Almost Paradise

Rating:
Summary: Review of Almost Paradise by Cheri
Review: In the opening of Patt Gavin's first novel, "Almost Paradise," we meet the daring Peter Grant. He is a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, who is willing to put his personal safety on the line for the perfect picture to illustrate a story. When Peter sets his mind to something, he will go to any extent to achieve his goal.

Next, we meet Craig Walters, a flight attendant, a theater major in college, who never realized his dream of being a big star. Working for the airlines has its perquisites: he has good benefits and gets to travel. He may not be as rich and famous as his best friend, Peter, but he makes a living. Peter was not always rich. In fact, he knows all too well what it feels like to be hungry so he anonymously donates money to food banks and soup kitchens. He is a true philanthropist in every sense of the word.

Peter and Craig met in college and have been friends for twenty years. They were roommates and even dated for a while but, while Craig lives as an openly gay man, Peter remains in the closet. Peter felt that coming out of the closet would hurt their careers, so he kept his door tightly shut, even though Craig did not. Peter denied his intense feelings for Craig while the two men remained close friends and lived in apartments right next to each other.

When Peter wants to relocate he finally professes his love for Craig and asks him to go with him. Peter discloses his homosexuality publicly and they become a couple once again. Peter is not subtle at work and he is not subtle in his personal life. He feels guilty for the years of denying who he is, especially for not helping his gay community fight for its rights. Peter decides to help his community in a very big way.

Peter was oblivious to the discrimination gays faced; gay sub-culture was foreign to him. Craig has to fill Peter in on everything, as if Peter has been living on the moon, instead of here in the USA. Some of Craig's explanations to Peter make the reader wonder how any well-informed citizen would not know certain basic facts. You do not have to be gay to find such explanations tedious but, to anyone in need of lessons on being gay, it could be helpful.

Almost Paradise is a story about one man's quest to make a difference in the lives of GLBT people everywhere. Peter orchestrates a migration to Hawaii that eventually leads to his seeking public office. He hopes to change laws enjoyed only by heterosexuals. If elected, he promises, and I quote, "These rights would include the right to marry, to adopt children, freedom from discrimination in housing and employment, and all state sponsored tax rights offered to married heterosexual couples." If he wins the governorship, he will not only fight for gay rights but he will represent all his constituents whether they are gay or straight. He will govern for the good of all. For the first time in his life, Peter is not afraid to use his celebrity to further his cause.

Patt Gavin writes an interesting, timely story about gays rallying together for a cause in order to make some positive changes in the legislation concerning gay rights and marriage. While the story may seem far-fetched at times, it is the privilege of an author of fiction to take such liberties. He hits upon a good idea for accomplishing their goals. Read Almost Paradise to find out what the idea is and if wishes come true.

Rating:
Summary: Review of Almost Paradise by Cheri
Review: In the opening of Patt Gavin's first novel, "Almost Paradise," we meet the daring Peter Grant. He is a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, who is willing to put his personal safety on the line for the perfect picture to illustrate a story. When Peter sets his mind to something, he will go to any extent to achieve his goal.Next, we meet Craig Walters, a flight attendant, a theater major in college, who never realized his dream of being a big star. Working for the airlines has its perquisites: he has good benefits and gets to travel. He may not be as rich and famous as his best friend, Peter, but he makes a living. Peter was not always rich. In fact, he knows all too well what it feels like to be hungry so he anonymously donates money to food banks and soup kitchens. He is a true philanthropist in every sense of the word. Peter and Craig met in college and have been friends for twenty years. They were roommates and even dated for a while but, while Craig lives as an openly gay man, Peter remains in the closet. Peter felt that coming out of the closet would hurt their careers, so he kept his door tightly shut, even though Craig did not. Peter denied his intense feelings for Craig while the two men remained close friends and lived in apartments right next to each other.When Peter wants to relocate he finally professes his love for Craig and asks him to go with him. Peter discloses his homosexuality publicly and they become a couple once again. Peter is not subtle at work and he is not subtle in his personal life. He feels guilty for the years of denying who he is, especially for not helping his gay community fight for its rights. Peter decides to help his community in a very big way.Peter was oblivious to the discrimination gays faced; gay sub-culture was foreign to him. Craig has to fill Peter in on everything, as if Peter has been living on the moon, instead of here in the USA. Some of Craig's explanations to Peter make the reader wonder how any well-informed citizen would not know certain basic facts. You do not have to be gay to find such explanations tedious but, to anyone in need of lessons on being gay, it could be helpful.Almost Paradise is a story about one man's quest to make a difference in the lives of GLBT people everywhere. Peter orchestrates a migration to Hawaii that eventually leads to his seeking public office. He hopes to change laws enjoyed only by heterosexuals. If elected, he promises, and I quote, "These rights would include the right to marry, to adopt children, freedom from discrimination in housing and employment, and all state sponsored tax rights offered to married heterosexual couples." If he wins the governorship, he will not only fight for gay rights but he will represent all his constituents whether they are gay or straight. He will govern for the good of all. For the first time in his life, Peter is not afraid to use his celebrity to further his cause. Patt Gavin writes an interesting, timely story about gays rallying together for a cause in order to make some positive changes in the legislation concerning gay rights and marriage. While the story may seem far-fetched at times, it is the privilege of an author of fiction to take such liberties. He hits upon a good idea for accomplishing their goals. Read "Almost Paradise" to find out what the idea is and if wishes come true.