OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Perfect Match" by T. Wayne Bloodworth.]

The Perfect Match by T. Wayne Bloodworth is a novel about a widowed cardiac surgeon who is at a crossroads in his life. It can be categorized in the General Fiction genre. After his wife Emily’s death fifteen years earlier, Zack Folsom became absorbed in his surgical career to cope with his grief. As a side hobby, he started Surgical Robotics Inc., a company that produces surgical robotics instruments. Zack also endured changes in his personal life due to his wife’s passing. His ten-year-old son Billy was sent to live with Emily’s parents while Zack finished his surgical residency. This turned into a long-term living situation and a tense, estranged relationship between father and son.

Now forty-six years old, Zack considers retiring from medicine or, at least, winding down to a part-time surgical position. In addition, an international corporation has made an offer to buy his now successful robotics company. Zack hasn’t had any serious romances over the years, but this may change when he meets Gabriella, the corporation’s charming Italian lawyer.

I enjoyed this story and found myself rooting for Zack every step of the way. He is a layered character who is likable despite his flaws. However, there is a “tell”, rather than “show”, writing style. There isn’t much subtlety to the writing, as the author explains what every little thing means. In general, the supporting characters aren’t well developed and I wasn’t able to connect with them. One exception is Zack’s “brother” Armando (when Zack’s father died, he was raised by Armando’s parents). He is an intriguing character and the pair’s close relationship is very heartwarming.

The plot lacks focus as the storyline goes off track at times. While the subplots are interesting, I would have liked more meatiness as opposed to a “blink and we’re on to something else” quality. For example, there are random, short contacts between Zack and his son. Then the plot will abruptly transition to something completely unrelated. This gives the story a disjointed feel. The ending ties up a little too neatly, although there are one or two twists along the way. One of the twists is somewhat predictable, although still satisfying.

An extra round or two of professional editing is needed here. I spotted approximately ten errors, such as typos, extra/missing/incorrect words, extra or missing punctuation, etc. Also, the following words are shown as two words instead of one – sweat pants instead of sweatpants, night club instead of nightclub, and door bell instead of doorbell.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Despite the issues I mentioned, it is a pleasant, light read. The themes of family, coping with loss, and midlife changes are realistically explored. I would have liked more depth to some of the plotlines, but overall I enjoyed the story. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction and beach-style reads.

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The Perfect Match
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A novel about a widowed cardiac surgeon who is at a crossroads in his life? Sounds nice. Too bad about the lack of focus, the errors, and the undeveloped supporting characters. I don't think it is for me, but I am glad you enjoyed it despite the issues you mentioned. Great review!

Thanks Gali! I am surprised to see this review published since it was delivered privately to the author six months ago. Despite the issues I mentioned, I absolutely loved the main character and would be interested in reading future books featuring him.

I have never come across a book of this kind before. The plot is new for me. Seems there are a lot life lesson to be learnt from the book. Thank you!

Another great review bookowlie. I thought this would be more of like a medical thriller, but it doesn't sound like it. In spite of that, it sounds interesting enough. I might have to look into this one but am still somewhat unsure of the tell not show style. Thanks for taking the time to share this one with us.

The novel is about zack a widowed cardiac surgeon who is at a crossroads in the life, and going far mile in producing surgical robotic instrument dat is zack thinking out of the box from the origin telling us to think beyond others
"Doing 99% of what others are not doing"

Thanks for the review! Before I started doing reviews I didn't realize how many pet peeves I had about books. The tell rather than show is right at the top along with poor grammatical editing. For me, the author hasn't finished the book until they have moved to the next step of showing. That all by itself would keep me from reading this book. And how interesting that they chose to publish your review so much later after it was delivered to the writer.

bookowlie wrote: ↑23 Aug 2017, 13:22 I would have liked more meatiness as opposed to a “blink and we’re on to something else” quality.

This is a good way of voicing what I often feel. There are few stories that are successful with the snap scene changes.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Despite the disjointed feel of the plot, the story still had a lot of potential.

The story of a cardiac surgeon doing business in surgical robotics is quite interesting. Thanks for this critical review.

Love your review but I prefer a book where I can engage with the characters and not look in from the outside so, I will pass on this. Good job though.

Splendid review! Good read for medical students ....I will plunge into this one...