, I can feel their variations from one another. The conversations are well written. I was really hyped reading this until the last part. No shortcomings and hanging parts as I read through it. And surprisingly, I did not found any errors. I recommend this
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is thought-provoking. It will force you to reflect if you admire or hate the protagonist. There are circumstances where one is bound to analyze if the actions of Hiram were appropriate, considering both emotional fronts and complexity of the situation; was there any other way out? For e.g. abandoning his ailing companion at the Himalayan mountain ranges. Emotionally one would find it heartless to abandon a friend behind. But considering the adverse and unfavorable
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a story full of life lessons for the reader, it holds up a distant mirror to anyone who has anything in common with the protagonist. He is ambitious, professionally driven and doesn’t care too much about people. It’s a shame that McDowell is so familiar, many successful professionals don’t seem to care about people either. Can their kind be redeemed? You’ll just have to read to find out. I rate this book 4 out
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles’ novel, McDowell, is a character-based fiction about one man’s journey of self-discovery. Coles offers up a stirring novel about human nature and morality. This was an unforgettable novel and one that makes the reader think long after the last page has been read. I rate this novel 4 out of 4 stars. Coles creates a complex tale about a man who made mistakes but wasn’t evil. McDowell’s life was a study of someone
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This novel is a gripping and moving story that explores human character, as well as one’s ability to criticize yourself if needed. It also examines what drives human actions, thoughts and ideas. McDowell is a horrible person when we first meet him; lies, cheating and deception are all part of the game for him to get to the top. You find yourself asking: ‘Why does he do things this way?’ Whilst he does not experience a
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org One of the reasons why I have come to enjoy this book was Hiram’s character development. From a man who thought he had no fault and believed fate was cruel to him; he transcended into someone who realized his faults and was willing to improve his ways. He showed kindness to the people he encountered and worked as hard as he can to earn money. His character also showed his love for the arts and nature.
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This novel is very impressive with its premise, writing, and characters. The plot is utterly gripping, and the writing style is just as captivating in its simplicity. The latter, I found, was very important given how complicated the narrative gets at times, and adds a good balance to the novel in its entirety. Coles also employs this one method where he almost casually states shocking progressions in the novel. This makes the reader curious enough to
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I find the author very skillful as he successfully made his way through controversial topics such adultery and elicit affairs, dysfunctional family relationships, juvenile delinquency, conspiracy and corruption. Problems that our society face nowadays. I love the parallelism he showed, putting a sense of truthfulness in the story. Most of all, I love that it opens a way to redemption, how God can make a way through those people in our lives, for us to change
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I enjoyed reading this book. I was challenged by a question that seemed to provoke the genuine intention behind philanthropic efforts. The question was, ‘How many times a day do we do things for others that are really for our own pleasure and advancement?’This is what I believe can be applied before anyone does anything whose outward appearance is to benefit others. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book was professionally edited.
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a story of about life and transformation. I think the great lesson in this book is that we are all capable of change. It is always a question of what factors are needed to start the ball rolling. This reconditioning is not easy. Hiram is a man twisted up in anger until he begins to meet people who show him a new perspective on life. As a character, he is brought out so well.
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles has woven such an intricate tale that would elicit a whole range of emotions from many of its readers. I sometimes get angered by Hiram’s indifference and standoffish behavior towards the people around him, and there are times I would feel joy, pain, and anguish for Ann, Sophie, or Billie. I love the depth of the characters populating the book because they’re not just simply black or white, but characters that have their
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a compelling story about moral and ethical values. The story touches upon important topics, including gun control, mass shootings, suicide, euthanasia and redemption. The characters are complex and realistic. The book is well-written and difficult to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys epic novels, strong characters and philosophical discussions. The author creates a powerful character in Hiram McDowell and takes him through an epic journey. I give this book
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I must confess that this is one of the best novels I have read so far this year. I liked the writing style of William H. Coles. I smiled, I laughed and frowned at times. To me, this novel was a page-turner. The book is full of twists and turns that will make you read until very late hours in the night. The characters are well developed and nicely introduced in away not to cause confusion
Read more …

McDowell Oh how the mighty fall… Multiple award willing literary fiction author William H. Coles has used his life experiences in the worlds of medicine, music, and writing to create this unforgettable thriller filled with mystery and suspense. Creator of storyinliteraryfiction.com a resources website for the authors, illustrators and readers, William Cole lives and writes in Salt Lake City, Utah. The stories main character Hiram McDowell is a respected surgeon, set on a glorious path to success. However, like many before
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a timeless story of life, told from every angle. The protagonist does not see himself as a bad guy. He just has no time for sentiment or emotion. To his family, he is hardly anyone but the guy that provides them with cash. To many of his colleagues, he is nothing but an over-ambitious fellow. And to society, he is the charming doctor with a golden heart. This book gives a realistic reflection on
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I highly recommend this book to any reader who likes powerful character development and plenty of food for thought. McDowell’s story will take you on a journey full of twists and turns, both good and bad. When you turn the final page, you’ll feel sad and satisfied all at once, and strangely wanting more. I finished McDowell with the feeling that, if it were at all possible to get hold of Hiram’s completed memoirs, I would
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William H. Coles is a fictional story of a surgeon who is eager to climb the ladder of success by hook or crook. And he is a passionate climber, and his expertise in climbing and surviving in the harsh climate is remarkable. His ambitions are high, and he can go to any extent to achieve them. He becomes the president of the International College of Surgeons, and by exercising this new authority, he wants
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Cole has once more written an epic book. I have read several of his books, and I have always enjoyed as I kept turning the pages. The storyline is captivating if you enjoy reading medical genres. This book is about the struggles of a surgeon as he balances between his family, career and being a good citizen. A book on redemption, coming back to say and finding redemption. The author manages to bring out
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I was so hooked with the plot it was really a struggle to put down this book once I get started especially when one by one, each well-developed character was introduced in the story and had come to be an important part of a whole. As I read, I was able to feel with the characters and was filled with different emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, hate and love. Though I didn’t think I will hate
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This complex and moving fiction story will definitely beg the reader to marvel at the human capacity to survive despite extremely challenging odds. It also does a great job of highlighting the drastic impact that people’s choices can have on their relationships. Additionally, I found the sort of staccato writing style a very effective tool for describing scenes. I found myself really feeling along with the characters and seeing the scenes. A provocative and dark current
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org If ever there was a book that should not be judged by its cover, it is William H. Coles’, Mc Dowell. The demure portrait of a mature male figure on the cover is a stark contrast to the mountain climbing, womanizing and identity remaking encountered in the enigmatic character of Mc Dowell. Mc Dowell is a compelling, thought-provoking narrative that mediates on the philosophy of defeat, success, truth, misery, self-discovery, and identity. Coles action-packed narrative explores
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The novel is simply amazing. It deals with a lot of social issues. There are pages dedicated to the inferior roles of women in Eastern cultures. The novel also focuses on problems concerning gun possession and the education of children. My favorite part of the book is the one referring to Hiram’s change from an egoist to an altruist. It is really amazing to see how one can totally change his attitude toward the world. I
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I soundly rate McDowell 4 out of 4 stars. This book naturally gives the reader plenty to think about and allows them the chance to decide how they feel about Hiram McDowell. I would enthusiastically recommend this book to those anticipating a good coming of age story, and one that will deliver you plenty to think about in your own life. I think one of the best quotable lines was, “People content in themselves learn to
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This novel grew on me slowly until I finished the first half of the book. That is when some moral, ethical and spiritual values came into play. The characters then seemed to appear stronger and more believable. You were hoping for Hiram to find a way out of his situation. This is the kind of book that leaves you thinking. The storyline is great, and the personal growth of the main character is inspiring. I enjoyed
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a work of fiction written by William H. Coles. This book is a powerful one. The subtle messages passed across by the author are the same issues ravaging our homes and societies today. Messages of poverty, love, gun control, dysfunctional homes, selfishness and so many others. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is due to the many messages and simple language Mr. Coles employed. I think the world needs to
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org What I loved most about the book is Cole’s wrought writing style; very detailed descriptions, of people, events, places and emotions to mention a few . Also, the introduction of each chapter with a title of which character the chapter is about, the italicized writing to explain a character’s thought process, the thought out introduction of characters among other detailed attributes in the book. It is a book that sends the mind to think about what
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell is a story that is packed with enough episodes to thrill its audience. This story has lessons that teach us on hospitality. It also trains us on the importance of being humble and kind to others. The story incorporates several episodes that are capable of stirring emotions of reader. Conflict is the fuel that propels the plot of McDowell to great heights and I loved how the author strongly develops this theme making it one
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book really peaked my curiosity and kept me reading to find out how it will all turn out for McDowell. The plot was very well thought out. The chapters with different characters in always had a connection to McDowell and flowed well. I could not find any grammatical errors which was very refreshing. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I appreciate the author’s skill in writing. It was not a type of
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. It portrays real life situations that happens in our lives on daily basis. McDowell deals with the realities of devastation that can occur in the lives of the people we love because of our own self-promotion and egocentrism. It also portrays social issues that are evident in our lives today for instance assisted suicide and the power of the press. The message in the book has
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Not even at a single point, I felt the story boring. It was indeed suspenseful and captivating. It is the beauty of William Coles’s writing. He keeps the reader engaged throughout and urges the reader to think and feel for the characters. At many points in the novel, you will predict some conclusion, but the story mostly turns in a different way. This plot is extremely unpredictable. The story made me stick to the book. I
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book had a great storyline that covered a variety of controversial issues. I discovered an underlying idea that there are power and purpose in self-discovery and introspection, but I thought there an equally strong message regarding humans as social beings and the importance of social relationships. At one point McDowell believed he was a loner and found energy in isolation, yet a time came when he lost his tolerance for being alone, and he yearned
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The story is very thought provoking, making you think what your life had done to others without you being conscious of it. The points of view shift from one person to another after some chapters but they are very well done. The narrative is very fluid, and it does not confuse the reader. The characters are realistic and it is easy to be sympathetic towards them. Hiram, being the protagonist, is a character so complex that
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I had previously read The Surgeon’s Wife by William H. Cole, so I had not only been excited to read another book by this same author, I had also felt I knew the type of doctor the main character would be. I couldn’t be further from the truth. The main characters in these two books are very different and other than perhaps the writing style, I wouldn’t have known McDowell was by the same author. It
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell by William H. Coles proved to be a worthy read. The story is centred around Dr. Hiram McDowell, a wealthy surgeon at the peak of his career who cares for no one but himself. His callous behavior and lack of morality angers several people who vow to see him fall from grace. What happens as his world of privilege collapses around him forms the rest of the story. What I loved the best is how
Read more …

McDowell Review from San Francisco Review of Books “The motives and means of McDowell’s death will always be front page interest” Utah author William H. Coles, MD is a retired Ophthalmologist whose medical career was internationally lauded for his expertise as an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in ocular injury repair and reconstruction, a professor and chairman at SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, a Regent for The American College of Surgeons, president of the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology, and lecturer on
Read more …

McDowell In McDowell, tragedy and consequence lead an arrogant and narcissistic Dr. Hiram McDowell to examine his life and search for life’s meaning beyond winning and possessions. Hiram is first glimpsed leaving his Mt. Everest climbing partner to die. If that’s not enough to establish his unreliability, he goes on to belittle his wife, trick a colleague and ignore his children. Hiram’s the quintessential egoist surgeon: busy, belligerent, brilliant, and self-absorbed. Author William H. Coles paints a damning picture of the
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org Ultimately, we can only know another human being by what he says and does. That is exactly what author William H Coles gives us in McDowell; an objective examination of a man as seen from different angles – wife, children, co-workers, colleagues, friends, media and the ever-judging public with its own agenda. They surround him like a circle of spotlights flashing on and off. I found this approach challenging and refreshing. The facts are presented, and
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I enjoyed reading this book. It grabbed my attention from the prologue and held it captive the rest of the way through the book. I also believe that there is also a hidden lesson in this book. It personally made me think about all of the things that I not so much as take for granted but look over and or do not show my appreciation for all of the time. I like that this book did
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The setting of the book was in multiple states of the US due to the travels of Hiram especially in part two, and Kathmandu, Nepal. The setting of the book worked well with the strong dramatic plot that was fast paced but smooth, keeping the reader intrigued and guessing at what may happen next until the very last page of the book. You literally feel as if you had no idea what he will throw at
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This novel is delightful, fun, and interesting fictional tale which can keep you glued to your seat turning the pages due to the curiosity of how his struggle will pan out. The novel has a very well mapped plot with much better pacing. The author did a splendid job in introducing characters and well-connected subplots which work as a support to the main story of Hiram’s journey. The author brought out a question on human capability
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I thoroughly enjoyed the character development of McDowell. William H. Coles very expertly made this character come alive for us. Through powerful dialogues and intriguing plot the reader ends up holding their breath for what will happen next. The catharsis of McDowell redeems his character which makes the reader sympathize with him in the end. We see McDowell’s spiritual transformation when we see him tread the path of the downtrodden. These people are despised and held
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book is great for those who like works of fiction which most likely will have one reading again just to allow the story to sink and for some reflection. I recommend it to them. The nature of the story will leave the reader questioning the morally acceptable choices we ought to make during critical life and death moments of people who fall under our care. To some extent, such moments in the book may not
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I believe the appealing quality of this book is its closeness to reality. You read and can actually relate with an event or a character’s emotion. Billie was passionate about music and drumming until he discovered his real gift. Sometimes in life, you may think you have it all figured out until an unexpected step takes you in the direction you were meant to go. At another point during the course of reading, I felt like
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org As you read this book, you begin to develop several questions. Is it possible to be forgiven for terrible crimes? Is it possible for someone who has lived the majority of their life with no remorse to change? And finally, does Hiram McDowell really deserve everything he gets, or is he treated unjustly because of who he is? This book was a different genre than I would normally read, however, I absolutely loved it. This book
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell somehow sends us a message. It tells us to be open-minded and considerate with the persons around us. Oftentimes, we tend to be opinionated particularly if we see a pattern of wrongdoings in others. McDowell teaches us to be objective in looking at things and circumstances. For we, too, are not perfect. We do not and cannot know what’s running in someone else’s head and how the circumstances affect his inner being. After all, at the
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The plot is intriguing, and the writing flows smoothly. The author interweaves various topics in such a manner that it is not confusing. None of the issues overshadows each other. For instance, one of the themes is mental illness. One of Hiram’s daughters suffers from anxiety. Due to the events that unfold in her family, her condition worsens. I am not sure how I feel about Hiram’s character development. Sometimes, it is as though he is
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org I give the book 4 out of 4 stars. The style of Cole’s writing is reminiscent of Flannery O’Connor, clean and spare with moments of great beauty. There were scenes in the second half of the book (especially the section set in New Orleans) that were lyrical and conveyed McDowell’s progress on his journey. It isn’t a satisfying book to read. I think that would defeat its purpose, which is to open the reader to meditate
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The life of the protagonist has forcible characters filled with a blemish, which at some stage, I had sympathy for. Hiram’s character has unlikeable traits, which changed through his walk to seek redemption. McDowell is a thought-provoking book that will leave readers with questions like “Can someone as pernicious as Hiram find redemption?”. The story is an interesting one which compromises of family, love, relationships, family feud, lack of parental guidance, greed, power, money and success.
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org In McDowell, William H. Coles has presented a compelling story of atonement. The atoner is the titular character, Hiram McDowell, who is introduced to us as a gifted surgeon, a ruthless careerist, a shameless philanderer, and in general an amoral, nasty piece of work. His only redeeming feature is his love of his children. That aside, there is nothing to like about Hiram McDowell, and those who he has mistreated in the book will concur with
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book produced mixed emotions. As I read, I developed anger, hatred and admiration for the character of Hiram, the protagonist, a multi-talented character. He was a surgeon, a musician and a mountain climber. The book is divided into two parts. The first part showed Hiram, a bad parent, an uncaring and difficult spouse, a selfish partner, a deceitful and manipulative leader and a murderer. It also presented Hiram’s rise to fame, the climax of his
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I was captured by the scope of this book. Hiram and his daughter Sophie are extensive travelers worldwide and their separate searches for meaning in life take place on a grand stage of varied interests and circumstances throughout the book. Characters from all walks of life are presented, from the board room to the TV and publishing world, to the trailer park. These characters interact primarily with Hiram, but also with Sophie and Paige who are each
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org William H. Coles puts a lot of heart, time and effort into this story you the way it is written. I was experiencing the same emotions as what the characters were feeling. This was focused on ethical, moral, and personal themes. It was a truly original story. The changing plot forced the characters out of their comfort zone and into situations that challenged them. It is written in a very literary style that has good tension
Read more …

McDowell McDowell is an ambitious, often captivating character study. William H. Coles’s engaging novel McDowell is a story of hubris and personal transformation. Haughty doctor Hiram McDowell, a nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services whose recreational mountain climbing parallels his boundless professional ambition, is brought down abruptly and hard after his grandson goes on a killing spree. The wayward grandson ends up brain-dead after a failed suicide attempt; McDowell mercy-kills him, but the jury in his case does not
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org Coles has done an excellent job creating a character that is nuanced, likeable but self-serving. The type of person that is likely to turn up in professional life. He has insight into human character and the motivations that drive people to make poor or even shocking decisions. The book is full of villains, but for the most part they are not two-dimensional. Like the main character, many are driven by ambition and jealousy. Coles’ descriptions of places
Read more …

McDowell 4/4 Review from OnlineBookClub.org McDowell the book is a skeptical reminder of life’s inequalities. Hiram’s travels and clever planning to avoid being caught are illustrated very well. Hiram’s fall from grace and the sea change in his attitude to eke out a few pennies and get a decent meal and bed are sometimes very touching. The journeys of Hiram’s daughter Sophie and Paige the TV reporter as they struggle to make a career bring relief to the monotony of Hiram’s
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org I loved how the author showed the reader that, in times, we make mistakes in our lives, yet we can be a better person through our action and service to others. McDowell met some amazing people in his travels and not only did he take something from them when he had to leave, but he also left a piece of himself for them. I also enjoyed how we are shown that even though rough cards were dealt
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org The book is built on questions about McDowell. Some of the questions are answered and some of them aren’t. It’s a masterful story about how a person’s life it affected by things that happen to them throughout their life. Can a person affect their own life and the outcome? How much of your life is affected by what you do versus what the world does to you. I enjoyed most of the book. I was invested and
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book brings up a hot topic and you get to look at both sides. You also get to see how life experiences can change a person. This book gets you thinking. You can decide for yourself if Hiram McDowell was truly an evil man or just a man that made some mistakes, but meant well. There is a dramatic plot with strong characters. The author did a great job writing the story around each character. The
Read more …

McDowell Review from OnlineBookClub.org This book drew me in so well that after reading for a few hours I went to bed but couldn’t sleep; my mind a kaleidoscope of spinning thoughts and questions. I wanted to get back to reading rather than sleep. McDowell has something for every adult/young adult who just loves to read; encompasses a wealth of emotions—–I shivered on snow frozen peaks of the Himalayas and felt the pain and agony of the poverty-stricken villagers as they
Read more …