Review of McDowell

[Terry Kimble]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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Hiram McDowell, the protagonist in McDowell by William H. Coles, is a man you can love to hate! Or hate to love? He gets under the reader's skin as he egocentrically worms his way through the minds and hearts of everyone he encounters. It is a profound, thought-provoking novel that captivates from beginning to end!

Hiram, a prominent surgeon, skilled mountain climber, endowing philanthropist, father, and husband, appears to have everything one could hope for. But there is one problem—he is an absolute scoundrel!

Early in the story, Hiram confiscates a struggling hiking partner’s oxygen tank and leaves him alone to perish on a mountainside. Soon after, he takes a woman—not his wife—for dinner on his wife’s birthday! He promises a colleague the appointment as “Executive Director” in exchange for his vote to ensure he is elected president of the International College of Surgeons. Then, he reneges on the promise once he’s elected. He is soon accused of misappropriating charity fund revenues. These and other guileful actions reveal Hiram McDowell’s complete and utter self-absorption.

As I journeyed along with Hiram, witnessing his lack of empathy and mistreatment of people, I soon began to loathe his character. But then he comforts Sophie, his heartbroken photographer daughter, and financially helps out his other children, showing that perhaps he cares—at least for them. However, the story takes many twists and turns, and shocking events cause Hiram to be accused of the unthinkable!

The characters in McDowell are well-developed, so the reader gets a good sense of how and why they, directly and indirectly, impact Hiram’s life and choices.

In this compelling story, the author delves deeply into the characters' psyches, exposing the raw human emotions, behaviors, and motivations that can change a person into a villain—or a hero. The story illuminates humans' complexities, capabilities, and projected judgments (that regularly need readjustment).

McDowell left me wanting to know more about how some incidents happened in the story. Giving examples, though, would spoil the plot. But a horrific family tragedy causes Hiram’s life to unravel instantly. From this point on, the reader begins to witness him grow in self-awareness as his inner and outer lives pivot from a path of progression to a path of regression. I found this aspect of the book to be the most satisfying because it beckons the reader to examine their own intentions toward others and sort out which are genuinely selfless and which are solely selfish motives.

I was struck by how some adult women in this story were portrayed, engaging in frivolous behaviors to get men's attention. I could never imagine a middle-aged woman doing those things in reality! You will have to read the book to see if you agree. The author's bombshell ending dropped my jaw!

I disliked nothing about McDowell. Its ability to make the reader think about what is truly important, along with its absorbing, smooth-flowing narrative and superb editing, merits 5-out-of-5 stars!

The book contains adult content, adult language, and the topic of mass shootings. It is appropriate for adult readers only.

******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

Completely shameless! hahaha wow! According to what I have read in your review, I find it somewhat funny, because there really are people like this character. I'm definitely intrigued by this book. I will keep it in mind for a next reading. Thanks for reviewing it!

Yes! The story shows how we are all like this character, to differing degrees, and how life's (sometimes devastating) surprises change us--to differing degrees. I would love to read your take on this book if you get a chance to read it! Thanks so much, Bettny, for stopping by! Hope you're having a pleasurable reading day!!

[Terry Kimble]

I guess I would love to hate Hiram. If the author could make me remain neutral or like this character at the end, that would be a sign of his amazing storytelling ability. For now, from your review, I will stick to not liking this character, even though you have mentioned that he undergoes a positive change. I guess I have to travel with the story for it to have an impact on my emotions. Your review was fun to read. It was shocking at first to learn about the protagonist’s character, but I felt relieved knowing there’s some hope left for him.

Hi Runan The author cleverly discloses Hiram's unsavory behaviors early in the story so the reader will be disgusted! I suppose there is as much hope for Hiram as there is for any of us. Thank you for stopping by and imparting your thoughts; very much appreciated and valued! Great reading day to you!

[Gerry Steen]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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Hiram McDowell, the protagonist in McDowell by William H. Coles, is a man you can love to hate! Or hate to love? He gets under the reader's skin as he egocentrically worms his way through the minds and hearts of everyone he encounters. It is a profound, thought-provoking novel that captivates from beginning to end!

Hiram, a prominent surgeon, skilled mountain climber, endowing philanthropist, father, and husband, appears to have everything one could hope for. But there is one problem—he is an absolute scoundrel!

Early in the story, Hiram confiscates a struggling hiking partner’s oxygen tank and leaves him alone to perish on a mountainside. Soon after, he takes a woman—not his wife—for dinner on his wife’s birthday! He promises a colleague the appointment as “Executive Director” in exchange for his vote to ensure he is elected president of the International College of Surgeons. Then, he reneges on the promise once he’s elected. He is soon accused of misappropriating charity fund revenues. These and other guileful actions reveal Hiram McDowell’s complete and utter self-absorption.

As I journeyed along with Hiram, witnessing his lack of empathy and mistreatment of people, I soon began to loathe his character. But then he comforts Sophie, his heartbroken photographer daughter, and financially helps out his other children, showing that perhaps he cares—at least for them. However, the story takes many twists and turns, and shocking events cause Hiram to be accused of the unthinkable!

The characters in McDowell are well-developed, so the reader gets a good sense of how and why they, directly and indirectly, impact Hiram’s life and choices.

In this compelling story, the author delves deeply into the characters' psyches, exposing the raw human emotions, behaviors, and motivations that can change a person into a villain—or a hero. The story illuminates humans' complexities, capabilities, and projected judgments (that regularly need readjustment).

McDowell left me wanting to know more about how some incidents happened in the story. Giving examples, though, would spoil the plot. But a horrific family tragedy causes Hiram’s life to unravel instantly. From this point on, the reader begins to witness him grow in self-awareness as his inner and outer lives pivot from a path of progression to a path of regression. I found this aspect of the book to be the most satisfying because it beckons the reader to examine their own intentions toward others and sort out which are genuinely selfless and which are solely selfish motives.

I was struck by how some adult women in this story were portrayed, engaging in frivolous behaviors to get men's attention. I could never imagine a middle-aged woman doing those things in reality! You will have to read the book to see if you agree. The author's bombshell ending dropped my jaw!

I disliked nothing about McDowell. Its ability to make the reader think about what is truly important, along with its absorbing, smooth-flowing narrative and superb editing, merits 5-out-of-5 stars!

The book contains adult content, adult language, and the topic of mass shootings. It is appropriate for adult readers only.

******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

Hi, Terry, you reviewed a book that you describe as amazing. I want to read this book. I have known people like this who have incongruous behaviors. When one is affected by these people it leaves one shocked and dismayed. I want to get into the mind of this kind of character to see what makes him tick. Thank you. This book is going on my bookshelves.

[Terry Kimble]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Hiram McDowell, the protagonist in McDowell by William H. Coles, is a man you can love to hate! Or hate to love? He gets under the reader's skin as he egocentrically worms his way through the minds and hearts of everyone he encounters. It is a profound, thought-provoking novel that captivates from beginning to end!

Hiram, a prominent surgeon, skilled mountain climber, endowing philanthropist, father, and husband, appears to have everything one could hope for. But there is one problem—he is an absolute scoundrel!

Early in the story, Hiram confiscates a struggling hiking partner’s oxygen tank and leaves him alone to perish on a mountainside. Soon after, he takes a woman—not his wife—for dinner on his wife’s birthday! He promises a colleague the appointment as “Executive Director” in exchange for his vote to ensure he is elected president of the International College of Surgeons. Then, he reneges on the promise once he’s elected. He is soon accused of misappropriating charity fund revenues. These and other guileful actions reveal Hiram McDowell’s complete and utter self-absorption.

As I journeyed along with Hiram, witnessing his lack of empathy and mistreatment of people, I soon began to loathe his character. But then he comforts Sophie, his heartbroken photographer daughter, and financially helps out his other children, showing that perhaps he cares—at least for them. However, the story takes many twists and turns, and shocking events cause Hiram to be accused of the unthinkable!

The characters in McDowell are well-developed, so the reader gets a good sense of how and why they, directly and indirectly, impact Hiram’s life and choices.

In this compelling story, the author delves deeply into the characters' psyches, exposing the raw human emotions, behaviors, and motivations that can change a person into a villain—or a hero. The story illuminates humans' complexities, capabilities, and projected judgments (that regularly need readjustment).

McDowell left me wanting to know more about how some incidents happened in the story. Giving examples, though, would spoil the plot. But a horrific family tragedy causes Hiram’s life to unravel instantly. From this point on, the reader begins to witness him grow in self-awareness as his inner and outer lives pivot from a path of progression to a path of regression. I found this aspect of the book to be the most satisfying because it beckons the reader to examine their own intentions toward others and sort out which are genuinely selfless and which are solely selfish motives.

I was struck by how some adult women in this story were portrayed, engaging in frivolous behaviors to get men's attention. I could never imagine a middle-aged woman doing those things in reality! You will have to read the book to see if you agree. The author's bombshell ending dropped my jaw!

I disliked nothing about McDowell. Its ability to make the reader think about what is truly important, along with its absorbing, smooth-flowing narrative and superb editing, merits 5-out-of-5 stars!

The book contains adult content, adult language, and the topic of mass shootings. It is appropriate for adult readers only.

******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

Hi, Terry, you reviewed a book that you describe as amazing. I want to read this book. I have known people like this who have incongruous behaviors. When one is affected by these people it leaves one shocked and dismayed. I want to get into the mind of this kind of character to see what makes him tick. Thank you. This book is going on my bookshelves.

Hi Gerry--I found it to be a very interesting read I hope you get a chance to read and review it--I would be interested to get your take on it. Thanks for checking out the review and leaving your thoughts!

[RJ Reviews]

Such a detailed review! I can absolutely imagine the book to be full of intriguing characters and events. Hiram sounds like a character who can do anything and everything to achieve his goals. Thank you for sharing your honest and detailed review.

[Terry Kimble]

Such a detailed review! I can absolutely imagine the book to be full of intriguing characters and events. Hiram sounds like a character who can do anything and everything to achieve his goals. Thank you for sharing your honest and detailed review.

Hi RJ--I enjoyed McDowell! Thanks for checking out the review and leaving your thoughts! Have a great reading day--or evening!

[Abdullah Fawmi]

It always shocks me how selfish a person can be every time I read a review of this book. But then again it always seems there's hope for the best as Hiram is changing for good. I am still not sure whether I would read the book or not. But your review was very compelling for me. Excellent review you have here.

[Terry Kimble]

It always shocks me how selfish a person can be every time I read a review of this book. But then again it always seems there's hope for the best as Hiram is changing for good. I am still not sure whether I would read the book or not. But your review was very compelling for me. Excellent review you have here.

Hi Abdullah! I get what you're saying. I think the author did an outstanding job of bringing this complicated character to life in this book! Thank you for checking out this review. I hope you enjoy a wonderful reading day!

[Anastasia Baglay]

You did a great job; your review made me want to take a closer look to this book! Thank you for a great work.

[Terry Kimble]

You did a great job; your review made me want to take a closer look to this book! Thank you for a great work.

Hi Anastasia,
Thank you for your thoughts on the review! I found it to be an interesting book. Have a wonderful reading day/evening!

[Susan Ledezma]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

Hiram McDowell, the protagonist in McDowell by William H. Coles, is a man you can love to hate! Or hate to love? He gets under the reader's skin as he egocentrically worms his way through the minds and hearts of everyone he encounters. It is a profound, thought-provoking novel that captivates from beginning to end!

Hiram, a prominent surgeon, skilled mountain climber, endowing philanthropist, father, and husband, appears to have everything one could hope for. But there is one problem—he is an absolute scoundrel!

Early in the story, Hiram confiscates a struggling hiking partner’s oxygen tank and leaves him alone to perish on a mountainside. Soon after, he takes a woman—not his wife—for dinner on his wife’s birthday! He promises a colleague the appointment as “Executive Director” in exchange for his vote to ensure he is elected president of the International College of Surgeons. Then, he reneges on the promise once he’s elected. He is soon accused of misappropriating charity fund revenues. These and other guileful actions reveal Hiram McDowell’s complete and utter self-absorption.

As I journeyed along with Hiram, witnessing his lack of empathy and mistreatment of people, I soon began to loathe his character. But then he comforts Sophie, his heartbroken photographer daughter, and financially helps out his other children, showing that perhaps he cares—at least for them. However, the story takes many twists and turns, and shocking events cause Hiram to be accused of the unthinkable!

The characters in McDowell are well-developed, so the reader gets a good sense of how and why they, directly and indirectly, impact Hiram’s life and choices.

In this compelling story, the author delves deeply into the characters' psyches, exposing the raw human emotions, behaviors, and motivations that can change a person into a villain—or a hero. The story illuminates humans' complexities, capabilities, and projected judgments (that regularly need readjustment).

McDowell left me wanting to know more about how some incidents happened in the story. Giving examples, though, would spoil the plot. But a horrific family tragedy causes Hiram’s life to unravel instantly. From this point on, the reader begins to witness him grow in self-awareness as his inner and outer lives pivot from a path of progression to a path of regression. I found this aspect of the book to be the most satisfying because it beckons the reader to examine their own intentions toward others and sort out which are genuinely selfless and which are solely selfish motives.

I was struck by how some adult women in this story were portrayed, engaging in frivolous behaviors to get men's attention. I could never imagine a middle-aged woman doing those things in reality! You will have to read the book to see if you agree. The author's bombshell ending dropped my jaw!

I disliked nothing about McDowell. Its ability to make the reader think about what is truly important, along with its absorbing, smooth-flowing narrative and superb editing, merits 5-out-of-5 stars!

The book contains adult content, adult language, and the topic of mass shootings. It is appropriate for adult readers only.

******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

This sounds like a very captivating novel. I love books that have well developed characters. Overall, this book seems very intriguing. I'll keep this book in mind. Thank you for the very insightful review!

[Terry Kimble]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Hiram McDowell, the protagonist in McDowell by William H. Coles, is a man you can love to hate! Or hate to love? He gets under the reader's skin as he egocentrically worms his way through the minds and hearts of everyone he encounters. It is a profound, thought-provoking novel that captivates from beginning to end!

Hiram, a prominent surgeon, skilled mountain climber, endowing philanthropist, father, and husband, appears to have everything one could hope for. But there is one problem—he is an absolute scoundrel!

Early in the story, Hiram confiscates a struggling hiking partner’s oxygen tank and leaves him alone to perish on a mountainside. Soon after, he takes a woman—not his wife—for dinner on his wife’s birthday! He promises a colleague the appointment as “Executive Director” in exchange for his vote to ensure he is elected president of the International College of Surgeons. Then, he reneges on the promise once he’s elected. He is soon accused of misappropriating charity fund revenues. These and other guileful actions reveal Hiram McDowell’s complete and utter self-absorption.

As I journeyed along with Hiram, witnessing his lack of empathy and mistreatment of people, I soon began to loathe his character. But then he comforts Sophie, his heartbroken photographer daughter, and financially helps out his other children, showing that perhaps he cares—at least for them. However, the story takes many twists and turns, and shocking events cause Hiram to be accused of the unthinkable!

The characters in McDowell are well-developed, so the reader gets a good sense of how and why they, directly and indirectly, impact Hiram’s life and choices.

In this compelling story, the author delves deeply into the characters' psyches, exposing the raw human emotions, behaviors, and motivations that can change a person into a villain—or a hero. The story illuminates humans' complexities, capabilities, and projected judgments (that regularly need readjustment).

McDowell left me wanting to know more about how some incidents happened in the story. Giving examples, though, would spoil the plot. But a horrific family tragedy causes Hiram’s life to unravel instantly. From this point on, the reader begins to witness him grow in self-awareness as his inner and outer lives pivot from a path of progression to a path of regression. I found this aspect of the book to be the most satisfying because it beckons the reader to examine their own intentions toward others and sort out which are genuinely selfless and which are solely selfish motives.

I was struck by how some adult women in this story were portrayed, engaging in frivolous behaviors to get men's attention. I could never imagine a middle-aged woman doing those things in reality! You will have to read the book to see if you agree. The author's bombshell ending dropped my jaw!

I disliked nothing about McDowell. Its ability to make the reader think about what is truly important, along with its absorbing, smooth-flowing narrative and superb editing, merits 5-out-of-5 stars!

The book contains adult content, adult language, and the topic of mass shootings. It is appropriate for adult readers only.

******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords

This sounds like a very captivating novel. I love books that have well developed characters. Overall, this book seems very intriguing. I'll keep this book in mind. Thank you for the very insightful review!

Thank you, Susan

[David Samanthaa]

"McDowell" is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. The protagonist's struggles and eventual transformation are portrayed with great depth and authenticity.