Review by Helene_2008 -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[Helene_2008]

[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Depending on your perspective, Hiram McDowell, can be many different things. He can be a surgeon, musician, successful businessman, and philanthropist. Or is it possible, he could also be manipulative, objectify women, and greedy. It will be an important part of Paige Sterling's career to determine how she portrays McDowell to the public.

Paige is a middle-age TV journalist who is forced into a different direction in news-casting by her new boss. She must gain research and insight into Dr. McDowell to a create a TV special about the future Secretary of Health and Human Services. But what she uncovers may not make him so fit for the job. Along the way, Paige meets Sophie, one of McDowell's daughters. Can their relationship that develops withstand the chase for the truth about Dr. McDowell?

McDowell is a dark drama that follows the lives of McDowell, his family, and Paige, as they intertwine over time. The book touches on the topics of mass shootings, money influencing politics, and assisted suicide. William H. Coles creates a novel you will not want to put down, wondering what could possibly happen next.

I give McDowell a 4 out of 4 rating. While I enjoyed the whole book, my favorite part was McDowell's time with Maud and Pops. I liked Maud and McDowell's discussion as Maud criticized McDowell's memoir. It really gives you perspective of the transformation McDowell goes through. I also really enjoyed reading an argument between McDowell and his daughter, Sophie. Sophie seems to want to blame her father for some of the misery she is currently experiencing in her life. On the other hand, McDowell explains to Sophie she is responsible for her own life. I admit McDowell does avoid responsibility for some things in the beginning of the book, but I had to agree with him here. As a human being we ultimately make our own choices, and if we are unhappy, we should not blame that on others.

There were no mistakes or issues with editing that I could find. I did have a slight issue with some formatting though. Some of the chapters had years at the beginning, while others did not. While I didn't care either way of the years were there, I wish it would have been consistent throughout the book. I also did not like Billie's relationship with his stepsister. I thought it was unnecessary and distasteful. Since these are just small issues with the book, I still really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys dramas. The book is appropriate for adult readers only.

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McDowell
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[kdstrack]

Presenting Paige's perspective was a unique way to present this book. You give interesting comments about many of the other characters, also. I like your descriptions of Maud and Billie. Great review!

[thaservices1]

Good review. I personally did not like this book but was impressed by the author's writing. I think he wrote Dr. McDowell's character so well I just ended up disliking the character on a personal level. That's good writing.

[Prisallen]

I read this book also and agree that I did not like McDowell's character very much, but I did feel like he changed through the book. I do like that you wrote the story from Paige's perspective also. Thanks for a wonderful review!

[Manang Muyang]

That's a unique summary of the book; I like it. I also found this book profound and insightful: I believe a McDowell lives in each of us. But the copy I read had many grammar issues. I'm glad to know that the errors have been resolved.

[Ekta Swarnkar]

It is so true, the character of a person is reflected to you, the way you to see it. Informative review!

[Nicky Rita]

McDowell" is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of human relationships.